Vitis vinifera L.

Family : Vitaceae

English Name : Grape

Origin : Sub-tropical regions

Description

It is a climbing shrub with simple, lobed, cut or toothed leaves with thyrsoid racemes of greenish flowers, the fruit consisting of watery or fleshy pulp, stones and skin, two-celled, four-seeded.

Habitat

Prefers sunny, moderately dry, well-drained, organic-rich sandy loam soil.

Parts Used : Fruit

Herb Effects

The fresh fruit is antilithic, constructive, cooling, diuretic and strengthening. The dried fruit is demulcent, cooling, mildly expectorant, laxative and stomachic. The leaves, especially red leaves, are anti-inflammatory and astringent. The seed is anti-inflammatory and astringent. The sap of young branches is diuretic.
Active Ingredients

Abscissic acid, acetic acid, alpha-amyrin, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-terpineol, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, ellagic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, limonene, luteolin, myricetin, niacin, oleanolic acid, quercetin, quercitrin, resveratrol, rutin, salicyclic acid.

Medicinal Use

Grapes are a nourishing and slightly laxative fruit that support the body through illness, especially of the gastro-intestinal tract and liver. Because the nutrient content of grapes is close to that of blood plasma, grape fasts are recommended for detoxification. A period of time on a diet based entirely on the fruit is especially recommended in the treatment of torpid liver or sluggish biliary function. The fruit is also helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, haemorrhoids and capillary fragility. It has a slight effect in easing coughs.A decoction is used in the treatment of threatened abortion, internal and external bleeding, cholera, dropsy, diarrhoea and nausea. It is also used as a wash for mouth ulcers and as douche for treating vaginal discharge. Red grape leaves are also helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, haemorrhoids and capillary fragility. It is used as a remedy for skin diseases and is also an excellent lotion for the eyes. The tendrils are astringent and a decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The seeds and leaves are astringent, the leaves being formerly used to stop haemorrhages and bleeding. It is used dried and powdered as a cure for dysentery in cattle. The sap, termed a tear or lachryma, forms an excellent lotion for weak eyes and specks on the cornea. Ripe grapes in quantity influence the kidneys producing a free flow of urine and are apt to cause palpitation in excitable and full-blooded people.

Reference