Imagine a grape-like fruit that is used to prepare carbonated drinks like champagne, that has great potential to combat cancer and that exhibits versatility both on the dessert counter and in the medicine chest, and you have this wonderful native from southern China and northern Vietnam.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Wampee bears medicine in its various parts, with separate scientific studies having focused on extracts derived from its leaf, its seed and its peel. The fruit is valued for protecting the liver and for its antiviral and antifungal activities. Other studies exploring the health benefits residing in the wampee fruit's peel revealed the herb's potent antioxidant and anticancer activities. The results place wampee on the same medicinal footing as the anticancer drug, cisplatin. Traditional folk healers in China turn to wampee to treat bronchitis and stomach problems, as well as to expel intestinal worms.
ABOUT THE HERB
Wampee is a distant cousin to the citrus family. The tree rises 20 feet, displaying aromatic flowers that range from white to yellowish-green. The easy-to-peel, thin-skinned fruits are 1/2 inch long. They can be of the sweet or the subacid type, with the former offering a taste akin to the peach and the latter often rendered into a fine jelly if picked while under-ripe. In 1908 wampee was imported to Florida as an unidentified species.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Commercial products made from the wampee fruit include jams, pies and other dessert foods. Add a new taste experience to your dining table with wampee!
The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. NOTE: Visit 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.
