Through its bitter properties, Blessed Thistle increases the flow of gastric and bile secretions. It may be used with benefit in appetite loss (anorexia), dyspepsia and indigestion and it has a role in any disease of the digestive system which is accompanied by wind and colic. Because of its astringency it may be used in diarrhoea or haemorrhage. Externally it is a vulnerary and antiseptic. The New Holistic Herbal, by David Hoffmann Pg. 182