Teasel

by | Jul 8, 2025 | herb blog

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum, D. sativus, D. sylvestris)

Restore What Is Broken

Botany & Identification

Teasel belongs to the genus Dipsacus, family Caprifoliaceae (formerly Dipsacaceae). It is a biennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, naturalized in other regions, including North America. Two species often discussed in botanical and medicinal contexts are Dipsacus fullonum and Dipsacus sativus.

Distinguishing Characteristics

According to Stace (2019):

  • D. fullonum: Bracts on the receptacle possess stiff but flexible, straight apical spines. The basal bracts curve upwards, often reaching the top of the inflorescence.
  • D. sativus: The bracts are stiff, rigid, and recurved, making them ideal for raising the nap on wool fabrics. Basal bracts are more patent, sticking out at right angles, which contributes to a different overall appearance.

D. fullonum is often found wild in England, while D. sativus was cultivated for industrial purposes such as carding wool. [¹]

Fun Morphological Fact

Teasel leaves merge at the stem to form a cup-like structure that collects rainwater. This feature is thought to deter sap-sucking insects from ascending the stem. The dried seed heads have also been traditionally used as natural combs for cleaning and raising the nap on wool fabrics.

Parts Used

  • Root (primary medicinal part)
  • Leaves (less common but pharmacologically active)
  • Seed (used by some American herbalists)

Energetics & Actions

  • Taste: Bitter, pungent, slightly sweet, slightly acrid
  • Nature: Slightly warming
  • Organs Entered (TCM): Kidney, Liver
  • TCM Actions:
    • Tonifies kidney yang and jing (essence)
    • Strengthens bones and sinews
    • Promotes tissue regeneration
    • Promotes blood circulation and alleviates pain
    • Stops uterine bleeding
    • Calms the fetus
    • Draws out pathogens and toxins (esp. chronic or hidden infections)

Traditional & Modern Uses

Musculoskeletal Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), teasel root (Xu Duan) means “restore what is broken”—used for:

  • Bone fractures, sports injuries, and arthritis
  • Weak tendons and ligaments
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sciatica, nerve pain, and chronic muscle inflammation
  • Joint degeneration

It is often compared to Du Zhong (Eucommia bark), but teasel is considered gentler and more suitable when wind-damp and kidney deficiency co-exist.

Reproductive & Endocrine Support

  • Used in uterine bleeding during pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, and seminal emission
  • Kou suggests a progesterone-supportive effect, particularly in estrogen dominance
  • High doses (30–60 g) are sometimes employed in TCM protocols

Lyme Disease and Chronic Infection

Teasel root has gained popularity among Western herbalists for Lyme disease, especially in chronic cases where:

  • The root “teases out” spirochetes from tissues, making them vulnerable to the immune system or antimicrobials
  • A Herxheimer reaction (healing crisis) may occur as the body clears toxins from bacterial die-off

Matthew Wood notes teasel’s use for “deer syphilis” (Lyme), citing its affinity for:

  • Nerve irritation
  • Connective tissue inflammation
  • Lyme-like diseases with migrating joint or neurological pain

I learnt about this from American herbalists while visiting the US. They acclaim its importance for Lyme disease and validate its many uses. On my return, I started to grow this beautiful plant with its striking characteristics. It does, however, sow very easily and likes to take over; therefore, if you are in an environment where it may become a nuisance, reconsider growing it freely or harvest seed heads to prevent self-sowing. This plant is protective, rejuvenating, and truly embodies its traditional name: “Restore What Is Broken.”

Energetic and Symbolic Uses

In addition to physical healing, teasel root is recognized in Western herbal energetics for helping individuals who feel “broken” or disconnected from their life path, those suffering from loss of purpose, helplessness, or emotional trauma.

Scientific Studies & Phytochemistry

Leaf and Root Composition

A 2020 study found:

  • Leaves contain more iridoids and phenolic compounds than roots.
  • Identified seven phenolic acids and three flavones in the leaves, and seven phenolic acids in the roots.

Biological Activity

  • Antioxidant: Leaf extract showed strong free radical scavenging activity (ORAC method)
  • Antibacterial: Root extract is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
  • Antiacetylcholinesterase: Root stronger than leaf—suggests neurological protective properties [²]

Preparation & Dosage

  • Harvest the root at the end of the first year (preferably), before flower stalks appear
  • Root tincture dosage (Matthew Wood): 1–3 drops, 1–3 times per day, reduce the dose if aggravation or Herxheimer reaction occurs
  • TCM Dose: 6–30g decoction
  • Vinegar fry to enhance blood circulation
  • Salt roast to assist the kidney meridian
  • Char/dry fry for uterine bleeding

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Avoid in yin-deficient conditions
  • May cause a healing crisis
  • Not a one-size-fits-all remedy—individual assessment required

Ecological Importance

  • Teasel seeds are a valuable food source for birds
  • Grows biennially, commonly found in disturbed areas and grasslands

Doctrine of Signatures

The thorny stalks are symbolic of nerve pain and tension. The hard, tall stem that remains upright in winter suggests bone integrity. The leaf cups holding water hint at its connection to kidney essence and joint fluid.

Conclusion

Teasel root offers a multifaceted remedy, restoring structure and essence where there is breakdown—whether physical (fractures, inflammation), infectious (Lyme, chronic bacterial infections), or energetic (loss of life direction). Drawing from Chinese tradition and Western practice, it remains an evolving ally for modern herbalists seeking to bridge deep repair with resilience.

References

  1. Plant of the Week – Teasel: Dipsacus fullonum and Dipsacus sativus. Botanical Society of Scotland. https://botsocscot.wordpress.com/2020/07/26/plant-of-the-week-july-27th-teasel-dipsacus-fullonum-and-dipsacus-sativus
  2. Więckowska, A., et al. (2020). Roots and Leaf Extracts of Dipsacus fullonum L. and Their Biological Activities. Molecules. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020454
  3. Xu Duan – Dipsacus – Teasel Root – Restore What is Broken. Chinese Herb Info. https://chineseherbinfo.com/xu-duan-dipsacus-teasel-root-restore-what-is-broken
  4. YouTube: Teasel Root Video 1
  5. Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal.
  6. Reid, Daniel. A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs.
  7. Hsu, et al., Traditional Chinese Materia Medica.

The information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition, are on any medication, or if you are pregnant or nursing.