Blessed Thistle

Blessed Thistle, dried herb, 10g

Botanical name: Centaurea benedicta, Cnicus benedictus, Carbenia benedicta

Folk Names: Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deities:

Powers: Purification, Hex-breaking

Magickal Uses: Wear on your person to protect yourself from evil, add to a purification bath for the same purpose. Blessed or Holy Thistle is also used in many hex-breaking spells.

Healing Properties: This herb is often prescribed to alleviate painful menstruation and for menstrual headaches. In the form of an emmenagogue (any medication that encourages menstruation), blessed thistle helps to hasten suppressed periods and, hence, this herb ought to be avoided by pregnant women.

Blessed thistle may also be useful when any woman has problems during menopause, for instance, profuse haemorrhage. The bitters present in blessed thistle augment the appetite and also facilitate digestion, at the same time, invigorating the liver as well as the flow of bile.

In addition, blessed thistle is an excellent medication for treating anorexia, wind, indigestion, colic and any other health condition related to the slow functioning of the liver, for instance, tetchiness, headaches and weariness. The astringent action of this herb is beneficial for curing diarrhea.

*Our herbs are packaged in little plastic ziplock bags with labels

**Medicinal properties are listed as a guide only, Lylliths' Emporium is not responsible for any misuse of herbs, resins, berries or oils - always seek professional medical advice before using natural therapies.

Information Sourced From: Cunninghams' Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham.
Wikipedia, www.anniesremedy.com, www.herbs2000.com, www.witchipedia.com, And our own private collection of grimoires and herbal lore