Bearberry ( indigenous kinnickinnick) – A good source of nutrition for Polar bears in the Artic, these berries are collected for their medicinal qualities and used in traditional medicines for pain relief and to treat arthritis and gout. Barberry ( Berberis Vulgaris) – Native to Europe, Africa and Asia these sour berries can be eaten when cooked – high in Vitamin C, they contain an alkaloid antioxidant, berberine, traditionally used for digestive disorders and skin infections. In addition to relief from respiratory conditions, this berry has many medicinal properties due to the antioxidants, cyanidins and quercetin that also alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Richer than any other fruit in Vitamin C, acerola is used in commercial production of vitamins and aids the absorption of dietary iron. Barbados Cherry /Acerola ( Malpighia emarginata) – As the name suggests this berry is native to the Caribbean and parts of central America. It is a rich source of health promoting antioxidants, manganese and Vitamin C which support and strengthen the immune system. Aronia ( Rosacae sp.) – This shrub is native to north America but is now cultivated in Eastern Europe, also known as the chokeberry due to its ability to ‘dry’ out saliva in the mouth. Rich in Vitamin C, phenols, alkaloids and tannins, the berries have powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Amalaki -Indian Gooseberry ( Emblica officinalis – fructus) – These are small fibrous tree bearing berries with a sour taste, grown mainly for their Ayurvedic medicinal properties and traditionally used to treat colds amongst other diseases. Native Americans used the roots of this plant for its antiseptic properties to treat fever, wounds and stomach disturbances. Agarita ( Mahonia Trifoliolata) – Native to Texas this is a wild currant. They are a dark purple fruit from the palm trees in South America and can be found in most supermarkets in dried form. Acai ( Arecaceae) – These are considered a superfood because they are high in fatty acids, proteins and anthocyanins which boost the immune system. There are numerous berries consumed globally that have medicinal properties proven to be beneficial to human health. But, did you know about the diverse range of native medicinal plants around the world that are still used as traditional medicines, especially in areas where access to modern day healthcare is scarce? The CDC recommends the following measures in regard to COVID-19.ĭisclaimer: We are not doctors and do not prescribe this blog as a medicinal alternative to bona fide medical advice should you contract seasonal flu or Coronavirus.Īlways seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.įunctional foods have historically been used in a wide variety of communities around the world for all of recorded history. While many individuals are thinking about their own health and wondering what they can do to be as healthy as possible. Each country has issued their own response to the outbreak. We all currently find ourselves dealing with Coronavirus, the first global pandemic of most of our lives and ever changing uncertainty around the economy and our individual futures. By Janet Colston, PhD The Medical Qualities of Berries
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