Wild Teasel Plant Health Benefits

People have been using the thorns of this thistle for centuries, which is the origin of its name, wild teasel. However, though machines do wool carding at present, this plant still offers good services as a medicinal plant.

Wild Teasel Scientific Facts

1. Scientific synonyms: Dipsacus fullonum L.
2. Other names: Teasel.
3. French: Cardege sauvage.
4. Spanish: Caseharden.
5. Environment: It is common in cold, clayey soils in central and southern Europe and most parts of America.
6. Description: This plant of the Dipsacaceae family can grow up to two meters high. Its thorny stem and flower chapters are formed by unions of many tiny flowers, lilac or pink in color, which end in 6-10 cm large thorns.
7. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The root.

Healing Properties and Uses

The entire plant, especially its root, contains a glycoside called scabioside, salicylic acid, and potassium salts. These substances explain their medicinal properties: diuretic (increases urine production) and sudorific (increases sweat production).

The root of wild teasel is a good blood purifier. It has mild but long-lasting effects and can be taken at any dose since our body can tolerate it. It is instrumental in the following cases:

1. Excess of fluids in tissues: edema or hydropsy caused by any reason.
2. Excess of uric acid (arthritis). It promotes the elimination of uric acid and other waste substances which flow into the blood.
3. Acne, eczema, and rashes. It increases sweating, thus the elimination of substances that irritate the skin.

How to use Wild Teasel

1. Decoction with 40-50 grams of ground root in two liters of water. Boil until the liquid reduces by one-half, then strain and sweeten with honey. Drink several cups daily. This treatment must last for some months.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 572. Print. [wild teasel]
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431066/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7435407/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10200623/

Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API