The natural sweetness of the jujube fruit makes it ideal for a healthy snack or as a candied treat.
Jujube tea is made from the sweet, olive-shaped fruit of the jujube tree--a small, deciduous shrub native to southern Asia. Though quite tasty, the tea is most prized for its reputed medicinal qualities, ranging from sore throat treatment to alleviating stress, depending on whom you ask. Like many "ancient remedies," scientific evidence for some of these claims is limited. However, the specific vitamin and mineral content of the does lend itself to some plausible health correlations.
Cold and Flu Relief
High in vitamins A, C, protein, and potassium, all known to support the immune system, it makes sense that jujube is used to treat colds. Herbalists prescribe the tea, often combined with other herbs, such as ginger, licorice, and mint, as a lozenge to coat the throat and sooth a cough, as well as help ease achy muscles and speed the recovery of these illnesses.
Detoxifying Cleanse
According to the "Indian Materia Medica," by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni, Jujube tea has mild laxative qualities that make it a valuable detoxifier. Adherents use it to help strengthen and prevent further damage to the liver, kidneys and other cleansing organs. Traditional Chinese medicine also advocates using the tea to remove obstructions in the energy flow, or qi, and create emotional balance.
Natural Sedative
The most common use for jujube tea is for anxiety and stress. Jujubes contain saponins, which, according to a study published in Natural Product Research, have a soothing effect on the nervous system and create sedative and even hypnotic effects in humans. Drink this tea whenever you're feeling restless, emotional or irritable to help create a sense of well being, or have some before bed to promote a more restful sleep.
Supplemental Cancer Treatment
In addition to soothing nerves, saponins may also have an anti-carcinogenic effect. As shown in an article published in "The Journal of Nutrition," saponins seem to react with the membranes of cancer cells to help cause cell death. Further studies are still needed to determine ideal dosages and it is unclear if the amount of saponins found in jujube tea is substantial enough for effectiveness.
Energy Booster
Perhaps in part because of its reputed ability to clean out the body's obstructions, in addition to its high vitamin and anti-oxidant content, jujube tea is acclaimed by herbalists for it's ability to increase the drinker's energy and stamina, as well as help build stronger muscles. Ready-made energy drinks containing jujube are available for purchase, though the tea is just as easy to make.
Healthy Sweetener
Jujube's sweet, fruity flavor is often used in herbal tinctures to cover up the bitter taste of other plants. In fact, tea drinkers often savor the tincture just because it's a guilt-free sweet treat, no sugar added.
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