Teasel (dipsacus)
Synopsis of teasel
Teasel refers to the root of Dipsacus fullonum (wild teasel) or Dipsacus asper (Japanese teasel), both tall, spiny biennial plants native to Europe and Asia and now naturalized in North America. In traditional herbal medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern Western herbalism, teasel root is used as a tonic for the liver, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system, and is increasingly known for its role in Lyme disease support protocols.
The root contains iridoid glycosides (such as loganin), saponins, and other bitter compounds, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, analgesic, and immune-modulating properties. Teasel is often used to stimulate circulation, strengthen connective tissue, support bone repair, and help clear chronic infections—particularly those that manifest with deep fatigue, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.
In TCM, teasel (xu duan) is classified as bitter, slightly warm, and kidney/liver-tonifying. It is traditionally used to tonify yang, strengthen bones and tendons, and stabilize pregnancy or prevent miscarriage in cases of kidney deficiency. It is frequently included in formulas for lower back pain, knee weakness, and traumatic injury recovery.
Historical Use:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dipsacus asper root has been used for over a thousand years. The name xu duan means “restore what is broken,” reflecting its role in formulas aimed at mending fractures, healing tendons, and restoring musculoskeletal integrity. It was also used for chronic weakness, bleeding during pregnancy, and uterine instability.
In European folk medicine, wild teasel was used somewhat differently. It was regarded as a bitter digestive tonic and remedy for skin diseases, jaundice, and kidney complaints. The root was also historically used as a diuretic and stimulant for liver and gallbladder function. The dried flower heads, meanwhile, were famously used in the textile industry to "tease" or raise the nap of woolen cloth—hence the name.
Teasel’s more recent revival in Western herbalism is largely due to its use in Lyme disease protocols, particularly popularized by German herbalist Wolf-Dieter Storl, who highlighted teasel root's ability to "drive the spirochetes out of tissues" and improve chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms, and connective tissue health.
Modern Applications and Considerations:
Today, teasel root is commonly used in tincture form in holistic Lyme protocols, often alongside herbs like cat’s claw, Japanese knotweed, and andrographis. It is also used in joint repair blends, hormone-balancing formulas, and post-injury tonics for its affinity with bone and tissue healing.
While teasel is generally safe when used in moderate doses, its warming and stimulating nature means it may not be suitable for individuals with heat-based or inflammatory conditions unless properly balanced in a formula. Pregnant individuals should consult a qualified practitioner before use due to its uterine-toning effects.
Teasel continues to be a respected herbal ally for chronic illness, injury recovery, and vitality restoration, bridging centuries of Eastern and Western herbal traditions.
Teasel is used for these health conditions
Lyme Disease (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
teasel is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
