Just recently, a lot of health-conscious people got their eyes on dogwood berries which are revered for their numerous benefits. If you are constantly on the hunt for things that can be regarded as superfoods, then read on. This article will get you acquainted with these fruits that are getting the attention of many.
Dogwood berries come from a small flowering small tree having the same name. The said tree is sometimes cultivated for ornamental purposes because it looks awesome especially when it is teeming with its tiny yellow flowers. And when it bears its bright red berries, it can be a complete stunner!
The berries are slightly elongated and usually measure no more than 2 centimeters in length. In some instances, they are yellow in color but the red ones are far more common. They are highly edible when fully ripe.
Ripened dogwood berries posses an acidic taste which, according to many of those who have already tried consuming them, is similar to the flavor of sour cherries or cranberries. Because of this, they are commonly turned into various kinds of syrups, jams and sauces. Dogwood berries are also sometimes dried.
Native to western Asia and southern Europe, dogwood has long been used by traditional healers for dealing with so many health problems. The bark, leaves, flowers and of course berries are the ones employed.
The following are some of the health benefits that dogwood and its various parts are known to offer:
It Increases Urine Production
Dogwood is known to have mild diuretic properties, which means that it can encourage the kidneys to produce more urine. There are a number of perks that come with increased urination, and they include better removal of toxins in the body, lowering of the blood pressure and accelerated healing of a urinary tract infection or UTI.
It Strengthens One’s Immunity
Vitamin C in dogwood, particularly the berries it produces, makes the herb a well-known strengthener of the immune system. It also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, which allows it to prevent all sorts of infections from striking — it also helps make a person bounce back from one much more effectively.
It Cures Dysentery and Diarrhea
Because of the ability of dogwood to kill off bacteria, it is a popular traditional remedy for dysentery, which is something that involves the inflammation of the colon. Dogwood is also a common treatment for diarrhea not only because of its antibacterial abilities, but also astringent properties.
It Protects the Liver From Damage
Traditional healers usually recommend the intake of herbal preparations containing certain parts of dogwood for people who are at high risk of developing problems with the liver. When scientists took a look at dogwood, they discovered that the herb indeed has hepatoprotective action that helps in strengthening the liver.
It Reduces the Impact of Oxidative Stress
Lots and lots of health issues are associated with oxidative stress. Some of them include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation which tends to cause so many additional problems. Thanks to the superb antioxidant properties of dogwood, it may be used for reducing oxidative stress.
CAUTION: Never make the mistake of confusing dogwood with Jamaican dogwood, which is commonly employed for its sedating properties. If you are planning on using dogwood for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, do so only under an herbalist’s direct supervision. Remember to inform your doctor about your plan on taking herbal preparations containing dogwood if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a known medical condition.
Don’t forget to repost this article on your various social media sites to let your health-conscious family and friends know about the health benefits offered by dogwood.
