What is it and what does it taste like?
You may be wondering what the heck you’re looking at. What exactly is it and why does it look like it has fingers!? This here folks, is Buddha’s Hand, a citrus fruit! Buddha’s hand is from the citron family and they often look like small distorted lemons. Each fruit can range between 5-20 fingers!
Although every fruit is unique, they can range in size. For example, mature buddha’s hands can attain sizes of 6-12 inches long. It varies! Even though it comes from the citron family, it contains no juice on the inside! Crazy, right? When the fruit is used, it’s mainly used for zest and peel. You can make delicious baked goods, alcoholic drinks, jams and marmalades, and salad dressings!
Origin and history
Buddha’s hand trees are thought to have originated in northeastern India. Then, brought to China during the fourth century A.D. by buddhist monks. However, there is no specific answer because many aspects are still unknown. In Chinese culture, buddha’s hand is known as “Fo Shou”. Fo = Fortune and Shou = Longevity. Buddha’s hand has always been known as a symbol of happiness and longevity. It was given as offerings in temples and given to friends on New Year’s Day.
The benefits
Pain Reliever
- There are compounds found in buddha’s hand like coumarin, limonin, diosmin and bergapten that work as pain relieving agents.
- It helps reduce swelling and pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- It even has the ability to speed the process of healing and fading bruises!
Boosts Immunity
- There is a polysaccharide found in the fruit that helps improve body immunity.
- The vitamin c found in buddha’s hand helps prevent and fight off flu’s and colds.
Alleviates Menstrual Pain
- It’s been used as an ancient remedy to treat menstrual cramps, mood swings, and bleeding.
- It’s anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial to the lower abdomen which help reduce pain.
Antioxidant Rich
- Since buddha’s hand is rich in vitamin c, it acts as an antioxidant.
- Antioxidants help clear the body of all the free-radicals in the air.
- “Free radicals are associated with human disease, including cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and many others” – Live Science
Helps with Respiratory Diseases
- Buddha’s hand contain a mild alcoholic compound that promotes the secretion of sputum in the air passages.
- It can help clear phlegm and coughs!
All in all, we hope this information regarding the beautiful buddha’s hand was interesting! Our goal is to help you find the beauty in nature! Happy Wednesday!
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