Curly Thistle, or the Blessed One

Thistle Curly, Or Blessed: Description, Application and Side Effects

Thistle, also known as Benedict's grass or bitter thistle, is an annual plant that is similar in appearance to thistle and belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae family. The plant has a height of 30-50 cm and is highly branched. The erect, pentagonal stem is striped and bristly below. The leaves are elongated-lanceolate, often stalk-embracing, sharply serrate along the edge, often hairy-pubescent and sticky. The inflorescences are immersed in a funnel of the upper leaves and are equipped with involucre leaves with a cobwebby appearance. Blooms from June to September.

In Germany, this plant, which is of Mediterranean origin, is found only occasionally, and then only as a wild plant. However, for medicinal purposes it is cultivated, sown in rows with 30-cm row spacing and well fertilized. Collection and preparation are carried out during flowering and dried on dryers in the shade.

The parts of the plant used are the above-ground part. Pharmacy name: thistle herb - Cnici benedicti herba (formerly: Herba Carduibenedicti).

The active ingredients of thistle are bitterness (knitsin), a certain amount of essential oil and tannins. The healing effect is due mainly to bitterness. They stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, improve appetite, eliminate digestive problems, enhance the formation of bile and facilitate its outflow. Tea from thistle alone is rarely used; tea mixtures in which thistle serves as an important component are more often used.

In addition, there are many herbal preparations that contain active ingredients from this healing plant. Anyone who has weakened digestion should undergo a course of treatment with thistle tea: for several weeks, drink 1 cup of tea 2 times a day 1 hour before main meals.

In folk medicine, thistle is used primarily for disorders of the stomach, gall bladder, liver or intestines. It also alleviates phenomena such as loss of appetite, flatulence and constipation. Moreover, traditional medicine uses thistle for lung diseases, anemia, cardiac disorders and to strengthen the immune system.

However, like any medicinal plant, curly thistle has its contraindications and side effects. It is not recommended to use it for stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, long-term use of thistle may cause unwanted effects such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions.

Therefore, before using curly thistle as a medicine, you must always consult your doctor and follow the recommendations for dosage and duration of treatment.