Ground cherry is a small plant that grows on roadsides in Mexico and most areas in America. Its fruits are a pleasant gift for walkers.
Ground Cherry Scientific Facts
- French: Physalis visquex.
- Spanish: Camambu.
- Environment: Native to the American continent, especially Mexico, where it is pretty standard, and South America. This plant does not grow in Europe.
- Description: Plant of the Solanaceae family, growing from 30 to 50 cm high, with fruits of a cherry in size, yellow or red in color, edible, with a pleasant sweet-and-sour flavor.
- Part of plant used medicinally: The fruits, the stems, and the leaves.
Healing Properties and Indications
The fruits have diuretic and mildly laxative properties. The stems and the leaves of the plant contain saponins and enzymes (peroxidase). Ground cherry is externally used for skin rashes as a decoction because of its ability to heal wounds and its anti-inflammatory properties. This plant has been successfully used for psoriasis, applying lotions with its decoction. The decoction mentioned above of leaves and stems, when taken orally, can treat and prevent coughs.
How to use Ground Cherry
- Decoction with 30g of stems and leaves per liter of water. Boil for 15 minutes. Drink two or three cups daily, which can be sweetened with honey.
- Compresses soaked in the liquid of the decoction internally used.
- Lotions on the affected skin area with the decoction above.
Green Tomato: There is another Physalis species, Physalis angulata L., which is known in Central America as the green tomato. Its properties are similar to those of the ground cherry, which is also used to relieve liver congestion.
- ✔ Quality seeds packaged by MySeeds.Co All seeds sold by MySeeds.Co are Non-GMO based seed products and are intended for the current & the following growing season. “All seeds are produced from open pollinated plants, stored in a temperature controlled facility and constantly moved out due to popularity.
- ✔ 70 Days. Ground Cherry can be eaten raw or used in salad, pies, sauces, cakes, jams, jellies and other dessert.
Ground Cherry Plant Leaves
LEAVES of the ground cherry plant, while not as commonly consumed as the fruit itself, research has been conducted to investigate the possible health advantages of traditional medicine systems. These leaves contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, which are thought to contribute to their medicinal properties. However, it’s important to note that the consumption of ground cherry leaves should be cautiously approached due to potentially toxic compounds in unprocessed or improperly prepared forms.
Traditionally, ground cherry leaves have been used in herbal remedies to address various health issues. Some purported health benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce arthritis symptoms and other inflammatory diseases. The antioxidant properties of the compounds found in the leaves could also contribute to reducing oxidative stress and protecting against cellular damage, decreasing the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease, among other possibilities.
Additionally, there have been suggestions that ground cherry leaves may have antimicrobial properties, making them helpful in treating or preventing infections. Despite these traditional uses, scientific research on the health benefits of ground cherry leaves is limited, and much of the knowledge about their effects comes from anecdotal evidence or studies on related species.
Therefore, while the leaves of the ground cherry plant may offer some health benefits, further research is necessary to understand their effects and safety fully. To ensure that using ground cherry leaves for medicinal purposes is safe and appropriate, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so. This is especially important for individuals who already have preexisting health conditions, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ground Cherry Plant Stems
The STEMS of the ground cherry plant, similar to its leaves, has been traditionally used in some cultures for its purported medicinal properties. However, it is far less commonly utilized than the fruit. The stems contain a variety of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which are thought to contribute to their potential health benefits. These compounds have been investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities in various plant species, suggesting that ground cherry stems might also possess similar health-promoting properties.
In traditional medicine, the stems of the ground cherry have been used in decoctions or extracts to treat various ailments. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of these substances might help decrease the pain and swelling correlated with inflammatory illnesses such as arthritis. The antioxidant components could reduce oxidative stress, preventing chronic diseases, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects observed in some studies suggest that ground cherry stem extracts could help fight off bacterial and fungal infections. However, it is crucial to note that scientific research explicitly focusing on the health benefits of ground cherry stems is sparse, and much of the information about their medicinal uses comes from traditional practices rather than empirical evidence.
Given the limited scientific evidence on the medicinal use of ground cherry stems, caution is advised when considering them for health benefits. Like other parts of the plant, ground cherry stems contain compounds that may be toxic if consumed improperly or in large amounts. Therefore, professional healthcare advice should be sought before using ground cherry stems for medicinal purposes, and their use should be based on safe, traditional practices and existing knowledge until more research is available to validate their health benefits and safety profile.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the nutritional components of the ground cherry plant that contribute to their health benefits?
The fruits of the ground cherry plant are an excellent way to get your daily dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contain Vitamin C, crucial for immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. They also have Vitamin A, essential for vision and the immune system, and a range of B vitamins that support energy metabolism. In addition to their antioxidant properties, which aid digestion, and the nutritional fiber they provide, ground cherries also have carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
How can the ground cherry plant contribute to weight management?
Because of their increased fiber content and low-calorie count, ground cherries might be helpful for weight management. The fiber content makes you feel full for longer, so you could consume fewer calories overall. Also, if you’re trying to cut back on sugar but still want a sweet treat, ground cherries are a great alternative to processed sugar treats.
Are there any cardiovascular benefits associated with the ground cherry plant?
Yes, ground cherries can contribute to cardiovascular health in several ways. The high antioxidant content, including phenolic compounds, can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both risk factors for heart disease. The dietary fiber in ground cherries can also help lower harmful cholesterol levels (LDL), thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, potassium in the fruit can help manage blood pressure levels, another important factor in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Can the ground cherry plant help with inflammation and arthritis?
The ground cherry plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which can benefit individuals suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The antioxidants in ground cherries, such as vitamin C and phenolic compounds, can help reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating arthritis symptoms and other inflammatory diseases.
How does the ground cherry plant support immune health?
Ground cherries’ high Vitamin C content is crucial for immune system support. Vitamin C is essential for the body’s defenses because it promotes the development of white blood cells. Additionally, the antioxidants in ground cherries help reduce oxidative stress, further supporting the immune system’s function and overall health.
Is the ground cherry plant beneficial for skin health?
Yes, the vitamins and antioxidants in ground cherries can contribute to healthier skin. Vitamin A, for example, is essential for skin regeneration and may help prevent premature aging. Vitamin C is involved in collagen production for skin elasticity and strength. Ground cherries’ antioxidant qualities shield skin from pollutants and UV radiation.
How can the ground cherry plant be incorporated into a healthy diet?
Ground cherries can be consumed raw, as a sweet snack, or added to salads, desserts, and jams for a unique flavor. You may sprinkle them on cereal and yogurt or use them in baked products. Incorporating them into smoothies is another delicious way to enjoy their health benefits. Remember, consuming the cherries as part of a balanced diet is the best approach to maximizing their health benefits.
Are there any precautions to consider when consuming the ground cherry plant?
While ground cherries are generally safe for consumption, they belong to the nightshade family, which can be problematic for some individuals with sensitivities or allergies to nightshade plants. Ground cherries that aren’t ripe yet contain the poison solanine, which can cause health problems if consumed excessively. Therefore, consume only ripe ground cherries and avoid the plant’s leaves and stems unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 721. Print.
- PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/
- Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/
- WebMD https://www.webmd.com/
- Healthline https://www.healthline.com/
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API