Artichoke Plant (Cynara scolymus)

Artichoke Herbal Tea

Ingredients: 100% Artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus).

Traditional uses: in folk medicine, the artichoke leaves are used for difficult digestion and the accumulation of gases. It can also act as a digestive tonic that will improve the functioning of the gallbladder and increase the flow of bile. There are reports that artichoke contains properties that may help lower cholesterol levels (LDL).

The most common name of this plant is "Artichoke" belonging to the "Compositae" family, which comprises about 920 genera with an approximate value of 19,000 species. This species comes from the Mediterranean where its cultivation is done through seeds and spread around the world for medicinal and food purposes. Its main chemical components are phenolics, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes, present in artichoke leaves. Cynarin (mono-caffeoylquinic or chlorogenic acid) reports the active ingredient in the plant. Some biological studies with crud and purified extracts of Artichoke carried out in both animals and humans demonstrate all these effects: hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, choleretic, antioxidant, and other actions.

It should not be that the studies found in the literature are from places with plants grown in Europe.

Consumption of artichoke tea can help reduce cholesterol levels even as prevent diabetes. It contains properties that may be beneficial in the slimming process.

Water temperature: 100º

Infusion time: 5 to 7 minutes.

Recommend quantity: three cups a day before each main meal.

Preparation: 2 dessert spoons to 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cover the container and let it cool. After the Artichoke Tea is cold, strain and drinks immediately. Do not leave the plant in infusion for more than 10 minutes to avoid bittering. If you don't like the pure taste, you can add a few drops of lemon and sweeten it with honey or stevia leaves.

Recommendations: the consumption of this plant should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women without proper medical advice.

Source of Information: Química Nova (Chemical composition and biological activities of leaves of Cynara scolymus L.; Print version ISSN 0100-4042; On-line version ISSN 1678-7064; Quím. Nova vol.26 no.3 São Paulo May/June 2003)

NOTE: However, the image shown was made in our company, the type of cut and dimensions of the plant may vary from supply to supply or time of year.