The tejocote is a small fruit, yellow and orange in color, which has a rather sour taste. In Mexico, it is one of the main ingredients of the traditional fruit punch, a hot drink that is usually enjoyed during the December festivities.

In addition to adding acidity to beverages, this fruit is also used to make candies, jams, and tea. On the other hand, this small fruit not only has a fresh flavor, but it is also attributed with many health benefits, as various scientific studies indicate that tejocote improves circulation and lowers cholesterol levels. At kiwilimón, we invite you to take advantage of the season of this fruit and prepare a delicious tejocote tea to relieve many ailments.

Does tejocote tea contain vitamins and minerals?

Experts indicate that tejocote is rich in vitamins and minerals; here’s what we tell you.

• B Complex
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Iron

You can also read: The benefits of fruit punch

Benefits of drinking tejocote tea

For a long time, tejocote has been used to treat all kinds of ailments, from cough to fluid retention and even high blood pressure. While this fruit is a good option to improve your health, remember that it is not a substitute for medical treatments, so you should always consult a specialist if you have symptoms of any illness.

To prepare tejocote tea, you can use the leaves or fruit, which you should boil with enough water.

Traditional medicine

According to the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Traditional Mexican Medicine, published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, tejocote tea has been used for medicinal purposes for many years. Here’s how you can take advantage of this tea.

Experts indicate that tejocote tea can be consumed to treat respiratory conditions such as the following: cough, bronchitis, cold, and lung pain. However, in the case of chronic cough, the tea from this fruit is combined with cinnamon, elderflower, cherimoya, and lime peel for better results.

Meanwhile, to treat asthma, some communities prepare tejocote tea with a touch of eucalyptus, mullein, elderflower, and bougainvillea flower.

In addition to respiratory diseases, this wonderful infusion is taken to combat stomach conditions such as diarrhea, stomach pain, dysentery, and amoebas.

Although the existence of "chipilez" in children, a stage when children feel sad during their mothers' pregnancies, has not been proven, it is common in Michoacán for families to prepare tejocote tea for children, as it supposedly improves their mood and appetite.

On the other hand, this natural infusion is also consumed as a diuretic, to improve circulation and to moderate heart rate.

You can also read: Learn about the benefits of eating tejocote

Modern medicine

According to the Mount Sinai Hospital, tejocote has been used in the treatment of heart diseases since the first century, and to top it off, doctors have used it to treat circulation and respiratory problems since 1800.

In recent years, studies on animals have indicated that tejocote is a fruit rich in antioxidants, a substance that combats free radicals. It is worth mentioning that free radicals are behind aging, the appearance of wrinkles, and the development of heart diseases and even cancer.

Lowers cholesterol levels

It may be hard to believe, but tejocote is a great ally in combating high cholesterol , according to some scientific studies. Remember that if you do not lower cholesterol levels, you could suffer a heart attack.

You can also read: 4 reasons to eat the tejocote from the punch

Tejocote against heart failure

Health professionals indicate that tejocote improves heart function and alleviates symptoms present in people suffering from heart failure. Although drinking tejocote tea is a great idea if you have heart issues, remember to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Hypertension

Today, millions of people suffer from high blood pressure due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. One study indicated that tejocote extract had benefits for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and hypertension; however, more studies are needed to confirm these results. Remember that before taking any natural remedy, you should consult your primary care physician.

Now you know that the fruit, leaves, and flowers of tejocote are used for medicinal purposes, as they contain many properties; this is why it is the best option for preparing a healthy tea every morning.

Does tejocote help combat anxiety?

Currently, the number of people suffering from anxiety is on the rise. While it is important to consult a health professional if you show symptoms related to this condition, you can also take advantage of this fruit's properties and prepare a tea, as according to a study published in 1997, tejocote has a sedative effect, which could help alleviate anxiety symptoms.