Blessed Thistle: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a flowering plant with sharp prickles on the stems and leaves. It's native to the Mediterranean region.

Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling.

People use blessed thistle for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse blessed thistle with milk thistle. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Blessed Thistle overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Blessed thistle is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be. In doses greater than 5 grams per cup of tea, blessed thistle might cause stomach upset and vomiting.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe or what the side effects might be. Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Blessed thistle is likely unsafe to use while pregnant. Don't use it.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if blessed thistle is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Intestinal problems, such as infections, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions: Don't take blessed thistle if you have any of these conditions. It might irritate the stomach and intestines.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Blessed thistle might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.

Interactions

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Antacids interacts with Blessed Thistle
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of antacids.
Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers) interacts with Blessed Thistle
H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with Blessed Thistle
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Blessed thistle can increase stomach acid. Taking blessed thistle might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.

Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

Dosing

Traditionally, blessed thistle has most often been used by adults as a tea. It's also used as a liquid extract. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Blessed Thistle - Uses, Side Effects, and More