The Efficacy and Functions of Jerusalem Artichoke

Jan 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) has a cool nature and can clear heat and cool the blood, making it useful for alleviating various symptoms of blood heat. For conditions such as hemoptysis and epistaxis caused by blood heat, it can clear heat from the blood system through its heat-clearing effect, thereby cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, helping to reduce bleeding symptoms. Jerusalem artichoke also has functions of reducing swelling and relieving pain, and can improve localized redness, swelling, pain, and bruise-related discomfort caused by contusions and injuries.

Jerusalem artichoke is a plant with both medicinal and dietary uses. Its general functions include clearing heat and cooling blood, reducing swelling and relieving pain, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and relieving cough with phlegm-resolving effects.

1. Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood

Jerusalem artichoke is cool in nature and can clear heat and cool the blood, which helps alleviate various symptoms caused by blood heat. For hemoptysis or epistaxis caused by blood heat, it can clear heat from the blood system, achieving a blood-cooling and hemostatic effect, thus helping to relieve bleeding symptoms.

2. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain

Jerusalem artichoke has the effect of reducing swelling and relieving pain and can improve local redness, swelling, pain, and bruise-related discomfort caused by contusions or injuries. Applying mashed Jerusalem artichoke externally can promote local blood circulation, accelerate the dissipation of bruises, and effectively reduce swelling and pain.

3. Promoting Diuresis and Removing Dampness

Jerusalem artichoke can promote bodily fluid metabolism and has diuretic and dampness-removing properties. For conditions such as leg edema or ascites, it can help eliminate excess fluid through urination, alleviate edema symptoms, and improve the body's fluid metabolism balance.

4. Strengthening the Spleen and Regulating the Stomach

Jerusalem artichoke helps enhance the functions of the spleen and stomach, improving symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness, such as poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. It can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, increase secretion of digestive fluids, and enhance the digestive and absorptive capacity of the spleen and stomach.

5. Relieving Cough and Resolving Phlegm

Jerusalem artichoke also has certain effects on the respiratory system, including cough relief and phlegm resolution. For symptoms such as coughing and uncomfortable phlegm expulsion caused by common colds or bronchitis, Jerusalem artichoke can soothe the lungs, relieve cough, reduce irritation of the respiratory mucosa, thin mucus, and promote phlegm discharge.

It is recommended to consume Jerusalem artichoke in moderation; excessive intake should be avoided.

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Can you still eat Jerusalem artichoke raw after it has sprouted?

Jerusalem artichoke usually refers to sunchoke. Generally speaking, if the sunchoke has sprouted but not spoiled, it is usually still safe to eat raw. However, if the sunchoke has sprouted and also shows signs of spoilage, it is typically not edible. After sprouting, sunchokes can generally be eaten raw as long as there are no signs of spoilage. Nevertheless, care should be taken to remove the sprouts and the surrounding areas, thoroughly wash the tuber, and check for any indications of spoilage.

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Can you still eat Jerusalem artichokes when they have sprouted?

Jerusalem artichoke usually refers to sunchoke. Generally speaking, if the sunchoke has only sprouted but not spoiled, it is usually still edible. However, if the sunchoke has both sprouted and spoiled, it is typically not safe to eat. In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating or excessive dietary bias, and increase intake of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, apples, etc.