The Loquat tree, tasty healthy fruit
& medicine?
Mother
Nature offers us some amazing gifts and spectacular beauty. We live on this
planet and breathe the air, drink the water and we can enjoy the incredible
variety of nutrition she provides.
A huge part
of our nutrition is derived from plants of all species. Plants also provide
medicine and they can also be poisonous to some creatures and yet safely eaten
by others.
One
interesting tree I would like to discuss with you is the Loquat Tree Eriobotrya japonica. Loquat trees are
found almost all over the world.
Some of you
may know the tree as Nispero de Japon in Spanish or Japanese Plum, Nespolee in
Italian. Many other common names are also used worldwide.
The Loquat
tree has been grown in Japan and China for thousands of years. The tree was first
discovered in 1690 by a Botanist named Kaempfer. The Loquat tree is related to
roses believe it or not!
Loquat trees
produce delicious yellow orange fruits much like little pears or plums. They
are excellent tasting sweet and slightly tart when ripe.
The best
varieties I have come to grow and enjoy eating are Yehuda, Champagne,
Christmas, Bradenton and some others. These named varieties are grafted and
have been around for many years.
Loquat trees
are easy to grow and are evergreen. The trees produce two crops per year on
average. These trees are typically pollinated by bees. Trees grow in
subtropical and mild-temperate climates. The best crop is generally from early February
to March in Florida.
Besides
eating the fruit for its delicious flavor and nutrition, some make a tea from
the leaves for relaxation and extracts from the tree are used in Ancient Traditional
Medicine. The tea is reported to relieve diarrhea, depression and counteract
intoxication. Leaves can also reduce swelling.
*See
Disclaimer regarding any medicinal or health uses!
Additional Health
Benefits of Loquat Leaf
Loquat Leaf is
believed to offer incredible health benefits. Keep reading you
probably will be
surprised the tree offers so much to us in so many ways.
Loquat Leaf Extracts
Aids Mucous Membranes
Loquat leaf
helps your body release anti-oxidants known to fight aging.
Loquat leaf
produces a variety of chemicals shown to increase insulin production which may
help to reduce diabetes.
Loquat Leaf
Assists the Liver in Detoxifying Chemicals
Loquat leaf
contains (B-17), and this substance is known to help combat liver disorders as
well as supporting the livers ability to process and eliminate poisons in the
body.
Much
research is being conducted worldwide on the benefits of Loquat extracts from
all parts of this wonderful tree given to us by Mother Nature. Some studies are
ongoing in cancer research as well as in the production of anti-viral
medications.
* DISCLAIMER:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Do not rely on this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are
not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional. We grow
fruit trees and are not health care professionals.
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