The use of Holy Thistle commonly known as Blessed Thistle (Carbenia benedicta) has been recorded as far back as the early sixteenth century for treating smallpox, fever, anorexia, dyspepsia, indigestion, constipation, and flatulence.

Monks often grew Holy Thistle as a cure for small pox somewhat ineffectively I imagine.

Historically, people drank Holy Thistle Tea for digestive problems, liver and gall bladder problems, headache prevention, respiratory ailments, memory improvement and applied the tea topically for external problems such as sores, boils and itchy skin.

The plant gained the title Holy for its use in treating plague.

Holy Thistle is also used as a strong but gentle liver tonic herb, promoting metabolic activities in the liver cells and toxin elimination. It is especially noted as a tonic herb for women.

Some individuals use this herb, as they would its cousin, Milk Thistle, as a remedy for gallbladder and liver disorders.