Herbs Store

Carline Thistle

Carline thistle is obtained from the dried root of the Carlina acaulis plant. The root is used to prepare tea, wine, and tinctures that may be used internally or externally. The acetone extract and the essential oils found in the root of carline thistle are believed to possess antibacterial properties that seem to hinder the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Benefits And Uses of Carline Thistle

Carline thistle is used orally to treat gallbladder disease, digestive problems, and alimentary tract spasms. It may also act as a mild diuretic and cause diaphoresis.

Externally, carline thistle has been used to treat dermatosis, rinse wounds and ulcers and, when used as a gargle, to alleviate symptoms associated with cancer of the tongue.

Administration

• Tea: 3 cups every day; prepared by steeping 3 g of finely cut dried root in 5 oz of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes .
• Tincture: 40 to 50 gtt 4 to 5 times every day, by mouth; prepared by steeping 20 g of chopped root in 80 g of 60% ethanol for 10 days .
• Topical preparation: Prepared by adding 30 g of dried root to 1 quart of boiling water, boiling for 5 to 10 minutes, then straining
• Wine: 1 small glass before meals; prepared by steeping 50 g of the dried root in 1 quart of white wine for a minimum of 12 days.

Side Effects of Carline Thistle

Adverse effects associated with carline thistle include allergic reactions. Herbal products prepared with alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should avoid use.

Clinical considerations

• Patients with a history of seasonal allergies may be more likely to experience a hypersensitivity reaction.
• Advise patient to seek medical attention immediately if he suspects he’s having an allergic reaction to the herb. Instruct him to promptly report other adverse reactions or new signs and symptoms.
• Wine and tincture preparations contain significant amounts of alcohol, making them unsuitable for children, alcoholic patients, and patients with liver disease.
• Encourage patient to consider other treatment option because little information about the safety and efficacy of carline thistle exists.
• Tell patients to remind prescribe and pharmacists of any herbal supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of carline thistle and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

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