East Indian Globe Thistle (Gul Mandi)

East Indian Globe Thistle/Gul Mandi (گل مندی) also known as Sphaeranthus Indicus is a medicinal plant that is widely found in Southeast Asia. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the plant make it effective in treating skin infections. It is currently being researched in India as a potential natural remedy for psoriasis. The roots and seeds are useful in eliminating parasitic worms. The herb is also reported as a tonic to treat indigestion, asthma, leucoderma and dysentery. The flowers are credited with alterative, depurative and tonic properties.

According to Ayurveda, this herb is hot, laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative, anthelmintic and alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis, spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles, asthma, leucoderma, dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc.

East Globe Indian Thistle is at a crossroads of being amazingly promising yet not having sufficient evidence to support its usage. The lack of side-effects attributed to it may merely be secondary to it not having a large usage in society or sufficient testing.

Side effects:

It may cause skin irritation.