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