Cornelian cherry is a very well-known fruit that is said to have healing powers. There is a similarity with the sour cherry, but still these two plants are fundamentally different. In many ways cornelian cherry is used in cooking and medicines.
Occurrence and cultivation of cornelian cherry
Cornelian cherry belongs to the dogwood plant genus. Dogwoods are mainly shrubs and small trees. Cornelian cherry is also popularly known as Herlitze, Dürlitze or Yellow dogwood. Cornelian cherry belongs to the dogwood plant genus. Dogwoods are mainly shrubs and small trees. Originally, the Duerlitze was native to the Caucasus. Today, the cornelian cherry is found in Southern Europe and Central Europe. The stocks of the Cornelian cherry are very rare, as the wood of this hardwood species is highly sought after. The Cornelian Cherry is a lime-loving shrub that needs a lot of warmth and therefore thrives well on sunny slopes and on forest edges and light slopes. With a growth height between six and eight meters, the multi-stemmed shrub is relatively large. The trunk is covered by a yellow-gray bark that forms thin scales. The leaves are ovate, slightly hairy and turn yellow to orange in the fall. In spring, the buds that have already formed in autumn bloom in golden yellow splendor. The fruits that emerge are shiny red and up to two centimeters long. The stone core is surrounded by red pulp and the taste of the fruit is sour.
Effect and use
The ripe fruits of cornelian cherry are harvested between the end of August and the beginning of October, and they are widely used in various fields. Not only the high sugar content of the fruits has a great importance. The valuable ingredients of the herlitz are vitamin C and vitamin B, as well as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Even Hildegard von Bingen appreciated the cornelian cherry as a medicinal remedy. In case of problems in the stomach and intestines, the effect of cornelian cherry is highly appreciated. It also has a positive effect on the human organism in cases of diarrhea and inflammation. For this purpose, a part of the bark of the bush is poured over with boiling water. The decoction is drunk after a brewing time of ten minutes. An anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes and vessels is exerted. The infusion from the bark has a constipating effect, especially in cases of diarrhea. If mucous membranes are inflamed or injured, taking cornelian cherry accelerates healing. In case of suffering from varicose veins, the herlitz has a supporting effect. The bark and leaves of cornelian cherry are also often used as a remedy for gout. A bath in the parts of the shrub achieves a pleasant and soothing effect on the body. In case of celiac disease (gluten intolerance), which means that the gluten protein is not tolerated in the body, long-term therapy with cornelian cherry helps. Several portions of the fruit should be consumed daily in every possible condition. A definitive success of the therapy has not yet been proven. This therapy is mainly used to treat diarrhea caused by celiac disease. The leaves have a hemostatic effect. Juice made from cornelian cherries is drunk during fasting cures and it helps flush the kidneys. In case of incontinence, the bladder is strengthened and the juice has a supporting effect on the male prostate. For fever and headaches, a tea or fruit juice made from the bark of the shrub is drunk. The contained anthocyanin, an ingredient belonging to the secondary plant substances, is responsible not only for the color of the fruit. It acts like the antioxidants and therefore protects the fats in our body from permanent damage. Used internally, an oil distilled from the wood is said to prevent cancer. A definite effect has not been proven. But the herlitz is not only used in medicinal medicine. Cornelian cherry water has always been known in the production. Especially in Austria, the tradition of production has a great importance. The fruit brandy is known under the name Dirndlbrand. But not only as an alcoholic beverage the Herlitze is used in the kitchen. Fresh and also dried fruits of the cornelian cherry are used for soups and desserts. Cornelian cherries harmonize well as side dishes with lamb or rice, and prepared as jam, they are the most popular today.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Even though cornelian cherry cannot be compared to a harmless sour cherry, confusion with red dogwood is very dangerous. The fruits of the red dogwood are inedible and poisonous. They can cause discomfort in the stomach and intestinal tract. The red dogwood can be recognized by its white flowers and blue-black fruits. With real connoisseurs of cornelian cherry confusion is rather low, but not excluded. Due to the high vitamin content in the fruits, the cornelian cherry is also taken preventively. It is also a component of some fruit teas. Cornelian cherry is regaining its importance in today’s society. Not only the bushes, but also jams and the freshly harvested fruits are freely available in corresponding markets. Since the fruits can be eaten even in their raw state, it is a very versatile plant. In case of unclear symptoms, or those that do not subside, consultation with an experienced pharmacist or a physician is unavoidable. Before consuming, you should also be sure that it is only the fruit of the cornelian cherry.
