Asteraceae Blessed Thistle vs Tansy

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Asteraceae Blessed Thistle

Cnicus benedictus

Digestive

Tanacetum vulgare

Digestive

Asteraceae Blessed Thistle

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Tansy

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Medieval European herb used by monks for digestive bitters, fever, plague treatment, and as a galactagogue.

A strongly aromatic European herb historically used as a vermifuge and insect repellent, now used with caution.

Active Compounds

cnicin, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, tannins

Thujone, Camphor, Parthenolide, Tanacetin

Traditional Uses

digestive bitter tonic in medieval European medicine, galactagogue for lactation support, fever treatment in Benedictine tradition

Intestinal worms, Insect repellent, Menstrual regulation, Digestive bitter

Modern Uses

digestive bitter, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory

Anthelmintic, Insect repellent, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried herb as tea or 4ml tincture before meals

LOW DOSE ONLY: 0.5-1g dried herb as tea; short-term use

Contraindications

pregnancy - emmenagogue, asteraceae allergy

Pregnancy, Epilepsy, Liver disease, Children

Side Effects

nausea at high doses, rare allergic reaction

Thujone toxicity (seizures), Hepatotoxicity, Abortifacient, Death (large doses)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E