Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a traditional bitter herb valued in herbal practices for centuries. Known for its distinctive aromatic, slightly bitter flavor, it is commonly used in both cut and powdered forms to create teas, infusions, and herbal preparations. Our Blessed Thistle is carefully dried to preserve its natural plant compounds and quality. It is often included in herbal routines and blends, offering a versatile option for those seeking a time-honored botanical ingredient for daily use. UPC: 810206313251, 810206313268, 810206313275, 810206313282, 810206313299 & 810206313305. Origin(s): Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, United States, Vietnam. Latin Name(s): Cnicus benedictus. Also known as: Holy Thistle, Saint Benedict thistle, spotted thistle, bitter thistle, blessed cardus. Plant Part(s) Used: Herb, Aerial parts. Herbs exhibit natural variations in their size, color, smell, and taste, with each batch and harvest showing differences influenced by environmental conditions and genetics. Appearance: Light green, greenish brown, tan with a wood texture. Aroma: Slightly leafy, pleasant, reminiscent of parsley. Taste: Bitter, slightly astringent. GMO Status: Non-GMO. Allergen: None. Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives. Applications / Preparations: Blessed Thistle, in both cut and powdered forms, may be used for teas, herbal infusions, tincture preparations, encapsulation, culinary bitters, and personal care formulations. Preparation methods vary depending on the form selected. Because external uses vary widely, customers should research reliable sources for preparation and usage methods. Internal Use – CutAdults may take 1 teaspoon (approximately 1.5 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 1.5–3 g/day). Tea/Infusion: Place 1 teaspoon (approximately 1.5 g) of cut herb into 8–12 fl. oz. of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and serve. Consume 1–2 cups daily. Internal Use – PowderAdults may take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 2–4 g/day). Capsules: For encapsulation, follow capsule machine manufacturer instructions. One teaspoon of powder is approximately 2 g, though weight may vary by density. Powder in beverages/foods: Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) into 8 fl. oz. of water, juice, or smoothie. Stir or blend thoroughly and consume immediately. Blessed Thistle, in both cut and powdered forms, may be used in compresses, washes, poultices, infused oils, or bath preparations. Because external uses vary widely, we encourage customers to research the best method and proportions for their needs. Both cut and powdered Blessed Thistle may be used in teas, herbal infusions, bitters, tinctures, capsules, smoothies, juices, soups, broths, and other culinary preparations; or incorporated into infused oils, compresses, poultices, baths, and DIY personal care products such as salves, creams, lotions, rinses, and herbal skincare blends. Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Shelf Life: It is very difficult to pin down an exact expiration date for most single herbs as they do not really expire, they lose potency or strength over time but will still have value. Unlike synthetic material or drugs, herbs can contain many constituents that contribute to their medicinal effects. Even if when we know what the active constituents are, there are often many of them in a single herb, each with different rates of degradation. Some herbs lose their effect more easily. Other herbs that possess more stable compounds such as alkaloids or steroids will last much longer. A huge part of the degradation rate of herbs depends also on the storage conditions of the herb, & even on the quality of the herb before storage – how it was grown, harvested, dried & processed. If the product is left in hot places or open to sunlight then it will degrade much quicker than if it was stored in cool, dry place & sealed tightly. A good rule of thumb is that herbs should be stored no longer than 2-3 years, but many herbs will have great strength much longer than that. To determine if an herb is still good you can check the appearance & aroma. Herbs that are no longer acceptable will have lost much of its vibrant color & will instead appear dull & faded. The bigger key though is to smell the raw materials to see if the potent aroma is still present. Warning: Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, especially for gastrointestinal conditions or blood pressure, or have a medical condition. May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Not recommended for individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family.
