Tejocote root: Benefits and contraindications

Tejocote root benefits and contraindications Tejocote (Crataegus Mexicana) receives different names such as Mexican hawthorn, Indian apple and Tejocotera; The latter apparently originated from the Nahuatl language, where tetl means stone and xócotl means fruit.

The hawthorn is a 20-25 foot tall tree native to Central America. Its leaves are oval or diamond-shaped and grow up to 8 centimeters long. When it flowers, the tree creates clusters of flowers that are initially white and turn red as they age.

Its fruit looks like a small apple. They are oblong in shape, range in color from orange to red, and are only available for harvest in the fall.

Typically, only the Tejocote root is used for medicinal reasons, but in traditional Mexican medicine, Tejocote fruits are also used to treat a variety of problems. It can be eaten fresh or in jams, jellies and candies. It is said to taste like a slightly bitter apple.

Let’s see, next, the tejocote root benefits and contraindications

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Tejocote root benefits

Tejocote root to lose weight Tejocote’s main claimed benefit is its ability to aid in weight loss efforts. The available anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that the plant may cause weight loss.

However, that weight loss likely stems from Tejocote’s diuretic properties. This could make Tejocote unsafe to use long-term, as diuretics are not a good long-term weight solution as they can strip your body of potassium, sodium, and hydration.

antioxidant One of the few benefits of Tejocote that has been extensively studied is its high volume of antioxidants. A 2013 study found that Tejocote has a high level of phenolic compounds and vitamin C. These elements were even more present in Tejocote than in other Crataegus fruits. Phenols are one of the major antioxidants in food. The healing properties associated with Tejocote make sense when you understand the high concentration of phenolic compounds they possess.

In addition to the 2013 study, a 2011 study also found a high concentration of flavonoids in Tejocote flowers. Flavonoids are an important antioxidant. They, along with vitamin C and phenolic compounds found in the 2013 study, help provide an anti-inflammatory response in the body and may improve the immune system.

Constipation There aren’t many studies to support the claim that Tejocote relieves constipation; however, a 1994 study published in the Instituto Nacional Indigenista examines the diuretic properties of Tejocote, as well as crataegus stipulosa and crataegus nelson. For this study an infusion of leaves, flowers, roots and bark was used. The infusion also seems to treat urinary tract and kidney problems.

Cough The 1994 study not only found that Tejocote could treat constipation. They also mention respiratory problems such as respiratory tract diseases, cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, chest congestion, and chest pain as possible uses for the plant. In this case, it was the boiled fruit of the Tejocote plant that produced the desired effects. The plants likely have antispasmodic properties that help reduce coughing and throat irritation.

Diabetes Two studies, 2002 and 2005, found that Tejocote has hypoglycemic properties and can potentially treat diabetes. The hypoglycemic effect of Tejocote was most useful during the early stages of the diabetes. However, in the 2005 study that described this effect, Tejocote was only one of 306 Mexican plant species examined in relation to the treatment of diabetes.

Similarly, the 2002 study cited as showing how Tejocote can be used as a treatment for diabetes also examined a wide variety of other potential medical uses for the plant. While not a bad thing, this indicates that more studies are needed on the link between Tejocote and diabetes treatments.

Heart disease Traditionally, the tejocote has been used to prevent and treat heart conditions. This is a common usage of Hawthorns or Crataegus, the genus Tejocote falls into. The fruits of other hawthorns such as Crataegus aronia, Crataegus cuneate, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus oxycantha, Crataegus aronica, Crataegus phaenopyrum, Crataegus ambigua, Crataegus tanacetifolla and Crataegus meyerl have been studied for their ability to treat cardiovascular diseases.

The hawthorn has not played a specific role in these studies. However, since it’s a Hawthorne, it stands to reason that it would have a similar effect on the heart. There is also some evidence, mostly anecdotal, to suggest that Tejocote may prevent cardiovascular problems when taken regularly. However, some studies show promise for Tejocote as a treatment for class II congestive heart failure.

In addition to the root, the Tejocote fruit is also often used to treat various medical conditions. If you are using the fruit to treat a cough or flu, you should buy it in the form of a cough syrup or tea. You can also buy Tejocote fruits in syrup and slurp the syrup to soothe your cough. there is no information on how much you need to drink to create the desired results.

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Tejocote root contraindications

Tejocote root contraindications Tejocote has not been studied enough to be medically certain that it does not cause side effects and is safe for all users. However, anecdotal evidence seems to show that it is safe for most people. The product is not recommended for persons under the age of twelve or over the age of sixty-five.

Some side effects have been mentioned by the sources. These include headaches, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, fatigue, cramps, and lethargy. These side effects can reportedly be eliminated by eating one banana a day. You should also not use the product in any diet program that requires fasting, as this could intensify side effects.

Its consumption is not recommended in the cases of pregnant or lactating mothers. If you want to know more about the tejocote root benefits and contraindications, you can ask your question or concern in the comments section below this article.

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Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25081747

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