Diamond Author
Have you ever wondered why most cough remedies are cherry flavored? It has little to do with the flavor but with the connection between aspects of the cherry tree and the remedy being offered. Until science came up with other methods, cherry bark was the "go to" remedy.
The importance of cherry trees is celebrated in several ways in the U.S. In 1912, the city of Tokyo gave the United States 3000 cherry trees to be planted in Washington D.C. Every year, there is a huge festival there to celebrate the blossoming of these trees.
Our national mythology has a story about a young George Washington cutting down his father's cherry tree, then saying when asked about it "I cannot tell a lie..." There is serious doubt the event happened, but it does point out the importance of the tree. Read on for some of the real reasons:
1) Anti-inflammatory: Both the bark and the fruit itself contain properties that can reduce swelling. People with arthritis, gout and other painful inflammatory conditions can have tasty relief by eating a few on a daily basis. If you choose to use the bark, do so in moderation as it can cause poisoning in large amounts.
2) Cough Reflex: The toxin in the bark is a substance that turns into cyanide when digested. In small amounts, cyanide can be useful in stopping the cough reflex. If you have bronchitis, the flu or other illnesses that cause heavy coughing, particularly if it is spasmodic, a tea of the bark could help and give you some respite from it.
3) Fiber Content: Like many fruits and vegetables, cherries are high in fiber. One serving gives you three grams or twelve percent of the daily fiber requirements. As they also only have 87 calories per serving, it's a yummy, low calorie way to meet that need.
4) Gout: This is one of the most painful medical conditions out there. It is a form of arthritis which usually starts in the right big toe by crystals dropped from the blood. These crystals are very sharp and cause the area to become red and so painful that even a bed sheet weighs more than the foot can tolerate. Many doctors recommend cherry juice for this condition.
5) Uric Acid: The crystals that cause gout are formed when there is too much uric acid in your blood stream. This is a waste product from a component in protein, and can be a problem even if gout is not present. Those with kidney disease also tend to have excessive amounts, which will do damage to many organs. Cherry juice is not only an anti-inflammatory, it can actually help rid the body of this waste product.
6) Vitamins: The fruit has Vitamins A and C, plus calcium and iron.
The next time you see a batch of cherries at the market, give into the temptation to enjoy this small, dark red berry. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your body.
About this Author
For more information about home remedies, you can visit my site: http://healing-home-remedies.com/. There are blogs and articles about many herbs and the conditions they may help. Subjects include stress, back pain, the flu, gout and cholesterol. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. The report discusses the uses, side effects, precautions and interactions of popular herbs. My eBooks, also found on the site, contain information about foods and herbs that can help you deal with the problems life throws our way. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at: mary@healing-home-remedies.com. Mary Bodel, MH
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