ASIATIC GREEVIA (PHALSA)
Asiatic Greevia is found all over the country. It is rich in iodine and Vitamin ‘C\ Ripe fruit is taken raw or in juice form. It has very soft skin and pulp but its stone is quite hard. Only its pulp and skin are used for juicing purposes. It removes bad effects of heat, is cool and controls and modifies bile in the system. It quenches thirst, expels toxins from the body, is diuretic, removes burning sensation from the urine, fortifies and strengthens heart, abates palpitation and is, thus, rightly called a tonic for the heart.
Syrup, prepared from its ripe and fresh juice, is used to control nausea and vomiting, bilious diarrhoea, loose motions, mental agitation (a brain tonic). It quenches thirst, removes dryness of mouth, is digestive and carminative. 15 ml-20ml juice of fresh fruit will give protection from heat conditions, if taken before moving out in the heat of sun. It cures dysentery and tones up mental faculties.
Its fruit is sweet and sour. In addition, to above mentioned curable properties, its fruit (150-200 gms) and syrup (200 ml), with addition of black or rock salt, eliminates anaemia, leucorrhoea, improves digestion, ignites/promotes appetite. To give strength to the weak heart, mix some dried ginger powder and jaggery to its juice, extracted from fresh and ripe fruits.
As a fruit, it is an easily perishable fruit, hence its fruit or juice should always be used fresh. Fresh juice will also invigorate the whole body. Its unripe fruit is good neither for raw use nor in juice form. Since it is mainly a fruit of summer season, it should be used in hot conditions only. It is permissible for diabetics also, though in moderate and limited quantity only.
GRAPES (ANGOOR)
Grapes are of over ninety varieties (species) and as used as ripe fruit in raw form, in desserts, as an essential part of dining table (Table fruit). It is dried to produce raisins. Commonly available varieties are rounded, longish, greenish yellow, yellow, black and light green. It is richest source of energy, as it provides optimum quantity of sugar (Fructose). It is not suitable for the diabetics. Grape wine is obtained after crushing and processing grapes and, for this purpose, the most prominent quality used is vitis vinifera. Grape is as old as, perhaps, the human being himself.
Grapes have iron, mineral and vitamins and sugar content varies form 6 to 72%, depending on the quality of grapes and region where they are grown. It refreshes, tones up and rejuvenates the body. To hypoglycaemic (persons having low sugar content in blood) it is a boon, but not for hypoglycaemic (Persons having high sugar content in blood). If its juice is given, when vitality is at its lowest ebb, or when the patient is approaching the collapse stage, if will, at once, infuse instant energy and awakening to the patient. It removes chronic and acute constipation, controls high-rise fevers, removes digestive problems and liver problems.
It increases weight, suits all age-groups, is easy to digest, a nutrient fruit for the healthy and to the patient it is a source of energy. Its juice is mild and laxative, removes cough and loosens phlegm, improves vision of eyes, modifies rough voice, quenches thirst, also increases milk in breasts of nursing women (especially grapes of the dark brown or brownish black colour). It should not be used in summer months, as it can precipitate pimples or skin, cause loose motions.
Patients of chronic colitis and children should also abstain from its use, during summer season. Now-a-days a sour-sweetish variety, though of hybrid quality and cheaper in rates, is also available in the market, which can be used sparingly by the diabetics. Syrup of grapes is a status symbol for the elite class. There is no doubt about the nutritive and curative quality of syrup of grapes but the million dollar question is: how many persons in country, can take advantage thereof, without sacrificing interests of their families. All said and done efficacy and utility of grapes and raisins cannot be denied.