Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus

Common Name:

English: Globe artichoke
Also, known as: Alcachofa, Alcaucil, ALE, Artichaut, Artichaut Commun, Artichoke Extract, Artichoke Fruit, Artichoke Leaf, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Artischocke, Cardo, Cardo de Comer, Cardon d'Espagne, Cardoon, Cynara, Cynara cardunculus, Cynara scolymus, Garden Artichoke, Gemuseartischocke, Globe Artichoke, Kardone, Tyosen-Azami, Wild Egyptian Artichoke

Origin: Hungary

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:

At first glance, Artichoke might seem like a strange thing to include in an herb and spice, but Artichoke have long been used as food and medicine. They are among the most antioxidant vegetables available. As lovely as the Artichoke vegetable is, this section is specifically about the leaves. What we typically eat (and see at the grocery store) is the flower bud. Artichoke leave are lower down on the plant. Herbalist have long used bitter artichoke leaves for different health condition. New research has been validating these uses and highlighting artichoke leaves.

The globe artichoke also has a tuberous root, but is the larger flower buds that from the edible portion of the plant, and it is from a similarity in the flavor of the tuber of the Jerusalem artichoke. It is one of the world’s oldest cultivated vegetables, grown by the Greeks and the Romans in the heyday of their power. It was introduced in to this countries in the early sixteenth century both as a vegetable and an ornamental plant.

One of the secrets to artichoke leaf’s benefits lies in its bitter taste. How can it teste be good for digestion? The bitter taste is challenging. It is not only provoking our taste buds but also stimulates our entire digestive systems. Our bodies recognize the bitter teste as being potentially poisonous. As a result, when bitterness is detected our system go in to full alert and digestive juices start flowing to mitigate any poison entering our system. When you taste bitter foods and herbs regularly, your system is revved up and ready to go. Without this strong flavor, digestion can become sluggish and slow. In other words, we need bitterness daily to have good digestion

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Artichoke Leaves Powder