BLESSED-THISTLE: A genus of the polygamia aequalis order, belonging to the syngenetica clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 49th order, Compositae. The calyx is ovate, imbricated with spinous-branched scales, and encircled with bracteae. The florets are equal. There are seven species, of which the only remarkable one is that used in medicine under the name of carduus benedictus. This is an annual plant cultivated in gardens: it flowers in June and July, and perfects its seeds in autumn. For medical purposes the plant should be gathered when in flower, dried in the shade, and kept in a very dry airy place, to prevent its rotting or growing mouldy, which it is very apt to do. The leaves have a penetrating bitter taste, not very strong or durable, accompanied with an ungrateful flavour, which they are in a great measure freed from by keeping. Water extracts in a little time, even without heat, the lighter and more grateful parts of this plant; if the digestion is continued for some hours, the disagreeable parts are taken up; a strong decoction is very nauseous and offensive to the stomach. Rectified spirit gains a very pleasant bitter taste, which remains uninjured in the extract. The virtues of this plant are little known in the present practice. The nauseous decoction is sometimes used to provoke vomiting; and a strong infusion to promote the operation of other emetics. But this elegant bitter, when freed from the offensive parts of the herb, may be advantageously applied to other purposes. Dr Lewis informs us, that he has experienced excellent effects from a light infusion of carduus in loss of appetite, where the stomach was injured by irregularities. A stronger infusion made in cold or warm water, if drunk freely, and the patient kept warm, occasions a plentiful sweat, and promotes all the secretions in general. The seeds of the plant are also considerably bitter, and have sometimes been used with the same intention as the leaves.