After a bit of a marathon I have completed Culpeper's section on
Thistles. I never realised there were so many types! Whilst they don't
appear to be particularly interesting in their own right medically it
is facinating to read some of what Culpeper said about these prickly
plants.
Culpeper's discordant relationshíp with the 'Powers That Be' comes
through especially clearly when he talks about the Woollen Thistle.
http://www.complete-herbal.com/culpepper/thistlewoollen.htm