The unusually large Canarian species of sow thistle has been described as ‘veritable medicine chests’ due to the range of active chemical substances they contain.
This has led to a long list of medicinal uses: anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxant, pain killing, antiseptic – good for the treatment of kidney stones, fevers, hay fever, high blood pressure etc.
What to know more?
An infusion of the leaf, flower or crushed root is generally directly applied to the skin as a poultice.
A compound has been found that is unique to Canary Islands sow thistles. This shows promise in stimulating the immune system and treating migraine attacks.
Other compounds have potentially strong antibiotic activity.