They are the same family. And blessed, which is an ironic name or oxymoron, can be in the name of both members of the family. But the liver herb is called colloquially Blessed Milk Thistle, and the other, just Blessed Thistle.
Here is more info on Blessed Thistle. They do credit it with promoting healthy liver here. Some of the constituents in Blessed Thistle include tannins, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, oleanolic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C.
It would seem that it would promote cardiace vitality and lessen strokes, as it is purported to do. The selenium, beta sistosterol, magnesium, fatty acids and vitamins/zinc may be most beneficial here. This effect is probably what gave it its cure-all reputation. Blessed Thistle stimulates the production of bile by the liver and is often used by herbal healers to treat gallbladder and liver disorders, such as jaundice and hepatitis. It is sometimes called a liver rejuvenator.
Blessed Thistle improves overall circulation and is considered an effective blood cleanser and purifier. Furthermore, it is thought to act as a brain food by increasing circulation to the brain. When oxygen is carried to the brain, it is believed that memory and brain function will be improved.
For the treatment of female disorders, Blessed Thistle is one of the oldest folk remed
Botanical: Centaurea benedicta (also known as Cnicus benedictus)
Family: Compositae (daisy)
Other common names: St. Benedict Thistle, Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, Cardo Santo,
Kardobenediktenkraut, Chardon Benit, Cnicus benedictus
Blessed Thistle is an old and revered "bitter" herb that is well known for its use in promoting a healthy gastrointestinal system. It is a fine overall tonic that stimulates good digestion, healthy liver and gallbladder function, and promotes general good health. It is also a natural hormone balancer that supports "female health."
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On Milk Thistle:
"In herbalism, it is used in cases of liver diseases (cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis) and gallbladder disease, and is claimed to protect the liver against poisons. An AHRQ study of such claims in 2000 concluded that "clinical efficacy of milk thistle is not clearly established". However a more recent study did show activity against liver cancers.
Its potent extract is used in medicine under the name silymarin. Another extract, silibinin or a derivative, is used against poisoning by amanitas, such as the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria).
It has been widely introduced outside its natural range, for example into North America and Australia, where it is considered an invasive weed, and New Zealand.
The species has been found to be toxic to cattle and sheep. The plant contains potassium nitrate. When this is eaten by ruminants the bacteria in their stomachs breaks the chemical down producing a nitrite ion. This combines with hemoglobin to produce methaemoglobin which can't transport oxygen. The result is a form of oxygen deprivation. [1]
The extract is now also being used in a beverage called Rockstar Energy Drink as an energy enhancing agent."
Also:
ahrq.gov
Evidence exists that milk thistle may be hepatoprotective through a number of mechanisms: antioxidant activity, toxin blockade at the membrane level, enhanced protein synthesis, antifibriotic activity, and possible anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating effects.
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