East Indian globe thistle is a much branched, strongly-scented annual herb
with winged stem and the wings toothed. Alternately arranged obovate-oblong
leaves are narrowed at the base, dentate and serrate, 1-3 cm long. Flowers
occur in purple spherical heads, 8-15 mm, consisting of numerous tiny
flowers. Flowers are purple and the stamens pale-purple. East Indian Globe Thistle is found in the Hiamalyas, from Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan, up to
altitudes of 1000 m. It is also found in the Western Ghats.
Flowering: October-April.
Medicinal uses: According to Ayurveda, this herb is hot,
laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative, anthelmintic and
alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis,
spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles,
asthma, leucoderma, dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc.
Identification credit: Prashant Awale
Photographed in Maharashtra.
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The flower labeled East Indian Globe Thistle is ...