- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (Mediterranean), Africa (north)
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Food · № 296
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Food · Europe
Globe artichoke
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Traditionally attributed effects: liver tonic and restorative, promotes bile.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
The flower bud as a vegetable; the bitter leaf as an extract or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The artichoke was bred in the Mediterranean from the wild cardoon. In the 20th century the leaf extract became known as a remedy for the liver and gallbladder; it contains cynarin, which promotes bile secretion. Bitter artichoke leaf is used in Italian aperitifs such as Cynar.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Liver tonic and restorative, promotes bile.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tincture