Rowan berry is also known as mountain ash. There is a rumor that the fruits are poisonous. However, it is not true. However, some varieties have a high content of bitter substances, which limits the use of the berries. Because of these bitter substances and other ingredients, rowan berries are also very suitable for medicinal use in various fields.
Occurrence and cultivation of rowan berries
Botanically, the fruits are not berries, but apple fruits. The rowan is a deciduous tree up to 15 meters high. Growth forms as a shrub, for example by new shoots after the main trunk has been removed, are also common. The white flowers, which appear from May to July, develop into fruits that turn a bright red color when ripe in the fall. Botanically, the fruits are not berries, but apple fruits. On closer inspection of the fruits, this similarity is clearly noticeable. They reach a size of about one centimeter and are a very good food for wild animals: Birds can find the fruits hanging on the bush until winter. The rowan owes its name to the popularity of the fruit among wild birds. The name rowan, on the other hand, goes back to the name “Aberesche”, meaning false ash. This indicates the similarity of the leaves of these two trees. However, they are not related to each other. With few exceptions, the rowan is widespread throughout Europe. But it can also be found in North America and Northern Asia. It is undemanding to soil: it thrives in nutrient-poor or nutrient-rich, acidic or alkaline, and dry to moist soils. It is gladly used in landscaping as a solitary or avenue tree.
Effect and application
The medicinal use of rowan is derived from its constituents. Bitter compounds are commonly considered beneficial for supporting the digestive system. In folk medicine, rowan berry is therefore considered a good remedy for biliary problems. Both a tea and a jam or jelly made from the berries can be used for this purpose. It is important that the fruits are well cooked before consumption: they contain a mild poison that can cause stomach problems when consumed in larger quantities. Cooking breaks down this toxin into a more tolerable form. In addition, the tart taste is somewhat softened. In general, the less bitter varieties, such as the Moravian rowan, should be used for cooking, as they are tastier and easier to digest. If the berries themselves are collected, may be tasted by also one or the other fruit. These have a laxative effect from a certain amount, but further health risks are not to be feared. The laxative effect of fresh rowan berries is also used in folk medicine: it is a mild laxative for constipation. A pressed juice from fresh berries can also be used here. The dried fruits are quite different: they are used as a home remedy for diarrhea. A diuretic effect of the fruits is also often described and can be used as a home remedy. But not only the fruits of the rowan are used in folk medicine. Leaves and flowers also have a healing effect, especially against cough and bronchitis. The berries also have an expectorant effect. However, when using them here, attention should be paid to the laxative effect already described and not too many fruits should be consumed at once. A tea made from leaves and flowers can be used as a supportive remedy for gout and rheumatism. A freshly squeezed juice from rowan berries, mixed with honey, is said to have a healing effect on pneumonia. In addition, rowan berries contain a lot of vitamin C and were used in the past to prevent scurvy. Even today, this mode of action, especially in the cold season can be well used to support the body’s immune defenses. In addition, there is a bactericidal effect of the fruit, which contributes to recovery from mild infections. Another abundant ingredient is carotene. This has, among other things, positive effects on the appearance of the skin. However, rowan berry is not only used in folk medicine. An extract can be injected in glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Even though the rumor about the toxicity of the fruit persists, rowan berry represents a good medicinal plant for the treatment of various ailments, as well as prevention. This does not require processing into real medicine. Used preventively, jellies, jams or juices are a tasty addition to the menu with an additional health-promoting effect. Even though rowanberry has lost its importance in classical medicine due to the introduction of synthetically produced medicines, it is worth trying self-treatment in the case of minor illnesses. Apart from the described effects, which vary according to the type of processing, no side effects are known. However, as with all home remedies, the same applies here: If there is no improvement after a certain period of time or a more serious illness is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. When using the fruits, the seeds should be removed beforehand or at least care should be taken not to damage them during processing. They contain toxic prussic acid. At the same time, rowan berry also has an importance in modern medicine due to its possibility of use of the extract for lowering intraocular pressure.
