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 The
Thistle~the National Flower of Scotland
You'll find Thistle poking up in
meadows and fields boasting a pink/purple globe-like flower protected by
spiny leaves. They can be perennial of biennial and originally come from
the Mediterranean region.
Historically, the thistle is said to have saved some Scottish clansmen
from attacking Norsemen. During the reign of Alexander III (1249 -1286),
an army of King Haakon of Norway landed at the Coast of Largs. Intent on
conquering the Scots, his men waited until night to ambush the sleeping
Scots. To creep up as quietly as possible, some removed their footwear.
One of them stepped on a Thistle, yelled out in pain, warning the
Scotsmen. The Norsemen were defeated.
Herbalist revere the Thistle as a strong medicine for liver ailments as
it contains a chemical sylibin which is powerful in helping the liver. It
is also a stimulant for milk production for mother's.
The Thistle is symbolic of pride and self protection or defense. It
became the royal symbol of Scotland and was
imprinted on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.
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