Artichoke

Artichoke is quite a well-known plant belonging to the family Compositae. The plant grows to about 1 metre high and is cultivated as a food plant. The leaves are alternate, thistle-like, and greyish-green on top. The large woolly heads are violet in colour. The heads are picked before maturity and sent out for sale in the markets as an edible vegetable.

MEDICINAL USE:
*Causes secretion of the bile, and increases urine flow.
*Prevents arteriosclerosis.
*Jaundice indigestion, reduces proteins in the urine, and in anaemia.
*Tonic for lungs.
*Asthma.
*Diabetes, nephritis, rheumatism, and gout.
*Liver problems.

HOW TO USE:
*As a decoction, the Artichoke head is used for increasing the secretion of bile and urine flow.
*The decoction of the plant is said to prevent arteriosclerosis or thickening of the arterial walls.
*The decoction has been used for jaundice, dyspepsia or indigestion, for the reduction of proteins in
  the urine, and helps in anaemia. The artichoke tea can be used as a tonic for the lungs.
*The decoction of the artichoke mixed with lemon juice is used for asthma.
*It also helps those who suffer from diabetes, nephritis or inflammation of the kidney, rheumatism,
  and gout.
*The infusion of the leaves is effective for liver problems.

PARTS USED:
*The whole plant.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cups