Family Name: Asteraceae
Botanical Name(s): Cnicus benedictus L.
Popular Name(s): Bitter Thistle, Holy Thistle, Carbenia
Benedicta, Spotted Thistle.
Parts Used: Dried leaves and upper stems
Habitat: Blessed thistle is found in Mediterranean region,
western Asia, throughout Europe and in the eastern United States.
Description: Blessed thistle is an annual plant that grows up to
60 cm. The plant has hairy stems and leaves up to 30 cm long and 8 cm
broad, with small spines on the margins. The flowers are yellow in
colour.
Uses: Cnicin, the bitter substances found in Blessed thistle,
has antiphlogistic and antibacterial activities. The herb is used for
treating gastrointestinal problems and is also used in the treatment of
internal cancers, diabetes, gout, as well as in rheumatism.
