Mary’s thistle

Mary’s thistle is a plant originating from the Mediterranean region which favours dry and sun-drenched soils. Despite its prickly, uninviting appearance, the plant hides a wealth of benefits. The legend behind its white-speckled leaves tells the story of Mary who, fleeing from Egypt to escape persecution, hid behind a bush of Mary’s thistle to suckle the baby Jesus. A few drops of her milk fell onto the leaves, and since that moment, the plant’s leaves have been marbled white. Since Antiquity, the plant has been used to soothe and relieve liver problems.