Acerola as a Natural Remedy
Description: Acerola is a bushy tree that grows to be about ten to fifteen feet in height. The red fruits are about the size of a cherry, and can be eaten fresh or used to make jams and jellies. It is also one of the richest food sources of vitamin C.
Part used: The fruit is the part of this plant that is used in herbal medicine. Perhaps surprisingly, the vitamin C content of the fruit is actually higher while the berry is still green. Once the fruit starts to ripen, the potency of the vitamin C actually begins to diminish significantly. For this reason the berries are harvested while they are still green.
Where found: Acerola is native to the West Indies, as well as from southern Texas down through northern South America.
Traditional uses: This herb is used primarily for its vitamin C content. While there are other nutritional benefits to this herb, it is this high vitamin C content which makes it so popular. The benefits of vitamin C for various health conditions are almost endless, thus making this a very popular herb for many different uses.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
Encyclopedia.com