Artichoke as medicine

How to use this unusual vegetable/herb.

Amplify’d from www.altmeds.com

Artichoke

The leaves of the globe artichoke are long and spiny and the branched stem can reach up to 3 feet in height. The artichoke has violet-colored or white, thistle-like flowers at the ends of the branches. The flower heads are used in cooking. Fresh and dried artichoke leaves contain the bitter substance cyanopicrin, but the mature flower heads do not. This herb has diuretic properties, while increasing blood circulation, regenerating liver tissue and stimulating the gall bladder. Artichoke is said to reduce blood lipids, serum cholesterol, and blood sugar. It contains numerous phenolic acids and the flavonoids rutin and luteolin. Artichoke leaves are sometimes used as an herbal treatment to: Improve circulation stimulate the secretion of bile help treat hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) fight liver damage from alcohol abuse treat jaundice and hepatitis lower cholesterol levels remove excess water with its diuretic actions Artichoke is known as a liver-protective substance. It can help lower levels of dangerous blood fats. The cyanopicrin in the immature leaves can be used to make a bitter tonic that may help improve digestion and appetite. Eating the cooked artichoke flower head has been said to improve the symptoms of hernia. Read more at www.altmeds.com

 

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