Blessed thistle, sometimes called holy thistle or St. Benedict's thistle, is a Mediterranean native with a long history of mention in European herbal and monastic traditions. Historical records note its inclusion in elaborate herbal blends, including those developed by Benedictine monks such as Don Bernardo Vincelli.
Uses
| cosmetic | Blessed thistle is used to make various topical preparations for troubled skin. |
| culinary | Add to tea blends in combination with other herbs. |
| industrial | Used to flavor alcoholic beverages. |
| safety | May reduce the effectiveness of H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors. |
Flavor is improved with herbs that balance its bitter qualities, such as
chamomile.
