Prunus armeniaca

Prunus armeniaca
Family:Prunus armeniaca; Analgesic; Anthelmintic; Antiasthmatic; Antidote; Antipyretic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Antitussive; Demulcent; Emetic; Emollient; Expectorant; Laxative; Ophthalmic; Pectoral; Sedative; Tonic; Vulnerary.
Common name:Apricot
Apricot fruits are nutritious cleansing and mildly laxative. They are a valuable addition to the diet working gently to improve overall health.The flowers are tonic promoting fecundity in women. The bark is astringent. The inner bark and/or the root are used for treating poisoning caused by eating bitter almond and apricot seeds (which contain hydrogen cyanide). Another report says that a decoction of the outer bark is used to neutralize the effects of hydrogen cyanide. The decoction is also used to soothe inflamed and irritated skin conditions. The seed is analgesic anthelmintic antiasthmatic antispasmodic antitussive demulcent emollient expectorant pectoral sedative and vulnerary. It is used in the treatment of asthma coughs acute or chronic bronchitis and constipation. The seed contains 'laetrile' a substance that has also been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment of cancer but there does not at present seem to be much evidence to support this. The pure substance is almost harmless but on hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid a very rapidly acting poison - it should thus be treated with caution. In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:20 []