Blessed Thistle
Cnicus benedictus

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cnicus benedictus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry sunny places in arable, stony and waste ground.

S. Europe to W. Asia. An infrequent casual in Britain.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal north to southern France and east to Iran. Afghanistan, Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Chile, Czech, Europe, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kurdistan, Macedonia, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Turkey, Uruguay.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw. Flower heads, harvested before the flowers open, have been used as a globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) substitute. The flower heads are rather small and using them in this way is very fiddly. Root - boiled as a pot herb. The herb is used as a flavouring (the part that is used is not specified).

Oil: Oil

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The blessed thistle was widely cultivated in the middle ages, when it was seen as a cure-all for all manner of diseases including the plague. Although less widely used nowadays, it is still seen to have a wide range of applications though it is mainly employed as an ingredient in herbal tonics. The whole plant is astringent, bitter, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, strongly emetic in large doses, emmenagogue, galactogogue, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. A warm infusion of the plant is said to be one of the most effective means of improving the milk supply of a nursing mother. An infusion of the whole plant has also been used as a contraceptive and is often used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems. The plant is also used internally in the treatment of anorexia, poor appetite associated with depression, dyspepsia, flatulent colic etc. The whole plant was infused overnight in cold water and the liquid drunk three times daily in the treatment of VD. Men were required to run after each dose in order to encourage sweating. The treatment often caused nausea and vomiting - excessive doses of the plant cause vomiting. The plant is used externally in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. The plant is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and is dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of the liver and gall bladder. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Cnicus benedictus for dyspepsia (indigestion) and loss of appetite .

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating: 2

A good quality oil is obtained from the seed. It has been used in emergencies when other oils were not available.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Easily grown in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a dry soil and a sunny position. Grows best in a well manured soil. A very ornamental plant, it is often cultivated in Europe as a medicinal herb and for its oil yielding seed.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in the spring or early autumn. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 10°c.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

May cause allergic reaction if sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Possible eye irritation. Excess of 5g per cup of tea may cause stomach irritation and vomiting. Possible cross-reactivity with mugwort and echinacea (also bitter weed, blanket flower, chrysanthemum, colt's foot, dandelion and marigold. Increases stomach acid secretion so caution needed with gastric ulcers and heartburn. Possible increase in bleeding - care needed with anticoagulants or blood thining agents .

This plant can be weedy or invasive. It is known to be a noxious weed in South Carolina, USA.

Its other names

Local names

Blessed Thistle, St. Benedict's thistle, holy thistle, spotted thistle, Cardo bendito, Cardo santo, Cristo pobre.

Synonyms

Cnicus microcephalus. Cnicus pseudo-benedictus. Epitrachys microcephala