East Indian globe thistle is a much branched, strongly-scented annual herb with winged stem and the wings toothed. Alternately arranged obovate-oblong leaves are narrowed at the base, dentate and serrate, 1-3 cm long. Flowers occur in purple spherical heads, 8-15 mm, consisting of numerous tiny flowers. Flowers are purple and the stamens pale-purple. Flowering: October-January.
Medicinal uses: 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.