The water found in the hollow of the leaves is commanded as a cosmetic to render the face fair.
A biennial growing to five or six feet (1.5 Or i.8 m) high with a rigid, prickly stem and prickly leaves. The flowers are pink to violet.
Where to find it: Roadsides, edges of fields and woods and the banks of streams.
Flowering time: Mid to late summer.
Astrology: Under the dominion of Venus.
Medicinal virtues: The roots are said to have a cleansing property. A decoction of them in wine is applied to the rhagades or clefts of the fundament and for a fistula therein. It is also used to take away warts. The water held by the leaves is used to cool inflammations of the eyes.
Modern uses: A tincture made from the fresh plant while in flower is prescribed by homoeopathic physicians for anal fistula and inflammation of the skin.