Thistles

 

Yesterday, I saw thistles growing along my path. They are called Milk Thistles and are an highly unwanted plant. They have sharp, pointy prickles found all over. The stickers cover the flowers, stems, and leaves and act like a shield to protect the plant from animals that might try to eat it. Birds love the thistle seeds. I will carry my loppers and cut them down.

The thistle the National emblem of Scotland. During the Battle of Largs on 2nd October 1263 an invading Norwegian force tried to sneak up on the sleeping locals but went through a patch of thistles. Their cries of pain (and probably profanity) woke up the sleeping Scots who defeated the invading force.

The thistle has been used to treat many ailments—bleeding, sores, abscesses, fever, dysentery, and worms.  Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder disease.  Milk thistle gets its name from the white veins on its large prickly leaves. An active ingredient is extracted from the plant's seeds called Silymarin— believed to be an antioxidant. You can still but milk thistle.

In Genesis 3 the thistle is first mentioned in the Bible. After eating of the forbidden tree, God tells Adam that the earth will now bring forth thistles. Thistle is a symbol of sin.