blessed thistle - organic

Cnicus benedictus, Asteraceae

syn. Centaurea benedicta

chardon béni, cnicaut béni, blessed thistle, holy thistle

Blessed thistle is an elegant, non-invasive annual with yellow flowers set in a woolly casket. Flowering crowns a downy, barely prickly cushion of leaves.

This thistle is one of the simple bitters to be consumed in small doses. It is appreciated, especially in winter, to stimulate appetite and digestion when our work is less physical and our metabolism slows down. It promotes gastric juice secretion and slightly stimulates bile secretion, as well as alleviating headaches and congestion. We especially like it in mother tincture form, with its handy dropper bottle, but it can also be dried and enjoyed as an herbal tea. Whether dried or macerated, the whole plant is harvested in summer, just before the flowers bloom. Used externally, it is also a good antiseptic and healing agent. 

From the dry soils of the Mediterranean region, grow this beautiful woolly thistle in the sunniest possible location, ideally in loose, fertile soil. We find it fits in well among zucchini and borage. 60 cm high and wide.

Cautions: Do not use in case of inflammation of the digestive tract or severe liver disorders, or if you are pregnant... and always consult a specialist to determine the protocol for use specific to your condition.

about 25 seeds

Seeds certified organic by Québec Vrai,produced here at LA SOCIÉTÉ DES PLANTES, Kamouraska, Qc