HerbMate Library

Blessed Thistle

Centaurea benedicta

Digestive, Lactation

Blessed thistle is a very bitter herb traditionally used to stimulate appetite and support digestion, especially when you feel ‘blah’ after meals. It’s also commonly mentioned in traditional lactation blends.

Key Benefits

Traditional bitter for appetite and digestion support.
Used for after-meal heaviness and sluggish digestion routines (traditional use).
Common in traditional lactation blends (evidence is mixed).

Common Issues It May Help With

Poor appetite routines (traditional use).
Indigestion and heavy-after-meal routines (traditional use).
Lactation support routines (traditional use).

How To Use (Simple)

Tea: steep 5–10 minutes (very bitter; often blended).
Tincture: common for bitter herbs; follow label dosing.
Often taken shortly before meals in traditional bitter routines.

Taste / Notes

Very bitter, herbal.

Evidence Level

Traditional use is strong; modern clinical evidence is limited and mixed (especially for lactation claims).

Cautions

Avoid in pregnancy. Use caution with ulcers or severe reflux (bitters can aggravate). Avoid if allergic to ragweed/daisy family.

Interactions

Use caution with acid-reducing meds if bitters worsen symptoms.

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