Dorothy FarrarSilver thistle
The silver thistle is a species of thistle that has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. Although the plant is widespread in Germany, it is under nature protection. It is often used to treat colds, digestive problems and skin diseases.
General overview
Known botanically as Carlina acaulis, the silver thistle is an ancient medicinal plant that can provide relief for a wide range of ailments. However, only the antibiotic effect of the silver thistle root has been pharmacologically proven. In the vernacular, the silver thistle is known under numerous other names, including boar’s root, horse thistle or wild artichoke . In the past, it was not only used as a medicinal plant, but also as a tool for weather forecasting, since the flower clearly adapts to the weather conditions.
Occurrence and cultivation
The silver thistle belongs to the genus Eberwurz within the daisy family. The plant can grow up to 40 centimeters high. Characteristic are the leaves that are typical of thistles, which are deeply incised and slightly prickly and slightly shiny in the silver thistle. The plant also bears flowers, which are located on a barely visible stalk, are silvery-white in color and can reach up to five inches in diameter.
The distribution area of the silver thistle in Europe stretches from Romania and the Ukraine in the east to Spain in the west. Within Germany, the silver thistle grows mainly in the south. Since it is one of the endangered species, it is under nature protection in this country. In principle, however, it can be cultivated in your own garden, where it can of course be harvested. Only the root of the silver thistle is used in medicine. It should be harvested between April and October, is yellow to brown and has a slightly sour taste and a slightly unpleasant smell. The silver thistle roots harvested in autumn have the best effect.
Application and effect
The silver thistle has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. It was particularly popular in the Middle Ages and was mentioned in every herb book, and its roots were often cooked and eaten as a vegetable . In modern medicine, the silver thistle is valued primarily for its antibiotic , antispasmodic , diaphoretic and diuretic effects .
Since the silver thistle has hardly been scientifically researched, only the antibiotic effect could be proven pharmacologically, which is often used to treat colds or to support wound healing. Overdose can cause vomiting and diarrhea . These are typical symptoms of poisoning , since the active ingredients in the thistle can have a toxic effect in large quantities.
The effective part of the plant is its root, which is up to one meter long. It contains up to 20 percent inulin, essential oils , calina oxide, an antibiotic polyine, bitter substances , tannins and enzymes . The root of the silver thistle is made into a tea. To do this, about 30 grams of fresh silver thistle roots must be placed in water for around six hours and then briefly boiled in it. The silver thistle tea should be drunk twice a day. A larger amount is not recommended due to the potential for poisoning.
Alternatively, the root of the silver thistle is also available in powdered form. A pinch of this is enough to make a tea. Another form of administration of the silver thistle is a tincture. Silver Thistle Wine and a Decoction can also be made from the Silver Thistle Root.
What does the silver thistle help against?
importance to health
The silver thistle is mainly taken for colds, indigestion, skin diseases and small wounds and nervous excitement. The root of the silver thistle is also known for its appetizing effect . In the case of poor digestion, the silver thistle can already be taken as a preventive measure. A shot glass of Silberdistel wine is drunk directly before a meal.
In the case of colds and fever, silver thistle tea can relieve the symptoms. The tea can provide relief, especially in the case of a mucous chest, for example in the context of bronchitis. It also strengthens the stomach and cleanses the kidneys and intestines . Traditionally, the silver thistle tea was therefore also used to combat parasites such as worms.
It can also be used externally or as a mouthwash . In addition, a particularly intensive tea is boiled up, which as a mouthwash helps with gingivitis. A strong solution of the silver thistle root is also suitable for soaking poultices, for example to treat lumbago, skin diseases such as eczema or small, superficial wounds to alleviate the symptoms that occur. The silver thistle should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding or if you are allergic to daisy plants.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.