Blessed Thistle

Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle. Native to Southern Europe, this annual herb originally got its name because it was highly acclaimed as an all around healing herb and thought to cure the Plague! Well known as an ingredient in digestive bitters and as an ally for nursing mothers to increase milk supply, the diaphoretic effects of this herb made it a popular fever herb and it was used as a blood purifier as well. Easy to grow and blooms to 2 feet. The entire aerial plant is harvested in mid to late summer before the flower matures to seed, otherwise, it will self sow. Annual Hardy to Zones 5-10