Herbal teas have a wide variety of tastes, flavors and even health benefits. Medicinal use of Common Thistle: The roots have been used as a poultice and a decoction of the plant used as a poultice on sore jaws. High levels of male hormones, or androgens, are linked to an overgrowth of facial hair in women (9). There are many sow thistle uses being practiced since ancient times. Thistles, in this case Cirsium horridulum (SIR-see-um hor-id-YOO-lum) are among the hardest to gather of wild foods, Black Walnuts probably being the worst. Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. Yet, this mint is not only tasty but may also be good for you. Spearmint may help relieve joint pain caused by arthritis. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s high in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may help balance hormones, lower blood sugar and improve digestion. Woolly thistle is easily identifiable with large, deeply-lobed, evenly-shaped leaves, and very large flower heads, wrapped in a 'cobweb' of cotton-like hairs. The Bull thistle was used by early humans as a warm medicinal tea. Prof. Susan Farr, from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, has suggested that if antioxidants from spearmint and rosemary are made into an enhanced extract, they may help to improve learning and memory. Here's what you should know…. Spearmint may help to relieve symptoms of digestive problems, by relaxing the stomach muscles, reducing symptoms of nausea, and other digestive problems. Cirsium is a genus of perennial and biennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known commonly as thistles.They are more precisely known as plume thistles.These differ from other thistle genera (Carduus, Silybum and Onopordum) in having feathered hairs to their achenes.The other genera have a pappus of simple … Medicinal Uses and Health benefits . It can irritate if it comes into contact with the skin or the eyes. Spearmint essential oil has antifungal properties, according to a study presented at the 2011 International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture Engineering. The bitter substance found in blessed thistle … Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, COVID-19 and Christmas: How to celebrate safely, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 76.8 million, Study reveals UV LED lights effectively kill a human coronavirus, Study offers a mental well-being 'tool kit' anyone can use. Promotes skin health. Bull thistles (Cirsium vulgare) are exactly that – bullish. While spearmint and its oil are likely safe to ingest in the amounts commonly found in food or tea, it’s unknown whether pure spearmint oil taken by mouth is safe (27). A very important medicinal plant family is the Labiatae family, also known as the mint family. Last medically reviewed on January 11, 2018, Mint may have a positive effect on allergies, the common cold, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and breastfeeding. Two tablespoons (11 grams) of spearmint also provides 2% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C, another potent antioxidant (6, 7). The tips of the leaves are pointed, like spears, hence its name. They can be used in natural food preservation and as an insecticide. It’s also caffeine- and calorie-free, making it a naturally sweet treat you can enjoy at any time of the day. Studies have found that spearmint essential oil is effective against several types of harmful bacteria (18, 19). Essential oils are claimed to offer many health benefits. Milk thistle is commonly used as a home remedy to treat liver problems, often under the presumption that it will … Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Bull thistle root can be eaten and is best used when mixed with other vegetables. It gets its name from its characteristic spear-shaped leaves. Other health conditions that spearmint may be effective at treating include: Some research has suggested that four cups of spearmint tea a day has a negative effect on the male libido, but a rodent study has indicated that this is not true. Fresh spearmint leaves contain a much lower level of menthol than other mint species, which makes it less pungent and more suited to health drinks and cooking. GABA is a neurotransmitter involved in reducing nerve activity (24). It Can Boost Breast Milk Production. It has been chewed as a remedy for toothache. Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is the most common of the Cirsium species in Australia and New Zealand. What are the best essential oils for sunburn? Scotch thistle is a plant. They are labeled an 'injurious weed' in the UK, and a noxious weed in … Similarly, in one 16-week study in 62 people with arthritis of the knee, regular spearmint tea consumed twice daily reduced stiffness and physical disability, while a spearmint tea high in rosmarinic acid relieved the same symptoms and reduced pain (26). People with a mint allergy may experience a mild reaction, including skin rash, throat irritation, headache, or dizziness. For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief. Undiluted use of spearmint oil may be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. In one study, spearmint essential oil applied to the skin significantly reduced the incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to a placebo (3). Two studies in women with facial hair have shown that drinking spearmint tea may help. A report published in the journal Food Chemistry indicates that spearmint extract has “good total phenolic and flavonoid contents” and “excellent antioxidant activity.”. It contains less menthol than peppermint, but it is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone, and cineol. Spearmint tea may help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a perennial herb believed to have medicinal properties. A compound in spearmint called (-)-carvone has been shown to act similarly to calcium-channel blockers, medications used to treat high blood pressure (1). Mint is a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages. Additionally, the leaves of this plant contain menthol, which has a relaxing, sedative effect on the body. All rights reserved. Essential oils may help treat some allergies, especially when the reaction leads to breathing problems or affects the skin. By David Taylor. For a more adventurous idea, try fresh spearmint ice cream, or a spiced salad of braised beef with roasted rice. In one study, rats were given a spearmint extract equivalent to 9 mg per pound (20 mg per kg) of body weight per day. Clinical work with a number of sufferers of spondyloarthropathy (including psoriatic arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthropathy, and the arthritis accompanying inflammatory bowel disease) appears to confirm a little-known, folk- medicinal tradition that Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle) supports the health of joints, tendons, and ligaments … The dried flowers are used as rennet to curdle milk, the primary step in making butter, whey, yogurt, and soft cheese. (14, 15, 16). While healthy rats appeared unaffected, rats with diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar (21). But, the reward is edible stalks, edible leaves trimmed of spines roots and unopened flower bud bottoms. In one five-day study, 12 women with PCOS and nine women with facial hair due to unknown causes were given two cups of spearmint tea twice a day during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (9). It may even reduce stress and improve memory. Milk thistle has been used medicinally since the 4th century BC. In fact, in South American countries, this tea is commonly used to treat stress and insomnia. For milk thistle there is no job too big or too small! The taste is somewhat bland but the prickles MUST BE removed from the leaves before the leaves can be eaten! It has a sweeter taste than peppermint. Drinking spearmint tea may help reduce hirsutism, or growth of dark, coarse hair on the face, chest and abdomen of women. Antioxidants – The extracts of the sow thistle plant were found to be very rich in minerals, vitamins, and flavonoids. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat worms in children. I say this to convey that I don't really care which type grows in my yard, I use it the same way regardless. The roots were also good against poor digestion and helped treat stomach cramps. Previous studies in humans found that chewing mint-flavored gum may help improve memory. Some people apply milk thistle directly to the skin for skin damage caused by radiation. In a more recent study, older adults with memory impairment who were given daily supplements containing 900 mg of spearmint extract experienced a 15% improvement in working memory (17). Spear thistles flower during spring to autumn, but only in their second year of growth. 4 Healthy Herbs to Grow Indoors This Winter, Peppermint Oil for Migraine and Headache Relief, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Peppermint Oil and Spiders: Know the Facts. milk thistle seeds have been used for the treatment of liver disease. A paste of the roots, combined with an equal quantity of the root paste of Amaranthus spinosus, is used … Research published in Phytotherapy Research suggests that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day, for 5 days could reduce the level of androgens in women with hirsutism. A second, 30-day study, of 41 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, produced similar results. Spear thistle stems, flowers, roots, and seeds can be eaten and the stems and leaves can be peeled and then steamed or boiled. Tim Low says that they are a most fine vegetable and a good introduction to eating weeds. Like many tasty wild plants, the thistle did not make its way into mai… The seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress has been linked to several chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes (4). Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement. Its leaves are around 5 centimeters to 9 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters to 3 centimeters wide. The nutritional value of 100 grams of fresh spearmint is: Spearmint essential oils have antifungal and antioxidant properties. People use Scotch thistle for cancer, ulcers, fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. The roots of bull thistle have been used as a poultice & a decoction of the plant used as a poultice on sore jaws. Though human studies on this potential property are unavailable, some scientific evidence suggests that this herb may have beneficial effects in this regard. This could help with age-related cognitive decline. It’s a perennial plant that hails from Europe and Asia but now commonly grows on five continents around the world. The compound (-)-carvone, which is naturally found in spearmint, has been shown to strongly inhibit muscle contractions in the digestive tract, which may explain how this herb helps relieve digestive upsets (1). This article takes a closer look at eight science-based health benefits of mint. In one study in rats, a spearmint extract was found to decrease anxiety and improve sleep (23). In another 21-day study in rats with diabetes, animals given 136 mg per pound (300 mg per kg) of body weight per day of this type of extract showed a 25% reduction in blood sugar (22). (When we first moved here, the place was overrun with thistles. Spearmint has a pleasantly sweet taste and is frequently used to flavor toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and candy. Most of the various types of “mint” or mentha – spearmint, Korean mint, applemint, regular old mint – offer reported health benefits and medicinal properties. At the end of the study, people who received the spearmint-containing supplement reported less abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating compared to those in the placebo group. A large review study of both animal and human studies concluded that essential oils made from this mint had pain-relieving effects (25). Therefore, while studies on the effects of this type on mint on digestion are limited, some evidence suggests that it may be helpful. We’ll tell you what to…. The leaves were used to treat neuralgia. Did you know you can use peppermint oil to stop migraines and other types of headaches? Some essential oils can be used to relieve symptoms caused by bug bites. Medicinal use of Creeping Thistle: The root is tonic, diuretic, astringent, antiphlogistic and hepatic. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In older manuals and guides, this family is called the Compositae because the 'flowers' are a composite of many flowers, often of different types. Additionally, it has been shown to work against bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, including E. coli and Listeria (20). Spear thistle plants have been used medicinally and parts of the plant can be made into paper. Share on Pinterest. This herb may also relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. A decoction of the whole plant has been used both internally and externally to treat bleeding piles. Peppermint is a hybrid plant that has been shown to help with skin conditions, headaches, cold and flu, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Can You Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites? Maintaining healthy levels of testosterone is important for gaining muscle mass, improving sexual function and boosting strength. B. List of various diseases cured by Thistle. In addition, an infusion prepared with the leaves & roots of common thistle is believed to heal stiff neck, seizures as well as nervous disorders. Marsh thistle looks somewhat like spear thistle at an initial glance, but without the large spines and leaf lobes, and usually with a thin, red, leaf margin. Similarly, in a 30-day randomized study, 42 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who drank spearmint tea twice a day had lower testosterone levels and higher LH and FSH levels compared to women who drank a placebo tea (10). Ifin it matters, which I don't think it does, the ones I grow happen to be Bull Thistle, also known as Spear Thistle and Common Thistle. The hair grows because of excessively high levels of the “male” androgen hormones. In fact, in one animal study, (-)-carvone was shown to be 100 times more potent at reducing blood vessel contractions than verapamil, a commonly used blood pressure medication (1). While human-based studies on this potential effect are lacking, animal studies have shown promising results. Spearmint tea may help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. You can purchase spearmint in tea bags or as loose-leaf tea, or grow your own for brewing. Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is a type of mint similar to peppermint. In fact, it’s a common herbal remedy for unwanted hair growth in Middle Eastern countries (12). Spearmint contains a large number of antioxidant compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavones and flavanones like limonene and menthol (5). Its aroma is very similar to that of peppermint. Overall, spearmint makes a great addition to any diet — particularly in the form of spearmint tea, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Thistle as medicine Discover types of essential oils that can help treat nausea from pregnancy, vertigo, and other health conditions. While this may seem to be a very specific action, because of all the extensive things your liver does, the implications are far reaching. Studies have shown that mice given a spearmint extract experienced improved learning and memory as shown by their performance on a maze test (13). While the study was not long enough to determine whether spearmint affected facial hair, the women’s testosterone levels were reduced. Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. There’s some evidence that this herb may help improve memory. Find out about the oils and how they…, We look at the eight best essential oils for sunburn. Spearmint may help lower high blood pressure. What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work? Here are 8 foods…. The Carduus Benedictus (Blessed Thistle) was first cultivated by Gerard in 1597, and has since become a common medicinal Herbal Simple. It is often used in medicine for its claimed therapeutic properties. Spearmint is a popular flavoring agent in toothpaste, breath mints and chewing gums. It can lead to a great deal of distress. It is also naturalised in North America, Africa, and Australia and is an … Beyond its use as a water source, thistle is well known for its ability to treat swelling of joints and tendons. Spearmint and rosemary extracts have recently been found to improve memory. A decoction of the whole plant has been used both internally and externally to treat bleeding piles. Unlike fresh spearmint, spearmint essential oil is not edible. Read on to find out…. Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. Milk thistle is referred to in the earliest Greek writings as a liver-protecting herb. In a longer, 30-day study in 41 women with PCOS, women who drank two cups a day of spearmint tea reported a reduction in their facial hair (10). Fresh spearmint can be used in a variety of recipes. Sonchus oleraceus | Sow thistle | Edible Uses 10/10/2020 Vaccinium pallidum | Blue Ridge blueberry | Edible and Medicinal Uses 10/04/2020 Houstonia purpurea | Broad-leaved bluets 09/29/2020 Learn about the best essential oils to use. ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue. Its use in treating liver diseases dates back to the 1700s, and its use to Field thistle is a member of the Asteraceae, the Sunflower family. ex Willd.)Spreng.) There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Here are 11 surprising health benefits of spearmint tea and essential oil. Also, the thick tap roots can be eaten raw or cooked, but are only palatable on young thistles before they flower. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists spearmint as “generally recognized as safe for their intended use.”. 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