Canada thistle

Lingering, low-grade diarrhea or dysentery once acute heat and inflammation have settled, calling for a mild astringent-demulcent combination rather than a strong drying agent

Labor that has stalled because the nervous system is exhausted, where a gentle stimulant is wanted to support contractions without harsh forcing

Overview. Cirsium arvense, Canada thistle, is a spiny perennial of the daisy family, native to Europe and temperate Asia and now a widespread agricultural weed throughout North America. Physiomedical practitioners, working from the writings of William Cook, valued the root for a combination of demulcent, mildly astringent and gently stimulating qualities, and the leaf for its effect on milk production and liver congestion. It never became a major pharmacy herb but held a small, specific place in nineteenth century domestic and physiomedical practice.

Clinical Notes. In the physiomedical framework the root was reached for once the acute, hot stage of a bowel complaint had passed and what remained was a low, lingering looseness needing gentle toning rather than aggressive astringency.

Properties and Uses. The roots are slightly demulcent, with stimulating and mildly astringing properties. An ounce simmered in a pint of milk is a family remedy for low forms of diarrhea and dysentery, after the acute symptoms have subsided..

Description. Natural Order, Compositae, It would be superfluous to give any detailed description of that pest to all good farmers-the Canada thistle. Suffice it to say that it contains qualities which really are deserving of medical investigation; and it will be a pleasant thing to know that the unfriendly herb may yet be put to some good uses.