PARTS USED:
- Leaves
- Flowering tops
USES:
- Frequently included in cleansing formulas
- Tonic in almost all systems
- Mineral chelation – high in minerals
- Anodyne – anti-nociceptive effects in various neural signaling and modulatory pathways, including opioid pathways (in vivo animal studies)
- Anti-inflammatory – helps reduce inflammatory markers
Neuro
- Migraines
- Vertigo
- Deafness
- Improves memory
- Improves circulation to the brain
- Accelerates functional recovery after nerve
injury, particularly long-axon recovery (animal
and human studies)
- Reduces neuropathy
Respiratory
- URTI’s – antiviral properties
- Fever reduction
- Expectorant
Cardiovascular
- Angina
- Improves circulation via reducing cholesterol
- Blood cleanser – supports spleen
- Edema – diuretic
GI
- For best results, use in tea form
- Approved in Germany for loss of appetite/anorexia related to depression, or discomfort while eating
- Counteracts excessive intestinal fermentation due to abnormal digestion
- Promotes bile production and secretion – reduce congestion in bile ducts
- Increases gastric and biliary secretions – helps improve digestion and diminish indigestion (GERD, dyspepsia)
- Reduces bloating
- Hepatoprotective
- Useful in the management of liver disease
- Can reduce jaundice
- Young buds are a good substitute for Cynara in the management of liver issues
- Cholagogue
- Reduces stress on liver
- Improves biliary system function
- Helps digest fat more effectively
- Reduces cholesterol; prevents gallstones
- Helps balance secretion of pancreatic enzymes
GU
- Diuretic
- Effective for UTI’s caused by E. coli
MS
- Anti-inflammatory properties helps with arthritis
Endocrine
- Hormone balancer
Integumentary
- Topically for wounds, ulcers
Reproductive
- Can be used as a contraceptive
- Abortifacient (not allowed to be used in this manner by herbalists)
- Galactagogue
- Dysmenorrhea
- Cervical dysplasia
- Estrogen balance
- Can reduce vaginal discharge
- Effective against Candida albicans
Immune
- Therapy for the plague (pneumonic or bubonic)
- May have an anti-retroviral action (Lignan content)
- Synergistic action with Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- Inhibits virus replication in host cells – including coronavirus
- Oral intake is effective against schistosomiasis
- Anthelmintic
- Antibacterial (tincture)
- Bacillus, Salmonella, Shigella, Strep, E coli, Proteus (animal studies)
- Conflicting results on Staph a. and Pseudomonas
Oncology
- Protective effects with carcinogenesis of
- Skin tumours
- Mammary gland tumours
- Colon tumours
- Cytotoxic against cancers of the
- Breast
- Lung
- Colon
- Prostate
- Kidney
- Melanoma
- Induces programmed cell death, inhibits cell proliferation
- Eliminated the tolerance of cancer cells to nutrient-deficient conditions
PREPARATION:
- Infusion (some herbalists recommend cold infusions for stomach issues)
- Tincture
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY:
- Caution with clients on H2 blockers, PPI’s, or antacids – Cnicus increases stomach acids
- Caution in clients with GERD, Hiatal hernia or Barrett’s esophagus
- Excesses of more than 5g per cup may cause GI upset (tannins)
- Caution with clients on anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents
- Not for use during pregnancy – known abortifacient
- Possible interactions with Artemesia vulgaris, Tussilago, Taraxacum, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, and Echinacea
MISCELLANEOUS:
- First used in Ayurvedic medicine, Cnicus eventually made its way to Europe in the 16th century
- In the middle ages it was seen as a cure-all for all manner of diseases including the plague
- According to legend, King Charlemagne saw an angel who told him to shoot an arrow, and whichever plant it struck, this should be fed to the troops dying of plague. He did so and all were saved, continuing on to fight. This is how the plant received its ‘blessed’ name
- Associated with purification – used in purification baths
- Wearing a bit of Cnicus was said to protect one from evil
- Tends to grow in environments that have been damaged, keeping animals and people away while the land heals
- A homeopathic remedy is used in the treatment of liver and gallbladder disease
- Used in ‘olden times’ as a treatment for Venereal Disease in men. A cold tea was ingested and then the patient was required to run after each dose to encourage sweating
- Blessed Thistle is also part of the secret recipe for Benedictine liqueur. It is said that only three people on Earth know the recipe at any given time
