GLOBE ARTICHOKE

Globe artichoke remains a key herb for strengthening liver & kidney function, supporting detoxification in chronic conditions such as arthritis,gout & liver disease.
Globe artichoke leaf lowers cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
Also gives relief from symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,abdominal pain, flatulence & constipation. Globe artichoke can be taken to treat irritable bowel syndrome & related symptoms such as bloating, abdominal distension & alternating constipation & diarrhea.
Globe artichoke is often recommended for gallstones, liver disease or damage & poor liver function.
It is also taken for digestive problems like loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation & flatulence. Artichoke stimulates the flow of bile between the liver & gall bladder to aid organ function.
Because of this quality, the herb can be helpful in draining the liver, pancreas & gall bladder.
Globe artichoke has been used to cure jaundice, hepatitis, swelling from fluid retention & urinary stones.
Artichoke is a diuretic & so promotes the flow of urine & helps rid the body of toxins.
It is useful for ridding the body of excess water weight.
Artichoke also has hypoglycemic properties that may lower blood sugar levels.
In some countries, artichokes are considered aphrodisiacs.
Artichoke to reduces plaque formation in the arteries.
Artichoke is thought to help reduce the symptoms of heartburn & alcohol “hangover.”
Some people use artichoke for treating snakebites.

PRECAUTIONS:

Contraindicated in those who have any obstruction of the bile duct (eg. as a result of gallstones). 
There have been reports of kidney failure &/or toxicity from the use of artichoke leaves.
Some side effects reported with the use of globe artichoke are diarrhea, flatulence, increased appetite & weakness.
Globe artichoke may increase your level of liver enzymes.  
Do not use globe artichoke if you have a biliary obstruction (a blockage in the bile duct). 
Do not use globe artichoke if you are allergic to it or to any plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g. chamomile, ragweed, chrysanthemum, sunflower, tansy & yarrow).
Do not use globe artichoke if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
In some people, artichoke can cause some side effects such as intestinal gas & allergic reactions.

RECIPES:

Artichoke & Prosciutto Salad with Rocket:

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

juice of 2 lemons
4 large globe artichokes
100g thinly sliced prosciutto 
25g wild-rocket leaves
50g piece Parmesan cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Put the olive oil, 2 tbsp of the lemon juice & plenty of seasoning into a large bowl & whisk together well.
Set aside.
To prepare the artichokes, cut off the top & the stalk, then slice away the dark green outer leaves, exposing the lighter green & tender part.
Drop the artichoke hearts into a pan of water & the remaining lemon juice to prevent them going brown. 
Just before serving, arrange the slices of prosciutto over the base of 4 plates.
Very thinly slice the artichoke hearts across, ideally using a mandolin, straight into the dressing & immediately toss them together to avoid any discoloration. 
Scatter the dressed artichokes on top of the prosciutto & then loosely scatter over the rocket leaves.
Thinly shave the Parmesan cheese over the top & serve straight away. 

MAGIC:

Artichoke encourages personal growth & protects a person from negative elemental energies.
Artichoke bottoms were once thought to have such a sexually stimulating effect that young women were warned against eating them, else they give in to temptation.