Not everyone knows that the blackthorn or sloe is a shrub that also bears stone fruit, sloes, although they are not edible. Nevertheless, to complete our list of the various stone fruits that have healing properties, we must not omit to mention it. As far back as antiquity this shrub was widely used. The flowers were picked and the essence made from them was used to cleanse the blood, as a laxative, as a remedy for the stomach, for coughs and for the lungs. A syrup made from its fruits, especially in combination with tormentil, was good for chronic diarrhoea. It is also beneficial for the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. Even anaemic persons will find sloe syrup to be a good and natural remedy. So the fruits of blackthorn serve exclusively for curative purposes, while we enjoy the other stone fruits as wholesome and healing food.
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