Maclura Fruit in Tincture and Salve — What It Helps With
Published: 2023-11-20Tags: дневник на градската вещица, маклура, маклура маз, тинктура от маклура, цяр от природата
Translation
This is a translation of a Bulgarian-language post. It conveys the content faithfully but is not the author's original English writing.
Maclura — what it is and what its benefits are
Maclura pomifera, also known as the Osage orange or hedge apple, grows in parks.
Its curious fruit, rich in biologically active substances such as flavonoids, pectins and terpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerating action, is used to make medicinal tinctures and salves.
How this is done at home you will see in the two parts of our new video.
The fruit is rich in flavonoids such as kaempferol, rutin and osajin (up to 6%), which strengthen the blood vessels and act against sclerosis. It also contains pectins, saponins, sterols, esters of fatty acids, sugars, plant enzymes, bile acids and macro- and micro-elements.
Terpenoids and sterols: protect the joints and skin, reduce cholesterol.
Vitamins (C, E, K, B-group) and minerals (potassium, calcium, iron): support immunity and regeneration.
These components make maclura useful for a range of health problems, but its use requires caution because of its potential toxicity.
A tincture from maclura fruit is used in folk medicine (externally) for:
- Relieving joint pain, in arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis and other problems of the musculoskeletal system. It also has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, immune-stimulating, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic action.
- It is potentially used for benign tumours (for example fibroids, cysts), polyps and haemorrhoids.
- For treating skin conditions, as well as for the regeneration and strengthening of blood vessels.
- For strengthening the immune system and as an antioxidant.
- As a general anti-inflammatory agent and for varicose veins.
The use of home-made remedies requires caution, because of the potential toxicity of maclura. How to prepare them you will learn in the video.
A maclura (hedge apple) salve is used in folk medicine mainly for skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, wounds and inflammations.* When applied locally, the salve has anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties that help reduce the redness, flaking and itching characteristic of psoriasis.
- It helps soothe inflamed, flaking and irritated areas of skin.
- It stimulates the regeneration and restoration of the skin.
- It has a potential antiseptic and antioxidant effect on the skin, which can limit secondary infections and irritations.
Application and recommendations
The salve is applied thinly to the affected areas 1-2 times a day, usually over a period of several weeks, depending on the condition of the skin.
It is especially important, before extended or prolonged use, to do a test for individual tolerance, in order to avoid allergic reactions, since maclura contains powerful biologically active substances.
The maclura salve is not used on open wounds or deep ulcerations.
*It may be a supplementary remedy for psoriasis, but it does not replace the main therapy recommended by a dermatologist, so its use is best discussed with a specialist.
Important notes: The fruit of maclura is not fit for direct consumption, and the medicinal products (tincture, creams, oils) should be taken or used carefully and with good awareness of the possible toxic effects. Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness and others, especially with internal use, so the recommendation is that use be carried out under medical supervision. Preparing a tincture at home requires maturing in alcohol for a minimum of 2 to 6 months, at a ratio of 1:1 fruit to spirit or vodka. A maclura tincture can be effective for some chronic conditions, but it is not a substitute for conventional treatment and must be used with increased caution and awareness.