Jewry Cherry: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

The Jewish cherry (or bladder cherry) belongs to the nightshade family, with 75 to 90 species in America, but only the so-called lampion flower is found in Europe.

Occurrence and cultivation of the Jewish cherry

The plant active substances regenerate an inflamed gastric mucosa and contribute to better blood circulation in the stomach. Jewish cherries are herbaceous plants that reach a height of up to 60cm. Some genera are hairy on the shoot axis and leaves, and the trichomes are curved or straight. Some representatives have thick turnip roots, but most have brood-budding roots that can often extend for several meters. The stem leaves are alternate and entire with elliptical margins. The flowers are either in groups or solitary, with the calyx being bell-shaped and having five calyx lobes. The crown of the Jewish cherry is wheel-shaped and it reaches a diameter of 10 to 20 millimeters. The fringe of the crown is yellow, in some cases purple or violet. The stamens are between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters long and have a yellow color. After the flower is fertilized, the sepals increase in size and form a calyx around the berry. When the berry is ripe, it turns yellow or tangerine color. Within it are numerous seeds, the surface of which is honeycomb-like. Most genera are found in the south of the USA and in Central America respectively, some also grow in the northeast of the USA and in Turkey respectively. The plant prefers to thrive in calcareous soils and can also be grown as an ornamental plant. The Jew’s cherry blossoms from June to August, the fruits can then be collected in September and October. The name Physalis is already found in Dioscurides, where the name is derived from the Greek word “physa” and means something like “bladder“. The term “Jewish cherry” is due to the shape of the calyx, which resembles Jewish hats worn in the early Middle Ages. In the medieval herbal books, the plant is mainly called “Boberella” and is cited here as a remedy that dissolves bladder stones. The use here refers to the doctrine of signatures, as the fruit floats like a stone in the bladder.

Effect and use

Among the many species, the Cape gooseberry is best known and is used primarily as a fruit. As a vegetable, the so-called tomatillo is cultivated in the south of the USA. Due to its unusual fruit cover, the Cape gooseberry is also very often used as a decoration. The red lanterns are also very often used as winter decorations. It is mainly grown in Java, India, South America, Africa, New Zealand, Kenya and the USA. The root contains tropin derivatives, and the aerial part contains steroid lactones. Under certain circumstances, these can be transferred to the fruits. In principle, however, the Jewish cherry is harmless, only an excessive amount of berries can lead to sweating, nausea or heart problems. In medicine, the Jewish cherry is known as a medicinal plant for urinary tract diseases. In the past, the berries of the plant were also preserved in brandy, which was supposed to help with bladder and kidney stones. In addition, a diuretic wine was made, for which the whole plant was used. Besides, Jewish cherries are also used for rheumatism, gout, dropsy and liver congestion. The plant active substances also regenerate an inflamed stomach mucosa and contribute to better blood circulation in the stomach. As a result, the mucous membranes can no longer be attacked by acid.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Jewish cherries contain carotenoids, malic acid, citric acid, vitamin C and carbohydrates, and have diuretic, antipyretic, refreshing, anti-inflammatory and blood purifying effects. The fruits have a pleasant sour taste and are very aromatic. They are best eaten raw with cakes, fruit salad or muesli, moreover, the fruits are also used as decoration of cocktails or buffets. Their taste is also excellent with dairy products or chocolate. Furthermore, it is suitable as an ingredient in various salads, and jams and jellies made from the berries are also popular. The berries are very rich in provitamin A, vitamin E, B and C and provide a lot of phosphorus and iron. If the fruits are dried, they are very similar to raisins and also have a fairly long shelf life.For a tea, a teaspoon of the fruit is poured over 1/4 liter of hot water. This must then infuse for ten minutes and is drunk before breakfast or in the evening. This stimulates the metabolism and relieves inflammation or even colds. For gout, a mixture of walnut fruit shells, horse chestnut bark, horsetail herb and berries of the Jewish cherry is recommended, whereby one tablespoon of the medicinal plants is boiled to one cup of water. One cup of this is then drunk in the morning and one in the evening. For metabolic disorders, 30 grams of fruit can be prepared with 1 liter of white wine. After about a week, the fruits are removed and the wine is put into a sealable bottle. One glass of this should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. In addition, the Jewish cherry can also be prepared with brandy. For this purpose, 1/2 liter of brandy and 10 grams of fruit are needed. This mixture is prepared and strained after 14 days. One glass is drunk in the morning and one in the evening. For urinary bladder and kidney diseases, a decoction of dried berries can be prepared. For this, 20g of berries are briefly boiled twice with half a liter of water and two cups of this drink are drunk daily.