Classification
- Family: Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
- Genus: Elaeagnus
Common Names
- Latin: Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
- German: des Weines
- English: Of the wheat
- Spanish: Arandano Plateado
- French: Baie d’argent
Characteristics
- Nature: Cold and dry
- Remedy: Natural sugar, honey, rock sugar
Chemical Composition
Silverberry contains flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids, phytosterols, vitamins A, B1, B12, C, E, K, P, sodium, potassium, tryptophan, amino acids, folic acid, zinc, polyphenols, sulfur, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, omega-7, and fibers.
Native Regions
- Native to: Southern Europe, Asia, and America
- Cultivated in: Europe, Asia, China, Turkey
- Soil Requirements: Can grow in poor soils due to its ability to store nitrogen in its roots. Thrives in permeable, calcareous soils and sunny environments. It is cold-resistant and some varieties prefer shade.
Varieties
- Bitter and sweet types. Commonly known types include Bird’s silverberry, Sultan silverberry, Japanese silverberry, Gumi red silverberry, American silverberry, and colloquial names like “firethorn” or “false silverberry.”
Harvest Time
- Flowering: Begins at the end of April
- Fruit Collection: Late August and September
Parts Used
- Fruits, leaves, seeds
Usage Methods
- Consumed as fruit, tea, hydrosol, paste, mouthwash, cold-pressed oil, and essential oil from the flowers.
Uses and Benefits
- Enhances Libido: The flower stimulates libido in women when consumed.
- Urinary Issues: The fruit helps those with urinary incontinence.
- Prevents Vomiting: The fruit is effective against vomiting.
- Cough Relief: Beneficial for cough.
- Sexual Stimulation: The aroma enhances sexual power.
- Cold Prevention: The high vitamin C content helps prevent colds, flu, and other illnesses.
- Digestive Health: Effective for the digestive system, alleviates stomach bloating.
- Antioxidant Properties: Removes toxins, strengthens the immune system.
- Kidney Health: Beneficial for kidney diseases. Tea made from the fruit, leaves, and seeds helps with kidney stones.
- Skin and Hair Health: The high levels of Omega-7 increase collagen, improving skin and hair health.
- Mental Fatigue: Relieves mental fatigue.
- Oral Health: Beneficial for oral and dental health due to its cleansing properties.
Seed Benefits
- Respiratory Issues: Helps with upper respiratory problems.
- Vitamins and Amino Acids: Contains vitamins C, K, B1, B2, and amino acids.
- Bone Health: Prevents osteoporosis and supports bone development.
- Eczema Relief: Helps with eczema.
- Immunity Boost: Increases body resistance.
- Oral Hygiene: Inhibits bacteria in the mouth, helpful for mouth sores.
- Diabetes Prevention: Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Arterial Health: Beneficial for arteriosclerosis.
- Skin Healing: Silverberry oil is useful for sunburns, other burns, dermatitis, wounds, and inflammation.
Recommendations from Dr. Kalan
- High Vitamin C: A single silverberry has more vitamin C than an orange, aiding in the expulsion of unnatural phlegm from the stomach.
- Tryptophan: High levels of tryptophan make it useful for depression.
- Rich in Vitamin K: Effective in stopping excessive bleeding in women.
- Muscle Strength: Strengthens calf muscles; recommended for children’s muscle and bone development and those with osteoporosis.
- Diuretic: Helps with frequent urination issues and kidney stone problems.
- Antibacterial: Protects the body from bacteria, helps with thrush, and addresses leprosy causes.
- Pregnancy: Prevents vomiting during pregnancy and is beneficial for jaundice.
- Sleep Aid: Giving it to children before bed enhances calcium absorption.
- Brain Health: Prevents vapors from the stomach from reaching the brain, protecting against colds and flu.
- Skin Benefits: The bark is beneficial for the skin.
- Libido Enhancement: The flower’s warm-dry nature enhances sexual power in women.
- Muscle and Hair Strength: Infused in olive oil, it strengthens muscles and revitalizes weak and dull hair.
- Bone and Joint Health: For osteoporosis, knee pain, arthritis, and fractures, mixing powdered seeds with hot water and honey provides relief.
Caution
- Excessive consumption can cause constipation. It should be consumed with natural sugars to mitigate this effect.
- Rarely genetically modified and can be stored for up to two years when dried properly.
- Overconsumption can increase blood sugar levels and cause dry mouth.
