Common Name: Indian Globe Thistle

General Information

Echinops echinatus is an erect, spiny, annual plant with branches spreading widely from the base; growing from a taproot, it can reach 30 - 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for use as a medicinal herb in India. It is sold in local markets.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Asia - Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India, Myanmar

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil of low to medium fertility[]. Most species in this genus thrive in hot, dry soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is alterative, analgesic, antifungal, antiinflammatory, contraceptive, diuretic, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, ophthalmic and stomachic[, ]. It is used in the treatment of hoarse coughs, hysteria, dyspepsia, scrofula and various eye problems[]. It is also used to treat brain disease, chronic fever, pains in the joints, inflammations[].

The root is abortifacient, aphrodisiac[]
The powdered roots are applied to wounds in order to destroy maggots and, combined with the gum from Acacia trees, is applied to the hair to destroy lice[].

The dried and powdered root bark is mixed with milk (100g/250ml) and used as a treatment for diabetes[].
Mixed with water to make a paste, the root bark powder is applied to the male genitals one hour before intercourse in order to treat poor sexual vitality[].

The fumes obtained from burning the leaves and roots is inhaled as a treatment of respiratory disorders, especially asthma, in order to obtain rapid and long-lasting relief[].

The seeds are sweet and aphrodisiac[].

The plant is known to contain various medicinally active compounds including the polyphenol apigenin; flavanone glycosides with known antiinflammatory activities; and various alkaloids[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in spring.