Cabbage thistle (Cirsium oleraceum), also known as "devil's weed", is a perennial plant belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae). It can be found throughout Europe (except the Mediterranean region), and is also found in Africa, North America, and parts of Asia.
Cabbage thistle usually grows to a height of 0.4 to 1.2 meters. Its large, dark green leaves have irregular serrations, somewhat resembling ribs in shape, and occur along the entire length of the branched stem.
The stem and leaves of cabbage thistle are covered with hair, which is prickly after drying. In the summer, the tops of the stems contain flower heads composed of yellow or purple flowers.
The fruit of cabbage thistle is an achene, which is surrounded by soft down. A thick, cylindrical rhizome is hidden in the ground, from which thread-like roots grow.
Both the rhizomes and young plants are edible. In many countries, such as Japan, cabbage thistle is grown as a vegetable, mainly due to its high calcium, potassium, magnesium and protein content, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Cabbage thistle is characterized by branched stems. They are decorated with large, thorny-toothed leaves. The leaves grow along the entire length of the stem and reach the inflorescence - those located in the higher parts of the plant are smaller. Cabbage thistle blooms from July to September.
Cabbage thistle shoots are harvested at the beginning of flowering. The leaves, together with the baskets and small leaves around them, should be dried in the shade, in a ventilated place (preferably in a drying room adapted for this purpose). The temperature in such a room should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
Leaves, roots, shoots.
Cabbage thistle is an inconspicuous plant, now commonly treated as a weed, although it conceals many medicinal properties.
The healing power of this herb was already known in ancient times, when it was believed that it protected against evil spells and was called a plant from the devil used by witches and sorceresses.
Today we know that cabbage thistle has, among other things, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiseptic and anti-rheumatic effects.
Cabbage thistle is a valuable plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is fully edible and therefore often used in the culinary arts.
Cabbage thistle is used both prophylactically and as a support for the treatment of certain diseases, including kidney stones, sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis and acne.
Cabbage thistle contains a large amount of flavonoids, which activate detoxification processes and neutralize reactive oxygen species, especially free radicals.
This action protects the body from the development of oxidative stress, which is considered to be the cause of inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, serious circulatory system diseases, diabetes and cancer.
Infusions and decoctions of cabbage thistle are perfect for natural care, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and soothing properties.
Cabbage thistle soothes itchy skin, allergic rashes and sunburn, and even acne, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. You can make your own home baths with cabbage thistle or use it as a hair lotion with anti-dandruff and anti-loss properties.
Alkaloids and tannins present in some parts of cabbage thistle have a strong bactericidal effect - especially against Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Staphylococcus strains. Extracts of cabbage thistle also shorten bleeding time.
This is due to the high content of flavonoids in the raw material, which stimulate the production of platelets. In addition, the cabbage thistle herb also contains a compound called pectolinarin, which is very similar to acetylsalicylic acid and thus has an analgesic effect.
Currently, research is underway on the use of cabbage thistle raw material as a support for the treatment of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
Rinses, decoctions and infusions of cabbage thistle are used by supporters of natural care. The biologically active substances present in the herb have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects. For this reason, cabbage thistle is used in the case of itchy skin, allergic rash, acne, and sunburn.
In addition, cabbage thistle regularly drunk in a decoction:
The herb can be found practically all over Europe (except for the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea), as well as North America, Asia and North Africa.
It likes wetlands and peat bogs, which is why it can most often be found on the banks of ditches and meadows. Its active ingredients include essential oil, phenolic acids, tannins, phytosterols, alkaloids, pectolinarin, luteolin, flavonoid linarin and sesquiterpene lactones.
The composition of cabbage thistle includes:
It is not recommended to use cabbage thistle-based preparations during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and in the case of allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family.
An overdose of cabbage thistle can cause fatty liver disease. Long-term use of the herb can have a toxic effect.
Interactions of cabbage thistle with drugs, herbs or dietary supplements are currently unknown. Before using cabbage thistle, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications on a daily basis.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried herb and cook for about 10-15 minutes on low heat. It is recommended to drink the infusion twice a day (one cup each), preferably before a meal.
The infusion reduces blood sugar levels, supports metabolism, and helps remove harmful substances from the body. In folk medicine, this remedy was even used to treat chronic skin diseases and rheumatism. A strong infusion has antidiarrheal effects, tightens mucous membranes and skin.
Pour 2 cups of water over 5 tablespoons of dried herb and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Then strain the mixture, pour it into the bathtub, and add a handful of salt.
This bath cleanses the body of bad energy. For medicinal purposes, salt does not need to be added to the water. The water should be warm, but not too hot, and the body should first be washed of impurities before entering the bath prepared in this way. Spend about 15, maximum 20 minutes in the tub.
The tincture is prepared in a ratio of 1:5 with hot wine or up to 50% in vodka. The herb should be crushed and thrown into a glass jar (preferably cylindrical). The next step is to place the cabbage thistle in a container and lightly tamp it down so that it releases juice. Then add the appropriate amount of alcohol.
The tincture can be used daily for a month in an amount corresponding to a small glass.
When used for the liver, cabbage thistle shows synergy (increased cooperation in one direction) with milk thistle, artichoke, turnip and dandelion.
In terms of prostate enlargement, combine cabbage thistle with fireweed, impatiens, corn stigma, nettle rhizome and cherry bark. In terms of diuretic action, it works well in mixtures with ragwort, knotweed, couch grass, goldenrod and birch.
In terms of antirheumatic action, combine cabbage thistle with meadowsweet flower, stevia herb, wheatgrass herb, poplar leaf, poplar buds, Japanese knotweed, licorice or sarsaparilla.
