Blessed thistle is a bitter tonic, and as such is an excellent digestive herb to use as an aperitif to prevent gas and bloating from eating a meal heavy in fats. Blessed thistle herb is also considered a depurative (detoxifer), having diuretic and diaphoretic (dispersing of heat) properties.
These actions help to purify the system and rid the body of toxins. Blessed thistle’s medicinal actions help give support to the liver and help it to repair itself.
Blessed thistle is a traditional tonic for women. Dong Quai and Wild yam, along with other estrogenic herbs can be used in combination with blessed thistle to treat menstrual difficulties and other conditions where female hormones need to be brought back into balance.
Large doses produce an emetic and expectorant effect. Its bitter glycosides are said to stimulate appetite and act as a tonic to the digestive tract. Large doses are also said to produce a diaphoretic and general stimulant action.
There is supporting research to suggest that blessed thistle has anti-tumour and anticancer effects. This adds another reason for those who are at risk for cancer to consider the use of blessed thistle as a tonic herb.
I use it in my powerful blood cleansing tea, Trini Tea. https://driedherbsonline.com/product/trini-tea/
