Bodyak Ogorodny

Bodyak Ogorodny: description, application and potential side effects

Common thistle, also known as plumose thistle, scratching thistle, tasselled thistle, meadow thistle or milkweed, is a perennial plant that can reach over 1 meter in height. It belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae family and is common in wet meadows, ditches and river banks.

The botanical description of thistle is distinguished by closely crowded inflorescences-baskets at the top of the stem, surrounded by large pale yellow ovoid covering leaves. The baskets are readily visited by bees, but this plant is not particularly desirable for livestock feed due to its large size and poor digestibility.

Thistle is used in folk medicine, although information about its healing properties is contradictory and insufficient. The parts of the plant used are grass, leaves and root. Pharmacy name: thistle herb - Ciisii ​​herba (formerly: Herba Cirsii), thistle leaves - Cirsii folium (formerly: Folia Cirsii), thistle root - Cirsii radix (formerly: Radix Cirsii).

Among the identified active ingredients of thistle are tannins, alkaloids, essential oil, resins, fats, flavones and glycosides. Some sources mention that decoctions of thistle root can help in the treatment of rheumatism and gout, alleviating pain and attacks. However, no reliable scientific evidence has been found for this.

It should be noted that, based on the composition of thistle, one can expect a toxic effect, which is confirmed by information about its potential side effects. Long-term use of thistle can be dangerous and lead to negative health consequences.

Thus, despite the fact that thistle is known in folk medicine and may have healing properties, its use should be careful and conscious. Before using the plant as a medicinal product, you should consult a qualified physician and review the potential side effects.