Flower power cure for IBS

Flower power cure for IBS

The artichoke is a strange 'flower' that has been eaten and enjoyed in Mediterranean countries for decades for its unique taste, but it has never really caught on in the UK. We might be missing out on a trick though as recent studies have shown artichoke extracts could offer huge benefits for the 22% of the population in the UK who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Whilst we're not suddenly going to start eating huge amounts of artichokes as a country over night, Natur Boutique hope the launch of the first mainstream artichoke tea could help us on our way to becoming a nation of happier tummies.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and a change of bowel habits often not linked to an obvious cause. Although there is no current cure for IBS, there are treatments which attempt to relieve symptoms, including changing your diet, medication and psychological investigation.

Cures and remedies range from supplementation with fibre, laxatives, and even anti-depressants, but now scientists have shown that a natural extract of artichoke is able to help with this unwanted and often painful problem.

Studies and clinical trials showed that extracts of artichoke were able to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia1-3, the scientific term for having a constant upset stomach or indigestion. This led to the idea that artichoke could also have benefit sufferers of IBS.

And the researchers certainly seem to have got it right as a study in the UK 4 showed that an amazing 96% of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) rated artichoke leaf extract as better than or equal to previous therapies administered for their IBS symptoms.

The easy way to enjoy Artichoke and its benefits
Artichokes can be difficult to get hold of in the UK and even harder to know what to do with once you do have them, but a company called Natur Boutique have just launched one of the UK's first artichoke teas.

A herbal tea with a twist, Artichoke tea is a tasty alternative to tea or coffee and could be the easy answer to the pain and discomfort of IBS. Furthermore artichoke has been seen to have other health benefits and studies have shown it could help maintain a healthy liver5, detox6 and reduce cholesterol7.

For further information or to buy visit www.drinkherbaltea.co.uk or ask at your local health store.

Pregnant and breast feeding women should seek advise from their doctors before using artichoke extracts. Artichoke leaf extract should not be taken in the presence of gallstones or other bile duct occlusion, due to its bile stimulating effects.