Product Review

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is readily recognized by its prickly leaves and stem, along with its pinkish or purplish flowers that form on a large head. In centuries past, dried teasel heads were used in the process of fulling cloth, to raise the nap on fabrics. In fact, according to Brigitte Mars, "the common name teasel derives from the Old English tcesan, "to tease" in reference to the use of the tops in carding wool." In natural medicine, the dried roots are used for a variety of purposes. Native to Europe, teasel was introduced to the United States possibly as early as the 1700s. Some bird species, including the European Goldfinch, use teasel as a winter food source; hence teasel is grown in some gardens and nature preserves to attract them. However, in much of the Unites States, teasel is regarded as an invasive species. A biennial plant, teasel is fairly low to the ground in its first year, but sends up tall flower spikes in its second year, along with pairs of leaves positioned along the stem which collect water and prevent insects from climbing the stalks.