Frequently found documented as Cnicus benedictus, Holy Thistle, and St. Benedict Thistle, Blessed Thistle is a plant that originates in regions of the Europe that possess frequent contact with the Mediterranean, encompassing an area that stretches from Portugal to Iran. It now grows in North America, having been imported there, and is frequently viewed as a nuisance plant that grows in rocky terrain and disruptive of pastures and feed fields for cattle. It is difficult to kill, often requiring removal of the roots. Its name, contrary to the popular current view of the plant, is born of the belief that it is a powerful cure all that stems from the Medieval period of Europe. Indeed, it was often hailed as a powerful cure for the plague, possessing much magic and was even viewed as being an herb of Mars, under the sign of Aries. Today, despite its bad rap among some farmers, it is also viewed as having many beneficial holistic qualities, including being of use in the treatment of loss of appetite and indigestion. Blessed Thistle is also sometimes used as a treatment for the early stages of fever and inflammatory infections. It is also aid to aid in breaking up colds and headaches, and in the treatment of wounds and skin abrasions. This is a 1 lb bag of cut Blessed Thistle.
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