Artichoke Leaf As An Herbal Remedy
Many people know artichokes as a strange many lobed vegetable commonly found in grocery stores, but aren’t aware of the properties of the artichoke leaf. Artichoke leaf actually has a variety of important functions.
With its purplish flower head, the artichoke leaf is indigenous to southern parts of Europe, northern parts of Africa, and the Canary Islands. Artichoke leaf became popular in parts of Rome and Greece, when many people there began to cultivate the plant.
It is the flesh of the spike-tipped petals of the artichoke leaf, which are called “bracts”, as well as the heart of its flower head that are eaten by most Europeans as a delicacy. But it is the artichoke’s large and lobed leaves and their extracts that are widely applied medicinally.
Since the early days, many traditional healers used and approved the artichoke leaf as a treatment for digestive upset, poor liver function, and an array of other disorders. The artichoke leaf is primarily used as a choleretic, which is a substance that fortifies the liver function by means of enhancing bile production. It is also known as diuretic, for its ability to reduce water retention and increase urination.
The artichoke leaf is widely applied as a form of flavoring agent in some alcoholic drinks. Its stems, leaves, and roots produce an aromatic and bitter substance which when added to alcoholic liquors enhance good digestion. Such extremely bitter properties are thought to rouse the production of digestive juices, which is primarily the foundation to which the traditional aperitif is taken before meals in many countries.
Other resources and researches about this perennial plant mention that the artichoke leaf has great medicinal properties. One of the beneficial uses appears to be its impact on the liver. Particularly, in animals, it is noted that the liquid extracts and the leaves of this plant have shown an ability to protect the liver, and there is a possibility that it will aid the liver cells in regeneration.
The artichoke leaf has also acquired a certain reputation for being the best solution for digestive and bowel problems, although research in this area is not yet conclusive. It may also play a vital role in lowering cholesterol.
Although it is only the flower head of this perennial plant that is widely made available, there are still some grocery stores that offer the whole artichoke plant for those who wish to utilize its other parts. You may also find artichoke leaf in multi-ingredient liver remedies which may also be composed of another liver supporting herb known as milk thistle. Due to its widely known uses, a primary active compound of the artichoke leaf which is called “cynarin” is now provided by some stores as standardized extracts.
