What is Blessed Thistle?

Blessed Thistle is the dried aerial parts of Cnicus benedictus, a small annual thistle in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the Mediterranean. It is distinct from Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), with which it is often confused.

About the plant

Blessed Thistle was cultivated extensively in medieval European monastery gardens and gained a wide reputation across apothecaries of the time, which is reflected in its name, from the Latin benedictus, meaning blessed. It appears in herbals from the fourteenth century onward. Its characteristic bitter constituent is cnicin, a sesquiterpene lactone. The dried herb is notably bitter.

Blessed Thistle: form & sizes

We carry Blessed Thistle as cut and sifted dried aerial parts, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Blessed Thistle in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Blessed Thistle at a glance

Botanical name

Cnicus benedictus

Family

Asteraceae

Native region

the Mediterranean basin

Plant part

aerial parts

Also known as

Holy Thistle, Saint Benedict's Thistle

Form

cut and sifted dried aerial parts

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb