In the XVII century, one already recommended the blessed thistle to disinfect the wounds and to relieve the ulcers and the gangrene. Today, its use is still widespread in the field of phytotherapy. Discover in the next lines the benefits of this bitter plant to alleviate difficult digestions and great fatigue.

Présentation botanique du chardon bénit

The blessed thistle (also spelled "blessed") or Cnicus benedictus in Latin is a plant of the Asteraceae family. It grows in rocky terrain, wastelands or cultivated fields in Mediterranean regions. It is an annual plant from 20 to 50 cm high with spiny leaves with white and protruding veins and presenting yellow flower heads in tube crowned with leaves. It blooms in June-July.

Blessed thistle is also called blessed knapweed. 

Principaux constituants du chardon bénit

The blessed thistle mainly contains sesquiterpenes including cnicin which is a bitter principle, flavonoids which areantioxidants of plant origin as well as triterpenes , phytosterols(natural anti-cholesterols) and an aromatic essence. 

Propriétés médicinales du chardon bénit

• The blessed thistle is a bitter tonic. It is therefore stomachic and digestive. In other words, this plant stimulates the appetite and facilitates digestion by activating the secretions of the stomach, intestine and gallbladder. 

• Blessed thistle is also considered a tonicin cases of anemia or asthenia (chronic fatigue state). It will therefore be recommended in cases of great fatigue, convalescence and general weakness. 

• In addition, its stimulating properties of the digestive system will be of good help for all problems related to a "lazy" stomach: acidity problem, aerophagia, dilatation or descent of the stomach.

• The cnicin referred to above is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is this same molecule that is also responsible for the bitter taste that is so pronounced and which, as a result, gives it its digestive properties. Indeed, it is thanks to the bitterness that the salivary glands and the gastric juices are stimulated.

• Blessed thistle is not just confined to the digestive sphere. It is also known for its depurative and diuretic action which, as part of an adapted lifestyle, makes it a choice ally for evacuating uric acid which tends to lodge in the joints then causing rheumatic pain and/or gout attacks. 

• Finally, blessed thistle is also an excellent febrifuge (lowers fever).

Conseil d’utilisation du chardon bénit

Here are some tips for use taken from the Petit Larrousse des plantes qui guérissent. These do not exempt you in any way from consulting your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath to adjust your dosage and personalize your support all the more so if you are taking a treatment whether allopathic or not. Phytotherapy is not a "soft medicine"...

Par voie interne :

• Infusion - 15g to 60g per liter of water for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day. 

• Maceration - 5 g of flowers per cup of water. Let steep for 6 hours, then strain and sweeten to your liking after heating. Take one cup before each meal. 

• Wine - The bitter principle of blessed thistle disappears in alcohol by losing its bitterness. Put to infuse 30 to 60 g of flowers in 1 liter of boiling wine. Take 3 mustard glasses per day. It is also possible to macerate the plant in white brandy before covering with wine.

Par voie externe :

• Decoction of leaves to relieve ulcerations and heal wounds. 

If you do not find it in the form of dry plant, it is possible to order it in capsule. In this case, please refer to the advice of the laboratory and your natural health consultant.

Chardon bénit : contre-indication et effets indésirables

The blessed thistle is not recommended during pregnancy because it can be abortive or cause contractions.

Above 5g per cup, its high tannin content may causegastric irritation and nausea or even vomiting.

Caution for those allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family: dandelion, chrysanthemum, daisy, sunflower...