Explore the surprising story and medicinal power of Blessed Thistle (Holy Thistle) in this EquiHerbal podcast with Master Herbalist Kayla Dendy. Learn its tangled history as both a noxious weed and revered remedy, botanical ID, traditional uses (galactagogue, diaphoretic, digestive tonic), key constituents like cnicin, modern research, safety cautions, and practical tips for equestrians using thistle as feed or to support lactating mares. Perfect for horse owners, herbalists, and anyone curious about plant medicine. Episode length: 37:30. Always consult your doctor or veterinarian before using herbs. If you found this helpful, please like and share! #BlessedThistle #HerbsForHorses #EquiHerbal #Galactagogue #HerbalMedicine #NaturalRemedies #Herbs #AlternativeMedicine

OUTLINE:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:36 Overview and duality

00:01:15 Botany and morphology I

00:01:50 Botany and morphology II

00:02:14 Flowers and heads

00:02:37 Harvesting and drying

00:02:56 Parts used

00:03:15 Preparations I (tea warm vs cold)

00:04:01 Preparations II (extracts, powders, juice)

00:04:25 External applications and food

00:04:55 Roots and seeds

00:05:21 Paradox in agriculture vs medicine

00:05:52 English law and esteem

00:06:19 Pestilence and legend

00:07:15 Brasbridge and Shakespeare

00:07:55 Herbalists and astrology

00:08:41 Historical treatments

00:09:05 Indigenous American use

00:09:28 Modern focus and story

00:10:24 Female health formulations

00:10:52 Lactation prep specifics

00:11:08 Digestive tonic tradition

00:11:40 Liver and diaphoretic actions

00:12:17 Livestock uses

00:13:12 Veterinary wound and effects

00:13:22 Forage and culinary

00:14:01 Chemistry I - Cnicin

00:14:52 Chemistry II - actions and glycosides

00:15:58 Broader constituents and minerals

00:16:16 Mineral nutrition

00:16:36 Transition to modern science

00:16:57 Research focus overview

00:17:10 Anticancer preclinical data

00:18:02 COVID-19 in vitro

00:18:29 Pain and inflammation

00:19:15 Neuroprotection

00:19:36 Wound healing validation

00:20:05 Hepatoprotection and digestion guidance

00:20:46 Interactions and safety

00:21:32 Synthesis and conclusion

00:23:50 Outro and disclaimer