An Apple a Day

An Apple a Day

Keeps the Doctor away

The old saying" An apple a day, keeps the doctor away", may very well prove itself true one day. Every part of the apple tree; fruit, flowers, buds, leaves, bark and twigs have been used as a medicinal herb. The one draw back is the apple has is that the seeds are Toxic! 

Digesting more seeds then the few seeds each apple holds should not be consumed. This is why our livestock that get into the apple trees are often found very sick afterwards. As little as one cup of seeds have been known cause death.

Apples are all descended from the Wild Crab Apple, a member of the Rose family. The rose also has many medicinal uses. The inner part of the bark of the apple tree is generally preferred by the herbalist for healing, partly because, the bark can be obtained fresh year round from the tree.

The buds, blossoms and leaves are gathered by healers in the spring, just before reaching maturity.

Apple Blossoms

Apples themselves are excellent for anyone suffering from digestive problems. Unripe Apples, peeled and grated can be effective for Diarrhea. When a mild laxative is needed, the whole ripe apple is called for. Because Apples are slightly laxative, calming and purging (produces an emptying of the bowels) they are regarded as having a cleansing influence on the liver, colon, spleen and kidneys.

The peelings can be saved and made into tea that is recommended for Rheumatic illness. There is a long standing tradition that apples help the body to be rid of stones in the kidneys and bladder. Apple Cider is a fine way to obtain the therapeutic effects or results. 

Apple blossoms have been known to be made into a tea and used to treat sore throats and colds. Apple tree bark has been used to treat nausea,fever,vomiting and flu symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar has been said to help balance the body' s PH level and many people enjoy a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of vinegar and honey at night before bed to help keep them on a "regular" bathroom schedule.