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Loquat aka Japanese Plum
Eriobotrya japonica
aka nespola giapponese, bibassier, wollmispel, nispero, ameixa amarelle, Japanese medlar, pi pa ye
Family: ROSACEAE
Rich source of Amygdalin ( the anti-cancer vitamin, B17 or Laetrile)
This small to medium-sized tree is native to China and Japan. It can be grown in containers. Beautiful downy foliage, fragrant flowers, and delicious fruit. The golden-yellow fruit has a distinct flavor like pear, with a hint of apricot and pineapple.
Over the years we have noticed many Loquat
[1] [2] trees growing on our property, without our planting any; they are obviously germinating from seeds dropped by birds.
Japanese plum, Loquat - Eriobotrya japonica
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Like so many of the medicinal plants that have arrived here by themselves, we were intrigued by this beautiful tree and naturally wondered what the medicinal properties were. To my amazement when I researched the Loquat tree I came across an article from Dr Michael Tierra
[3] who states that Loquat had the hydrocyanic glycosides in common with apricot and peach seeds as well as wild cherry tree bark.
These hydrocyanic glycosides are also known as amygdalin[4] or vitamin B17[5] or Laetrile better known from the work of Dr. Krebs[6]. With there being such a controversy on obtaining Apricot kernels as a source of natural Laetriole[7] we thought this may be a solution as laetrile is highly respected by many people as both a cancer preventive and as a cure for many cancers[8].
Herbalists in Cyprus in the Mediterranean use Loquat leaf tea with some success for various types of cancer. Loquat leaf is a very popular folk treatment not only for cancer but many other diseases in Japan. In fact, there is a small book in Japanese called "Natural Remedy" by Yuriko Tojo (1988) that describes various ways to use the Loquat both internally and externally for moxa. I think it is highly significant that with Dr. Krebs and the laetrile controversy, the use of loquat leaf on the island of Cyprus for cancer and then its use in Japan not only internally but externally with moxabustion, demonstrates that the Loquat tree offer us a valuable medicine and remedy.
Drinking Loquat leaf tea regularly and eating 2 seeds per day has been successfully used for blood vessel and bone marrow, liver and pancreatic cancer. It is essential to eat the seeds as it is some 1300 times higher in amygdalin B17 Laetrile than the leaves.
Luscious fruit loaded with Laetrile - another of natures cancer-busters The fruit, kernel and tender leaves of Loquat are all used for medicinal purposes. The fruit has a sweet sour flavour until it is fully ripe when brownish patches start to appear on the skin.
Loquat is well respected for its treament of:
[9] [3]
Loquats ready to go
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- Cancer
- Coughs
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Skin Inflammation
- Toxicity
- Viral infections
Loquat Leaf Aids in the Fight Against Skin Cancer[9]
Another benefit of Loquat leaf that's getting much exploration is it's ability to fight skin cancer as well. One of the major drugs that is used to combat the side effects of chemotherapy is adriamycin; Loquat leaf is thought to help reduce the side effects of this drug[10].
But what's most important is that Loquat leaf contains chemicals that can slow skin cancer[11]. Loquat leaf has the unique ability to suppress cancer cells’ ability to reproduce and grow[12]. In this way, it can be a great asset to those with minor forms of skin cancer.
Other uses
The shiny side of the leaf has been used with good results by putting it over cancerous tumours and using moxabustion on it daily.
These cancers are said to be incurable. I think it is reasonable then that the Loquat leaf and seed treatment and a healthy diet regime may be followed. For insight into a healthy diet regime you can purchase Secrets to Living a Quality Life CD and our Taking the Stress out of Cancer ebook.
Loquat makes a very beneficial contribution to the vital energy of the lungs. It dissolves and expectorates phlegm and alleviates coughing and vomiting.
The tender leaves are used for various types of coughs but the under side is usually prepared by rubbing the hairs off so they do not irritate the throat.
Contra-indications: Loquat leaf should not be used for coughs caused by cold.
Loquat makes a very beneficial contribution to the vital energy of the lungs. It dissolves and expectorates phlegm and alleviates coughing and vomiting.
The tender leaves are used for various types of coughs but the under side is usually prepared by rubbing the hairs off so they do not irritate the throat.
Its beneficial effects on cancerous conditions is also an outstanding contribution this plant makes to the health of humankind.
Loquat tea
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- analgesic
- anesthetic
- anthelmintic
- antibacterial
- anticancer
- anticoagulant
- antidepressant
- antidiabetic
- antihypertensive
- antiinflammatory
- antileukemic
- antimalarial
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- antioxidant
- antipyretic
- antirheumatic
- antiseptic
- antispasmodic
- antitumor
- antiulcerogenic
- antiviral
- astringent
- cardiotonic
- cholagogue
- choleretic
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- demulcent
- detoxicant
- diuretic
- dye
- fungicidal
- hypotensive
- laxative
- refrigerant
- sedative
- vulnerary
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Other medicinal actions ofLoquat[13]
-
amygdalin ( Leaf: ? ppm)
- arsenic ( Leaf 0.28 ppm )
-
ascorbic-acid ( Fruit 10 - 840 ppm )
- benzaldehyde
-
beta-carotene ( Fruit 2.6 - 68 ppm )
[15]
- caffeic-acid
-
carotene
- calcium ( Fruit 180 - 2,381 ppm )
- citric-acid
- copper ( Leaf 7 ppm )
-
cryptoxanthin
-
cyanidin [16]
- fiber ( Fruit 5,000 - 71,000 ppm )
- iron ( Fruit 20 - 67 ppm )
-
kaempferol [17]
-
levulose
-
linoleic-acid [18]
- magnesium ( Leaf 2,480 ppm )
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- malic-acid
- manganese ( Leaf 224 ppm )
- mercury ( Leaf 0.02 ppm )
-
niacin ( Fruit 2 - 25 ppm )
- oleanolic-acid
- oleic-acid
- palmitic-acid
- phosphorus ( Fruit 140 - 2,667 ppm )
- potassium ( Fruit 2,600 - 27,632 ppm )
- quercetin
-
riboflavin ( Fruit 0.4 - 4.2 ppm )
- sodium ( Fruit 40 - 351 ppm )
- succinic-acid
- sucrose
- tannin
-
thiamin ( Fruit 0.2 - 1.8 ppm )
- ursolic-acid
- zinc ( Leaf 28 ppm )
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Loquat history
Leaves and Fruit of the Loquat
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The Loquat was first discovered in the West by a botanist named Kaempfer in the year 1690.
A man named Thunberg discovered it in Japan in 1712. It was planted in Paris in 1784 and in England in 1787. It spread from there all over the world.
Origin: The loquat is indigenous to south eastern China. It was introduced into Japan and became naturalized there in very early times. It has been cultivated in Japan for over 1,000 years.
It has also become naturalized in India and many other areas (including Middle Path).
Chinese immigrants are presumed to have carried the loquat to Hawaii. It was common as a small-fruited ornamental in the USA in the 1870's, and the improved variety, Giant, was being sold there by 1887. Japan is the leading producer of Loquats, followed by Israel and Brazil.
It grows well in Australia as we know on our property Middle Path.
Loquat tea
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Why choose a Herbal Tea?
Plants produce a vast range of substances -
phyto-chemical s - which are very beneficial in restoring and maintaining health in we humans without side-effects. We believe that they are perfectly suited to preventative and curative health care because they are natural and harmonious to our bodies.
If you do not have fresh Loquat nearby or are not confident you can identify Loquat then dried material is the next best way to obtain their beneficial influence.
How long will Loquat tea keep it's potency?
Stored properly - in an air-tight glass container away from direct sunlight - Loquat tea will keep for up to 18 months without losing it's potency. If you are dealing with the onset of a severe condition we suggest it may be worth purchasing fresh material to have complete confidence in its healing potency.
When should I drink my Tea?
For best absorption, consume herbal teas 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.
Caring for your Loquat herbal tea
If you don't plan on using the tea immediately, it's best to keep it unopened and away from direct sunlight (in a closed cupboard or drawer). Exposed to the air it may absorb moisture and humidity, so if they are opened, reseal them tightly, or (preferably) put it in a glass jars with a tight-fitting lid (avoid metal containers).
Most will never require refrigeration or freezing - just keep them at average room temperature (70-80 degrees). Generally, the "shelf-life" for optimum freshness will be about a year if stored properly.
If you live in a warm, high humidity area, it may be impossible to keep moisture out of regularly opened and closed glass containers, and the plants may become mouldy. If this happens, discard them and purchase fresh ones. To prevent mould, try storing them in paper lunch bags so they can “breathe” (although this will reduce the shelf-life significantly).
Making an Infusion
pour a cup after it has infused
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Preparing an infusion is just like making a cup of tea but allowing more time for the water to absorb the Loquat essence.
Pour boiling water over the tea (use a glass, stainless steel or ceramic vessel), cover it and allow to soak/steep for 20 minutes or so. Stirring it a few times while steeping is helpful - and is an ideal opportunity to focus your mind on the benefits it will bring to you.
Generally use 1 teaspoon of dried Loquat in a 250ml cup of water is sufficient. The standard dosage is one teacup (250ml), two or three times daily.
For convenience, your entire day's dosage can be prepared at night (2-3 cups at one time) and left overnight and then refrigerated for use throughout the day. You can drink it cold or heat it if you want it warm.
Making a Decoction
Because some tea (with bark, stems or roots in them) contains tough, woody material, a decoction is the recommended method for making your medicine.
Instead of just soaking it in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer period of time to soften the thicker woody pieces and release its active constituents.
Use a ceramic, glass or enamel pot with a snug fitting lid, if you don't have one then a stainless steel pot is good but definitely not aluminium or teflon.
Add the amount of herb needed (1 teaspoon per 250ml of water) to the proper amount of cold water in the pot depending on how many doses you wish to prepare.
Turn the heat to medium high and bring to a vigorous boil then put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle but cheerful simmer for 20 minutes.
If you can see steam escaping or smell the aroma of the herb, your lid is not tight enough and valuable essential oils may be escaping.
After 20 minutes, remove from heat and cool slightly, for maximum potency we encourage you to let it stand overnight.
Strain the mixture through a tea strainer into a wide-necked bottle, jug or cup, making sure to press on the material in the strainer with a spoon or similar to get as much of the liquid/decoction out of the material as possible.
Standard dosages for decoction are generally one-half to one cup, two or three times daily.
A day's dosage can be prepared the prior evening (2-3 cups at one time), allowed to continue to soak while it cools overnight to ensure maximum potency and refrigerated until ready to use throughout the next day.
Is it Safe for me to take Loquat Tincture? If you have any concerns or apprehensions please use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service so that we can make sure that what you want is completely safe for your situation or condition.
We especially encourage you to get in touch if you have any of the following health problems or conditions:
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Are preganant or breast-feeding
- Blood clotting problems
- Cancer
- Diabetes
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- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Immune system problems
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- Liver problems
- Psychiatric problems
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Thyroid problems
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You have two options when you purchase Loquat tincture:
- For external use which you can apply externally to the soles of your feet or topically on an external condition - you can purchase these without a consultation.
- For internal use. If you wish to take it internally because of the potency of these tinctures you need to be sure they will not cause complications with an existing health condition or prescribed drugs you may be taking.
If you are in any doubt about the possibility Loquat tincture causing complications with prescription drugs or a medical condition you may have please get in touch so that we can advise you on the suitability of a particular tincture.
Especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
You can have an online consultation or visit our clinic for a thorough consultation if you wish to purchase our potent tinctures for internal use.
There are fewer concerns when using Loquat tincture externally and our many years of experience has shown that the tincture is just as effective being applied into the soles of the feet or applied
topically
on external conditions where they will be absorbed into your system.
Our clients who have come for a consultation use the same tincture internally and we recommend they take half an eyedropper (about 1.5ml) of herbal tincture in a small glass of water three times per day for adults and a quarter of an eyedropper in a small glass of water for children.
Loquat tincture is a potent liquid extract made from organic Loquat. It is a concentrated way of getting herbal medicine into your body easily especially applying them to the soles of your feet. Once a tincture is prepared, it has an extremely long shelf life. Tinctures should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain their potency.
If you are on any prescribed medication we strongly advise you to use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service to make sure that the medication and potent Loquat tincture are compatible.
making medicine for internal use
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How to Use Loquat Tincture internally
How do I prepare my Loquat Tincture?
Just add the recommended dosage - which is usually 1.5ml or one eyedropperfull - to a glass of drinking water or any other cold drink.
Then drink it.
When should I drink my Loquat Tincture?
For best absorption, consume herbal tinctures 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.
How to Use our Tinctures externally
how to apply a tincture to the soles of your feet
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If you are treating an external condition - such as a skin infection - then simply apply the tincture directly to the site using the eyedropper or a suitable swab.
If you are treating an internal condition then the best way to get the tincture into your body is through the soles of your feet. The skin is a highly absorptive organ and the feet have the reflexology facility which helps get the healing properties of the herbs right to the place inside you where they will do the most good.
If you don't have someone to do it for you, the easiest way we've found is to apply it sitting down. Rest one foot on your other leg's thigh (use a towel to make sure the tincture doesn't drip on your furniture or clothes), squirt a small amount of tincture onto the palm of one hand (about 1.5ml or half an eyedropper), rub it gently into the sole of your foot. In most cases you will find it has been absorbed within 30 seconds or so - you'll know when your foot feels dry. Then do the same to your other foot and the treatment is complete.
Loquat cultivation
My family have a Loquat tree in their backyard in the city, so it shows that this beautiful tree that seems to grow in diverse climates can be grown in your own backyard and the fruit can be eaten, used for wine, chutneys, jam and tarts. The leaves, fruit and seeds can be used for medicine and an alternative coffee can be made from the seeds.
The Loquat is adapted to a subtropical to mild-temperature climate. Where the climate is too cool or excessively warm and moist, the tree is grown as an ornamental but will not bear fruit. Well established trees can tolerate a low temperature of 12° F. The killing temperature for the flower bud is about 19 ° F and for the mature flower about 26° F. At 25° F the seed is killed, causing the fruit to fall. Extreme summer heat is also detrimental to the crop, and dry, hot winds cause leaf scorch. High heat and sunlight during the winter often results in sunburned fruit. The white-fleshed varieties are better adapted to cool coastal areas. The Loquat tree can be grown in a large pot and would look stunning as it is a beautiful tree.
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our main loquat tree
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Description
Growth Habits: The loquat is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with a rounded crown, short trunk and woolly new twigs. The tree can grow 20 to 30 ft. high, but is usually much smaller than this--about 10 ft. Loquats are easy to grow and are often used as an ornamental. Their boldly textured foliage adds a tropical look to the garden and contrast well with many other plants. Because of the shallow root system of the Loquat, care should be taken in mechanical cultivation not to damage the roots.
Foliage: Loquat leaves are generally eliptical-lanceolate, 5 to 12 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, whitish or rusty-hairy beneath, thick and stiff, with conspicuous parallel, oblique veins. The new growth is sometimes tinged with red. The leaves are narrow in some cultivars and broad in others.
Flowers: Small, white, sweetly fragrant flowers are borne in autumn or early winter in panicles at the ends of the branches. Before they open, the flower clusters have an unusual rusty-wooly texture.
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Fruit: Loquat fruits, growing in clusters, are oval, rounded or pear-shaped, 1 to 2 inches long with a smooth or downy, yellow or orange, sometimes red-blushed skin. The succulent, tangy flesh is white, yellow or orange and sweet to subacid or acid, depending on the cultivar. Each fruit contains three to five large brown seeds. The loquat is normally pollinated by bees. Some cultivars are self-infertile and others are only partially self-fertile. Flowers of the early and late flushes tend to have abnormal stamens and very little viable pollen. Thinning of flowers and young fruits in the cluster, or clipping off all or part of flower and fruit clusters is sometimes done to enhance fruit size. Under most conditions the loquat tends to develop an alternate-bearing pattern, which can be modified somewhat by cluster thinning in heavy production years. For the highest quality fruit the clusters are sometimes bagged to protect from sunburn and eliminate bird damage.
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Loquats ready to go
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Location: Loquats are wind tolerant and grow best in full sun, but also do well in partial shade. The round headed trees can be used to shade a patio.
Soil: Loquats grow well on a variety of soils of moderate fertility, from light sandy loam to heavy clay and even limestone soils, but need good drainage.
Irrigation: Loquat trees are drought tolerant, but they will produce higher quality fruit with regular, deep watering. The trees should be watered at the swelling of blossoms and 2 to 3 waterings should be given during harvest time. The trees will not tolerate standing in water.
Fertilizing: Loquats benefit from regular light applications of organic nitrogen fertilizers, but too much nitrogen will reduce the flowering.
Pruning: Judicious pruning should be done just after harvest, otherwise terminal shoots become too numerous and cause a decline in vigour. The objective of pruning is a low head to facilitate fruit thinning and harvest. Prune also to remove crossing branches and thin dense growth to let light into the centre of the tree. Loquats respond well to more severe pruning.
Propagation: Generally seeds are used for propagation only when the tree is grown for ornamental purposes or for use as rootstock. For rootstock the seeds are washed and planted in flats or pots soon after removal from the fruit and the seedlings are transplanted when 6 to 7 inches high. When the stem is 1/2 inch thick at the base, the seedlings are ready to be top-worked. Loquats can be propagated by various grafting methods, including shield-budding or side-veneer grafting and cleft-grafting. The use of loquat seedling rootstock usually results in a comparatively large tree with a high canopy. Cultivars grown on quince rootstock produce a dwarfed tree of early bearing character. The smaller tree has no effect on fruit size and gives adequate fruit production with the advantage of easier picking. Loquat cuttings are not easy to root. Grafted trees will begin to bear fruit in 2 to 3 years, compared to 8 to 10 years in seedling trees.
Pests and Diseases: There are few pests that bother loquats. Occasionally infestations of black scale may appear. Fruit flies are a serious pest in areas where they are a problem. Birds will also peck at the ripe fruit and damage it.
Harvest: Loquat fruits should be allowed to ripen fully before harvesting. They reach maturity in about 90 days from full flower opening. When ripe the fruit develops a distinctive colour, depending on the cultivar, and begins to soften.
Unripe fruits do not ripen properly off the tree and are excessively acid. The fruit is difficult to separate from the cluster stems without tearing and must be carefully clipped individually or the whole cluster removed and the fruit then snipped off.
Ripe fruit may be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
The Loquat is comparable to the apple in many aspects, with a high sugar, acid and pectin content. It is eaten as a fresh fruit and mixes well with other fruits in fresh fruit salads or fruit smoothies. |
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Leaves and Fruit of the Loquat
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Firm, slightly immature fruits are best for making pies or tarts. The fruits are also commonly used to make jam, jelly and chutney, and are delicious poached in light syrup. Loquats can also be used to make wine.
With all these wonderful attributes the Loquat tree is certainly welcome at Middle Path. <
You can see more information by clicking on the tabs below
middlepath.com.au> Middle Path> Plants> Healing Plants: the Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)References
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