The healing properties of the medlar have been known to humans since ancient times. The home of the medlar is Southwest Asia. For more than three millennia, it was cultivated in the Caspian Sea region and northern Iran, and was brought to ancient Greece in about 700 BC.
Initially, its fruits were used because of their healing properties, but not as tasty food. Leaves, bark, flowers and seeds were used from the medlar tree. The medlar became particularly popular during the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages, when its ripe fruits began to be eaten. In our lands it is believed that it has been growing since the time of the Thracians.
The good thing about this plant is that it can survive even at temperatures up to -36 degrees. More than 40 species of medlar are known in the botany, which vary in size and shape. The fruits taste sweet and slightly sour, resembling apple puree. The ripening of late autumn – after mid-October to late December. In addition to eating fresh, they can be made from juice, jam and jams.
Indeed, some people avoid them because of their not-so-attractive appearance, which the French even resembled as a plant excrement. And while they are unlikely to win a beauty pageant, the medlar and its beneficial properties are really worth it.
What good is medlar?
The nutritional value of these small fruits is the same as that of apples and pears. They are an excellent natural diuretic and a laxative because of their rich fiber content. Strengthens the large intestine and helps digestion. Still unripe medlar fruits are full of tannin, which disinfects the intestinal flora. Still, the medlar becomes most delicious when its fruits become soft and brown. Then their inside turns into a soft puree that easily comes out of the zipper.
Medlar is also rich in pectin, which leads to normalization of cholesterol levels. Therefore, they are suitable food for diabetics. Fruits strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve vision. There are also four types of organic acids in the medlar – malic, citric and tartaric. And when fermentation begins in the overripe fruit, acetic acid also appears.
Why do they call them the fruits of growth?
Medlar healthy components is rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, sodium, calcium and potassium. It also contains a solid amount of vitamins A, B and C. Thanks to all this, by eating more of these fruits, you will stabilize the levels of iron in your body that is required for the production of protein and hemoglobin. The medlar is thought to stimulate cell growth, and because of calcium, it strengthens the bone system and the teeth. Therefore, they are especially suitable for children. Also for people who are recovering from bone fractures and limb injuries.
Last but not least, these autumn fruits will help the reproductive system of both men and women. Medlar consumption is thought to regulate the menstrual cycle and help with pain. In addition, they increase male fertility and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In folk medicine, medlar bark has long been used to treat malaria, as well as asthma and bronchitis.
If you have bleeding gums, you can easily cure them by preparing a decoction of medlar leaves: boil 20 medlar leaves with half a liter of boiling water. Put back on the stove for 12 minutes, then strain the broth through the gauze. For gum problems, rush three times a day for 1 minute. The tea so prepared can also be drunk – 1 sip three times a day. If you have skin problems, soak up a cotton swab or gauze with a decoction and grease it daily.