Artichoke is a herbaceous plant of the Compositae family, it produces large inflorescences that are eaten. The product is unblown kidney, which consists of large fleshy scales. The artichoke has a lot of useful properties that were used for many thousands of years ago to treat various pathologies. With its help, it is possible to recover from infertility, to cope with diseases of the liver, heart and blood vessels. There are contraindications to the use of plants that you need to know.
Plant description
Artichoke is a culture that belongs to the Astrov family. Large inflorescences are formed on the plant, which are used to prepare various dishes and remedies.
In other words, the artichoke is a flower bud that did not have time to blossom. The constituent elements of the culture are fleshy scales rather large in size.
The plant is a perennial and has a straight low stem. The leaves of the artichoke are quite wide and feathery. Bottom leaves are covered with white hairs and form a rosette closer to the root.
The appearance of the artichoke resembles a thistle. During flowering in the culture appear flowers of purple or blue.
The benefits and healing properties of artichoke
Artichoke is considered a unique product, and this is due to its rich natural composition. The plant is considered a source of many trace elements and vitamins that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Inflorescences are of great value and contain the following components:
- inulin;
- cinarin;
- organic acids;
- essential oils;
- vitamins of various groups;
- micro and macronutrients.
The product is low in calories, so it is often introduced into the menu of various diets. The benefit of the artichoke for the body is that it fills it with useful substances. The presence of such a product in the diet has a positive effect on the general health and mood of the person.
You can select some useful properties of the plant:
- It is considered an effective prophylactic against cancer and heart disease. The artichoke contains quercetin and rutin, which inhibit the growth of abnormal cells, and in their action they are similar to chemotherapy drugs.
- Helps normalize digestion. In the plant there is a lot of fiber, which has a positive effect on the work of the organs of the digestive system. Manages to get rid of constipation, normalize stools and prevent the appearance of tumors in the intestine.
- Normalizes the gallbladder. With the help of artichokes, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of developing cholecystitis and normalize the production of bile in the body.
- Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Regular consumption of artichoke reduces the amount of cholesterol and sugar in the body, which has a positive effect on the work of the heart and vascular system.
- Improves the appearance of a person. The product contains a large amount of antioxidants and ascorbic acid, which improves the condition of the skin. In addition, the aging process slows down.
The use of artichoke helps to improve the functioning of the liver and protect it from the effects of various toxic substances. The product is especially useful if you want to lose weight, because it removes salts and slags accumulated in the body. In addition, the presence of artichokes in the diet helps to normalize the metabolism.
Use in traditional medicine
Alternative medicine recommends the use of artichoke for the treatment of various diseases. From this product is usually prepared teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures.
Artichoke Leaf Tea
Tea from artichoke leaves can be purchased at health food stores in sachets or leaf. To make a drink, you need to brew a tea bag or 1.5 teaspoons of dried plants in a glass of boiling water. The mixture must be left for 5 minutes, then drink.
For the treatment of various pathologies and for preventive purposes, it is recommended to drink this drink several times a day before or after meals. The finished tea has a bitter taste, so it is recommended to add some honey or sugar to it to improve the taste.
Alcohol tincture based on leaves
To prepare the tincture is best to use fresh leaves and inflorescences in equal proportions. It is necessary:
- a glass of crushed artichokes pour 200 ml of alcohol;
- leave to insist for 21 days.
Take this tool should be in micro doses, that is, a drop of alcohol tincture dissolved in a spoonful of water. The duration of treatment and the multiplicity of techniques depend on the type of pathology and its stage.
Infusion inflorescences
For the preparation of the infusion is best to take dried raw materials, that is, leaves or inflorescences. It is necessary to pour a teaspoon of the plant into the container and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture to withstand at least 2 hours, filtered and taken as intended.
Such a folk remedy is recommended to drink in the treatment of pathologies that are associated with impaired functioning of the kidneys, liver or heart. In addition, this infusion is considered an effective tool in the treatment of atherosclerosis and tissue edema. The infusion should be taken 15-20 minutes before a meal, and the dosage is determined individually, taking into account the complexity of the pathology. Usually, 25-50 ml is prescribed at one time.
Fresh juice
For problems with potency, you can drink fresh artichoke juice. It is necessary to accept means 2 times a day on 50-60 ml. A mixture of artichoke juice and honey can be used for rinsing the mouth with thrush in children and stomatitis.
Juice has a stimulating effect on the hair, so the ancient healers recommended rubbing it into the hair follicles with progressive baldness. Artichoke juice should be applied to the hair, rub into the roots and wash off after 2 hours.
Useful properties of artichoke extracts
Artichoke extract made in Vietnam helps:
- cleanse the body, especially blood;
- restore the liver after surgery or long-term use of potent drugs;
- cure the gallbladder and its ducts.
Using the artichoke extract, it is possible to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood, normalize the metabolic processes in the body and calm the nervous system. The drug in a short time can excrete excess salts, toxins and uric acid. The hood is recommended for use in various failures of the liver, hepatitis and atherosclerosis, and it also helps to cope with problems in the thyroid gland.
Artichoke resin is sold for 100 grams in the form of a briquette. To make artichoke tea, you need to cut ¼ tsp of the vegetable product and pour a small amount of boiling water over it. Mix well until complete dissolution of the bar. This tool to drink several times a day for half an hour before meals. It is important to remember that taking artichoke extract can cause a side effect such as diarrhea.
Artichoke in Diet
Numerous studies by nutritionists have confirmed that artichoke is an effective product for weight loss. You can eat leaves, stems and baskets of plants, and in all parts of the amount of nutrients is the same. The artichoke contains vitamins B, C, E and K, as well as a large number of micro and macro elements. In addition, this product contains fiber, the amount of which is much greater than in prunes. However, the main advantage of the product is that it helps to inhibit the growth of malignant cells.
Artichoke is a source of antioxidants, and its constant presence in the diet slows aging. In addition, it improves the metabolic processes in the body and thereby contributes to weight loss.
Many nutritionists appreciate a vegetable for its silymarin content, which accelerates the recovery of damaged liver tissue. With the help of artichoke it is possible to improve the work of the digestive system and normalize cholesterol. Artichoke extract for weight loss helps reduce appetite and slow down the process of fat oxidation, transforming them into free radicals. The product is low-calorie, but at the same time very nutritious and contains a number of useful trace elements.
Peeled artichokes can be subjected to any kind of processing, that is, fry, pickle, stuff or salt. The simplest way of cooking is cooking the fruits, after which they can be eaten with any side dish.
Contraindications and side effects
Like any other plant, the artichoke has some contraindications to its use. It is not recommended to introduce such a product into the diet for women during the breastfeeding period, for children of preschool age and for patients with kidney pathologies.
Artichoke can not be eaten with diseases of the digestive system. The plant has a diluting property and can lower pressure, so it is not recommended for people with hypotension. It is not allowed to abuse the beneficial properties of the plant, because in large quantities the product may adversely affect the state of health.
