Blessed Thistle

Parts used and where grown: Although native to Europe and Asia, blessed thistle is now cultivated in many areas of the world, including the United States. The leaves, stems, and flowers are all used in herbal preparations.

Blessed thistle has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating	Health Concerns
	Indigestion and heartburn Poor appetite
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Folk medicine used blessed thistle tea for digestive problems, including gas, constipation, and stomach upset. This herb was also used—like its well-known relative, milk thistle¹ —for liver and gallbladder diseases.

Active constituents: The sesquiterpene lactones, such as cnicin, provide the main beneficial effects of blessed thistle in the treatment of indigestion. The bitterness of these compounds stimulates digestive activity, including the flow of saliva and secretion of gastric juice, which leads to improved appetite and digestion.² Some pharmacological evidence suggests that blessed thistle may also have anti-inflammatory properties.³

How much is usually taken? The German Commission E monograph recommends 4–6 grams of blessed thistle per day.⁴ Alternatively, tincture (1/2 teaspoon [2 ml] three times per day) may be used. Approximately 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of the dried herb can also be added to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and steeped 10 to 15 minutes to make a tea. Three cups can be drunk each day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Blessed thistle is generally safe and is not associated with side effects. Anyone with allergies to plants in the daisy family should use blessed thistle cautiously.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with blessed thistle.

References:

1. Lust JB. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974, 343.

2. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 126–7.

3. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 32–3.

4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 92.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.