Cardebol Effect and Symbolism: a plant with power and history
With its stately silhouette, spiky stem and striking flower head, the Teasel is anything but average. This striking plant has been attracting attention for centuries. Not only because of its appearance, but also because of its rich symbolism, traditional use and special properties. In this blog, we will take you through its story and the Teasel effect in the broadest sense of the word – a combination of natural power, history and meaning.
Leaves like Venus's pelvis
The Teasel – also called wild or large teasel – belongs to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is a biennial or perennial plant that grows straight up from a rosette of leaves. The stem can grow up to two meters high and bears opposite leaves that form a bowl at the base. Rainwater can collect in this – a feature that is reminiscent of a Venus pelvis. Due to the similarity in shape and water function, some botanists see this as a symbolic reference to the bladder and kidneys.
A remarkable comparison
At the top of the stem is an egg-shaped flower head. In July and August it blooms with numerous lilac-colored tubular flowers. The flowers bloom in a circular movement over the bulb. With a little imagination this is reminiscent of the alarming migrating red ring that appears after a
Symbol of protection
The appearance of the Teasel is not only impressive, but also symbolically charged. All parts of the plant – the stem, leaves and flowers – are surrounded by thorns. This natural armour is seen as a symbol of protection. The plant is said to keep negative influences at bay and was therefore often planted in (herb) gardens in the past as a protective element.
Teasel effect in traditional medicine
The Teasel has a long tradition in both Eastern and Western medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the plant is known as Xu Duan, which literally means: "repair what is broken". The power of this herb was also recognized early in Western herbal medicine. The Greek physician Dioscorides described it in the 1st century AD, followed by Hildegard von Bingen, Leonard Fuchs and Nicolas Culpeper, among others.
Teasel in the current zeitgeist
To this day, the Teasel remains popular in herbal medicine. Ethnobotanists such as Wolf-Dieter Storl and phytotherapists such as Matthew Wood praise the plant for its purifying and restorative qualities. Teasel also plays an active role in the so-called Buhner protocol.
Carding wool with a teasel
The Latin name Dipsacus fullonum refers to an age-old custom. Fullonum comes from the Latin fullo, which means wool comb. In the Middle Ages, the dried flower heads of the Teasel were used to card wool – hence the popular name weaver's card. The prickly structure of the flower was ideally suited to loosen and roughen wool fibres, an essential part of the craft of wool processing.
Teasel effect and ingredients
The special Teasel effect is partly due to its ingredients. The root contains a rich mix of iridoids, bitter substances, saponins and polyacetylenes. The leaf also contains active ingredients, albeit in different proportions. It is precisely this composition that makes the plant so special in application - both internally and externally, and traditionally used in various herbal preparations.
From woolly cob to powerful herb
The Teasel has proven its protective character time and again over the centuries.Whether you are fascinated by its symbolism, its history or are interested in the Teasel effect: this plant continues to fascinate. A natural ally with a deep story.
Curious about our Teasel products? In our blog The magic of the Teasel plant in six unique products tell you more about this.
**Health claims pending European approval