What is pear?

Cultivated in China for the past 30 centuries, the pear grows on the same family bough as the apple and the quince. The Romans tilled the soil that they might summon the pear from the good earth, but they preferred to eat it stewed in honey over enjoying it raw, as one does a piece of hand-held fruit.

What does it do?

Because pears are the least allergenic among fruit, they are found on the list of foods suitable for allergy sufferers. A good source of the antioxidant vitamin C and the trace mineral copper, pears help protect your body from aging and growth of tumors. Good for the skin, the pear also stands as a taller sentinel than the apple to insure healthy intestines as it is richer in dietary fiber.

Pear juice cools you in the summer while its pectin stimulates the bowel into regularity. This fruit juice is referred to as perry.

About the herb

Hailing from the extensive rose family, the pear displays its showy blossoms that appear similar to those of its apple cousin.

Recommended dosage

Pear aficionados might appreciate knowing that their favorite fruit will ripen faster if placed with bananas in a fruit bowl.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. NOTE: Visit www.herbalastrology.com to read Ted PanDeva Zagar's other articles and columns that discuss the benefits of herbs and natural foods.

DISCLAIMER: The author's comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health. Direct your wellness questions with exact time, date and place of birth to Ted PanDeva Zagar at PanDeva@aol.com.