Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cnicus
Introduction
Cnicus benedictus (Blessed Thistle), the sole species in the genus Cnicus, is a thistle-like plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal north to southern France and east to Turkey. It is also sometimes called Cursed Thistle.
It is an annual plant growing to 60 cm tall, with leathery, hairy leaves up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, with small spines on the margins. The flowers are yellow, produced in a dense flowerhead (capitulum) 3-4 cm diameter, surrounded by numerous spiny basal bracts.
The related genus Notobasis is included in Cnicus by some botanists; it differs in slender, much spinier leaves, and purple flowers.
Medical uses
Medical uses
It has sometimes been used as a herb to promote lactation. The crude drug contains about 0.2% cnicin.
It is a compontent in Bitters formulas which used to treat digestive issues.
Edibility
Edibility
These thistles are not considered edible, unlike Cirsium, Arctium and Onocordum species; the leaves are considered unpalatable if not bitter.
References
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cnicus benedictus. |
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