| The fig occupies a high position among fruits. Soft, | | | | seeds in the fruit possess the property of stimulating |
| sweet and puply, this delicious fruit promotes health. It is | | | | peristaltic or wave like movements of intestines which |
| a pear-shaped hollow fruit, with sugary pulp and a | | | | facilitates easy evacuation of faeces and keeps the |
| large number of small seeds of golden color sticking to | | | | alimentary canal clean.PilesOwing to its laxative |
| the wall of the cavity. It is variable in size and color. | | | | property, the fig is an excellent remedy for piles. Two |
| The ripe fresh fruit is juicy, wholesome and delicious. | | | | or three dried figs should be soaked in cold water in a |
| However, being highly perishable, it if sold in the world | | | | glass of enamelware in the night after cleaning them |
| markets in its dry form.Origin and DistributionThe fig is | | | | thoroughly with hot water. They should be taken next |
| a native of Asia Minor and spread early to the | | | | morning. Figs should be taken similarly in the evening. |
| Mediterranean region. It is a plant of extremely ancient | | | | This will remove straining at stools and thus prevent |
| cultivation and was grown in Egypt around 4,000 BC. It | | | | the protrusion of the anus. The piles will be cured with |
| has been used as a principal food in the Mediterranean | | | | regular use of figs in this manner for three or four |
| countries for thousands of years. The main areas of | | | | weeks.AsthmaFigs are considered beneficial in the |
| fig cultivation in India are Pune in Maharashtra, | | | | treatment of asthma. Phlegmatic cases of cough and |
| Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Lucknow in Uttar | | | | asthma are treated with success by their use. It gives |
| Pradesh and parts of Gujarat.Food ValueAn analysis | | | | comfort to the patient by draining of the |
| of the fresh fig shows it consists good amount of | | | | phlegm.Sexual WeaknessFigs can be beneficially |
| moisture and little protein, fat and carbohydrate. The | | | | used in the treatment of sexual debility. They can be |
| dry fig has a high nutritive value. Its most important | | | | supplemented by other dry fruits like almonds and dry |
| food element is sugar which forms 51 to 74 per cent | | | | dates along with butter. Their use has proved |
| of the whole fruit. It can be taken in various ways, | | | | effective in such casesCornsFor corns of long |
| either by itself or in combination with other foodstuffs | | | | duration, the milky juice of green figs helps to soften |
| enrich their food value. When taken with white flour, it | | | | them. The milk has a mild necrotic |
| removes much of its constipating effect. It combines | | | | actionPrecautionsFigs should be washed thoroughly |
| very well with milk. Figs are often used for preparing | | | | before use. The skin of the dry fruit being tough, the |
| cakes and jams. They are also made into | | | | soaked fig is easy to digest. It is, however, essential to |
| pudding.Natural Benefits and Curative PropertiesMany | | | | take the water along with the fruit as much of the |
| medicinal virtues have been ascribed to the fig. It is | | | | nutrients come out into the water.Note:Information in |
| considered a restorative food which helps in quick | | | | this article is provided for informational and educational |
| recovery after prolonged illness. It removes physical | | | | purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the |
| and mental exertion and endows the body with | | | | advise provided by your own physician or other |
| renewed vigour and strength. It is an excellent tonic for | | | | medical professional. If you suspect that you have a |
| the weak people who suffer cracks in lips, tongue and | | | | medical problem, promptly contact your health care |
| mouth.ConstipationTaken either fresh or dried, the fig is | | | | provider.Cindy is the host of a Free Asian Recipes |
| regarded as a dependable laxative on account of its | | | | website dedicated to all things on Asian Cooking and |
| large cellulose content and its tough skin. The tiny | | | | Culinary Guide with thousands of Cooking Tips. |