32 
The balsamic odor diminishes in drying. The herb has a bitter, per- 
sistent taste. 
Hoarhound is well known as a remedy for colds, and is also used in 
dyspepsia and for expelling worms. 
Imports and prices.—A considerable quantity of marrubium or 
hoarhound is imported, about 
125,000 pounds coming into 
this country annually. Three 
to 8 cents is the price paid per 
pound. 
BLESSED THISTLE. 
Cnicus benedictus L. 
Other common names.—Holy 
thistle, bitter thistle, Our - 
Lady’s thistle, St. Benedict’s 
thistle, cursed thistle, spotted 
thistle. (Fig. 23.) 
Range and habitat.—This 
weed has been introduced 
from Europe and occurs in 
stony, uncultivated localities 
and waste places in the South- 
ern States and in California 
and Utah. 
Description.— Blessed thistle 
is an annual plant belonging to 
the aster family (Asteraces). 
The round stems are erect, 
: about 1 to 2 feet high, branched, 
Ws, 23. -dtcarhound; Soweline top. and rather woolly. The leaves 
are more or less hairy, the 
lower ones borne on petioles (leaf stems), the upper ones sessile 
(stemless) and clasping the stem. They are oblong-lanceolate and 
wavy-lobed. The terminal yellow flower heads are surrounded by 
scales of a leathery texture, which are prolonged into long, hard, 
branching spines. 
Parts used.—The leaves and tops should be collected when the 
plant is in flower, about June, thoroughly and quickly dried, and 
kept in a vessel from which moisture, light, and air should be 
excluded. They have a somewhat disagreeable odor and the taste 1s 
very bitter. = 
Blessed thistle is employed in fevers, dyspepsia, and as a tonic to 
restore the appetite. 
a 
