Ø Apple Malus communis: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," the apple's medicinal properties are often forgotten. The fruits of Malus communis
have been cultivated since Roman times; ripe apples were used as laxatives and unripe ones to counter diarrhea. Most apples
are cool and moist; juices and infusions were prescribed for fevers and eye infections.
§ Warning: Avoid eating the seeds of any apple as they contain high levels of the powerful poison
cyanide.
∞ Botanical name: Malus sylvestris or Pyrus malus
∞ Chinese Botanical name:
∞ This information clearly states that Apple do have benefits.
---Description--- One-a-Day Protection – Cancer; Constipation; Diabetes; Diarrhea; Heart Disease;
Lead Poisoning; Stroke; Wound Infection.
---Family--- Rosaceae; other members include rose, almond and strawberry.
---Parts
used--- Fruit.
---Synonyms--- Wild Apple; Common Apple; Malus communis. Wikipedia.org Malus Sieversii;
---Constituents--- Pectin and phloretin
---Medicinal Action and Uses---
Although few contemporary
herbalists consider the apple to be an herb, it has a venerable tradition as a healing agent.
So much of what the ancient herbalists believed about the healing powers of this delectable fruit has been scientifically
supported that it’s time to let the apple resume its respected place on the herbal roster.
· DIARRHEA – Some
studies show that pectin helps relieve diarrhea because intestinal bacteria transform it into a soothing, protective coating
for the irritated intestinal lining. In addition, pectin adds bulk to the stool,
which helps resolve both diarrhea and constipation.
Some diarrhea is caused by bacterial
infection. One study shows apple pectin is effective against several types of
bacteria capable of causing diarrhea. No wonder pectin is the “pectate”
in the over-the-counter diarrhea preparation, Kaopectate.
· CONSTIPATION - Physicians recommend diets high in fiber to add bulk to the stool. Bulk stimulates normal bowel contractions and relieves constipation.
· HEART DISEASE AND STROKE – Pectin may help reduce blood cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease and some types of stroke. In the presence of pectin, the cholesterol we eat remains in the intestinal tract
until it is eliminated. So eat an apple for desert when you have meat and dairy
products, and enjoy some protection from their cholesterol.
· CANCER –
The American Cancer Society recommends a high-fiber diet to help prevent several forms of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Pectin binds certain cancer-causing compounds in the colon, speeding their elimination
from the body, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer
Institute.
· DIABETES – Physicians also recommend high-fiber diets to control diabetes.
Several studies show that apple pectin helps control blood sugar (glucose) levels in diabetics.
Traditional Chinese physicians have used apple bark for centuries to treat diabetes, another use supported
by modern science.
