Description of thistle, beneficial properties and uses, contraindications

Quite often people are interested in the description, beneficial properties and uses of thistle. This plant is considered a prominent representative of the Asteraceae. Its characteristic feature is the inflorescences, which are surrounded at the edges by leaves with spiny tips. At various times, magical properties were attributed to this herb. And today in villages many people are suspicious of people who grow this crop.

Description of the plant

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

Thistle is characterized by spreading leaves of a dark green color, which have light veins. Along the periphery of each of them there are spines. The flowers reach 3-8 centimeters and are basket-shaped. The petals can have different colors - 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 crest consisting of long hairs.

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

The Thistle genus includes approximately 130 species. However, only a small part of the plants can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes. The culture is found in meadows, roadsides and forest edges. This plant is considered unpretentious and is resistant to drought.

The most popular types of thistles include the following:

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

Medicinal properties

If you collect thistle correctly and provide it with proper storage, 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 occur 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 ensure 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 thistle is considered to be hepatoprotective activity. The herb is considered especially valuable for the liver. Thanks to its unique composition, the culture strengthens and restores hepatocytes. This helps to normalize metabolic processes in the organ. 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 beneficial properties of thistle include the following:

• mild laxative effect;
• diuretic effect - thanks to this, the herb effectively copes with swelling;
• elimination of signs of intoxication of the body;
• stimulation of the production and outflow of bile;
• improvement in gastritis, pancreatitis, chronic colitis;
• prevention of malignant tumors;
• restoration of skin after traumatic injuries.

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

Application in medicine

Thistle is often used to treat various pathologies. It is important to prepare such products correctly 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 taste, so it is recommended to add a little honey to it. This remedy has pronounced calming 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 the following sequence of actions:

1. Take 1 tablespoon of thistle flowers and grind them well.
2. Add 1 cup of boiling water and place in a water bath.
3. Warm the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes. After this, the broth should be cooled.
4. Strain the product. After this, it can be taken in an amount of 100 milliliters 2-3 times a day. This can be done regardless of food intake.

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

For colds

To combat colds, you can use a decoction of flowers or use an infusion prepared from the leaves of the plant. It's not difficult to make. To do this, just take 1 tablespoon of leaves per 1 glass of boiled water. In this case, the raw materials need to be crushed and placed in a thermos. After which it needs to be poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 2 hours. The finished product needs to be strained.

A single dose is half a glass.In this case, it is recommended to take the composition 2-3 times a day. Taking this remedy will quickly eliminate the symptoms of colds and flu. In addition, the composition successfully strengthens the immune system and has a pronounced preventive effect.

Application in cosmetology

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

Milk thistle is considered one of the most powerful means for maintaining beauty. It includes silymarin, vitamin E, fatty acids. These substances are very important for skin care. In particular, silymarin has pronounced 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.

Products based on this herb have a pronounced detoxification effect. They also help relieve inflammation and are characterized by antioxidant activity. Therefore, thistle-based cosmetics are often used to combat psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. However, many of these drugs must be taken orally. They affect the liver and immunity, restoring their function. This also has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the skin.

Hair loss solution

Thistle decoction helps strengthen hair, stimulate its growth, and reduce hair loss. It is often used by women after childbirth.It is during this period that active hair loss is often observed. It is also permissible to use this folk remedy for children who have thin hair.

To make a useful tool, it is recommended to follow these steps:

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

This manipulation is recommended to be carried out at intervals of 3 days. After 4 procedures, you can expect strengthening of the 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 hair loss. In addition, the composition helps to give your hair a beautiful shine.

Infusion for skin improvement

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

1. Take 100 grams of dried thistle leaves and add 4 cups of boiled water.
2. Leave to infuse for 2 hours.
3. Strain and cool the composition.
4. Every day, morning and evening, wash your face with thistle decoction.

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

For severe skin rashes, the appearance of blackheads and redness on the face, you can use masks prepared with plant oil. In this case, 4-6 drops of the product should be mixed with a small amount of ordinary day cream. It is recommended to apply the resulting composition 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 you start using thistle-based products, you should consult your doctor. Some people experience individual intolerance to substances that are present in the plant. It is worth considering that a small amount of active components produces a stimulating effect on the nervous system, and an excess amount inhibits its functioning.

Thistle should be used with great caution in the following cases:

• blockage of the bile ducts;
• pancreatitis;
• cholecystitis;
• liver colic.

Thistle is a fairly valuable plant that contains a large number of useful components. Therefore, 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.