Canadian thistle, or Cirsium arvense, is a prickly flowering plant that most people would call a weed. Like all thistle varieties, it is vary hardy and able to thrive in many places and situations. There are few, if any, natural controls of Canadian thistle, which has made it unpopular with gardeners and farmers because of its ability to out-compete crops and other flowering plants. However, parts of the Canadian thistle can be consumed and offer reputed health benefits. Consult your doctor for advice before taking any herb for a medical condition.
Brief History
Despite its common name, Canadian thistle is native to European countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It was introduced to North America by colonists in the early 17th century, either intentionally or accidentally. It is considered a "noxious weed" by most American States and Canadian Provinces, but it has spread to many regions of the world also, as cited in "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs."
Description
Canadian thistle grows to about two to three feet in height, has prickly flat leaves, and blooms purple or pink thorn-covered flowers. Thistle varieties are perennial plants that grow by spreading numerous seeds and underground rhizomes.
Pollinating Benefit
Canadian thistle, primarily because of how widespread it is in North America, is regarded as an excellent source of nectar and pollen for honey bees, as cited in "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine" As such, it could be grown in poor soil intentionally in efforts to sustain bee colonies and produce honey.
Nutritional Benefit
The leaves of the Canadian thistle, which can be eaten raw or cooked, are a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, much like other herbs. Before consumption, the prickles should be removed. The rhizomes, stems and roots can be de-spined and eaten raw or steam-cooked, much like the preparation of asparagus. Consuming the roots may cause gas and bloating because they contain inulin, an indigestible starch, as cited in "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Although slightly bitter, the leaves and stems of the Canadian thistle may make a tasty salad, although they were used by native Indians for medicinal purposes also.
Medicinal Benefits
North American Indians used infusions and extracts of Canadian thistle root for mouth diseases and infections and considered it to be useful as a health promoting tonic, diuretic and astringent, according to "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine." Its leaves can also be chewed to relieve the pain of toothaches, cancer sores and sore throats, as they have anti-inflammatory properties. If swallowed, the juice of the roots is purportedly effective at killing intestinal parasites and reducing the symptoms of poison ivy and gastritis. Canadian thistle should not be confused with milk thistle, which is a well-known herbal remedy for liver conditions. They look similar, but milk thistle contains different compounds in its leaves and roots.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine"; Simon Mills; 1994
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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