Teasel Root (Dipsacus fullonum) – Dried Herb, Wildcrafted

Teasel is a biennial herb native to Europe, Western Asia and north Africa. Teasel has prickly stems and cone-shaped with pink or purple flower heads. The leaves that grow on the upper part of the Teasel plant bind together and form a little basin where rainwater collects. This water was thought to be beneficial as an eye wash. Teasel was sometimes called the basin of Venus or water thistle.

It is estimated that Teasel Root was introduced to North America back in the 1700s. It may have brought over with other plant materials from Europe. At one time the plant was widely used in textile processing, providing a natural comb for cleaning, aligning and raising the nap on fabrics, particularly wool. Historically, Teasel was used in the treatment of bladder infections. 

Teasel is a member of the Dipsacaceae family. It is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a liver and kidney toner. It has an affinity for connective tissue and bone. Teasel increases circulation and aids in building strong tendons and bones. It can also help to allieviate muscle pain. Teasel Root is considered to be a good diuretic and is said to help clear the body of excess water by encouraging the flow of urine.

The famed Greek physician Dioscorides thought that Teasel contained purifying attributes and suggested the use of a decoction by simmering the Root in wine for treating warts and fistulas. Teasel has been used in treating Lyme disease. It is thought to be effective for chronic inflammation of the muscles, one of the major symptoms caused by Lyme disease. The book called “Healing Lyme” by Stephan Buchner has gotten very good reviews for Lyme information.

Teasel has has also been used for pain relief and for stimulating the nervous system. As well Teasel has been used as a tea to treat jaundice and as a face wash for acne prone skin. In addition, it is said the tea is beneficial for eye irritation.

Properties:

The energetics of Teasel are bitter, pungent and slightly warming. The taste is bitter and the action is yang. It is said to nourish Chi energy. Teasel has an affinity for bones, muscles and tendons and is associated with liver, kidney as well as skin and inflammation in general.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Teasel Root to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.