Turkey Berries (Solanum torvum) a sought-after commodity can be found in Ghana, China, Thailand, The Caribbean, South America, Indonesia, Florida, Alabama, Brazil, Mexico, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico and other places in the world.
In Ghana, we usually refer to it as Abedru. It has taken a long time for its true values to be recognized and some doctors now highly recommend it in our meals.
In Ghana, Turkey berry has several names given to it. Some of the names include Ama Julie or Anona Ntroba in Fante, Kwahu Nsusua, Yaa Asantewa, Beduru, and Kantosey.
Turkey berries are found in most Ghanaian markets and are also mostly available in the wild and backyard gardens. The leaves of the berry plant are similar to that of the eggplants. It has thorns and can last for about 3 years before replanting from seeds may be required.
Turkey berries have some amazing healing benefits which includes the following:
Treatment of Anemia: Turkey berries contain lots of iron and are very good for treating anemia. They stimulate the production of red blood cells. The berries can be used in soups and consumed daily to increase red blood cell production.
Treatment of Indigestion and diarrhea: Turkey Berries are good for digestion and help to treat indigestion, stomachaches, and diarrhea. The berries are also capable of neutralizing acid in the stomach making them important for healing gastric ulcers.
Prevents intestinal worms: Regular intake of the berries can prevent the formation of worms in the intestine. Dried and powdered berries can be added to gravies and eaten.
Treatment of Diabetes: Add dried powdered leaves of the Turkey Berry plant to cooked berries to control diabetes. They are used to lower blood sugar.
Prevention and healing of Colds and flu: The berries also help in the prevention and healing colds and flu. Use the berries to prepare soup and take.
Protection from Cancer: Research indicates that the Turkey berry is indeed highly medicinal. Some researchers indicate it can be used to treat skin diseases, ulcers, and abscesses. The berry is also said to be an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic for stomach problems and for the control of diabetes. Dr. Paul Haider says; turkey Berries
are antibacterial, anti-fungal, and stops the excessive cell growth making it important for cancer. Studies show that extract of Turkey Berry can protect against lung cancer.
Treatment of Phlegm and Mucus: Turkey berries can also help get rid of phlegm and mucus. Dry berries and make it into powder, this will dry up the mucus, helps with asthma, coughing, lung inflammation etc.
Prevention & Treatment of Kidney Disease: Studies show that berries can also help prevent and treat kidney disease and even reverse tubular necrosis and glomerular congestion, therefore making it important for treating kidney disease.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases & Strokes: Additionally, the berries contain saponins, flavonoids, torvosides, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, cholorogenome, etc. and are powerful antioxidants that prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. The dried berries made into a powder helps to lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.
Regulate Menstruation: Turkey Berries help regulate menstruation and so help with regular menstrual periods.
Prevention of Pains, Redness, and Gout: Berries help flush out uric acid thus helping to prevent or reduce pain, redness, and symptoms of gout.Moreover, Turkey Berry Leaf contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents and natural steroids called Soasoline, great for arthritis, lower back pain and swelling, and pain in general. Turkey Berries are very important for health since inflammation is the first step towards all diseases.
Weight Gain: People underweight can also blend raw turkey berries with water and take half a glass last thing before going to bed. Drinking this and eating well consistently improves weight gain. Blended raw berry should be refrigerated so it doesn’t go bad and also for the bitterness to lessen.
Note: Medical doctors advise that eating the raw Turkey Berries could be toxic if not cleaned well. I recommend that you clean it with some white vinegar to get rid of any toxic materials.
