Japanese quince (chaenomeles) is a deciduous shrub up to 1.5 m high. It was originally grown as an ornamental plant. Subsequently, the fruits of quince began to be used in cooking and folk medicine.
Fresh fruits of Japanese quince are quite hard and contain a lot of pectin, therefore, as a rule, they are heat treated before use. Aromatic jams, jellies, marmalade are prepared from fruits, compotes are cooked, and they are included in various dishes. The calorie content of 100 g of Japanese quince is 38 kcal. Nutritional value of the product: proteins - 5%, fats - 9%, carbohydrates - 80%.
Japanese quince contains a large amount of vitamin C, carotene (provitamin A), phenolic, pectin, tannins. The composition also includes vitamins E, PP, group B, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, malic and citric acids. Due to the high content of pectin and vitamin C, the use of quince helps to cleanse the body of radionuclides, heavy metal salts. The fruit has a diuretic effect on the body, so it is useful to use it for kidney disease, cystitis, high blood pressure.
It is useful to include Japanese quince in the diet for people suffering from vascular diseases. The substances that it contains strengthen the walls of the capillaries.
The fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, as a result, sleep improves, mood rises, a person feels a surge of vigor. Quince should be included in the diet for anemia, as well as for its prevention, for diseases of the digestive tract, respiratory system (bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma), viral and colds. It is useful to use it in the recovery period after serious illnesses, surgical interventions.
Japanese quince juice is a good natural antiseptic. It can be added to tea. This drink strengthens the immune system. Tea with quince is also useful for various bleeding. The juice, dissolved in water (in a ratio of 1:10), is used for rinsing with sore throat, stomatitis, inflammation of the gums. Inside, this remedy is taken with intestinal irritation. Quince compote improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract, has a strengthening effect, and has a positive effect on the liver and stomach. Baked quince is recommended for pregnant women with toxicosis. An infusion of plant leaves is taken for diabetes mellitus to lower blood sugar levels.
A decoction of quince flowers is drunk when coughing, bronchitis.
A decoction of quince seeds as an external agent is used for infectious eye diseases, skin irritation, allergies, burns. For constipation, gastritis, respiratory diseases, an infusion of seeds is taken orally. They are poured with warm water, left overnight and filtered. Seeds for the preparation of the infusion cannot be crushed - they contain poisonous amygdalin. The remedy is taken in 1 tbsp. 4 times a day, half an hour after a meal. With colitis, the infusion of seeds is drunk at 0.5 tbsp. 3-4 times a day.
In cosmetology, Japanese quince is used to remove freckles, cleanse the skin of the face. A decoction of the leaves of the plant is used to strengthen and dye hair. Quince juice cleanses oily skin by mixing it with camphor alcohol, whipped egg white.
