Blessed Thistle
Blessed Thistle is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages. It is prepared as a tea and used for loss of appetite, indigestion, colds, coughs, fever, bacterial infections, diarrhea, and to promote the flow of breast milk in new mothers.
Here are some benefits of Blessed Thistle:
- Promotes lactation: Blessed Thistle is a purported galactagogue and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply. However, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use.
- Treats digestive problems: Folk medicine used blessed thistle tea for digestive problems, including gas, constipation, and stomach upset.
- May help with diarrhea and inflammation: Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins which might help diarrhea, coughs, and inflammation.
The recommended dosage of Blessed Thistle varies depending on the form in which it is taken. For example, a typical dose of blessed thistle tea is 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea can be consumed up to three times per day. However, it is important to note that in high doses (more than 5 grams per cup of tea), blessed thistle can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
There are potential side effects associated with taking Blessed Thistle. Even in its tea form, it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. It may also cause an allergic reaction in some people. Pregnant women should avoid using Blessed Thistle as it is likely unsafe during pregnancy. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking Blessed Thistle.
Sources:
- https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2046001
- https://www.rxlist.com/blessed_thistle/supplements.htm
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/blessed-thistle-breastfeeding-and-breast-milk-supply-431835
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-94/blessed-thistle
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501775/
