By Luzia Barclay DBTh MIRCH
Artichoke and cardoon are two very similar looking plants from the same thistle family: Cynara. Both plants have greyish-green leaves that grow up to 3 feet long. Their flower stalks can grow up to eight feet tall. We consume the large immature flowers of the artichoke just before the flower head opens. The fleshy part at the base of the flower is known as the artichoke heart, a culinary delicacy!
Cardoons are favoured for their young leaves and soft, immature flower stalks, which can be eaten cooked or raw.
To enjoy this delicacy you brake off the green leaves or bracts that cover the “choke” after you have steamed the globe artichoke for about 30 minutes and scrape the thick pulp-like parts of the leaf against your teeth. Some people enjoy dipping the bracts in vinaigrette or other dipping.
Artichokes and cardoons both focus on the health of liver and gallbladder. They enhance digestion by increasing bile flow. Both plants contain high levels of medicinal phytochemicals like cynarin, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, apigenin, beta-sisterol and many others. Research indicates that many of these natural occurring chemicals reduce cholesterol and inflammation and also have potential cancer-preventing properties. Both plants were found to not only be protective for the liver but also protect the heart. Some sources found that they help to prevent colon cancer.
Artichoke leaf extract reduces total excess cholesterol, LDL cholesterol levels and can reduce triglyceride levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol).
If you grow artichoke in your garden or allotment you will have plenty of leaves to make artichoke leaf tincture or you might even want to try and make your own Italian Cynar using artichoke leaves you grew yourself, for health purposes of course.
There are studies that show that artichoke improves symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion, abdominal pain), easing cramps and acid reflux, bloating and nausea. Of course the root cause of these symptoms must be investigated. When the liver function has improved very often other digestive problems improve alongside.
Like many foods we eat artichoke is another example of food and medicine rolled in one.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have relating to this article.
Luzia Barclay DBTh MIRCH Registered Medical Herbalist www.herbsforhealing.org.uk
info@luzia.co.uk
07716 872 756 or 01722 330663.