CHINESE LANTERN PLANT, PHYSALIS ALKEKENGIThis plant is aptly named as the calyx which surrounds the small cherry-like fruit looks like a decorative Chinese lantern. It is closely related to the Cape gooseberry and Tomatillo and in the same Solanaceae (nightshade) family as the potato, aubergine, and the Nipple fruit. You usually see it in November as it makes its presence felt in early November, and is used in floral decorations. Most people think that this is all it is useful for, but of course they are wrong. It is also called the winter cherry, but should not be confused with Ashwagandha, and the bladder cherry.
The plant was first found in Japan, and was adopted into the Chinese medicine system as it has some amazing medical properties. If you want to grow one, it seems that they are relatively easy to grow and prefer to have lily-of-the-valley as companions. Historically they have been used to reduce fevers, help stop coughs, as an expectorant, as a diuretic for gout sufferers and to disperse stones and gravel in the kidneys. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and in Iran they were used to induce labour. The juice from the berries or fruit has diuretic properties, but the whole plant above ground can be used. In traditional medicine in Iran they have been used for centuries to stop constipation, to ease the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, and to inhibit female fertility.
Modern research has shown that extracts from the plant have antioxidant activities as well as anti-microbial and antifungal ones. In rats they proved to have anti-fertility effects probably because they inhibit the egg from attaching itself to the womb, although this is not conclusive. The husks are a source of zeoxanthin (sadly lacking in Western diets generally) as does cayenne pepper, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) paprika and dried wolfberries. This helps to prevent the onset of age-related loss of vision, as does lutein. The fruit contains twice as much vitamin C as lemons do. So next time you see one of these decorative plants, you will be aware of the medicinal value they have – they are not just easy on the eye.
at what time plant set seeds ?
ReplyDeleteYou plant the seeds the same time of year you plant flowers and veggie seeds. ie I live in WI, so I'd plant them in the spring. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteIve read on other sites that the plants (other than the berries) are poisonous, but this site states the entire plant is medicinal. Why the discrepancy? I hope this isnt bad advice you are giving- hate to see someone sick or dead as a result!
ReplyDeletethis plant kills cows.
ReplyDeleteYou put them up your bum hole and hope it sprouts out a berry
ReplyDeleteBlah blah blah
ReplyDeleteThe unripe fruit is also fairly poisonous.
ReplyDeleteThis plant is known as Miracle Leaf, Life Plant and Wonder of the World in English. click here
ReplyDeletehow to consume it and which part?
ReplyDeleteI liked your blog! It is really helpful and useful. Your post covered interesting facts on Chinese lantern plant. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteAsian Vegetable Seeds
Informative blog, great thanks Abbas for sharing the health benefits and uses of Chinese lantern plant. This will be helpful for readers.
ReplyDelete