blessed thistle

blessed thistle

n.

An annual yellow-flowered herb (Cnicus benedictus) in the composite family, having spiny leaves and used in herbal medicine.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

blessed thistle

Herbal medicine
An annual herb that contains alkaloids, cnicin, mucilage and tannin; it is anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, emetic and haemostatic. Blessed thistle has a long medicinal history, and was believed to be a cure-all; it has been used as a cardiovascular and gastrointestinal tonic, to increase the flow of breast milk, for arthritis, fever, headaches and menstrual cramping, and applied topically for abscesses, itching and wounds.

Toxicity
Blessed thistle is a potent emetic; it should not be used in pregnancy.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

bless·ed this·tle

(bles'ĕd this'ĕl)

An herbal made from the leaves and flowers of Cnicusbenedictus; purported therapeutic effect onmany internal organs; alleged value in improving memory. This agent has a long history with mentions of its use during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a specific against the Black Death. Approved for use as a medicine in Germany.
Synonym(s): cardo santo, holy thistle, spotted thistle, St Benedict thistle.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012