Apple - An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor away - Treatment and Medical Uses of Apple

Latin description: Malus spp syn Pyrus malus

Parts Used: Inner bark (root bark preferred), buds, blossoms, leaves, fruit. (Note: the inner bark of the wild crab apple is considered the best) Wild crab apple is Malus coronaria syn Pyrus coronaria

Medcinal Uses and Benefits of Apple

• Useful to reduce cholesterol (1983 study) and protect the heart, being rich in soluble fiber. In testing, about 15 grams per day showed reduction in cholesterol of 13% or more during a 3 week period. It is thought the pectins work by binding with bile acids and also increasing excretion of bile acids. It is believed that mucilagenous fibers (ie. pectin, fenugreek and plantain) are better at reducing cholesterol than particulate fibers (ie. wheat bran). It works best when combined with animal or dairy products. It is also useful in preventing and regressing gall stones. Pectin helps to regulate blood sugar. If diabetic and thinking of making changes to the diet, it is important to monitor insulin requirements closely as a reduced need makes insulin overdose possible. Check with doctor when making dietary changes.
• Fresh apple is cleansing when eaten in the morning and tends to be laxative when taken in the evening.
• Used for both diarrhea and constipation; the ripe apple is laxative while the unripe is astringent
• Stewed apples traditionally used for diarrhea and dysentary. Useful for small babies and children; soothing in cases of gastric ulceration or ulcerative colitis.
• In Europe the scraped apple is used to treat infant diarrhea, dysentary and dyspepsia. Also, eating apples as part of a natural regimen for Coeliac disease and infectious diseases of the liver and gall bladder.
• For diarrhea: grate one ripe apple and allow the pulp to stand at room temp for several hours, at which time, it will be considerably darkened; the now oxidized pectin in the fruit is the same basic ingredient as that in the brand product Kaopectate by Upjohn.
• For stubborn constipation juice equal amounts of apple and spinach and take 2 cups per day.
• Contains malic and tartaric acids which neutrilize overacidity. Eat SWEET apples for overacidity and SOUR apples for too little acid or if there is constipation.
• An infusion of dried apple peel is used for rheumatic illness. Also for gout, and as a diuretic in urinary disorders.
• An infusion of fresh raw fruit is used as a warming drink for rheumatic pains, intestinal colic and as a cooling remedy for a feverish cold.
• An infusion of apple blossoms is used for sore throats, colds and as a diuretic.
• Used in poultices for skin inflammations.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals in anemia and debility.
• Used as a folk remedy for bilious ailments, cancer, catarrh, diabetes, dysentary, fever, flux, heart, malaria, pertussis, scurvy, spasm, thirst and warts.

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