Evidence supporting the use of: Blessed thistle
For the health condition: Breast Milk (dry up)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) has been traditionally used as a galactagogue—an agent to promote or increase breast milk production. Historical records and herbal medicine texts from Europe and North America indicate that blessed thistle was commonly recommended to nursing mothers, often in combination with other herbs such as fenugreek. Its purported effects are based on its long-standing use in folk medicine rather than robust scientific validation. The belief in its efficacy is linked to its bitter properties, which were thought to stimulate appetite and digestive function, thereby supporting overall postpartum recovery and potentially enhancing lactation.

Scientifically, evidence supporting blessed thistle's role in increasing breast milk supply is scant. There are very few clinical trials, and those that exist are typically small, have methodological limitations, or combine blessed thistle with other herbs, making it difficult to isolate its specific effects. Major reviews and lactation experts note that while some women report subjective improvements, objective measures of increased milk production are lacking. The herb is not used to "dry up" breast milk; instead, its traditional use is for the opposite purpose—encouraging milk production.

In summary, the recommendation of blessed thistle for supporting breast milk supply is supported primarily by traditional use, with minimal scientific evidence. Its use for “drying up” breast milk is not established in either tradition or science, and may be a misunderstanding of its intended application in herbal medicine.

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