Japanese Cornel Cherry (Cornus officinalis) is a large shrub or a small tree with low branches, according to NCSU. It is commonly used as herbal medicine that mainly nourishes the liver and kidney.
In the US, the Japanese Cornel Cherry is known as an ornamental plant with cherry-like fruits. It has various species that are grown in the northern areas of America, Europe, and Asia.
But the tree that is most often sourced as Chinese herbal medicine is the Cornus Officinalis, cultivated in the provinces of Henan, Zhejiang, and Shaanxi in China, as well as in Korea, and Japan.
The plant produces sour fruit in the autumn, which is collected when it turns red. Then it is baked in slow fire or boiled before the kernel is removed and the fruit is sun-dried, which is used to replenish the liver and kidney and restrain the loss of essence, Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, the Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon wrote in ITM Online.
Health Benefits of Japanese Cornel Cherry
Japanese Cornel Cherry offers a variety of health benefits, particularly the Cornus fruit. But the reddish-brown bark of the Cornus tree also has some advantages, according to Health Benefits Times.
- Treatment of Dysentery and Diarrhea- The plant contains a strong astringent action as a result of high tannin content that can be used as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea. It gives the dry mouth sensation because of the tannins shrinking or contracting the tissues, the first sign towards recovery.
- Tonic- Aside from its astringent properties, it also has excellent restorative properties from its high mineral content like calcium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and sodium. Japanese Cornel Cherry promotes recovery from many illnesses.
- Efficient diuretic- The plant also promotes healthy kidneys as it can stimulate urine production to help the organ with its normal functions and reduce blood pressure and promote detoxification.
- Improves Liver Function- Another organ that benefits from the Japanese Cornel Cherry are the liver. Regular consumption could help exercise a strong hepatoprotective action that is good for the liver.
- Anti-bacteria and Anti-virus- Japanese Cornel Cherry is ideal for cold and flu prevention because of its high amounts of anti-inflammatory and anti-viral vitamin C. But it just consumed raw because the heat could destroy vitamin C.
- Antioxidant- The Cornus fruit contains a lot of antioxidants that offer protection against free radicals and could help protect against chronic diseases.
Traditional Uses of the Parts of Japanese Cornel Cherry
Almost every part of the Cornus officinalis has its uses and benefits. For instance, Health Benefits Times reported that the Cornus fruit is an astringent that causes muscle contraction to present excessive bleeding. It also helps restore nutrients that are lost in the body and could be decocted into a treatment for arthritis, fever, and a wide range of other ailments.
Meanwhile, its bark is also an astringent with anti-malarial properties and also a tonic to restore nutrients much like the fruit.
Its flowers are also used for diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, and menstrual cramps. While drinking the juice of Cornus offcinalis also provides recovery after a bout of severe diarrhea.
In general, the Japanese Cornel Cherry (Cornus Officinalis) is a herbal medicine that can treat various ailments and nourished both the liver and kidney.
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