Description
Other Names:
Asteraceae (Family) / Globe / Alcachofra / Alcachofera / Artichaut / Tyosen-Azami / Globe Artichoke
Botanical Description:
- A perennial plant which grows in the Mediterranean area and the Canary Islands and is widely cultivated elsewhere as a food plant.
- Its tuberous root produces a stem from 3 to 5 feet high, with alternate, thistle-like leaves that are greyish-green above and woolly white underneath.
- The blue flowers are enveloped in the familiar globular heads of purplish-green, spiny scales which terminate the main branches.
- Artichokes destined for the dinner table are flower heads that were picked before maturity.
- Flowering time varies from Spring to Mid-Summer, depending on the warmth of the climate.
Part of Plant Used:
- Flower Heads
- Leaves
- Root
Main Uses:
- Nutritionally beneficial for healthy liver, kidneys, and gallbladder function and the control of cholesterol.
- During the 1930’s, clinical studies established its value in lowering blood cholesterol, urea and nitrogen waste products of metabolism.
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 143 people with high cholesterol, artichoke leaf extract significantly improved cholesterol readings.
- Germany’s Commission E has authorized its use for “dyspeptic problems.” Dyspepsia is a rather vague term that corresponds to the common word “indigestion,” indicating a variety of digestive problems including discomfort in the stomach, bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, and mild diarrhoea or constipation. At least one substantial double-blind study indicates that artichoke leaf is indeed helpful for this condition.
- A number of animal studies suggest that artichoke protects the liver from damage by chemical toxins.
Warnings:
- Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
- When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
- Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
- Problems with pregnant women have not been proved. It is however always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking any medication or supplements.
- Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers when mother takes small or usual amounts have not been proved. It is however always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
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