Thistle
Thistle
Thistle (/ˈθɪsəl/; from Old English þistel) is a term generally used to describe plants with prickly leaves and pink or purple flowers, belonging to the family Asteraceae.
Etymology
The word thistle is derived from the Old English þistel, which is related to the German Distel and Dutch distel. The term is believed to have originated from a Proto-Indo-European root *steyg- meaning "to prick".
Description
Thistles are characterized by their prickly leaves and stems, and their pink or purple flowers. They are typically found in temperate regions and are often considered weeds due to their invasive nature. However, some species of thistles, such as the Scotch Thistle and the Globe Thistle, are cultivated for their ornamental value.
Medical Uses
Thistles have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The Milk Thistle, for example, is known for its liver-protecting properties and is often used in the treatment of liver diseases. Other species, such as the Blessed Thistle, are used for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Related Terms
- Asteraceae: The plant family to which thistles belong.
- Scotch Thistle: A species of thistle often cultivated for its ornamental value.
- Globe Thistle: Another species of thistle cultivated for its ornamental value.
- Milk Thistle: A species of thistle known for its liver-protecting properties.
- Blessed Thistle: A species of thistle used for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thistle
- Wikipedia's article - Thistle
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