Artichoke Tea

The Globe Artichoke (Cynara) is one of the oldest medicinal plants usedas a remedy, dating back to 4th century B.C. Ancient Greeks and Romansutilized the artichoke primarily as a digestive aid. Since then itspread gradually throughout Europe. The success is explained by theartichoke's health benefits. Having a powerful effect on the productionof bile and fat-digesting enzymes, the artichoke improves digestion andliver function. Moreover, the artichoke lowers cholesterol levels byreducing absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, with lesscholesterol being synthesized in the liver and more being eliminated.
German researchers confirmed the bile promotion of the artichokeleaf extract with a double blind clinical study. The increased bileflow promotes the digestion of fat and contributes to the protection ofintestinal mucosa, which is sensitive to acids. Larger quantities ofbile acids entering the duodenum stimulate intestinal peristalsisresulting in better digestion. As the human body consumes toxins inmany different forms through food, water, and the air we breathe, thesetoxins constantly bombard the liver. Bile serves as a carrier, movingthese toxins from the liver on to the intestine for furtherelimination. When bile excretion is inhibited, toxins and cholesterolmay remain in the liver and have damaging effects. Bile flow inhibitionmay lead to bile duct obstruction or gallstones. Other reasons of bileinhibition are alcohol ingestion, viral hepatitis, and certainchemicals and drugs.
The liver-detoxifying and protective properties of the artichokefirst came to the attention of researchers in a 1966 study thatsupported its effect on liver regeneration in rats. Another researchfound the artichoke's cynarin and caffeic acids have significantprotective effects against harmful chemicals. The artichoke's liverprotective properties are partly attributed to its documentedantioxidant actions. The antioxidant properties were confirmed in a2000 study that focused on human white blood cells under variousinduced oxidative stresses.
Symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, stomachache, andconstipation are all alleviated with artichoke tea. The improved bilesecretion that the artichoke promotes aids digestion, especially offatty foods, and also increases bowel movement thus reducingconstipation. At the same time, artichoke preparation is welltolerated. A 1999 clinical investigation focused on gallbladderfunction, which showed the efficacy and safety of artichoke extracts inthe treatment of hepatobiliary dysfunction and digestive complaints,such as sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominalpain. Also, another research showed that 96% patients with IrritableBowel Syndrome (IBS) rated artichoke leaf extract as better than orequal to previous therapies administered for their IBS symptoms.
Our food is often made with hydrogenated oils, saturated fats, highamounts of processed sugar, and fruits lacking important nutrients. Asa result we are prone to higher cholesterol, which often is responsiblefor heart attacks, the leading cause of death. Clinical trials over thelast 30 years have found that the artichoke leaf lowers cholesterol andtriglyceride levels, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels tendto increase. In the 1970s, European scientists first documented theartichoke's ability to lower cholesterol in humans. One of the morerecent studies, published in 2000, was a double-blind, randomized,placebo-controlled study. For six weeks, 143 patients with highcholesterol were given artichoke preparation. The results showed adecrease of 10-15% in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL),and ratio of LDL to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Many of us cannot resist the temptation to eat junk food in front ofthe TV or drink beer in a local pub with friends. As a result our liveris under constant stress and our cholesterol level increases. Despitethe harmful effects, we find it hard to change our lifestyle.Fortunately, artichoke herbal tea is a solution for tolerating theingestion of fatty foods and alcohol. The artichoke improves digestion,protects the liver, and lowers cholesterol.

Artichoke Tea improves digestion, protects the liver, and lowers cholesterol.