El runner thistle (eryngium campestre) is a wild plant that, thanks to its abundant medicinal properties and its resistance to adverse climates, it has been valued since ancient times in traditional medicine, ethnobotany, and natural nutrition. Despite its austere appearance and growth in dry soils, this thistle stands out both for its interest in phytotherapy and for its ecological role. Below, you'll discover in depth its characteristics, benefits, uses, applications, history, and interesting facts surrounding it in popular culture.
Botanical description and life cycle of the runner thistle
El eryngium campestre It belongs to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and is a plant perennial, evergreen and thorny, with erect and highly branched stems that can reach about 30 to 70 cm tall, although it generally remains around 50-60 cm tall. Its general appearance is greyish or blue-green, thanks to the thin layer of waxy bloom that covers the entire surface.
Su root system is very deep, since the main root can reach a size of up to one meter in length or more, favoring its resistance to drought and its regrowth every spring. Furthermore, there are records of roots up to five meters underground, which explains its colonizing capacity in arid environments. The root has a bitter taste and is the part that concentrates the most active medicinal ingredients.
The leaves are leathery, deeply lobed and spiny at the margins, providing protection from herbivores. The stem is rigid and angular, with upper branches ending in umbellate inflorescences.
Flowers They appear grouped in compact heads (umbels), surrounded by spiny bracts, with a greenish-white, whitish, or bluish coloration, depending on the subspecies. They produce dry fruits (achenes) covered by lanceolate scales.
Blooms from late spring to early autumnIt is during the summer, when many plants dry out, that the runner thistle shows its full splendor. Its aerial part dies at the end of its cycle, and the flower head and dried stems can be detached, being carried away by the wind, in a dispersal phenomenon known as "tumbleweed." steppicursor, which gives it its popular name.
The plant gives off a intense aroma similar to carrot, although not botanically related. Its habitat includes dry meadows, roadsides, abandoned crop fields and sunny pastures from Europe, North Africa, temperate regions of Asia and the Middle East.
Varieties and synonyms
- Eryngium campestre var. country: the most common, white or blue flowers.
- Eryngium campestre var. virens: with greener leaves.
- Other popular names: mushroom thistle, star thistle, erynge, trabalón, card panical (Catalan), cardo-corredor (Portuguese), chardon à cent tetes (French), txori-gradu (Basque). In Spain, it is also known as mushroom thistle, rolling thistle, white thistle, cuckoo thistle, star thistle, among others.
It is important to distinguish the runner thistle of other species of the genus eryngiumas the Eryngium bourgatii (deep blue flowers), Clump coast (coastal dune sea thistle), although they all share certain medicinal properties and ornamental.
History and symbolism in popular culture
El runner thistle It has a long ethnobotanical tradition. It was already cited by classical authors such as Dioscorides y Pliny, and is present in historical treaties of Andrew Laguna y Pio Font QuerIt has traditionally been called "itch herb" for its topical use for skin irritations.
During the Carlist Wars, some soldiers carried fragments of the plant in their pockets to prevent chafing. In the Pyrenees, wildlife such as weasels have been observed rubbing themselves against the trailing thistle after being bitten by snakes, suggesting its instinctive use as an antidote, an "alexiteric" or protective property against poisons.
In the rural folklore of the Iberian Peninsula, it was used both in home remedies and to prevent friction blisters, boils, insect bites and burns, as well as to ward off parasites.
Chemical composition and active ingredients
El runner thistle It stands out for its complex phytochemical composition, which explains the multitude of benefits attributed to it. Its main components include:
- Saponins: responsible for most of the diuretic and purifying effects of the body.
- Tannins: They confer astringent properties, useful for treating diarrhea or minor bleeding.
- inulin: soluble fiber that regulates glucose and improves digestive health.
- Potassium salts: with diuretic and remineralizing action.
- Resins and gums: with anti-inflammatory and expectorant applications.
- Saccharose, essential oils (especially in inflorescences), sesquiterpenes and diterpenes identified in recent chemical studies.
- Phenolic compounds which reinforce their antioxidant and cellular protective role.
- Terpene aldehydes (such as falcarinone and derivatives), typical of the genus eryngium and of great pharmacological interest.
The inflorescences They produce more essential oils than stems or leaves. Furthermore, the composition varies depending on the part used and whether the plant is fresh or dried, being more potent when green.
Medicinal properties and therapeutic applications
The runner thistle has been used in multiple traditions and cultures such as multipurpose medicinal plant:
- diuretic and purifying: Promotes fluid elimination, combats fluid retention, edema, and swelling. Effective in cases of dropsy, kidney problems, kidney stones, and kidney stones.
- Expectorant: Relieves lung congestion, colds and flu, improving mucus expulsion and respiratory comfort.
- Menstrual regulator (emmenagogue): Useful for treating irregular, heavy or scanty menstruation and even menstrual pain.
- Diaphoretic: Stimulates sweating, which helps eliminate toxins through the skin and facilitates recovery from viral infections and fever.
- Digestive and carminative: Alleviates digestive discomfort, gas, spasms and improves appetite thanks to its essential oils and slightly bitter taste.
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: Effective for internal and external use to relieve pain, contractures, bites, inflammation, rheumatism and joint conditions.
- Vulnerary: Promotes the wound healing, sores, eczema, skin ulcers and helps treat dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and hives.
- Galactogogue: Stimulates the production of breast milk in lactating women.
- Antiemetic: Reduces nausea, vomiting and promotes recovery from gastric conditions.
- Antiparasitic and mild insecticide: Traditionally used to repel small parasites and relieve insect bites.
- Alexiterico (antivenin): Used as a natural antidote for minor bites, boils and burns.
- Antifungal and anti-infective: It has been used to treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis, and certain persistent skin infections.
- Cardiovascular protector: Its ability to reduce blood pressure and purify the blood makes it interesting for problems of hypertension and vascular disorders.
- Antioxidant and remineralizing: The presence of phenolic compounds and mineral salts helps neutralize free radicals and revitalize the body.
Its many traditional applications include its use as a disinfectant, aphrodisiac, adrenal gland stimulant, and remedy for digestive and pulmonary disorders.
Indications and health benefits
- people with diabetes: Helps regulate blood sugar thanks to inulin and its purifying action.
- Fluid retention, edema: For its natural diuretic effect.
- Breastfeeding women: Stimulates the production of breast milk.
- High uric acid: Reduces the risk of gout and promotes the elimination of kidney crystals and sand.
- Urinary problems: Prevents and treats infections (cystitis, urethritis), painful urination, inflamed prostate, and promotes urinary flow.
- Slow or heavy digestion: Stimulates the gallbladder and facilitates digestion.
- Diarrhea, colitis: Tannins have an astringent effect.
- Wounds, sores, ulcers: Topical use to accelerate healing and prevent infections.
- Insect bites and dermatitis: Soothes, disinfects and reduces inflammation.
- Hypertension: Its diuretic properties can help reduce blood pressure.
- Flu, colds, frequent colds: Promotes expectoration and recovery.
- Muscle and joint pain: Provides relief due to its anti-inflammatory action.
- Chronic skin problems: Eczema, psoriasis, acne and hives can improve thanks to its restorative and anti-inflammatory effect.
- People undergoing aggressive treatments (chemotherapy/radiotherapy): There are clinical experiences showing that fragments of runner thistle relieve cutaneous side effects and improve general condition.
- Reduction of nausea, vomiting and digestive disorders.
- Recovery from viral infections or fevers due to its support for sweating and detoxification of the body.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases: arthritis, rheumatism, hemorrhoids.
- Lung afflictions and persistent cough.
- Jaundice, albuminuria and mild liver diseases.
How to take runner's milk thistle: usage and recommendations
El runner thistle can be used both fresh as well as dry, and so much the root as the aerial part They have active ingredients:
- Root infusion/decoction: The most common way. The roots are peeled and dried (ideal to collect them in autumn). Use approximately 7-20 g per liter of water, boiling for about 10 minutes. You can drink 2 to 3 cups a day, preferably before meals to aid digestion and enhance the diuretic effect.
- Tincture: It is prepared by macerating the dried root in alcohol (15 to 30 drops dissolved in water, 2 to 3 times a day). It is widely used in modern herbal medicine.
- Plasters/Compresses: For topical use on wounds, bites, stings, boils, or eczema. Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied directly, or a concentrated decoction can be made and gauze soaked.
- Tender leaves in saladThey can be eaten raw, mixed with other wild plants (dandelion, watercress, parsley), to take advantage of their flavor and vitamins. Young shoots are also harvested and cooked as a vegetable.
- Candied rootIn some regions, the peeled and sugared root is consumed as a traditional sweet.
- Use in kitchen: Grated on stews or cold and warm dishes, the root gives a peculiar aromatic touch.
It is important to remember that although no relevant toxicities have been documented, Excessive consumption is not recommended of runner thistle, especially in pregnant women, young children or people with severe kidney failure, to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure or digestive irritations due to its tannins and saponins.
In Mediterranean areas, there is a belief that carrying a sprig protects against muscle pain and blisters, although this preventative use has no proven scientific basis.
Scientific studies and clinical experiences
Modern research has analyzed the essential oils of the genus eryngium and have identified more than 300 compounds different in samples of E. campestre and other related thistles. sesquiterpenes and diterpenes They appear as fundamental compounds, responsible for part of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
The effectiveness of the root in decoction has been documented for induce urination, relieve abdominal pain due to spasms, reduce edema, and treat menstrual problemsThere are also studies that highlight its usefulness as an adjuvant in chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, relieving skin irritations, leukopenia, and improving the general well-being of cancer patients.
However, clinical evidence is still limited, and accounts of popular use and documented experiences in ethnobotany often predominate, rather than large controlled trials.
External applications and uses in natural dermatology
The runner thistle is especially appreciated in natural medicine for its external use on the skin:
- Healing and anti-inflammatory: For open wounds, minor burns, chafing, diaper rash and insect bites.
- Antiseptic and soothing: On irritated skin, areas of friction, mild fungal infections and dermatitis due to prolonged moisture (folds, armpits, groin).
- Relief from boils and ulcers: Accelerates healing and prevents secondary infections.
- Support for cancer patients: Prevents the appearance of burns and blisters after radiotherapy or chemotherapy and helps keep skin supple and healthy.
For its application, it is recommended to change the fragment used when it dries out or is consumed, and to combine it with plant oils such as St. John's Wort to enhance the effect.
Nutritional aspects and food uses
The runner thistle is also valued as edible wild plant:
- The tender leaves and shoots They are eaten raw in salads, especially in spring when the plant is juiciest.
- The rootAfter peeling and processing, it can be eaten candied or added grated to cold and warm dishes.
- Cooked sprouts: The young, low stems can be cooked as a wild vegetable.
The root is very rich in inulin, a natural prebiotic that favors intestinal flora and helps regulate sugar absorption.
Habitats, distribution and ecology
El runner thistle it is originally from Central and Western Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Caucasus. It is common in dry plains, prairies, ditches, rural roads and abandoned fieldsIt prefers sandy or loamy soils that are well-drained and have plenty of sunlight. It tolerates drought and extreme temperatures thanks to its deep roots.
It is symbiotically associated with the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), an edible mushroom highly regarded in Mediterranean cuisine, which adds ecological and gastronomic value.
In nature, the runner thistle promotes seed dispersal through wind action, rapidly colonizing degraded soils and helping to prevent erosion.
Cultivation and multiplication of medicinal plants in gardens
Although the runner thistle It is usually considered a spontaneous plant and often even a "weed" can be grown in pot or directly on the ground if you wish to incorporate it into a domestic herbarium of medicinal species.
- Optimal conditions: Full sun, sandy or loamy soils, well drained, without waterlogging.
- Multiplication: By seeds, sown in spring directly into the ground, or by root cuttings in winter.
- IrrigationVirtually unnecessary in summer; it only requires light moisture during the germination phase. Excess water can cause root rot.
- Potted cultivation: Recommended to control expansion, since it is a very colonizing species.
It's recommended to harvest the roots in the fall, when the plant has stored more of its active ingredients. The stems and leaves can be dried and stored in a cool, dark place.
Contraindications, precautions and toxicity
The Adverse reactions to runner's thistle are rare, as long as it is used properly:
- moderate use: Continued abuse can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure (due to its diuretic and diaphoretic effect).
- Caution in pregnancy and lactationThere are no conclusive studies on safety, although its galactogogue effect could be useful in breastfeeding under expert supervision.
- Do not administer to children under 6 years of age nor to people with severe kidney failure without medical supervision.
- Drug interaction: You may be taking antihypertensive, diuretic, or hypoglycemic medications; consult a specialist if you are taking chronic treatments.
- skin reactions: In specific cases, it may cause irritation upon direct contact in sensitive individuals.
No cases of serious toxicity have been documented. As with all natural treatments, it is a priority consult a professional before starting continued therapies.
Relationship with other species and ethnobotanical richness
The gender eryngium It is made up of more than a dozen species widely distributed in Europe and North Africa, many of them with traditional use:
- Eryngium bourgatii: preferred in mountainous regions, deep blue flowers and higher concentration of essential oils.
- Clump coast: in coastal areas, widely used for kidney problems.
- Eryngium foetidum: popular in Central America as a condiment and digestive plant.
They all share diuretic and purifying effects, although the common milk thistle is the most studied medicinally.
