CREEPING THISTLE

                                                                                              Cirsium arvense

The root is tonic, diuretic, astringent, antiphlogistic & hepatic.
It has been chewed as a remedy for toothache.
A decoction of the roots has been used to treat worms in children.

PRECAUTIONS:

The root is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch passes straight through the digestive system & in some people, ferments to produce flatulence.

RECIPES:

Stems can be peeled & cooked like asparagus or rhubarb.
Remove the prickles before the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked..
Creeping thistle root of first year plants can be eaten raw or cooked.
Nutritious but rather bland, they are best used in a mixture with other vegetables.