Family: Asteraceae
Which probiotic is it in?: Globe artichoke is a key herb in Detox
Habit and cultivation: Native to the Mediterranean and North Africa. It may be grown from seed in early spring or by planting suckers in late spring. Soil should be rich and moist or sandy. Warm temperate climate is preferable but will need watering if it gets too dry. The unopened flower heads and leaves are picked in early summer.
Actions (known for): bitter tonic/digestive, cholagogue, choleretic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative, hepatotonic, and hypocholesterolaemic.
History
Parts used:
Leaves, bitterest just before flowering. The cynarin content increases if the leaves are continually harvested.
Constituents (bio available chemicals):
Tannins, mucilage, volatile oil, resins and saponins.
Nutritional constituents:
Minerals: High in iron, magnesium, potassium and sulphur.
Indications:
Allergies/sensitivities, digestive weakness, gall stones (cholelithiasis), gall bladder disorders, high cholesterol, liver damage and liver insufficiency.
Dosage:
Infusion: 1 – 2tsp of dried leaves and flowers infused for 10 – 15mins and drunk.
