Blessed thistle
Scientific names: Cnicus benedictus, Carduus benedictus
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Alternate names: Carbenia Benedicta, Cardo Bendito, Cardo Santo, Carduus, Chardon Béni, Chardon Bénit, Chardon Marbré, Cnici Benedicti Herba, Cnicus, Holy Thistle, Safran Sauvage, St. Benedict Thistle, Spotted Thistle
Actions: Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-proliferative
Background
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a flowering plant with sharp prickles on the stems and leaves. It's native to the Mediterranean region.
Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling.
People use blessed thistle for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse blessed thistle with milk thistle. These are not the same.
Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling.
People use blessed thistle for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse blessed thistle with milk thistle. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Blessed thistle is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be. In doses greater than 5 grams per cup of tea, blessed thistle might cause stomach upset and vomiting.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe or what the side effects might be. Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Intestinal problems, such as infections, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions: Don't take blessed thistle if you have any of these conditions. It might irritate the stomach and intestines.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe or what the side effects might be. Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Blessed thistle is likely unsafe to use while pregnant. Don't use it.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Intestinal problems, such as infections, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions: Don't take blessed thistle if you have any of these conditions. It might irritate the stomach and intestines.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using blessed thistle for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Traditionally, blessed thistle has most often been used by adults as a tea. It's also used as a liquid extract. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Antacids
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of antacids.
Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.
Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
