Hope you're having a Magical Monday! Have you ever worked with Milk Thistle? Milk Thistle is a strikingly beautiful member of its family - with its sharply serrated, white veined leaves they cannot be overlooked. The name ‘Milk-thistle’ refers to a legend according to which 3 drops of holy milk from the Virgin’s breast is said to have dropped on to the leaf, forever marking it as an herb of our Lady (formerly known as the Great Goddess). Pliny, who wrote about the history of the natural world in the first century, already mentioned Milk-thistle as a wholesome food. In rural areas of Mediterranean countries thistles are still commonly eaten as vegetables. The most eminent member of the thistle family, the artichoke, has even conquered the plates and palates of the most discerning gourmands around the world. The Milk-thistle lacks the large globular flower bud of its cousin, but it is just as edible and perhaps even more wholesome. What we particularly appreciate about this herb are not its petals but its seeds. Milk-thistle has drifted in and out of medical awareness over the course of the centuries, at times being very popular, then being half forgotten only to return to popularity once more some decades later on. It is lucky that this wonderful healing herb has never been completely forgotten, for its liver protective powers are truly amazing. It is the only known agent capable of protecting the liver against the deadly mycotoxin of the Death Cap. Milk Thistle can interact with medications, cause allergic reactions, and more. Do not ingest Milk Thistle seed on your own. Magickal Uses; Snake Enraging. An herb of protection and vitality. A bowlful placed in a room strengthens the spirits and renews vitality. One may be carried for added strength and energy. They offer protection when grown in the garden or carried in the pocket. Throwing them into a fire will deflect lightning away from your home. Wearing a garment made from thistle will break any spell. Poppets are also stuffed with thistle to break spells. Use in healing spells and for depression. It is said that when a man carries one he becomes a better lover. A method of calling spirits is to boil some thistle. After removing it from the heat, be seated next to the bowl and begin meditating. As the steam rises, so will your questions and their answers will be heard. A bowl of thistle in a room strengthens the spirits and renews vitalizes within. Carry it for strength and energy. Grown in a garden it wards off thieves. Grow in a pot by your doorstep to protect against evil. Keep in your pocket it guards you. If you have a spell cast against you wear a garment made of spun thistle. Stuff poppets with it to break hexes. Thistle is used in any magic where you are the target of any negative energy, for protection and blessing. In England they used the tallest thistle as a magical wand or walking stick. As with the other the flower root and leaves are edible (NOT the seeds!) It also aids in digestion. the seeds and leaves were used for low milk flow, coughs and depression, live, gallbladder, and spleen problems. The seeds were once used to protect the liver from toxins, including death cap mushrooms. It’s also used to prevent travel sickness. Under no circumstances should anyone use the seeds, except a qualified practitioner. Milk-thistle can be used for protection and to dispel the negative daemons of gloom and doom. It attracts good spirits and helps to fend off all evil influences. The name suggests that prior to becoming associated with the Virgin Mary this herb belonged to the Great Goddess. Source: HerbRiot on Tumblr It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.