Blessed Thistle
Cnicus benedictus
A bitter tonic traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion, and to support milk flow.
Traditional use (european-folk): A bitter tonic traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion, and to support milk flow.
A bitter tonic traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion, and to support milk flow.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A bitter tonic traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion, and to support milk flow.
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- High doses cause nausea; avoid with stomach ulcers and in pregnancy.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
High doses cause nausea; avoid with stomach ulcers and in pregnancy.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.