Globe Thistle (Utkantaka)

Indian globe thistle is an erect, branched, spiny annual herb of the daisy family that grows in dry wasteland across India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is covered in white cottony hairs, with prickly lobed leaves and round, spiky white or bluish flower heads.

Known as Utkantaka in Sanskrit, its root is used in Ayurvedic and folk practice in traditional preparations for general wellbeing and vitality. The root is the part used.