Blessed thistle could potentially help manage viruses, indigestion, and inflammation. However, more scientific evidence is needed to understand its medicinal benefits.

Blessed thistle, also called Cnicus benedictus or Centaurea benedicta, is from the Mediterranean region. It has a long history as an herbal remedy for many things, including indigestion and low milk production.

However, there’s a lack of scientific evidence to definitively support the historical use of this plant.

The need for additional research is partly due to the complexity of blessed thistle. The stems, leaves, and flowers are typically used to help treat or manage certain health conditions. The benefits of using blessed thistle can vary based on your method of application and the parts of the plant used.

Keep reading to learn more about the many applications of blessed thistle and how you can use it.

Blessed thistle is suggested to be an effective medicinal plant that has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

There’s a lack of preclinical and clinical evidence to clearly understand its benefits. However, the potential effectiveness of blessed thistle continues to pique the interest of researchers due to certain compounds found in the plant, such as cnicin.

According to a 2024 review, chemical compounds that can be extracted from blessed thistle may offer different benefits, such as:

  • Digestion relief: Blessed thistle contains cnicin, a compound found in many bitter herbs. Cnicin is thought to stimulate the production of both saliva and gastric acid, which both aid digestion.
  • Reducing pain: An animal study from 2020 suggested that leaf extraction and cnicin could reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Diabetes management: Blessed thistle may be considered to treat diabetic wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study conducted in rats.
  • Improve nerve damage: A 2024 study conducted in rats and rabbits indicated that cnicin may improve axon regeneration and recovery after nerve injury. However, more research is needed to determine the benefits of extracting cnicin from blessed thistle for this purpose due to uncertainty about proper dosage.
  • Reduce virus replication: Research indicates that blessed thistle could be promising in treating COVID-19 due to its antiviral compounds.
  • Prevent the growth of cancerous cells: Blessed thistle contains compounds called sesquiterpenes lactones, which research suggests may help to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Blessed thistle vs. milk thistle

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) should not be confused with milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

Blessed thistle is commonly used to help lactating people, but research indicates that it may deliver insignificant results in milk production and infant health.

Milk thistle, on the other hand, contains an important component, silymarin, which may improve breast milk production.

Further research is needed to better determine the effectiveness and optimal dosage safety.

Blessed thistle may be brewed to relieve indigestion. One cup of boiling water may be added to 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried herb. Let the blessed thistle steep for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain out the dried herb and drink.

Blessed thistle is also available as a tincture. A tincture is a liquid, usually with an alcohol or vinegar base, that has herbal material dissolved within it. Drops of tincture could be added to water or other drinks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the right dosage.

You may experience the following symptoms if you consume more than 6 grams of blessed thistle:

  • colic
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • hypertension
  • gastric irritation
  • increased risk of bleeding

You should avoid blessed thistle if you:

  • are pregnant
  • are allergic to ragweed
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • children and adolescents under the age of 18
  • have a gastrointestinal disease or conditions, such as Crohn’s disease

Blessed thistle is purported to be a galactagogue, but no scientific trials support this. There’s not enough information to confirm whether it’s safe for infants, children, or breastfeeding mothers.

In addition, herbal products aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so try to stick with reputable brands to ensure a pure product.

However, the research surrounding its use is very limited, so it’s best to take it with caution.

Regardless of why you’re using it, make sure to limit your intake at 6 grams a day to avoid any side effects such as nausea and vomiting.