Blessed Thistle Herb Benefits and Side Effects

Health and blessed thistle

1. The health benefits listed below are based on the unclear scientific evidences carried on blessed thistle.
2. The chemicals in blessed thistle – cnicin and polyacetylene can be helpful in fighting bacterial infections as they have activity against several types of bacteria.
3. Traditionally blessed thistle is considered to stimulate stomach acid secretion and has been used for the treatment of indigestion and flatulence (gas problem).
4. Traditionally blessed thistle is also used as an appetite stimulant, digestion enhancement, astringent, bleeding, anorexia, boils, blood purifier, breast milk stimulant, cancer, cervical dysplasia, bile flow stimulant, contraceptive, colds, diarrheas, diuretic, liver disorders, jaundice, gall bladder disorders, malaria, menstrual disorders, skin ulcers, wound healing, rabies, and yeast infection.
   
   
   
   But all these effects are based on scientific theories and not been thoroughly tested for its safety and effectiveness in humans.

Side effects of blessed thistle

1. When used for short period of time orally, blessed thistle is generally considered to be safe with few reported side effects.
   
   
   
   However when high doses of blessed thistle are administered it may cause stomach irritation and vomiting. A patient with stomach ulcers, hiatus hernia, reflux diseases, or Barrett’s esophagus intake of blessed thistle is not advisable as traditionally it is believed to elevate stomach acid secretion.
2. Long term intake of tannins present in blessed thistle can lead to liver disease, kidney toxicity, and gastrointestinal upset or increased risk of developing esophageal or nasal cancer.
3. Patients with bleeding disorder should take blessed thistle with a word of caution as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Also patients taking medications for the same might require dose adjustments if on blessed thistle supplementation.
4. Skin contact with blessed thistle can lead to skin and eye irritations.
5. It is advisable to avoid blessed thistle during pregnancy as traditionally it is used to stimulate menstrual flow and cause abortions.
   
   
   
   Also tinctures with high alcohol levels are not recommended during pregnancy. Due to limited information regarding the safety of its use in lactating mothers, it is not recommended during breastfeeding although it is believed to stimulate breast milk flow.