Blessed Thistle for Breastfeeding + Other Benefits
By: Christopher Coleman
Tags: Herbal Remedies, Breastfeeding, Digestive Health

Blessed thistle is a spiky plant with many potential health benefits, including increasing milk supply for breastfeeding.

This fascinating herb was once used to treat the bubonic plague. One legend has it that this particular thistle became known as ‘blessed’ after it cured a whole army of the plague.

Blessed thistle still has an important place in herbal medicine, even if it’s no longer used in such a dramatic way.

Here is more about blessed thistle and its major health benefits.

What is Blessed Thistle?

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is native to the Mediterranean region but now grows in many other areas of the world.

Like other thistles, blessed thistle grows well even in damaged or nutrient-deficient soils and is difficult to get rid of once established.

It also has the typical spiny stem and spiky leaves of the thistle family.

However, blessed thistle should not be confused with milk thistle. The two are closely related but have different properties and uses.

The leaves, stems, and flowers of blessed thistle are all used in herbal medicine.

Perhaps used most often during breastfeeding to increase milk supply, blessed thistle also has other benefits for health.

Blessed Thistle for Breastfeeding

Blessed thistle is commonly used in herbal medicine as a galactagogue. A galactagogue can be any food, drink, or herb that’s used to increase breast milk supply.

Blessed thistle is believed to be beneficial for breastfeeding because it may increase the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin.

Prolactin is the hormone that boosts breastmilk supply, and oxytocin releases the milk.

Mothers who aren’t naturally producing enough milk can benefit from the effect blessed thistle has on stimulating lactation.

There are some indications that blessed thistle works more effectively for breastfeeding when combined with other galactagogue herbs like fennel.

To naturally increase breastmilk supply while nursing, try taking blessed thistle in one of these herbal capsule formulas.

Digestive Health

Blessed thistle contains bitter compounds known as glycosides.

These bitter glycosides stimulate the production of bile, saliva, and gastric juices in the stomach.

This is why blessed thistle can be helpful for good digestion. The stimulation of bile, saliva, etc. helps the body to break down fats and other foods more effectively.

Blessed thistle also contains a compound called cnicin that can increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, further benefiting digestive health.

Besides being used for indigestion, blessed thistle can also help to stimulate the appetite when it has been lost due to illness or certain treatments.

Liver Health and Detoxification

Herbs containing bitter compounds usually support liver health along with digestion.

Blessed thistle is no exception.

By stimulating the production of bile, blessed thistle supports liver health and can help to detoxify the body.

The liver, kidneys, and digestive system all play a large role in eliminating waste and toxins from the body.

It also has a mild diuretic effect, which can further help to cleanse the body.

Immune System and Infections

Blessed thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family. Studies have documented the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of plants belonging to this family.

The active compound in blessed thistle called cnicin has been shown to have a unique action against bacteria, binding to the bacteria so that it can’t replicate itself and dies.

This gives it the potential to help ward off infections by boosting the immune system as well as treating existing infections.

Traditionally, blessed thistle has been used to treat skin problems including cuts, ulcers, and other types of damaged skin.

This is likely because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Cancer

The research into whether blessed thistle could be beneficial against certain forms of cancer is still ongoing.

Blessed thistle contains active compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, which have been studied because of their potential to shrink or inhibit tumors and target cancer cells.

Studies have so far only been conducted in the lab, but there are indications that these specific compounds could also help with cardiovascular disease and be used as antimalarials

To read more about Blessed Thistle benefits…Click here.