Description: Several cactus-like stalks from a base of broadleaf; spines are hollow and toxic; skin of plant has fine hairs that can cause irritation and inflamation of skin. It grows in the tropical regions, and shots spins at anything that disturbs it. When the flowers of the Ging open in the fall, the needlethorn goes dormant and the spines can be gathered safely.

Healer use: Needlethorn should always be sterilized with Redwort, and rinsed in boiling water before use. They are used as syringes for injections and to draw blood, and should never be re-used because of the risk of infection. The glass parts of the syringes should be boiled and sterilized with redwort as well between uses. Before giving an injection, prepare the skin carefully by cleaning with water and Redwort. Injections are most easily made under the skin covering the arm or the hip, while blood is most easily drawn from the large veins running through the curve of the elbow. Infusions can also be made with needlethorn, but as the risk of infection is high, this is a last resort treatment.



See Also: No articles yet

Referenced By: No articles yet