Carlina acaulis – dried cut root

Carline is a perennial plant growing in alpine meadows. Known for its silvery flowers and rigid heart, it owes its name to Charlemagne, who is said to have used it as a protective remedy. Its dried and chopped root was once an ally of peasant medicine.

Description

Root cut into fibrous fragments, brown to light beige. Earthy and aromatic odor. Dry, dense texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Carline, Short-stemmed Carline, Silver Thistle
• Latin name: Carlina acaulis
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Alpine and pre-Alpine regions of Europe
• English name: Stemless carline thistle root
• German name: Silberdistelwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de cardencha alpina
• Name in Italian: Radice di Carlina
• Name in Arabic: جذر كارلينا (Jidhr Kārlīnā)

Main virtues

Used for its toning and protective effects, carline root was incorporated into traditional remedies against winter ailments. It was also used in rustic body care as a lotion or tonic bath.

Main constituents

Inulin, essential oils (including carlina oxide), tannins, resins, organic acids.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon of chopped root for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Maceration: in alcohol or vinegar for external use.
• Cosmetic: decoction in tonic lotion or fortifying foot bath.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• For traditional use only. Do not consume in large doses.
• Not recommended for children and pregnant women.
• Wild plant protected in certain regions: check ethical origin.

History and origin

Considered a mountain lucky charm, the carline plant once adorned the gates of mountain pastures to ward off evil spirits. Its dried root was used in purifying decoctions in the countryside and was mentioned in medieval herbal works.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light, in an airtight container.
• Packaging: kraft bag or glass jar.
• Appearance: fibrous, dry, brittle pieces.
• Odor: woody, earthy, slightly camphorous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Alpine herbariums and peasant medicine
• Mountain ethnobotany
• Medieval phytotherapeutic corpus

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.