ENGLISH NAME: Wild teasel
LATIN NAME: Dipsacus fullonum (also known as Dipsacus sylvestris)
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Štětka planá
Turkey: Yabani şekerotu / Dipsak
Bulgaria: Лугачка
Georgia: გარეული თესელი (Gareuli teseli)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: South Moravia and Bohemian uplands (Czechia), Western and Central
Anatolia (Turkey), Danube Valley and Thrace (Bulgaria), Kartli and Imereti
(Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1300 meters
Terrain: Roadsides, riverbanks, pastures, meadows, and forest margins
DESCRIPTION:
A tall, biennial plant reaching 1–2 meters, with spiny stems and long
lanceolate leaves that clasp the stem. The large, cone-shaped flower heads are
covered in hooked bracts and bloom in a ring pattern from lilac to pale purple
flowers. The dried flower heads were historically used to raise the nap of
woolen cloth.
USABLE PARTS: Root
(primarily), leaves (rarely), seed heads (ornamental use)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
In traditional herbal medicine, the root is used as a tonic for joints,
muscles, and connective tissue. It’s gaining popularity in folk and alternative
circles for use in Lyme disease protocols (unconfirmed by clinical science). It
also has diuretic and liver-stimulating effects.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Generally safe in small doses. May cause mild digestive upset or skin
sensitivity in rare cases. Not recommended during pregnancy or without
guidance.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Sometimes combined with anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, burdock, or
cat’s claw for musculoskeletal and detox formulas.
PREPARATION:
Root is typically prepared as a tincture, or occasionally decocted for internal
use. Leaves have been used externally in poultices or washes. Dried flower
heads are ornamental and not used medicinally.
HARVEST TIME:
Late autumn of the first year or early spring of the second year (before
flowering, for roots)
HARVEST METHOD:
Dig up roots from non-flowering rosettes. Clean and slice roots for drying or
fresh tincture preparation. Wear gloves when handling spiny flower heads or
leaves.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry roots in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space. Store in airtight
containers, preferably whole or sliced, not powdered. Use within 2 years for
best potency.