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Wolfberry has long been a vital element in medicinal concoctions, alongside its effective beauty functions. With its petite size and vibrant colors, this fruit harbors beneficial nutrients for health. So, how does this herbal remedy contribute to disease treatment, and what should be considered when using it? Explore all this with Mytour Blog in this article!
What is Wolfberry? Nutritional Composition of Wolfberry
Wolfberry, also known as goji berry or Chinese wolfberry, is an herbal medicine scientifically named Lycium barbarum L. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, wolfberry has its origins in China and East Asia. The fruit is typically small, brightly red, and has a sweet and sour taste.
This type of fruit has been utilized in traditional medicine across many Asian countries for centuries. It is believed to offer numerous health benefits, especially in supporting the treatment of various ailments.
The nutritional composition of this herbal remedy is incredibly rich in essential nutrients. Some key components include:
- Protein: Protein in wolfberry helps build and maintain cells and tissues in the body.
- Fat: Wolfberry provides healthy fats, supplying energy to the body and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fiber: It helps maintain a healthy digestive system and reduces the risk of constipation.
- Sugar: The fruit provides natural sugars, offering a source of energy for the body.
- Iron: Iron in wolfberry is an essential mineral that helps form hemoglobin and transport oxygen in the body.
- Vitamin A and Vitamin C: It supplies ample amounts of these crucial antioxidants that protect and enhance the immune system.
In addition to these main components, this herbal remedy also contains other substances such as B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, playing vital roles in various biochemical processes and bodily functions.
Wolfberry has supportive effects in treating various illnesses (Source: Internet)Modern Medicinal Uses
Wolfberry is renowned as a valuable herbal remedy, utilized in traditional medicine formulations. Additionally, this fruit boasts numerous applications in modern medicine, substantiated by scientific research.
Enhancing the Immune System
Inside this fruit, there is an abundant supply of vitamin C and A, along with various antioxidants, boosting the immune system. Supplementing vitamin C helps the body resist inflammatory agents, preventing diseases such as cancer and heart issues. Moreover, these nutrients provide antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Enhancing Vision
Wolfberry supplies zeaxanthin (scientifically proven in research in the United States) and lutein, crucial antioxidants for the eyes. These compounds safeguard the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating this fruit into your diet may reduce the risk of visual issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Preventing, Combating Cancer
Wolfberry contains abundant antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C, capable of preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. These antioxidants eliminate harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from damage.
Skin Beautification
Wolfberry serves as a medicinal resource providing beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, with effective antioxidant properties. Supplementing with this fruit helps protect the skin from the impact of ultraviolet rays, free radicals, and aging agents. Thus, it contributes to maintaining healthy skin, reducing wrinkles, and preventing skin issues.
Blood Sugar Regulation
This fruit has the ability to control blood sugar levels. A 2015 study indicated that it can help stabilize insulin levels and enhance the presence of HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) in the body, maintaining stable blood sugar and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Alleviate Depression, Insomnia, Stress
They also have positive effects on mood and sleep. The antioxidants and nutrients in this fruit can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, they enhance focus and improve sleep quality.
Enhance Liver Health
Initiation has been employed in supporting the treatment of liver-related issues. This herbal remedy possesses the ability to impede the growth of liver tumors and safeguard liver health. Bael fruit can also aid in preventing fatty liver disease and enhancing liver function, especially in individuals who frequently consume alcohol.
Bael fruit contains immune-boosting antioxidant properties (Source: Internet)Applications in Traditional Folk Medicine
In traditional folk medicine, bael fruit has been utilized for thousands of years with various beneficial purposes. Specifically:
- Nourishing Kidneys and Vitality: According to “Medicinal Properties Compendium,” the bael fruit is regarded as an herbal remedy with the ability to nourish kidneys, balance energy, and enhance vitality in males. This, in turn, increases reproductive capability and improves sperm quality.
- Blood Tonic: In traditional medicine, kỷ tử has the ability to provide nutrients to the body, especially blood, helping to enhance health and alleviate symptoms of anemia.
- Supporting Eye Health: According to “Traditional Chinese Medicine,” bael fruit has the function of boosting eye health. In traditional medicine, aside from protecting the eyes from issues like cataracts and macular degeneration, they are also used to soothe dry eyes and stimulate blood circulation in the eyes.
- Relieving Cough and Throat Pain: According to “Basic Medical Classics,” this type of fruit has long been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy to reduce cough and alleviate throat pain. It has expectorant properties, stabilizes yin and yang, dispels wind, and helps reduce cold symptoms in the body.
- Supporting Digestive System: In folk medicine, this fruit is used to aid the digestive system as it has the ability to soothe gastric and intestinal ulcers, reduce indigestion symptoms, and balance the intestinal bacterial flora.
Bael fruit has various applications in traditional medicine (Source: Internet)Some Prescriptions from Bael Fruit
This type of fruit is known for its numerous applications in traditional medicine, with some prescriptions as follows:
Herbal Remedy for Improving Vision
- Ingredients:
- 8g of eucommia bark
- 8g of chrysanthemum flowers
- 12g of turtle shell
- 20g of bael fruit
- 1 liter of water.
- Procedure: Combine all the ingredients in water and simmer until the water reduces to about 500ml, then stop. Afterward, filter out the residue. Consume the decoction 2-3 times a day, possibly divided into multiple servings and should not be left overnight.
Folk remedy for improving eyesight (Source: Internet)Herbal Prescription for Liver Health
Prescription 1: Brewed Tea
- Ingredients:
- Boiling water
- Honey
- Dried bael fruit.
- Procedure: Steep dried bael fruit in boiling water for 10 minutes, add 2 teaspoons of honey. Consume daily to aid liver detoxification.
Prescription 2: Combination with Another Medicinal Flavor
- Ingredients:
- Procedure: Place all ingredients in boiling water and simmer until it reduces to half a liter. The decoction can be divided into 2-3 servings throughout the day and should not be kept overnight.
Herbal remedy for liver health from bael fruit (Source: Internet)Herbal Prescription for Enhanced Sexual Function
Prescription 1: Chew dried bael fruit
- Ingredients: 15g of dried bael fruit
- Procedure: Chew 15g of dried bael fruit before bedtime and use consistently for improved symptoms.
Prescription 2: Alcohol Infusion with Various Medicinal Flavors
- Ingredients: Take 160g of each medicinal herb, including:
- Turtle shell
- Dried bael fruit
- Antler glue
- Deer antler
- Chinese angelica root
- Common club moss
- Tangshen
- Pilose asiabell root
- Chinese date
- Radix pseudostellariae
- Ginseng
- 1 liter of 40-degree alcohol.
- Procedure: Soak all the ingredients in alcohol. Then, boil 300g of rock sugar with 0.5 liters of water until the sugar dissolves, let it cool, and mix it into the alcohol. Soak the alcohol for 1 month. The medicinal solution can be divided and consumed 2-3 times a day, 25-30ml each time.
Bael fruit is utilized in many traditional prescriptions (Source: Internet)Usage Notes
When using, it is essential to be cautious to avoid undesirable side effects such as the following:
- Individuals with high blood pressure should refrain from consuming bael fruit.
- Avoid using initiation when in an irritable or angry state, as it may intensify negative emotions and aggressive behavior.
- If a patient habitually consumes excessive meat daily and has a ruddy complexion, they should limit the use of this fruit.
- Exercise caution when using this fruit for individuals in robust health to prevent stagnation of toxic energy in the body, which could lead to complications later on.
- Do not misuse or overuse as it may cause redness in the eyes, discomfort, and visual impairment.
Some usage notes for better health (Source: Internet)Adverse Effects of Bael Fruit
The purchase price of longan may vary depending on various factors such as origin, quality, purchase location, and timing. Currently, the price of domestically produced longan fluctuates around 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND per kilogram. On the other hand, Ninh Hạ longan (from China) tends to have a higher price, ranging from about 400,000 VND to 500,000 VND per kilogram.
The price of buying longan can vary depending on various factors (Source: Internet)Frequently Asked Questions
There is no specific amount of this fruit suitable for everyone because nutritional needs vary depending on age, gender, physical activity, and individual health conditions. However, supplementing a moderate amount of longan will bring health benefits without causing side effects.
According to general recommendations, adults should consume this fruit in moderation, not exceeding 20g per day. This amount ensures the supply of necessary antioxidants and vitamin C without overloading the body. If you experience signs of body heat higher than normal, reduce the daily consumption.
Yes, longan can have positive effects on children. This food is rich in nutrients, containing various vitamins and antioxidants that support growth and enhance immunity in children. The vitamin A in this fruit also supports the eye health of children. The sweet and easy-to-eat nature of longan makes it easy for children to adapt and absorb nutrients. You can prepare it for children in various ways such as making porridge, sweet soup, or stew.
We hope Mytour's article has provided you with insights into the benefits of wolfberry for health, along with essential precautions to keep in mind. Thank you for staying tuned!
Reference: https://www.Mytour.com/en/traditional-medicine/herbs/health-benefits-of-wolfberry/
