{"product_id":"blessed-thistle","title":"Blessed Thistle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the Mediterranean, \u003cem\u003eCnicus benedictus\u003c\/em\u003e is an annual in the Asteraceae family. It has long narrow leaves and is completely covered in fine hairs, with a characteristic, prickly, green flowerhead. Blessed thistle herb has a long history of use in traditional European herbalism extending back to the Middle Ages. Bitter in flavor, blessed thistle is commonly used in extracts and cordials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlessed thistle has been revered since the Middle Ages in Europe for its use as a digestive stimulant and nutritive tonic. It was also eaten as a vegetable. This herb is approved by the German Commission E for its ability to increase appetite and support the digestive process and is also an approved food additive in the United States for its flavoring of liqueurs such as Benedictine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlessed thistle leaves and flowering tops are best collected in the summer, just after flowering, in the late morning after the dew has evaporated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst used in Ayurvedic medicine, blessed thistle eventually made its way to Europe. By the early sixteenth century, it had gained footing in European folk medicine and was cultivated widely in monastery gardens. Even the famous poet Shakespeare mentioned blessed thistle in his play \u003cem\u003eMuch Ado About Nothing\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpiritually, it is associated with purification and therefore used in purification baths. It is also believed that wearing a bit of it would protect one from evil. Further, it was associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aries, and the element fire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the United States and Germany, blessed thistle has been used in various formulas, particularly as a component of digestive bitters. Many of the other thistles, such as milk thistle, have similar qualities to blessed thistle. Milk thistle, in particular, has been used to support the healthy functioning of the liver. According to herbalist Michael Moore, blessed thistle may be used similarly to other bitters, like barberry and gentian, that stimulate the upper gastrointestinal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlessed thistle is also a part of the secret recipe used to make the Benedictine liqueur. As the story goes, in 1510, a Benedictine monk, Don Bernardo Vincelli, created the recipe for this liqueur that contains 27 different herbs, including angelica, hyssop, and lemon balm. It is said that only three people on earth (at a time) know the complete recipe for making it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlessed thistle is considered energetically cooling and drying with a bitter taste. Blessed Thistle is closely related to other \u003cem\u003eCentaurea\u003c\/em\u003e species that are often referred to as 'knapweeds' and are considered highly invasive species. Another common name of blessed thistle is holy thistle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#89298d;\"\u003eMagical uses:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#89298d;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emakes a potent ingredient for protection, hexes, strength, diverting negative energy, travel protection, and making men better lovers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\t\u003ctbody\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eBlessed Thistle\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eLatin Name\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eCnicus benedictus\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eGrown\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e100% Regenerative Certified Organic®\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eForm\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eDried Herb, Cut\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eOur farm\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eAvailability\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eAll year\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003eSafety Codes\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#15a95f;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety Codes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 1= Not during pregnancy \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e= For external use only \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e= not with blood thinning agents \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e= Not for long term use \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e= Not During Phototherapy \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c\/strong\u003e=Contains caffeine \u003cstrong\u003e7\u003c\/strong\u003e= Not during nursing \u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c\/strong\u003e= Seek advice of a practitioner before using\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#cb2026;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlways\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e follow recommended dosages and guidelines when using herbal remedies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#cb2026;\"\u003eWe recommend\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ethat you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have specific allergies, or are on any medications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#cb2026;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"1oz","offer_id":43099474264162,"sku":null,"price":5.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2oz","offer_id":43099474296930,"sku":null,"price":10.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4oz","offer_id":43099474329698,"sku":null,"price":17.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/9264\/4450\/files\/2e4d54e5-49c5d8_3260799b0a4940a0818edba8df07c62e_mv2.png?v=1783400094","url":"https:\/\/gemsofwonders.com\/products\/blessed-thistle","provider":"Gems of Wonders","version":"1.0","type":"link"}