The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding your health.
The perfect first product
When I look back on what inspired me to create this one-stop-shop, a true safe haven for non-toxic living, I’m reminded of three guiding values that continue to shape everything we do: simplicity, effectiveness, and purity. Our fresh artichoke leaf tincture is a beautiful reflection of that vision, marking the perfect debut for our very first product.
What is artichoke leaf tincture?
When most people think of artichokes, they picture the hearts used in cooking, but few realize artichokes (Cynara cardunculus) produce large, vibrant green leaves that surround the bud. These leaves are rich in compounds such as cynarin, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which have been used historically in herbal medicine to support healthy digestion, liver and gallbladder function, and overall metabolism.
By tincturing these leaves fresh we can extract many beneficial compounds to get a more concentrated dose. Because artichoke leaves rarely appear at local grocery stores or farmers’ markets, a fresh tincture is one of the easiest ways to access their goodness. Utilizing fresh leaves help preserve more of the delicate, volatile compounds that are often lost in dried-leaf preparations. Of course, we take it a step further by using organic and regeneratively grown artichoke leaves - making our tincture as potent and vibrant as possible!
Just as we’re intentional about what goes in our tincture, we’re just as careful about how it’s bottled. Light and air are two of the biggest enemies of plant-based extracts, quickly degrading the delicate compounds that make fresh artichoke leaf so powerful. I know many people, myself included, tend to leave tinctures out on the counter where they’re easy to grab or remember to take. That’s exactly why I found it so important to bottle ours in violet Miron glass. This unique glass naturally filters out harmful UV rays while allowing in beneficial light to help preserve the tincture’s potency over time. It protects the tincture from premature oxidation and helps extend its freshness and efficacy without the need for synthetic preservatives. You can learn even more about the science behind this incredible glass at miron.com.
What are the benefits of artichoke leaf tincture?
I tasted the fresh artichoke leaf myself, and it is wildly bitter, in the best way. That intense bitterness is exactly what makes it so valuable. Bitter flavors naturally stimulate digestive secretions, helping to prime the stomach, liver, and gallbladder for the work of breaking down food. Herbalists have long used “bitters” before meals to support digestion, ease occasional bloating or discomfort, and encourage healthy bile flow.
Artichoke leaf in particular has been studied for its ability to support liver and gallbladder function, promoting bile production and assisting the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Research also suggests it may help lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy lipid metabolism - benefits closely tied to its effects on bile and fat digestion.
Beyond these key actions, artichoke leaf’s antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, may offer broader protection against oxidative stress and support overall metabolic health including blood sugar support. These qualities make artichoke leaf tincture both a traditional digestive bitter and a modern ally for liver, gallbladder, and cholesterol balance, with added potential benefits for general wellbeing.
How do I use fresh artichoke leaf tincture?
Because bitters work through taste as well as absorption, they’re most effective when taken shortly before meals. A common approach is 10 - 30 drops or ½ - 1 dropper full of fresh artichoke leaf tincture directly on the tongue or diluted in a small amount of water about 10 - 15 minutes before eating. This allows the bitter compounds to activate saliva, stomach acid, and bile flow naturally. If you’re new to bitters or have a sensitive stomach, start with a very small amount to gauge your tolerance. Otherwise, I encourage you to play around with dosage and timing and do what works best with your body.
Shop the tincture here!
Sources and more research:
Speciale A. et al. In Vitro Protective Effects of a Standardized Extract From Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves Against TNF-α-Induced Intestinal Inflammation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022
Looked at how artichoke leaf extract can calm inflammatory responses in intestinal cells — supporting its traditional digestive use.
Acquaviva R. et al. Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus subsp. sylvestris) Leaf Extract: Phenolic Profile and Oxidative Stress Inhibitory Effects on HepG2 Cells. Molecules, 2023
Analyzed the antioxidant compounds in wild artichoke leaves and showed they help protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
European Medicines Agency. Herbal medicinal product monograph: Cynarae folium (Artichoke leaf)
Summarizes evidence for artichoke leaf’s use in supporting digestion, bile flow, and mild digestive complaints in humans.
Rondanelli M. et al. Health-promoting properties of artichoke in preventing and managing liver-related conditions. Monaldi Archives
Reviews how artichoke extracts may benefit liver health and metabolic markers in both animal and human studies.
Acta Horticulturae. The cultivation of Cynara cardunculus L. as a fresh and medicinal plant in Central Europe
Explains how artichoke and related plants are grown and harvested for medicinal use — including fresh leaf preparations.