Artichoke - A Food and a Medicine

 

 

Artichokes are in season at this time of year; considered rather a delicacy, the heads of Artichokes are highly nutritious. Artichoke is also used as an effective herbal medicine. The Artichoke leaves are specially prepared to make the herbal medicine which concentrates the healing actions of Artichoke.

 

Artichokes are in season at this time of year; considered rather a delicacy, the heads of Artichokes are highly nutritious. Artichoke is also used as an effective herbal medicine. The Artichoke leaves are specially prepared to make the herbal medicine which concentrates the healing actions of Artichoke.

 

Traditional use and recent studies show Artichoke can help people who have liver and gall bladder diseases. It can help digest fat, detoxify the body and reduce fluid retention.

 

Recent research shows it is particularly helpful for people who have high cholesterol. When seventy five people with high cholesterol took an herbal preparation of Artichoke for 12 weeks their overall cholesterol dropped to a healthier level. Artichoke taken as a herb also improved the lining of the blood vessel walls in people who had high cholesterol. 

 

Improvements in Blood Sugar levels occurs when taking Artichoke as an herbal remedy, especially in people who are overweight. Artichoke also prevents indigestion, and helps breaks down fat in meals. 

 

The antibacterial actions and protective antioxidants contained in Artichoke help us understand how it has for hundreds of years been considered a terrific general tonic to health. Other research has noted it may help fight cancer, and the HIV virus.

 

Herbal medicine generally includes a number of herbs tailor-made to meet your personal needs regarding all aspects of your health. The combination of different herbs can have a synergistic effect; this means that each herb will help others to work more effectively.

 

Taken correctly herbs tend to have fewer side effects and are safer than many pharmaceutical medications. Ensure you seek advice before using any herbal medicines.

 

Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more about herbal medicine that can be tailored to your personal needs, and to book your Naturopathic consultation; call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz

 

 

Original Article December 2014

Copyright Jaine Kirtley

 

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