Click on a letter to see pictures and individual herb information with folklore usages.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I-K - L - M - N-O - P - Q-R - S - T - U-V - W-Y

CARDUUS BENEDICTUS (CNICUS BENEDICTUS), ( CARBENIA BENEDICTA)

 

---Synonyms---Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle, Cnicus benedictus. Carduus benedictus.
---Part Used---Herb.

It is said to have obtained its name from its high reputation as a heal-all, being supposed even to cure the plague.

Blessed Thistle contains a volatile oil, and a bitter, crystallineneutral body called Cnicin (soluble in alcohol and slightly also in water) which is said to be analogous to salicin in its properties.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue. In large doses, Blessed Thistle acts as a strong emetic, producing vomiting with little pain and inconvenience. Cold infusions in smaller draughts are valuable in weak and debilitated conditions of the stomach, and as a tonic, creating appetite and preventing sickness.

The plant was at one time supposed to possess very great virtues against fevers of all kinds.

It helps giddiness. and swimming of the head, or the disease called vertigo. It is an excellent remedy against the yellow jaundice and other infirmities of the gall. It clarifies the blood. Continually drinking the decoction helps red faces, tetters and ring- wornis. It helps the plague, sores, boils and itch, the bitings of mad dogs and venomous beasts. It cureth the French pox, strengthens the memory and cures deafness. It cures melancholy and provokes urine.