Fig tree
Useful properties and use of the common fig tree
Botanical description of the fig tree
The fig tree is a small tree or shrub from the mulberry family. The plant does not exceed 15 meters in height, although its size depends on the variety and place of growth. The fig tree has sparsely branched branches. Fig tree leaves differ in color and shape depending on the variety, although they are usually dark green or bright green. Leaves are up to 15 cm long and 12 cm wide. Due to the coarse short hairs covering the leaf blade, the leaves of the plant are rather rough.
Fig flowers are collected inside fleshy pear-shaped inflorescences. Male flowers, consisting of three stamens and a three-membered perianth, develop exclusively in the male inflorescences. Female flowers, although present in these inflorescences, do not function. Accordingly, in the inflorescences of females, everything happens exactly the opposite: only female flowers, consisting of a pistil and a five-membered perianth, develop in them, while males do not show activity.
The fig tree is known throughout the world as a valuable fruiting plant, characterized by a rather complex process of pollination, flowering and fruit formation.
Useful properties of the fig tree
History claims that people began to cultivate this useful medicinal plant several thousand years before our era. From then on, they began to notice and describe its healing properties. Due to the large amount of nutrients contained in the fig tree, it is widely used in folk medicine. The plant contains many active components that contribute to the full functioning of the human body.
It should be especially noted that such trace elements as potassium, sodium, iron, organic acids, pectin substances, fiber, protein, vitamins A, B1, B2, contained in the fruits of the fig tree. The presence of vitamin C in the fig tree helps the human immune system to more effectively resist various diseases and viruses. The fruits of the plant contain easily digestible sugars - fructose and glucose, making figs a very valuable food product, because a small amount of these substances can satisfy hunger and give the body the necessary energy.
Fig tree application
Medicine actively uses the fruits of the fig tree in the fight against various diseases. In particular, due to their high potassium and sugar content, they can help with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Due to the presence of finin in the fruits of the plant, they are often used to treat thromboembolic diseases.
Traditional medicine recommends fig fruits cooked in milk for bronchitis, tracheitis, acute catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchiectasis. In addition, they will be useful for chronic constipation, gastritis, to improve blood composition and as an effective diuretic and expectorant.
The fruits of the fig tree have disinfecting properties, therefore, infusions for rinsing are often prepared from them for inflammation of the oral mucosa, colds and boils. It is best to use fresh fruits of the plant, although in dried form they also retain many beneficial properties.
Common fig tree
The common fig tree grows on the coast of the Crimea, in the Transcaucasus, Dagestan and many regions of Russia. This variety is very sensitive to frost and does not tolerate winter temperatures below fifteen degrees. Since ancient times, the fruits of the plant have been used as a valuable nutritious product and are used in folk medicine in many countries of the world.
The main medicinal ingredient of the common fig tree is its leaves and fruits. For medicinal purposes, the leaves of the plant are harvested from September to October, and the fruits are harvested after they are ripe. They boast a significant content of trace elements, organic acids, vitamins and other nutrients.
Contraindications to the use of the fig tree
Contraindications to the use of a fig tree include acute gastrointestinal diseases, gout and diabetes mellitus (due to the high sugar content in the fruits of the plant). Also, allergies and individual intolerance cannot be ruled out.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
