BLESSED THISTLE or HOLY THISTLE

(Carbenia benedicta; Centaurea benedicta; Carduus benedictus; Cnicus benedictus;  COMPOSITAE)

Part used:  Whole herb

Therapeutic action:

Tonic (cold),diaphoretic (hot), emetic (double or triple dosage), emmenagogue, stimulant, febrifuge, antiperiodic, vulnerary.

This is a very beneficial aid for nursing mothers, stimulating the mammary glands. It is very useful in purifying the blood, aiding circulation, and for all liver problems. As a tonic it strengthens the brain, heart, and stomach.

Medicinal uses:

Biliousness, chronic headaches, colds, dropsy, dyspepsia, emesis, fractured bones (poultice), heart problems, insanity, intermittent fevers, kidneys, liver, loss of appetite; lungs, strengthens memory, menstrual disorders due to colds, painful menstruation, mother's milk, purification of blood.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, tincture. When the infusion is made cold it should be steeped several hours.