A tired liver, slow digestion, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a feeling of heaviness after meals are signs of weak bile function. In such cases, Maria Treben recommends a simple yet highly effective combination: artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
What Maria Treben said:
Artichoke is the plant for a lazy liver, and yarrow helps with bile drainage. Combined, they create a tea that revitalizes the entire digestive system.
Maria Treben
Complete Recipe (authentic, directly from the book)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of dried artichoke leaves
- 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow
- 250 ml boiling water
Preparation Method:
- Mix the two plants and pour 250 ml of boiling water over them.
- Cover and let , then strain.
Administration Method:
- Drink 1 cup 15-30 minutes before meals, twice a day (lunch and dinner).
- The treatment should last at least 2 weeks, with breaks of 7 days between series, depending on the body’s reaction.
Benefits
Artichoke:
- Rich in cynarin, an active substance that stimulates bile secretion and liver regeneration.
- Has hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic effects (reduces cholesterol).
- Useful in biliary dyskinesia, fatty liver, slow digestion, and post-food intoxications.
Yarrow:
- Helps with liquefying and eliminating bile, combats spasms in the liver and small intestine area.
- Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the digestive mucosa.
- Supports gentle detoxification of the digestive tract.
What do modern studies say?
- Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed that artichoke extract stimulates bile secretion and has beneficial effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver.
- Phytotherapy Research showed that cynarin and flavonoids from artichoke protect hepatocytes and reduce transaminase levels.
- Yarrow has been studied for its choleretic and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in gastritis and biliary dysfunctions.
Contraindications
- Contraindicated in case of biliary obstruction (large stones) or acute inflammation of the gallbladder without medical advice.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor.
- Artichoke may be contraindicated in allergies to plants from the Asteraceae family.
Sources:
- Maria Treben Health from the Pharmacy of the Lord
- Journal of Medicinal Food, Effects of Cynara scolymus on liver enzymes and lipid metabolism
- Phytotherapy Research, Hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extract
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Achillea millefolium choleretic and anti-inflammatory action
