Page 92 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

resembles ginger root. However, the color can vary
Jerusalem Artichoke, from white to pale brown, or even red or purple.
Helianthus tuberosus Edible Use: The cooked root tuber is eaten as a veg-
etable and tastes similar to an artichoke, hence the
Also called sunroot, sunchoke, and earth apple, the Je- name. I use the tubers as a substitute for potatoes; they
rusalem artichoke is a species of sunflower found in have a sweeter, nuttier flavor.
Eastern North America. It is easy to cultivate in the They can be eaten raw, made into flour, pickled, or
garden. It is in the Aster/Daisy Family.
cooked. For some people, Jerusalem artichokes cause
flatulence and gastric pain, so watch for gastric prob-
lems when Jerusalem artichokes are first introduced to
the diet.
Medicinal Use: Jerusalem artichoke’s medicinal
action is due to its high concentration of inulin. It is
one of the best sources of this valuable component
available. To use Jerusalem artichoke for medicinal
purposes, simply include it as a vegetable in the daily
diet.

Diabetes: Fresh
Jerusalem arti-
chokes are approxi-
mately 76% inulin
(not to be confused
Jerusalem Artichoke, Paul Fenwick, CC SA 3.0
with insulin), which
Identification: Jerusalem artichoke grows up to 10 helps regulate blood
feet (3 meters) tall. Rough, hairy leaves can be found sugar levels in dia-
opposing each other on the upper part of the stem, betics. During stor-
while lower leaves are alternate. The lower leaves are age, the inulin is
larger, up to a foot long. Higher leaves are smaller and converted to fruc-
narrow. Yellow flowers are a composite of 60 or more- tose, giving the tu-
disc florets in the flower head, surrounded by 10 to 20 ber a sweet taste.
ray florets. Small sunflower seeds grow on the disc. The Tubers grown in
flower head grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. warm weather have
The edible tubers are elongated, up to 4 inches (10 cm) higher insulin levels
long and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Their appearance than those in colder
regions, but all can
be used to help con- Jerusalem Artichoke Flowers, Paul Fen-
trol blood sugar in wick, CC by SA 3.0
diabetes.

Digestive Problems: Jerusalem artichokes are
useful as a prebiotic fiber to help increase beneficial
gut flora. They also stimulate stomach secretions that
help control indigestion, dyspepsia, and slow diges-
tion. However, Jerusalem artichokes do cause gas and
intestinal pain in some people.

Enhances the Immune System: Jerusalem ar-
tichokes have immune-enhancing properties. They in-
crease the body’s defense mechanisms against viruses

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