View source for Cnicus benedictus - Cnicus

[[File:Cnicus benedictus flor.jpg|thumb|right|''Cnicus benedictus'', ''spotted thistle'']]
'''Cnicus benedictus''' is a thistle-like plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal north to southern France and east to Iran. It is known in other parts of the world, including parts of North America, as an introduced species and often a noxious weed.
==Uses==
{{Uses|Cold}}, {{Uses|Flu}}, {{Uses|Depression}}, {{Uses|Menstrual cramps}}, {{Uses|Menopause}}, {{Uses|Diarrhea}}.

==Parts Used==
{{Parts Used|Flowers}}, {{Parts Used|Leaves}}.

==Chemical Composition==
Blessed thistle contains lignans, essential oil, tannins and the minerals calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and manganese. The main bitter substance is cnicin present in a concentration of 0.2 to 0.7 percent<ref name="chemical composition"/>

==Common names==
{{Common names|kn=|ml=|sa=|ta=|te=|hi=|en=Agrimony}}

==Properties==
Reference: Dravya - Substance, Rasa - Taste, Guna - Qualities, Veerya - Potency, Vipaka - Post-digesion effect, Karma - Pharmacological activity, Prabhava - Therepeutics.
===Dravya===

===Rasa===

===Guna===

===Veerya===

===Vipaka===

===Karma===

===Prabhava===

==Habit==
{{Habit|Annual plant}}

==Identification==
===Leaf===
{{Leaf|Simple||The leaves are divided into 3-6 toothed leaflets, with smaller leaflets in between}}<ref name="Leaf"/>

===Flower===
{{Flower|Unisexual|2-4cm long|Yellow|5-20|Flowers Season is June - August}}

===Fruit===
{{Fruit||7–10 mm (0.28–0.4 in.) long pome|Clearly grooved lengthwise, Lowest hooked hairs aligned towards crown|With hooked hairs|}}

===Other features===

==List of Ayurvedic medicine in which the herb is used==
* [[Vishatinduka Taila]] as ''root juice extract''

==Where to get the saplings==
==Mode of Propagation==
{{Propagation|Seeds}}.

==How to plant/cultivate==
Sow Blessed Thistle seeds directly outdoors in the spring after danger of frost has passed<ref name="How to plant/cultivate"/>

==Commonly seen growing in areas==
{{Commonly seen|Mediterranean countries}}, {{Commonly seen|Southeast Asia}}.

==Photo Gallery==
<gallery class="left" caption="" widths="140px" heights="140px">
File:Cnicus benedictus 001.JPG
File:Cnicus benedictus hojas.jpg|Leaf
File:Cnicus benedictus 002.JPG
File:Cnicusbenedictus.jpg|Seed

</gallery>

==References==

<references> 
<ref name="chemical composition">[https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/blessed-thistle-herb.html Chemical description]</ref>

<ref name="Leaf">[https://web.archive.org/web/20131226161459/http://www.wildflowers-guide.com/39-agrimony.html Flowers description]</ref>

<ref name="How to plant/cultivate">[https://www.outsidepride.com/seed/herb-seed/blessed-thistle.html Cultivation details]</ref>
</references>

==External Links==

* [https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/cnicus-benedictus.html Synonyms / Common Names / Related Terms of Cnicus benedictus]
* [https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/cnicus.html Cnicus benedictus on Henriette's Herbal Homepage]
* [https://www.avogel.ch/en/plant-encyclopaedia/cnicus_benedictus.php Plant Encyclopaedia > Cnicus benedictus L]
* [http://hermionesgarden.blogspot.in/2011/05/cnicus-benedictus-blessed-thistle.html Cnicus benedictus on Growing Hermione's Garden]
* [http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Cnicus_benedictus Cnicus benedictus on Practical Plants]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Asteraceae]]