Herb: Yellow Spined Thistle


Latin name: Cirsium ochrocentrum


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Yellow Spined Thistle:

The entire plant is diaphoretic and diuretic. It is infused overnight in cold water and the water is then drunk in the treatment of syphilis. A liquid from the boiled blossoms has been used to treat burns and skin sores. A decoction of the root has been taken by both partners as a contraceptive. It has also been taken five times a day in the treatment of diabetes.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry slopes, 1500 - 3000 metres in California. Sandy or rocky prairies and roadsides.

Edible parts of Yellow Spined Thistle:

Root - cooked. The root is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch thus passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence. Stem. No further details are given, but it is probably best if peeled.

Other uses of the herb:

The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields etc are given.

Propagation of Yellow Spined Thistle:

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°C. Division in spring or autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry slopes, 1500 - 3000 metres in California. Sandy or rocky prairies and roadsides.

Known hazards of Cirsium ochrocentrum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.