Cherry Extract
Species Name: Cherry extract is of the family Rosaceae and genus Prunus
Also known as: Black Cherry, Black Choke or Choke Cherry, Cerasus serotina, Loisel, Virginian Prune, Rum or Bing cherry.
What is Cherry extract? The documented history of the cherry begins in the area around Turkey and then in Rome when the fruit became well known for its splendid taste.
They then gained popularity in Greece where they were exported all over Europe.
In the US cherries grow from Florida to as far north as Nova Scotia and west as far as the Dakotas.
Native Americans used the bark for lung ailments, diarrhea and to ease the pain of labor.
Cherry extract is made by soaking the whole fruit, including the pit, in alcohol to draw out the flavor.
The finished product has a strong concentrated cherry flavor which is a mixture of sweet and/or slightly sour, and it is very aromatic.
Extracts can be made at home by soaking the whole fruit in vodka (neutral alcohol) for several weeks and then straining before use.
Home Remedies using Cherry Extract:
Benefits of Cherry Extract:
Cherry extract is known to reduce inflammation for certain conditions and diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, and gout (the build-up of uric acid crystals around the joints resulting in constant pain).
In April of 2006 the US Dept of Agriculture published findings determining the effects of cherry consumption. Results suggested its anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for not only the management of inflammatory diseases, but for the prevention of them as well.
Researchers have identified a number of anti-inflammatory compounds such as anthocyanin which helps aid those with inflammation.
Anthocyanins enhance immune response, cell-to-cell communication and repair DNA damage caused by toxic exposures as well as caring for joints, connective tissues and arteries.
Cherries are also an important source of phytonutrients, such as beta carotene which is easily converted to retinol, one of the most usable forms of vitamin A (protects against cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration).
Eating fresh, sour cherries throughout the day or at least a half dozen in the AM and in the PM can help those who are constipated.
Winter cherry and ghee supplement is noted for its aid to joint injuries and the B6 in cherries helps to lower cholesterol.
Antioxidant rich, the Vitamin E in the cherry is effective for skin infections and its C aids against viral infections.
Syrups containing prussic acid; which is found in cherries, sedate the sensory nerves which during a cold or sore throat encourage the cough reflex.
Cherries contain essential nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamins C, vitamin B6, vitamin E as well as the vitamin A and folic acid.
They have little fat or sodium and are relatively low on the glycemic index.
One-quarter cup of dried cherries has 15 percent of the RDA for fiber.
Baking is one of the most common uses for cherry extract and it can be found in all sorts of sweets. It can also be added to ice cream and mixed drinks alike and is delicious when used on meats such as roast.
Frozen cherries are available anytime and mixed with a little yogurt this makes a great and healthy dessert.
Side effects of Cherry Extract:
Though there are no side effects, for those pregnant, nursing or taking certain drugs a physician should be consulted before using as an herbal remedy.
