Last update Dec. 22, 2023

Blessed thistle

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

The whole plant is used. It contains sesquiterpene lactones (cnidin and benedictin), phenolic acids, flavonoids (apigenol, luteol and kempferol), essential oil, t and abundant mineral salts. Properties attributed: stimulant of salivary and gastric secretions (aperitif, digestive) and galactogogue.  Indications Commission E of the German Ministry of Health and the EMA: anorexia, dyspepsia. (Fitoterpiai.net, Blumental EMA)

At the time of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Blessed thistle is widely used as a galactogogue (to increase milk production). (McBride 2021, Sim 2013, Bryant 2006)

No adverse effects or increased weight gain were observed in infants born to mothers taking an infusion containing blessed thistle. (Wagner 2019)

There is no evidence of its effectiveness as a galactogogue. (Bazzano 2016, Mortel 2013, Forinash 2012, Zapantis 2012)

The best galactogogue is frequent on-demand breastfeeding with correct technique in a mother who retains her self-confidence. (ABM 2018 & 2011, Mannion 2012)

Given its lack of toxicity and its wide use even during lactation, moderate consumption can be considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Blessed thistle since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Blessed thistle is also known as


Blessed thistle in other languages or writings:

Group

Blessed thistle belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Blessed thistle in its composition:

List of 6 tradenames

References

  1. EMA - European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Cnicus benedictus L., herba Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2023 Consulted on Dec. 22, 2023 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. McBride GM, Stevenson R, Zizzo G, Rumbold AR, Amir LH, Keir AK, Grzeskowiak LE. Use and experiences of galactagogues while breastfeeding among Australian women. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 1;16(7):e0254049. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Wagner CL, Boan AD, Marzolf A, Finch CW, Morella K, Guille C, Gardner Z, Marriott BP. The Safety of Mother's Milk® Tea: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind, Controlled Study in Fully Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Infants. J Hum Lact. 2019 May;35(2):248-260. Abstract
  4. ABM: Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production, Second Revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jun;13(5):307-314 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Bazzano AN, Hofer R, Thibeau S, Gillispie V, Jacobs M, Theall KP. A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breast-Feeding. Ochsner J. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013 May;29(2):154-62. Abstract
  7. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Zapantis A, Steinberg JG, Schilit L. Use of herbals as galactagogues. J Pharm Pract. 2012 Abstract
  9. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392-404. Abstract
  11. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Bryant CA. Nursing the adopted infant. J Am Board Fam Med. 2006 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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