Rain Ducks and Teasels

Rooting time

Now as the nights are drawing in plants are also drawing in, into the ground in the case of perennials. There leaves are almost gone and they are putting all their efforts underground. In herbal medicine roots are excellent for tonic remedies which we might especially need during the winter months. As we approach the end of the season for rooting, it is only the rain that is keeping me getting subterranean, but don't think me fair weather, I am not one for shying from a little rain but at the moment it is bucketing down, so much so even our ducks are seeking shelter and the river has risen a good three inches.

When there is a break in the torrents I will be out in the meadows collecting Teasels. Dipsacus sylvestris as its known in latin is a statuesque thistle we often leave to self seed in our gardens as it looks so good. Its spiny seed heads were used as a sort of brush, to card or sort wool fibres, before they could be spun. There is little history of its medicinal use in Western Europe, though it is mentioned by Dioscorides who wrote the first western herbal in the 1st century AD. I'm interested in its medicinal potential after reading about the Chinese use of a similar species, whose name translates literally as 'restore what is broken'. It is used for physical trauma and resulting inflammation in the muscles and joints. A modern American herbalist Mathew Wood also inspires me writing about his success with the European varieties of Teasel.

The Chinese explain its medicinal action through their understanding of tonfiying kidney energy, which is responsible for the strength of the joints. The Ancient Chinese concept of kidney essence or "jing" relates to our understanding of genetically determined or inherited patterns. What we are given at birth. It is our levels of Jing that keep us supple and flowing in youth, and stiffer in old age. The tall, architectural stalks of Teasel that stand through the winter suggest a resilience and strength. As The thistle family has so many medicinal herbs in it , i'll make a tincture of teasel and try it out on myself first, and then wait for the right patient to come along who just fits the right picture of needing this remedy.

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