The apple had many uses in traditional medicines. Its medicinal advantages have been recognized since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. In Greek mythology the apple, which was said to taste like honey, was regarded virtually as a cure-all.
Apples were thought to be good for complaints relating to the digestive system. They were thought to be useful both as a laxative and as a treatment for diarrhea, as well as helping to regulate acidity in the stomach.
The liver, gall bladder and urinary problems were all said to be helped by intake of apples. They were used as a cure for fluid retention.
Cooked apples were thought to be helpful in cases of insomnia by promoting a restful sleep. They were also thought to act as a sedative and to relieve anxiety.
Other disorders that apples were meant to be able to help were arthritis, gout and headaches. Heart problems, anemia, lethargy, influenza, fever and decongestion were all thought to be alleviated by the eating of apples. It is obvious why the apple was regarded as a general panacea.
Apples were regarded as dampeners of the appetite but were used in some invalid drinks. These included apple water, which was made by slicing two large apples and pouring two points of boiling water on them. This was then allowed to stand for two hours and was then strained.
Apple tea was made by roasting two large sour apples and covering them with boiling water. The resulting mixture was allowed to cool and was then strained.
Baked apples were used externally for a number of complaints. They were used in earache and, when mashed with some sulfur, they were used on the skin to cure scabies and ringworm. Mixed with a little olive oil, baked apples were used on wounds that were proving difficult to heal.
Grated raw apples were used in poultice for sore eyes and, also in a poultice, was used as a cure for varicose veins.
And because of this, I shall be eating an apple when I watch the Froch vs Kessler live stream this weekend.
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