Blessed Thistle Cut & Sifted Herb (Cnicus Benedictus)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Blessed Thistle Cut & Sifted Herb (Cnicus Benedictus) HERB COMMON NAME :  Blessed Thistle HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Cnicus Benedictus OTHER NAMES :  Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, Cursed Thistle FAMILY :  Asteraceae METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 4th Heart Chakra (Anahata) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Rune: Uruz Tarot Card: the Empress tarot Sabbat or Holiday: Yule / the Winter Solstice (Dec 21 – Jan 1) ; Mabon / the Autumn Equinox (btw. Sept 21-24) Deity / God / Goddess Association: Pan, Min, Thor, Artemis, Rumina, Hera   Parts Used:  Herb Description:  Blessed Thistle can be used to relieve problems associated with indigestion and diarrhea.  It can also help improve appetite. For minor skin irritations like sunburn, minor burns, scrapes, and razor burn, you can create a poultice with blessed thistle, placing it directly to the affected area to soothe pain and inflammation. Blessed thistle is thought to clear out the liver and fight the effects of toxins. Research has shown that it promotes the regeneration of diseased liver cells and protects them against some poisons. This gives it a role in any chronic liver disease and especially those due to alcohol, drug, or dietary abuse. It may also aid in gall bladder problems. Blessed thistle may help symptoms of vertigo. Women have historically used blessed thistle to help release breast milk when nursing an infant.  It can increase the production of milk and is safe to use by all breastfeeding mothers. However, it should not be used while pregnant. In the middle ages, blessed thistle was used to kill tapeworms. Historical Uses:  digestion, indigestion, diarrhea, increase appetite, anorexia, abrasions, cuts, minor burns, grazes, scrapes, minor wounds, razor burn, liver disease, detox, cleanse, gall bladder problems, vertigo, breastfeeding Mystical Attributes:  Spiritually, blessed thistle is most associated with use for purification baths. A bowlful of blessed thistle placed in a room strengthens the spirits and renews vitality. One may be carried for added strength and energy. It symbolizes bravery and determination. Blessed thistle offers protection when grown in the garden or carried in the pocket. Throwing blessed thistle into a fire will deflect lightning away from your home. Wearing a garment infused with thistle will break any spell. Poppets are also stuffed with thistle to break spells. It is said that when a man carries blessed thistle, he becomes a better lover. A method of calling spirits is to boil some thistle. After removing it from the heat, be seated next to the bowl and begin meditating. As the steam rises, so will your questions, and their answers will be heard. Blessed thistle is regarded as a weather predictor, as its dried flower bracts close when rain is close. Growing blessed thistle in the garden can help protect the home against thieves. Blessed Thistle was widely cultivated in Medieval monastery gardens after King Charlemagne was visited by an angel. According to legend, the king was instructed to fire an arrow into the air and whichever plant it came to rest upon was the one he should give to his soldiers who had the misfortune of contracting the plague. Mystical Intentions:  energy, endurance, courage, bravery, determination, resilience, strength, perseverance, helplessness, intimidation, vulnerability, vitality, male sexual vigor, home protection, purification, protection from lightning, protection from evil, protection from curses, protection from hexes, uncrossing, blessing, calling spirits, communicating with spirits, divination, clairvoyance, meditation, health and healing, weather magick, protection from thieves Taste & Smell:  Blessed Thistle has a rather disagreeable odor which is lost in drying. It has a bitter, sharp, earthy taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The flavor can be mellowed by adding honey, lemon, and other herbs and spices like chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon, or ginger. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Blessed Thistle is native to Africa, Asia and Europe but has naturalized in other areas including North and South America and also Australia. Blessed Thistle is an annual plant that rarely exceeds 2 feet in height.  It has a coarse, erect, branched, and rather woolly stem. Blessed Thistle leaves are 3 to 6 inches long, more or less hairy, with margins lobed and spiny.  The yellow flower heads which appear from about May to August are borne at the ends of the branches, almost hidden by the upper leaves, and are about 1-1/2 inches long.  Surrounding the flower heads are leathery scales, tipped with long, branching, yellowish-red spines. Blessed Thistle prefers full to part sun and cannot grow in shade. It will grow in any ordinary soil, as it is widely adaptable to poor soil. But it thrives in rich garden soil. Blessed Thistle is propagated by seed and germinates in one to three weeks.  Allow 2 feet each way when thinning out the seedlings. The seeds are usually sown in the spring, but if the newly ripened seeds are sown in September or October in sheltered situations, it is possible to have supplies of the herb green, both summer and winter. Harvest Blessed Thistle leaves and leafy flowers by spreading out a single layer on screens in a dry area or by hanging by the roots to dry.  Chop into small pieces for storage in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant. Too much blessed thistle can cause stomach upset and irritation. Though rare, some adverse effects have been reported (sweating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea). Avoid using in those with possible allergy to Asteraceae family. May increase metabolism of some drugs. Do not use if experiencing gastric ulcers or other inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.   Constituents: Flavolignans (silymarin complex) Flavonoids Volatile oil Bitter principle Mucilage     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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