Mespilus germanica or Medlar, is a bushy tree that grows up to 8 meters. The round and pear-shaped fruit with 5 seeds is yellow green to dark brown. The fleshy and edible part darkens after standing. The ripe fruit is very aromatic and has a sweet and sour taste. Medlar originates from Asia, from where it was brought to Europe around 200 years B.C. It made its home in Greece, Italy, and then in the rest of Europe. Flowering time is from May to June. Ripe fruits are harvested first, then seeds, leaves, flowers, as well as unripe fruits, which can also be stored in straw until fully ripe. The leaf is harvested in spring, and the flower is air-dried during flowering. The bark should be removed from the tree in spring or autumn. Medlar contains tannin, about 35% sugar, vitamin C, pectin, resin and malic, citric and tartaric acids.
In folk medicine, medlar is used to treat constipation, irregular stools and other indigestion. Unripe medlar tightens the mucous membrane, so it is used to stop bleeding in the oral cavity, such as bleeding gums, teeth, aphthae and other bleeding. It can then help with diarrhea, dysentery and in all cases where tissue tightening is needed, as well as an anti-inflammatory remedy. In these cases, leaf preparations are also suitable, because it contains the most tannins. By the way, the bark of the tree is also used for certain health problems. Medlar wood is hard and flexible, so wooden tools are made from it. This plant is a natural astringent, antidiarrheal, hemostyptic and laxative. In the absence of other means, Medlar is worthy of attention in the treatment of scurvy, especially since children love Medlars when they are fully mature.
Medlar also acts against some other health problems. It stimulates the work of the salivary and gastric glands and is effective in the treatment of these disorders, especially in the elderly. The fleshy part is a good laxative. Preparations from the fruit and leaves stop bleeding, while in folk medicine, poultices are used for various skin injuries from the seeds, which swell in the water to produce mucus. The seeds contain a small percentage of hydrocyanic acid, they are not recommended for use, but in controlled quantities they are used to dissolve kidney and bladder stones.
