The apricot is a known heart and eye tonic and is effective in treating cancer and fighting infections especially respiratory ailments. Botanical: Prunus Armeniaca (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Rosaceae
Synonym: Apricock, Armeniaca vulgaris
Habitat:
The apricot is native to China, the Himalayas and temperate Asian regions.
Description:
The apricot is a small 8-12 meter tall tree, with ovate leaves. The round and smooth fruits are yellow-orange to pink-orange. The fruit has a small stone in the middle.
Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit, kernels, leaves, oil.
Constituents:
Apricots have a delicate aroma and are an excellent source of Vitamins A (beta-carotene), B complex (riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3)) and C.
They are also a good source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and dietary fiber. The fruit contains traces of sodium, sulphur, manganese, cobalt and bromine.
Apricots are low in fat; they contain no saturated fat, sodium or cholesterol.
Apricot bark, leaves and stone contain amygdalin which changes to hydrogen cyanide in the body.
The apricot stone is rich in protein and fat; it also has an extremely high vitamin B17 (Laetrile) content.
As all nutrients are concentrated in dried apricots, they have a greater nutritional value than the fresh fruit.
Medicinal Uses:
The high laetrile content extracted from Apricot stone is used to treat cancer.
Apricot has tonic, laxative and aphrodisiac properties; it helps fight infection, repair damaged tissues and develop strong teeth.
The high beta-carotene and lycopene activity of apricot makes it a heart healthy fruit.
Apricot produces an alkaline reaction in the digestive system so consuming the fruit before meal aids digestion. Apricot marmalade is effective in treating emotional indigestion.
Apricot's high nutritional value and its low calorie content make it a dietary fruit.
Apricot stones are useful in treating patients suffering from respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, wheezing and coughing.
Its high mineral content has made it a good choice for treating anemia, tuberculosis and toxemia.
Apricot is high in vitamin A so it is helpful in treating pimples and other skin disorder.
Apricot especially when dried is good for improving eyesight. It helps remove gallstones.
Apricot oil has sedative, antispasmodic, tonic and demulcent properties. It is effective in wound healing.
It is also used as a substitute for Almond oil in cosmetics and as massage oil.
Preparation:
A mixture of apricot, honey and mineral water can reduce fever. It can also quench the thirst.
The juice extracted from fresh apricot leaves can help treat scabies, eczema, sunburn and itching.
Caution
Fresh apricot contains a small amount of oxalates; as a result, individuals with a history of calcium oxalate-containing kidney stones should not indulge in this fruit.
Dried apricot contains sulfur-containing compounds that can cause adverse reactions in asthmatic patients.
The copper and cobalt in apricot are beneficial in treating anemia, but should be used cautiously during pregnancy and in cases of diarrhea.
Apricot stones are fatal in high doses as they contain high concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides.
Apricot kernels are used as immune booster and cancer treatment, also produce cyanide and can be poisonous in high doses.
Consuming too many apricots can lead to hair loss, blurred vision and gastrointestinal disorders.
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