Holy Thistle - Cnicus benedictus (Compositae)

Description: Branching annual plant that grows on a single taproot. Hairy red stems that grow up to 2 ft, with long green white veined leaves that are deeply cut and spiny. In late summer plant blooms with yellow and brown thistled flowers that succumb to single seed pods in autumn. Use: Roots can be used right after flowering, leaves can be picked just before flowering, flowers used whole and seed pods are picked after dry. Used as a digestive tonic and to treat liver and gall bladder. Also used to induce sweating. Poultice of the leaves relieves wounds and burns. Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1.5 ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours. Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1.5 cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: digestive tonic, liver and gall bladder disorders, chilblains, wounds and burns