Artichoke cools the liver and reduces heat

Artichoke contains two important active ingredients, cynarin and silymarin, which help restore liver function and are found abundantly in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.

On May 19, Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, said that artichoke is considered a "miracle drug" for the liver with the ability to cleanse toxins.

In addition, artichoke also contains inulin, inulinase, tannin, organic salts of metals potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, which have the effect of lowering cholesterol and urea in the blood, creating bile, increasing bile secretion, diuretic, often used as a medicine to clear bile, clear urination, treat liver and kidney diseases.

Animal and human trials have shown that artichokes have the effect of stimulating the liver and gallbladder, preventing gallstones, preventing liver poisoning, and lowering blood lipids. For the effect of preventing liver poisoning, the simultaneous presence of cynarin, mineral salts, and sesquiterpen lactone helps regenerate liver cells. Thus, people with viral hepatitis, liver poisoning due to the use of many harmful drugs, high blood lipids, and poor digestion due to lack of bile acids should use artichokes.

Although the energy supply is very low (40-50 Kcal), low in fat and protein, artichokes are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, sulfur and magnesium, especially suitable for people with diabetes. The flowers also help to eliminate toxins for people who are unbalanced due to drinking too much alcohol.

Drink from red artichoke. Photo: Health Care — Drink from red artichoke. Photo: *Health Care*

According to oriental medicine, artichoke leaves have a bitter taste. The parts used are fresh or dried leaves and artichoke flowers. They can be decocted or cooked into a liquid extract, with a dose of 2-10g of dried leaves per day.

Artichoke flowers are boiled in water to drink, used fresh (10-20g) or dried (5-10g) in cases of liver pain, stomach pain, indigestion, low milk supply in postpartum women, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, and physical weakness.

However, people should use it in moderation. Excessive use can lead to complications such as liver damage, smooth muscle spasms of the digestive system, bloating, and fatigue.

Thuy Quynh

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