This post will provide information on "What are the health benefits of buddha's hand fruit (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: Where does Buddha's hand come from? Can you eat Buddha's hand fruit? Do Buddhas hands have seeds? What is important about Buddha's hands? Can you eat Buddha's hand fruit? Can you eat the skin of Buddha's hand? Why is it called Buddha's hand? Is there a fruit called Buddha's hand?
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, or the fingered citron, is an unusually shaped citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, resembling those seen on representations of the Buddha. It is called Buddha's hand in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and main de Buddha in French. The different cultivars and variations of this citron variety form a gradient from "open-hand" types with outward-splayed segments to "closed-hand" types, in which the fingers are kept together. There are also half-fingered fruits, in which the basal side is united and the apical side fingered. The origin of this kind of citron is commonly traced back to South or East Asia, probably northeastern India or China, where most domesticated citrus fruits originate. Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis is, like any other citron variety, a shrub or small tree with long, irregular branches covered in thorns. Its large, oblong leaves are pale green and grow about four to six inches. Its white flowers are tinted purplish from the outside and grow in fragrant clusters. The fruit's fingers contain only the white part of the fruit and sometimes a small amount of acidic pulp, but many of them are completely juiceless and some are seedless. The plant is sensitive to frost, as well as intense heat and drought. It grows best in a temperate climate. Trees can be grown from cuttings taken from branches two to four years old. It is very commonly grafted onto sufficient rootstock.
- Buddha’s hand has the ability to relief pain due to the presence of coumarin, limonin, and diosmin
- Buddha’s hand acts as an expectorant for respiratory conditions such as excessive coughing that produces phlegm or catarrh
- Buddha’s hand can provide an adequate remedy for gastrointestinal issues
- Buddha’s hand has a natural remedy for women who suffer from unusually strong menstrual periods, both regarding cramps, bleeding, and mood swings
- A specific polysaccharide found in Buddha’s hand is linked explicitly to stimulating macrophage activity and boosting the speed and efficacy of the immune system
- It effectively lowers blood pressure and reduces the chances of developing atherosclerosis or suffering from a heart attack or stroke
Although, there has been no scientific proof as to whether the fruit has side effects but, excessive consumption or usage of the fruit should be limited.