Want to know about the health benefits of etrog fruit? Read on!
“Etrog” is the Hebrew name for the citron, a citrus fruit similar to the lemon in flavor and appearance. The fruit originated from Southwest Asia, but it also grows in places like Crete, Sicily, Morocco, Puerto Rico, and Corsica. It is used in many marmalades, jams, and fruit preserves, but what makes it so unique is the many health benefits this superfood can provide!
Fun Fact: The Latin name for the Etrog fruit is Citrus Medica, which clearly points to the fact that the fruit has awesome medical properties!
Here are a few health benefits of the etrog fruit:
- Antidote — A Greek philosopher by the name of Theophrastus is considered to be the “Father of Botany”. He talked about using the Etrog fruit as an emetic to induce vomiting, counteracting the effects of poison that has been ingested orally.
- Nausea Cure –– Roman Commander and naturalist Pliny the Elder mentioned the etrog fruit, describing how it is good for pregnant women to chew the etrog fruit seeds. Chewing the seeds helps to reduce the effects of nausea, also known as morning sickness.
- Bad Breath Cure –– Theophrastus talked about boiling the flesh of the etrog fruit or eating it plain, and how it would cure bad breath. Lemon and other citrus fruits are known halitosis cures, so it’s no surprise that the citron is one as well. In fact, it’s possible that the fruit has more than just antiseptic properties, but it may even be able to rebuild teeth that have been damaged.
- Digestive Aid –– Pliny the Elder recommended mixing etrog fruit with vinegar and taking the mixture as a digestive aid. The acidic mixture helps to speed up digestion for those who have a weak stomach. In Pakistan and India, etrog fruit is boiled and the decoction is used to treat an upset stomach and other stomach problems.
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- Diabetes Fighter –– A study into the effects of Citron Oil on the human body discovered that it promotes the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. There is a possibility that the fruit will one day be able to help fight diabetes, as it functions similar to the way Sulfonylurea–a modern diabetes medication–works.
- Inflammation Reducer –– The oil from the etrog fruit rind contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the production of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). These LPS control inflammatory response in the body, particularly in cases of septic shock. By preventing the inflammation, there is a possibility that sepsis and septic shock can be prevented.
- Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial Agent — As with all citrus fruit, the strong acids in the etrog fruit are wonderful for fighting both bacteria and fungi. It can even be used to deal with stomach and intestinal parasites!
- Cramp Reducer –– For women with menstrual cramps, making a tea from the leaves of the etrog fruit can help to reduce the spasms and contractions that are causing the pain. It can help to ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps, making it much easier to get through that time of the month without being forced to rest as much.
Isn’t it amazing how awesome this unheard of fruit really is? Interestingly enough, it is even mentioned in the Torah:
“And you shall take on the first day [of Sukkot] the fruit of a goodly tree, date palm fronds, and the bough of a leafy tree, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:40)
That term “goodly” refers to the etrog fruit, one of the most amazing fruits on the planet!
