I remember the day well. It was around Christmas time in 1988 and my brother had a severe case of hay fever. His eyes were puffy and he could not stop sneezing. There was nothing I could do to help and he felt helpless. Nothing prescribed by the doctor was working either.

In his search for relief, he turned to an old herbal remedy book, which suggested that scotch thistle, also known as scots thistle or cotton thistle, might alleviate hay fever symptoms. Intrigued, he decided to give it a try.

He decided to give it a try.

We just happened to be in the countryside near cow pastures and the weed was growing everywhere.

He cut four flowers from the spiky bush and added them to a pot of boiling water, allowing the herb to steep and cool before drinking the entire pot. Initially, there was no effect, but within an hour, his sneezing lessened and his eyes cleared.

Nothing happened at first, but then within an hour or so his sneezing slowed down and his eyes cleared. By the next day, not only had this tea cured all symptoms, but his hay fever never returned!

Based on this experience and some other friends of ours that tried the same, I became convinced that scotch thistle most certainly can help cure hay fever. The weed is typically ignored by most people as useless, but it has a long history of natural medicine and even modern pharmacology as a plant containing a chemical that can stimulate the heart.

Scotch thistle is indigenous to almost all of Europe, with the exception of the far north, the plant was introduced to North America. In anthroposophical medicine, it is used as a cardiac stimulant (Reference: PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed., p.678).

Scotch thistle (Onopordum) is also used in Cordiodoron Tablets

Give this remedy a try and let me know how it goes.

Scotch thistle is often overlooked, yet it has a remarkable history in natural medicine and modern pharmacology. This plant contains compounds that may not only alleviate hay fever but also serve as a cardiac stimulant, showcasing its versatile benefits in herbal treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is scotch thistle?

A: Scotch thistle, also known as Onopordum, is a plant traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including hay fever relief. Its active compounds have been recognized in both herbal medicine and pharmacology.

Q: How does scotch thistle help with hay fever?

A: Scotch thistle may alleviate hay fever symptoms by acting on the respiratory system, helping to reduce inflammation and promote easier breathing. This effect has been noted in anecdotal evidence and herbal practices.

Q: Can scotch thistle cause side effects?

A: While scotch thistle is generally considered safe for many, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying new herbal remedies.