There are approximately fifty species of gooseberries in the Northern Hemisphere. The greatest number are found in North America. The gooseberry is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northern Africa.
Gooseberries were cultivated in home gardens in the Low Countries of Europe from the beginning of the sixteenth century.
It is believed that the gooseberry was brought from England in 1629 by the Massachusetts Bay Colonists.
Some people say that the origin of the name gooseberry stems from the fact that it is often served with goose. Another belief is that it got its name from the Dutch "kruisbes," meaning "crossberry." Although the English enjoy uncooked ripe gooseberries, Americans enjoy them more in pies, tarts, jams, jellies, conserves, preserves, and marmalades. Gooseberries also are used in spiced dishes, and are often combined with other fruits. Also, the juice from gooseberries can be used alone or combined with other fruit juices.
Benefits of Gooseberry
Gooseberries are considered to be good for the liver and intestinal tract. They develop an alkaline ash when digested.
Gooseberries are watery, and have a high potassium and sodium content.
When cooking them, sugar is best for sweetening, or honey can be added after cooking.
Nutrients in one pound
Iron 2.3 mg
Protein 3.6 g
Vitamin A 1,330 I.U.
Fat 0.9 g
Thiamine 0 mg
Carbohydrates 44 g
Riboflavin 0 mg
Calcium 100 mg
Niacin 0 mg
Phosphorus 127 mg
Ascorbic acid 149 mg
The best way to take it, with the least loss of vitamin C is to eat it raw with a little salt. The berry may also be used as a vegetable. It is often used in the form of pickles and marmalade. It can be preserved for a long period when it is dried and turned into powder
Natural Benefits and Curative Properties
Many medicinal virtues have been attributed to gooseberry. The fresh fruit is light, laxative and diuretic. A tablespoonful each of fresh gooseberry juice and honey mixed together forms a very valuable medicine for the treatment of several ailments. It should be taken every morning.
Its regular use will promote vigor in the body within a few days. When fresh fruit is not available, dry powder can be mixed with honey
This medicinal tonic is highly beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and bronchitis.
gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is considered valuable in diabetes.
A tablespoonful of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months will stimulate the islets of Lengerhans i.e. -the isolated group of cells that the secrete hormone insulin. It thus reduces the blood sugar in diabetes.
Diet restrictions should be strictly observed while taking this medicine. It will also prevent eye complications in diabetes. A teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day would be effective in checking the progress of the disease.
gooseberry is considered an effective remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs of the body and builds up health by destroying the heterogeneous elements and renewing the body energy.
The juice of gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in preserving eye sight. It will also be beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intra ocular tension ill a remarkable manner. A cupful of this juice should be taken mixed with honey twice daily in such cases.
The gooseberry is useful in the treatment of rheumatism. One teaspoonful of powder of the dry fruit mixed with two teaspoonfuls of jaggery should be taken twice daily for a month in this disease.
As an extremely rich source of vitamin C. Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies for scurvy. Powder of dry gooseberry . nixed with equal quantity of sugar should be taken in doses of one teaspoonful three times daily with milk.
gooseberry has revitalizing effects. It contains an element which is very valuable in preventing ageing and in maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and Different glands in the body. It is said that the great ancient sage Muni Chyawan rejuvenated himself in his late 70s and regained his virility by the use of amla.
gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, is dried preferably in shade. These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. This darkish oil is an excellent oil to prevent graying. The water in which dired pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair. This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Posted by Judith at 5:43 AM