Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | October, 2011

You entered Garden Artichoke, the more common name is...

A nutritious vegetable, Artichoke flowers or heads are believed by some to be an aphrodisiac. The total antioxidant capacity of artichoke flower heads is one of the highest reported for vegetables.  Through the years, various studies worldwide have shown that people's blood cholesterol levels dropped after eating artichoke. In fact, an anti-cholesterol drug called Cynara is derived from this herb. In 1940, a study is Japan showed that artichoke not only reduced cholesterol but it also increased bile production by the liver and worked as a good diuretic.   Artichokes can also be made into a herbal tea. It affords some of the qualities of the whole vegetable, acting as a diuretic and improving liver function.  This diuretic vegetable is of nutritional value because of its exhibiting an aid to digestion, strengthening of the liver function and gall bladder function, and raising of the HDL/LDL ratio. This reduces cholesterol levels, which diminishes the risk for arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.  The best way to benefit from the many medicinal properties the Artichoke offers would be by ingesting the delicious leaves, heart and stems of the flower.  There is a variety of ways in which to prepare it.

Artichoke

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Cynara cardunculus)


This perennial thistle is native to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean. However, it is cultivated in many areas. California produces most of America's Artichoke crops The recently introduced seed cultivar "Imperial Star" has been bred to produce in the first year without such measures. An even newer cultivar, "Northern Star", is said to be able to overwinter in more northerly climates, and readily survive subzero temperatures.. It grows to heights of 4 ½ to 6 ½ feet, with thistly leaves that are grayish-green. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 3.1 to 5.9 inches in diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucel bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke" or beard. These are inedible.



Common Names:

Garden Artichoke, Globe Artichoke


Artichoke

Uses:

A nutritious vegetable, Artichoke flowers or heads are believed by some to be an aphrodisiac. The total antioxidant capacity of artichoke flower heads is one of the highest reported for vegetables. Through the years, various studies worldwide have shown that people's blood cholesterol levels dropped after eating artichoke. In fact, an anti-cholesterol drug called Cynara is derived from this herb. In 1940, a study is Japan showed that artichoke not only reduced cholesterol but it also increased bile production by the liver and worked as a good diuretic. Artichokes can also be made into a herbal tea. It affords some of the qualities of the whole vegetable, acting as a diuretic and improving liver function. This diuretic vegetable is of nutritional value because of its exhibiting an aid to digestion, strengthening of the liver function and gall bladder function, and raising of the HDL/LDL ratio. This reduces cholesterol levels, which diminishes the risk for arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The best way to benefit from the many medicinal properties the Artichoke offers would be by ingesting the delicious leaves, heart and stems of the flower. There is a variety of ways in which to prepare it.



Applications:

Tea:
Drink 1 to 3 cups a day. Honey, sugar or lemon may be added.


Warnings:

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.