APPLE AND MEDICINE
Apart from its symbolic and mythological role, the apple has always been considered as a nutritive fruit bringing health and wellness. The health virtues of apple have been recognized since the medieval time. From these times comes the old English saying:
«Ate an apfel awore gwain to bed makes the doctor beg his bread»
Indeed, from the XIIth century, St Hildegarde talked about the benefits of this fruit.
In the beginning of XVIth century, doctors tried to use it as a treatment. Thus, the writings of Lord de Gouberville, one of the first Normandy cider producer refer to the use of this drink to treat various diseases.
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The first true medical thesis published on the apple virtues was “Le traité du Sidre”, written in 1573 by Julien Le Paulmier, Norman and king Charles IX’s doctor. Then various authors from the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries confirmed the benefits of apples. The therapeutic use of apple spread very quickly. It was advised in cataplasm for the ocular affections; by oral way, for people prone to biliary colics or difficult digestions. Some doctors insisted on its beneficial action on the kidneys, the bladder, and against cough and sore throat. |  |
In the 1870’, the therapeutic qualities of cider were resumed in a study by Doctor Denis-Dumont, surgeon of the Caen hospital. The work entitled “medical and hygienic properties of the cider” exposed a long succession of observations on his patients and in the hospital. The author then alloted to the cider a preventive action against the formation of kidney stone.
At the beginning of the XXth century, the apple health benefits were somewhat forgotten by the researchers. Only Henry Hamon’s work, in 1937 confirmed that this fruit could be used for the treatment of arthritism, diabetes, obesity, constipation and scurvy.
In the 70’, the scientists had a renewal of interest for the dietetic and health properties of apple. New studies are made on the modern times diseases: cholesterol excess, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, respiratory functions, asthma…
It is known today that this fruit benefits from extraordinary nutritional, dietetic, and medicinal qualities. Did Eve already know this scientific truth when she proposed an apple to Adam ?
Source : La Pomme Histoire Symbolique & Cuisine
Edition Sang de la terre
Authors : Henry Wasserman, Michel Pastoureau, Maxime Préaud, Tran Ky et François Drouard, Raymond Buren, Louis Lachenal.
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