Scientific name: Muntingia calabura Linn.
Common name: Aratiles, Latires (Tagalog); Calabura, Cherry tree (English)
Aratiles are famous for their small, round, and reddish fruits that children love to pick. Its tree usually grows anywhere in the country and elsewhere in the tropics. Its leaves have small feathers and a pointed tip.
What nutrients and chemicals can be obtained from Aratiles?
Different parts of the aratiles plant can contain many types of chemicals and nutrients that can have health benefits:
The fruit of aratiles contains flavanones and flavones
The leaves and branches of aratiles are obtained with chrysin, 2 ′, 4′-dihydroxychalcone and 3, 7-dimethyl ether
What part of the plant is used as medicine, and how are they used?
Some parts of the plant can be used as medicine such as:
Flowers. The flower arrangement of aratiles is effective against certain body conditions.
Wood bark. The bark of the aratiles tree is boiled to be watered and treated for certain diseases.
Leaves. The juice is extracted from the leaves to treat the sick. It can also be stewed and drunk like tea.
Flowers. The fruit is eaten by itself
What diseases can Aratiles treat?
1. Muscle cramps (spasm). Aratiles flower is used as a medicine to hurt muscles in certain parts of the body specifically in the abdomen. It is drunk like tea.
2. Dryness of the skin. Washing with the aratiles flower also helps in improving the complexion of the skin. This is also the effect of using the bark of the aratiles bark.
3. Cold. Drinking aratiles flower petals also has the effect of improving mood when having a cold.
4. Headache. Headaches can also be relieved by drinking flowers.
5. Bacterial infection in the body. Drinking the leaves and branches of aratiles can help fight the infection of bacteria in the body. It is said to be similar to the standard antibacterial drugs sold in boutiques.
6. Fever. Drinking aratiles leaves can also reduce fever.
7. Presence of harmful free radicals. Eating the fruit of aratiles is said to have antioxidant effects that help fight Free Radicals that cause aging cells in the body.
8. High blood pressure. Aratiles leaf juice also has a blood pressure lowering effect.
Disclaimer: Herbs can help with a variety of ailments. But many of them do not yet have enough education and no certainty yet. Mediko.PH cannot guarantee that they are effective because the effects of herbal medicines may work on some, but others may not work. As with any medicine, it is important to consult your herbal doctor.
Very informative article 👍