Amazing!: See 7 Medicinal Fruits + functions

It is common knowledge among Ifa priests that practically,  all plants on earth had been pre- destined or pre- computed by Olodumare  (God) to perform some defined functions. Since many IFA verses contain at least some vivid information about the origin and uses of most of these plants, they are often referred to as "EWE IFA" (Ifa herbs).

Meanwhile , this article talks about some medicinal fruits into useful focus with the hope that more people will explore their health- given potentials.

1: Carica Papaya (paw- paw)

This is well known tropical plant which is grown on farms and gardens in many countries.  It also grows in the wild. In Nigeria, papaya fruit is generally consumed as good. The warm water extract from fresh unripe pawpaw taken after meals helps in digestion. This may be due to the presence of a protein digestive enzyme called "papain". The whitish latex that exudes from fresh , unripe fruits and leaves of papaya contains this enzyme in abundance. The seeds of the unripe fruit and the black seeds of the ripe are used against intestinal parasitic worms. The seeds and flesh of ripe papaya eaten together are good treatment for cartarh and other upper respiratory infections. The flamented flesh of the mature  but unripe pawpaw can also be used to massage swellings and aching joints.  It is a useful embrocation for arthritis.

2: IRVINGIA GABONENSIS ( YORUBA: ORO)

This mango shaped fruit is a popular edible in Ibadan and neighbouring towns. In those parts,  people consume the mature and ripe flesh of the fruit.  In comparison with the ripe mango fruit.  Irvingia gabonensis is a relatively bitter fruit. A whole fruit eaten after meals improve digestion . Taken after dinner,  irvingia gabonensis ensures adquate overnight digestion, a restful sleep and a lovely early morning disposition.  You wake up light and strong enough to start the day's job.
The seeds of irvingia constitute a cherish soup or stew condiment among Nigerians. When sundried, the seeds are grinded and used to prepare the popular "OGBONO" soup.
Like ogbolo  ( cissus populnea), irvingia gabonensis seeds are also used by herbalists in the preparation of male fertility medicines.

3:  GARCINIA KOLA (Orogbo)
The juice obtain from ripe fruit of GARCINIA KOLA is good treatment for cough and oral fungus  (thrush). The seeds which is bitter herb is also used in the preparation  of cough syrups strips and the treatment of idegestion.

4: PLANTAINS
This fruits is used as medicine in the mature  but unripe form. It contains easily digestable  forms of carbohydrates giving energy and vitality to the consumer. It can be dried and made into powder for storage.  The powered plaintain is used by many herbalists in the preparation of LIBDO HERBS for the improvement of sexual performance in men. It is also used in the preparation of peptic ulcer mixtures.  Powered plaintain serves as a good excipient or carrier for anticepti skin powders used in the treatment  of heat rash and other irritating skin ailments.

5: CULINARY PEPPER

Most of the chilles and pepper used in our kitchen have medicinal values. They are generally anticeptic  and bariostaric. Perhaps the most valued among the medicinal pepper is CAYENN pepper. CAYENN is noted for its non - corrosive nature despite its hotness.  It is used for massaging agent or embrocation since it produce warmth  and promotes adquate blood flow into the tissue and organs.
It is used in soups and stews to reduce or prevent flatulence. CAYENN  is used  by some herbalists for the preparation of medicament for peptic  ulcer.  Contrary to the belief  of that peptic ulcer gets worse with the use of spices. CAYENN is an exception because it has been found safe and helpful to many patients.

6: CITRUS FRUITS:

God in his mercies so loves the world that ensures that numerous fruits in their varieties are of immense  benefit of mankind. Amongst these fruity blessings from God, the CITRUS fruits in their  varieties are of immense help to man.
Many species of CITRUS fruit become ripe  and mature during the season. This is way in which these fruits contribute to thirst- quenching needs of man during the dry season. These citrus fruits ranging from big grape fruits, oranges and lime to smaller varieties like tangerines and citrus acida contain rich juice that contributes to the well being of house who consume them.
They are all good sources of vitamin- C and some useful minerals. Vitamin C is useful and necessary in the building of healthy blood vessels, bones and flesh in the human body.
Citrus fruits are particularly good for growing children.

7: ONIONS

The ONIONS are universally acclaimed  for their culinary and medicinal uses. The most popular members of the onion group are ALIUM- SEPA (Alubosa) and ALIUM SATIVUM ( Aayu). While both species of ONIONS are well recognised for medicinal uses, ALIUM SATIVUM  is many times potent than SEPA counterpart.  ONIONS generally are used in the treatment of hypertension,  diabetes and eye infection.  ONIONS  are also regarded as good hair tonic that promote  the growth of lustre of the hair. ONION  extracts are components of some hair lotion and ointments. ONIONS are also useful as poultices in the treatment  of swellings and arthritis.  Some fresh onions luquidised and mixed with some common table salt is a healing poultice for the early stage of the finger sepsis commonly referred to as "WHITLOW".