The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Black Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is also known by the names Spear Thistle, Scotch Thistle, Bull Thistle, and Plume Thistle. It can be found along roadsides, in grassy areas, open fields, pastures, and in gardens. Black Thistles are a biennial plant which produce millions of wind-dispersed seeds. The seeds that don't sprout can lie dormant in the soil for years, waiting for the land to be disturbed, and so infestations persist.
Black Thistle is one of the oldest folk remedies known to regulate the menstrual cycle, and is often used by folk healers to treat liver disorders. It is also considered an excellent tonic for the stomach and heart. It may improve memory by increasing oxygen to the brain through improved circulation.
