Among many fruits, cherries have a high iron content. Up to 6 milligrams per 100 grams, which is 20 times higher than apples, oranges, and pears. They contain 4 to 5 times more Vitamin A than apples and grapes. Additionally, cherries are also rich in protein, sugar, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and carotene, making them one of the top choices for iron supplementation.
Honey Cherry Pie
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cherries are considered sweet, warm, and non-toxic. They are believed to replenish Qi and expel wind-dampness, and can be used to treat deficiency syndromes. They are a great tonic for vital energy and can moisturize the skin. Eating cherries raw or drinking them as a decoction can invigorate the spleen and replenish Qi, treating conditions like post-illness weakness, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Soaking them in wine to drink can expel wind and dampness, treating numbness in the limbs and joint pain. Applying cherry juice externally can treat chilblains, burns, and tinea versicolor (a skin condition).
Cherries are warm and astringent, which can easily lead to internal heat, so they should not be consumed in excess. Patients with deficiency heat, wheezing, and coughing should avoid them.
Dietary Therapy Prescriptions:
Cherry Paste: 1000 grams of fresh cherries, washed, add 200ml of water, cook until soft, strain out the solids, add sugar, mix well, and heat to form a paste. Take 1-2 tablespoons in the morning and evening daily. Suitable for Qi and blood deficiency, physical weakness, sallow complexion, and fatigue. Cherry Wine: 200 grams of cherries, washed and drained, soak in 1000ml of white liquor, seal for 10 days. Take 15-20ml twice daily. Suitable for rheumatism in the lower back and legs, joint numbness, and paralysis.