@Roy Houston from Grok: **Yes, Canadian Thistle (Cirsium arvense, also known as Creeping Thistle) has documented nutritional value and traditional medicinal uses, though it is primarily known as an invasive weed.** It is **edible** (with proper preparation to handle spines), and various parts have been used in folk medicine. Modern research is limited compared to more studied plants, but it shows promising phytochemical properties. Always properly identify the plant, forage from clean areas, and consult a healthcare professional or expert before using it medicinally, as individual responses vary and scientific clinical evidence in humans is not extensive. ### Nutritional Uses and Benefits - **Edible parts**: Young leaves, peeled stems (when flexible), roots, and flower heads/buds are commonly consumed. Young leaves are described as tasty and can be eaten raw (after smashing spines), in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, or as a potherb. Stems can be peeled and eaten raw; roots and flowers are also used. - **Nutrient profile**: It is notably nutritious, often higher in fiber, protein, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, and other minerals than some common cultivated vegetables (per some analyses). Roots contain inulin (a prebiotic fiber). - **Culinary ideas**: It can be used in green drinks/smoothies, soups, dips, kraut, tea, chai, or as a spinach substitute. Some foragers process it into lemonade, snacks, or liqueurs. **Caution**: Roots are high in inulin, which some people find indigestible (gas/bloating). Start small, and spines must be handled/removed. ### Medicinal and Traditional Uses Traditional and folk uses (often from Native American tribes or other ethnobotanical knowledge) include: - **General properties**: Hepatic (liver support), anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, tonic, and sometimes emetic (vomiting-inducing) or emmenagogue. - **Specific traditional applications**: - Roots: Chewed for toothache; decoction for indigestion, worms in children, or as a tonic. Paste for indigestion.

@Roy Houston make the best of a bad situation.

Rapid growth cloning machine to make more of me to tackle all of my ever growing list of projects.

You'd think that with the cost of cell service in Canada, there would actually be service.

@Roy Houston yup. That's the one. I wouldn't have a shop without one. Probably my most used tool.

@Roy Houston

I'm not complaining. The river regulates the level of my well, so as long as the water's high, I don't have to worry about running dry.