Cnicus benedictus

Cnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterols
Cnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterolsCnicus benedictus, Compositae or Asteraceae, Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterols
Botanical Nomenclature Cnicus benedictus
Common Name Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, St. Benedict's Thistle
Taxonomy- Family Compositae or Asteraceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cnicus benedictus is a pubescent, annual plant growing from 30 to 40cm, with large, lobed, spiky leaves and yellow flowers. The flowering lasts from June to August and the harvesting takes place in July.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant
Active Substances Malic acid derivatives, cnicin (terpene lactone, bitter agent), alkaloids, tannins, mucus, essential oil, resins, albumin, minerals, lignans, polyacetylen, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterols
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea is used as tonic, antipyretic, anthelmintic, sudorific, antipyretic, diuretic, expectorant and galaktagogue. It is recommended for the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhea, anorexia, pleurisy, pneumonia, kidney stones, gallstones, common cold and arthritis. In folk medicine mainly in the region of Epirus, the herbal tea made from the dried plant is applied externally to the skin against chilblains or it is orally administered as emetic, expectorant, sudorific and diuretic.
Method of Administration It is administered in the form of herbal tea (8g of dried leaves in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of infusion (1-3 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 5-15min, 3 times day)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Overdose may cause allergic reactions, especially to people who are sensitive to Echinacea, eye irritation and vomiting. Its prolonged use may increase stomach acid production and it should be avoided by people who suffer from stomach ulcers. Finally, its administration may cause bleeding and that is why patients who take anticoagulant therapy should take extra precautions.
References 1) http://treelite.com/articles/articles/blessed-thistle-(cnicus-benedictus).html 2) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail87.php 3) http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thistl11.html#holche 4) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-94-blessed%20thistle.aspx?activeingredientid=94&activeingredientname=blessed%20thistle 5) http://www.drugs.com/npp/blessed-thistle.html 6) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cnicus+benedictus