Tree Science eBook - Therapeutic Uses of Common Backyard Trees and Plants
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<strong>Therapeutic</strong> <strong>Uses</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Common</strong> <strong>Backyard</strong> <strong>Tree</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>Plants</strong><br />
26. Persimmon<br />
These plants take patience but will<br />
be with you for some time – some<br />
specimens in China are documented<br />
as being over 300 years old. While<br />
they are delicious, they have to be<br />
picked at just the right time. The<br />
acorn-shaped hachiya needs to be<br />
super s<strong>of</strong>t to be sweet enough to eat.<br />
<strong>Therapeutic</strong> benefits<br />
Persimmons can improve your health from the inside out.<br />
Persimmons are said to prevent various types <strong>of</strong> cancer by<br />
boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation <strong>and</strong><br />
improving blood circulation. They’re even known to boost eye<br />
health <strong>and</strong> help weight loss by kick starting the metabolism.<br />
How to grow persimmons<br />
These fruit trees prefer temperate climates with mild summers<br />
<strong>and</strong> winters that don’t get too bitterly cold. Plant your<br />
persimmon in winter <strong>and</strong> try to choose an area with full sun,<br />
wind protection <strong>and</strong> good drainage. Water well while it’s<br />
growing <strong>and</strong> add some manure a few months after planting.<br />
You’ll need to prune your persimmon, but be careful as the<br />
fruits only bear on wood that’s a year old. While it takes<br />
patience to wait for your persimmon to bear fruit, it’s worth the<br />
wait for these fruits. When ripe, you should gently cut them <strong>of</strong>f<br />
the tree, as they are as delicate as they are delicious.<br />
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