Thistle: description, useful properties and use, contraindications

Quite often people are interested in the description, useful properties and uses of thistles. This plant is considered a prominent representative of Compositae. Its characteristic feature is the inflorescences, which surround the edges of the leaves with prickly tips. At various times, magical properties were attributed to this herb. And today, in the villages, many are suspicious of people who grow this crop.

Description of the plant

Thistle is a perennial herbaceous crop that belongs to the Astrov family. The plant has a rod-type root system.In this case, the main root reaches a length of 50 centimeters and is distinguished by a conical shape. The vegetative part of the culture can range from 60 centimeters to 2 meters. It has a strong and straight stem.

Thistle is characterized by sprawling dark green leaves that have light veins. On the periphery of each of them are spines. The flowers reach 3-8 centimeters and are basket-shaped. Petals can have a different color - from pale lilac to bright purple. The leaves located around the flower resemble dense spines. The achene-type fruits are brown, black and gray in color. Each of them has a tuft of long hairs.

Thistle is found in Eurasia and northern Africa. Western Europe is considered the birthplace of culture. It is noteworthy that this grass is the national symbol of Scotland. The image of the thistle is present on the coat of arms of the state and on the honorary knightly order.

The genus Thistle includes about 130 varieties. However, for medical and cosmetic purposes, it is permissible to use only a small part of the plants. The culture is found in meadows, roadsides and forest edges. This plant is considered hardy and drought tolerant.

The most popular types of thistles include the following:

• prickly;
• curly;
• drooping;
• small hooked;
• small-headed.

Healing properties

If thistles are harvested correctly and properly stored, the grass will contain a large amount of valuable substances. These include the following:

1. Silymarin - has a pronounced hepatoprotective effect. This substance affects the metabolic processes that take place in the liver and cleanses the body of toxins.
2. Saponins - these substances have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Bioflavonoids are natural antioxidants.
4. Essential oils - a large number of such substances are found in the seeds of the plant. They are actively used in cosmetology.
5. Tannins - have a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels. They provide binding and removal of heavy metals and toxic substances from the body.
6. Acids - among them it is worth highlighting malonic, glycolic, malic, oxalic, citric.

The main property of the thistle is hepatoprotective activity. The herb is considered especially valuable for the liver. Thanks to its unique composition, the culture strengthens and restores hepatocytes. This contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body. In addition, thistle protects the liver from the effects of toxins.Therefore, herbal medicines are often used in the treatment of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and other diseases.

Also, the useful properties of thistles include the following:

• mild laxative effect;
• diuretic action - thanks to this, the herb effectively copes with edema;
• eliminate signs of body intoxication;
• stimulation of bile production and outflow;
• improvement in gastritis, pancreatitis, chronic colitis;
• cancer prevention;
• recovery of the skin after traumatic injuries.

Thistle can be used to restore the menstrual cycle. Also, the herb helps to get rid of other problems of the reproductive organs. The thorny flower successfully copes with neuroses. It can be used to improve memory and get rid of severe coughs.Thistle juice is effective in treating open wounds and boils. It can be used to heal abrasions and scratches.

Medical applications

Thistle is often used to treat various pathologies. At the same time, it is important to properly prepare such products and strictly follow the instructions for their use.

For insomnia

To eliminate sleep disorders, it is permissible to use fresh and dried inflorescences. The broth will have a bitter aftertaste, so it is recommended to add a little honey to it. This remedy has strong soothing properties. If you take it for several days in a row, you will be able to protect the nervous system from the influence of negative factors.

To get the desired effect, you need to follow this sequence of actions:

1. Take 1 tablespoon of thistle flowers and grind them well.
2. Add 1 cup boiling water and put in a water bath.
3. Heat the composition over low heat for 5 minutes. After that, the broth should be cooled.
4. Strain the product. After that, it can be taken in the amount of 100 milliliters 2-3 times a day. This is allowed to be done regardless of the meal.

This decoction has pronounced expectorant properties. Therefore, thistle flowers can be safely dried for the winter.

Cold

To combat colds, you can use a decoction of flowers or use an infusion prepared from the leaves of the plant. Make it easy. To do this, just take 1 tablespoon of leaves for 1 cup of boiled water. In this case, the raw materials must be crushed and placed in a thermos. After that, it must be poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 2 hours. The finished product needs to be filtered.

Single dose is half a glass.In this case, the composition is recommended to be taken 2-3 times a day. Thanks to the intake of this remedy, it will be possible to quickly eliminate the symptoms of colds and flu. In addition, the composition successfully strengthens the immune system and has a pronounced preventive effect.

Cosmetology applications

Due to the high content of vitamins, essential oils and trace elements, the plant is actively used in cosmetology. It can be used to combat dermatological pathologies and improve hair condition.

One of the most powerful beauty products is milk thistle. It includes silymarin, vitamin E, fatty acids. These substances are very important for skin care. In particular, silymarin has strong antioxidant properties. It helps protect the dermis from ultraviolet radiation and the influence of external factors. Thistle also contains linoleic acid, which helps restore the natural barrier of the dermis.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionA few years ago, studies were conducted that proved that silymarin can lead to weight loss. This feature makes it possible to use thistle for everyone who wants to lose weight.

Means based on this herb have a pronounced detox effect. They also help to stop inflammation and are characterized by antioxidant activity. Therefore, thistle-based cosmetics are often used to combat psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. However, many of these funds need to be taken orally. They affect the liver and immunity, restoring their work. This also has a positive effect on the appearance of the skin.

Hair loss solution

Decoction of thistle helps to strengthen hair, stimulate their growth, reduce hair loss. It is often used by women after childbirth.It is during this period that active hair loss is often observed. Also, a folk remedy can be used for children who have sparse hair.

To make a useful tool, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Cut 10 thistle flowers together with a 12 centimeter stem. In this case, a milky or curly variety should be used. Then you need to add 500 milliliters of boiled filtered water to the flowers.
2. Place mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil. Then cook the composition over low heat for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from the stove and leave the composition to infuse. This will take 40 minutes. After that, the product must be filtered.
4. While the liquid is cooling, wash your hair well. After that, they need to be rinsed with freshly prepared broth.

This manipulation is recommended to be carried out with an interval of 3 days. After 4 procedures, we should expect the strengthening of hair follicles. After 2 weeks, the course should be repeated. The use of thistle will improve the growth of strands and stop the process of loss. In addition, the composition helps to give the hair a beautiful shine.

Skin Improvement Infusion

The product can be used for acne and black spots on the skin. In addition, thistle has nourishing and moisturizing properties. To get a useful infusion, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Take 100 grams of dried thistle leaves and pour 4 cups of boiled water.
2. Leave for 2 hours to infuse.
3. Strain and cool composition.
4. Wash your face with thistle decoction every morning and evening.

It is also acceptable to use another scheme. At the same time, in the morning you need to wash yourself with an infusion of flowers, and in the evening - wipe your face with ice cubes made from thistle decoction.In addition, it is useful to periodically wipe the cleansed skin with juice obtained from the young leaves of the culture.

With severe rashes on the skin, the appearance of black spots and redness on the face, you can use masks based on plant oil. In this case, 4-6 drops of the product should be mixed with a small amount of an ordinary day cream. The resulting composition is recommended to be applied to problem areas for a quarter of an hour, then massage and rinse off the composition with cool water.

Precautions and contraindications

There are no strict contraindications to the use of the plant. However, before using thistle-based products, you should consult your doctor. Some people are faced with individual intolerance to substances that are present in the composition of the plant. It should be borne in mind that a small amount of active components produces an exciting effect on the nervous system, and an excessive amount depresses its work.

With great care, thistle should be used in such cases:

• blockage of bile ducts;
• pancreatitis;
• cholecystitis;
• hepatic colic.

Thistle is a fairly valuable plant that contains a large number of useful components. Because the culture is often used in medicine and cosmetology. In order for the herb to give the desired effect, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules for its use.

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