Turkey Berries (Solanum torvum) 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, they called it Kwahu Nsusua, Beduru, Tinvii tinvii, Kantosey etc. They are 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.
***Interesting note***
The local name “Kwahu Nsusua” as pronounced is rather “Kwanho Nsusua” to mean Roadside/wayside berries. In Akan, “Зkwan” is road or way and “nsusua” is berries.
The health benefits of turkey berries
Traditionally, we mostly use turkey berries in household meals. It has a slightly bitter taste. Moreover, the health benefits of turkey berries are amazing. We take this post to highlight them.
1. Treatment of Anaemia
Turkey berries contain lots of iron. So, very good for treating anaemia. They stimulate the production of red blood cells. You can use the berries in soups. You can also consume it daily to increase red blood cell production.
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2. Treatment of Indigestion and diarrhoea
Turkey Berries are good for digestion. They help to treat indigestion, stomachaches and diarrhoea. The berries are also capable of neutralising the acid in the stomach. This makes them important for healing gastric ulcers.
3. Prevents intestinal worms
Regular intake of the berries can prevent the formation of worms in the intestine. You can add dried and powdered berries to gravies and eat.
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4. Treatment of Diabetes
Eating these berries help in the 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.
5. Prevention and healing of Colds and flu
The berries also help with preventing and healing colds and flu. Use the berries to prepare soup and take.
6. Protection from Cancer
Dr Paul Haider says “Turkey Berries are antibacterial, anti-fungal. They stop the excessive cell growth making it important for cancer. Studies show that the extract of Turkey Berry can protect against lung cancer”.
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7. Treatment of Phlegm and mucus
Turkey berries can also help get rid of phlegm and mucus. Dry berries and make into powder, this will dry up the mucus. They help with asthma, coughing, lung inflammation etc.
8. Prevention and treatment of Kidney disease
According to Dr Paul Haider, studies show that the berries can also help prevent and treat kidney disease. And even reverse tubular necrosis and glomerular congestion. Therefore it is important for treating kidney disease.
9. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and strokes
Additionally, the berries contain saponins, flavonoids, torvosides, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, cholorogenome, etc. These 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.
10. Regulate menstruation
One of the health benefits of turkey berries is that it regulates menstruation and so help with regular menstrual periods.
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11. Prevention of Pains, redness and gout
The 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 agent and natural steroids called soasoline. It is 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.
Caution
According to Dr Paul Haider, eating the raw Turkey Berries could be toxic. Clean and prepare before eating them.
Reference:
The Amazing Healing Qualities of Turkey Berries by Dr Paul Haider
