David W. Grotto, RD, LDN
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 The entire fruit is edible except for the seed and calyx.
An astringent cultivar must be jelly-soft before it is fit to eat and includes varieties such as Eureka, Hachiya, Honan Red, Saijo, Tamopan, Tanenashi, and Triumph. A nonastringent persimmon can be eaten when it is crisp as an apple and includes varieties such as Fuyu (Fuyugaki), Gosho/Giant Fuyu/O'Gosho, Imoto, Izu, Jiro, Maekawajiro, Okugosho, and Suruga. Then, a third category is seedless astringent varieties, which include Chocolate, Gailey, Hyakume, Maru, and Nishimura Wase. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 It's important to know which one you're getting. The astringent kind needs to be soft and ripe before eating, or else it tastes horrible. The reason for this is the presence of tannins, a group of chemicals that are also in red wine and tea. Once the fruit ripens and gets soft, the tannins become inert and the taste is no longer astringent. (A cool way to ripen it quickly is to leave it in the freezer overnight and then allow it to thaw in the morning. |
| Hachiya is the most widely available persimmon in the United States, but it's astringent, so remember to let it ripen. Fuyu are nonastringent, so you can eat them firm or soft. There's also Sharon fruit (also called Israeli persimmon), which is round and sweet, and like Fuyu, can be eaten anytime.
PERSIMMON MAY LOWER BLOOD FATS
There are a couple of interesting studies on persimmons that are worth mentioning, even though they were done on rats. |
| Once the fruit ripens and gets soft, the tannins become inert and the taste is no longer astringent. (A cool way to ripen it quickly is to leave it in the freezer overnight and then allow it to thaw in the morning.) If you've accidentally tasted one of these "before its time," you might think this is the worst fruit on the planet, but give it another shot once it's soft. Without the tannins, it's a whole different experience. The nonastringent kind, on the other hand, can be eaten firm or soft. |
David W. Grotto, RD, LDN
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| Persimmon, also known as "Sharon fruit" or "Kaki," can be classified into two general categories: those that bear astringent fruit until they are soft-ripe and those that bear nonastringent fruits. The shape of the fruit varies from spherical to acorn to flattened or squarish, and the color can range anywhere from light yellow-orange to dark orange-red. The size can be as little as a few ounces to more than a pound. The entire fruit is edible except for the seed and calyx. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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 A comprehensive plan may include the use of soy and flax products to regulate the menstrual cycle, herbal extracts to address immediate bleeding episodes, nutrients such as bioflavonoids and bromelain for their natural anti-inflammatory effect, herbal extracts for their ability to bring about ovulation and orderly stimulation of ovarian function, and herbs for their tonifying and astringent effects.
The concept of tissue tonification is a key feature of the philosophy of herbal medicine. |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
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 However, there's enough astringent zinc sulfate in here to cause iiiitation around the eyes, especially given the acidic nature of this product.
© High-Potency Serum ($90 for 1 ounce) lists zinc sulfate as the first ingredient, which makes this serum highly irritating to skin. Topical application of zinc sulfate has not been shown to promote skin healing, and it is of very little benefit to skin (Source: Acta Dermato- Venereologica, supplemental, 1990, pages 1-36). |
Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe
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 Roasting, which lasts from 70 to 115 minutes, involves temperatures of 99°-104°C (210°-219°F) for chocolate and 116°-121°C (240°-250°F) for cocoa powder, and is absolutely necessary for the development of flavor and aroma; through this step, due to chemical changes and further loss of moisture, the nib becomes a richer brown in color, more friable, and even less astringent.
The final step is winnowing, in which the thin and useless shell is peeled off or otherwise removed. |
| Overlook the astringent after-taste of this chocolate (it has 70 percent "cocoa solids" but no cacao butter). And never mind that its flavors include essence of orange (citrus fruits were unknown in the pre-Conquest New World). What is important is that "Maya Gold" is made from cacao beans grown by the Maya— and that these same Maya have a considerable share in the profits.
"Maya Gold" is the brainchild of Josephine Fairley, a long-time supporter of "green" causes. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 EFFECTS
Febrifuge (malaria), astringent, anti-inflammatory, refreshing, perspiration-reducing, weakly hypotensive, mildly irritating, rich in vitamin C, strophantus-like effects, expectorant, diaphoretic, antiasthmatic. The plant is reported to produce Strophantus-like activities. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the leaves produced a slight drop in blood pressure after IV administration to dogs. Adansonia-flavonoside is able to reduce capillary permeability in rabbits. |
| Other Names: Acacia Bark, Babul Bark, Wattle Bark, Indian Gum, Black Wattle actions and pharmacology
COMPOUNDS
Tannins
EFFECTS
The drug has an astringent effect. indications and usage
Unproven Uses: The drug is used as a decoction for gum disease and inflammations' of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat (rarely used today).
Indian Medicine: Acacia is used as a decoction in the treatment of diarrhea and vaginal secretions, and as an enema for hemorrhoids. precautions and adverse reactions
Large doses taken internally can lead to indigestion and constipation. |
| Other Names: American Greek Valerian, Blue Bells, False Jacob's Ladder, Sweatroot actions and pharmacology
COMPOUNDS
Triterpene saponins
EFFECTS
Abscess root has astringent, diaphoretic and expectorant effects. indications and usage
Unproven Uses: The drug is used for febrile and inflammatory disorders. precautions and adverse reactions
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. dosage
Mode of Administration: It is ground as a drug for infusion. |
| Characteristics: The taste is astringent; odorless.
Habitat: Indigenous to eastern and central North America. It is also used for breeding garden hybrids.
Production: Red Root is the root of Ceanothus americanus. The shrub is cultivated.
Other Names: Jersey Tea, Mountain-Sweet, Red Root, Wal-pole Tea, Wild Snowball actions and pharmacology
COMPOUNDS
Cyclic peptide alkaloids (0. |
| COMPOUNDS
Iridoids: iridoid glycosides, including loganin, cornuside, sweroside, morronoside
Tannins: gallotannins, including cornusiens-A to -G, tellima-grandin I and II, camptothins-A and -B
Triterpenes: including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid
Anthocyans
EFFECTS
The drug has an astringent effect due to its tannin content. It has exhibited diuretic, blood pressure-lowering and leukocy-topoiesis-promoting effects in clinical tests. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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| Traditionally, the ability of an astringent herb to stop bleeding has been attributed to the tannin content of the plants. Uterine tone is related to the ability of the uterus to function as a smooth muscle. When the uterine tone is normal, there is a normalization of menstrual flow. A hypertonic uterus can be associated with a delayed menses and cramping uterine pains. A hypotonic uterus is frequently accompanied by heavy bleeding and a feeling of pelvic congestion.
Stress reduction has an underappreciated but significant influence on irregular menses and DUB. |
| It has mildly diuretic, astringent, and antispasmodic properties as well, all important mechanisms in treating UTIs. Due to its arbutin content, this herb is best used for shorter-term use, or occasional use (up to four or five times per year), as for uva-ursi. It is unknown whether or not pipsissewa is safe for pregnant and lactating women. |
| Uva-ursi has antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties, largely due to its arbutin content. Uva-ursi is especially active against E. coli and has diuretic properties. Uva-ursi has also been used with recurrent bladder infections and was proven effective in a double-blind study of 57 women.22 After one year, 5 out of 27 women in the placebo group had a recurrence of cystitis, while none of 30 women had a recurrence in the uva-ursi group.
Historically, many herbalists have taught that herbs with arbutin work best in an alkaline environment. |
Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe
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| Gerard goes on to say that the fruit is "of an astringent and ungrateful taste," an opinion that he may have picked up by reading Benzoni.60
When the chocolate drink finally did reach England, in the 1650s, the "scepter'd isle" was a tumultuous place, racked by political and social upheavals the likes of which wete not to be seen on the other side of the Channel until the final decades of the next century. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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| The native peoples of North America, as well as the English and Pilgrims, were well aware of the healing properties of the leaves and bark as an astringent, nervine (an herb that affects the nerves and includes relaxants, tonics, and even stimulants), and sedative. It was often used for stomach and liver complaints, coughs, and female reproductive problems. Even the roots were eaten as a vegetable. The seeds were recommended as a coffee substitute in wartime and have a strong flavor similar to poppy seed oil. The therapeutic value of the seed oil is a more recent discovery. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| According to natural-foods expert Rebecca Wood, star fruit is cooling and astringent, clears excess heat, and is very good for diarrhea. It's also very low in calories.
According to research published in Food Chemistry, star fruit appears to be a good source of antioxidants. The major antioxidant present in the fruit's extract is proanthocyanidins, most notably epicatechin, an antioxidant more commonly associated with green tea and red wine. That puts this lovely little fruit in very good company. |
Michael Friedman, ND
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 Actions: The root is considered to be an immune tonic, stress-protectant, antihepatatoxic, antibacterial, diuretic, antipyretic, astringent, nerve sedative, and alterative. The stem and leaves are used as anti-hepatotoxics, antipyretics, febrifuges, bitters, diuretics, antibacterials, antimicrobials, astringents, and nerve sedadves. The seeds are hypnotic, diuretic, and coagulant. The fruit is an immune tonic with antibacterial and alterative properties.25
Mechanism of Action: To date, there are no agreed-upon mechanisms for the many actions of this remarkable plant. |
Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
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| Horsetail has been used topically for thousands of years to treat a variety of minor skin conditions, but it has been discovered to also work as an astringent within the kidney and other organs. Saponins within the plant act upon toxins within the body to help break them down for efficient elimination during the cleansing process.
Himematzutake is a mushroom that has been taken for thousands of years in Asian cultures for promoting a strong immune system. The body's ability to resist disease lies in its physiological fitness and many of Earth's natural resources can help in this regard. |
Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN
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 The undesirable sour, bitter and astringent characteristics come from oxidized phospholipids (rancid lecithin), oxidized fatty acids (rancid soy oil), the antinutrients called saponins, and the soy estrogens known as isoflavones. The last are so bitter and astringent that they produce dry mouth.24-25 This has put the soy industry into a quandary. The only way it can make its soy milk please consumers is to remove some of the very toxins that it has assiduously promoted as beneficial for preventing cancer and lowering cholesterol. |
Andreas Moritz
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 Legumes are mainly astringent and are generally liked by all Pitta types. Foods that have cold, heavy, and dry qualities are generally more suitable for the Pitta type. Mint, for example, has cooling properties whereas honey is heating. Wheat is both cooling and heavy compared to the light and heating properties of buckwheat or millet. Potatoes or cauliflower are very dry in comparison to the oiliness of eggs or peanuts. |
| An ideal food for the Kapha type is the astringent legumes that help to purge his intestinal tract from excessive mucus. Combined with heat-producing spices, they stimulate his digestion and help with the removal of stagnant waste material. Many vegetarian Mexican and Indian dishes are good for the Kapha type. Since his sense of smell is highly developed, the exotic smells of herbs and spices satisfy him. His often sluggish and slow metabolism can benefit greatly from an eye-watering spicy meal. |
| Spices such as cumin, fenugreek and turmeric are both astringent and bitter. Green leafy vegetables, including kale and spinach, that are cooked with plenty of spices also help to pacify Kapha, but care should be taken not to add too much water during cooking.
During the summer, the Kapha's body is warm enough to eat fruits, salads and some raw vegetables. These foods, however, can greatly upset his balance in the winter, when his body requires mainly cooked foods with hot spices. Cayenne pepper is especially beneficial for him, since it breaks down excessive mucus. |
| Besides their dulling effect on the Kapha type, these foods also increase his body weight, whereas the heating influence of pungent, bitter and astringent foods keeps his weight in check.
Fats and oils are far too heavy for the Kapha type and should be used sparingly. Kaphas not only secrete fats in their external skin, which makes their skin smooth and silky, but also through their internal skin—the gastrointestinal lining. In other words, they are oily inside and out. |
| Vata types should avoid fruits that have an astringent taste, as in unripe bananas or persimmons, whereas the sour taste of grapefruit helps to pacify Vata.
The drying, cooling and light elements of air and space/ether are the most dominating elements in the Vata type. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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| Characteristics: Lady's Mantle is odorless and has an astringent taste.
Habitat: The plant grows in the whole of the northern hemisphere from North America, Greenland and Europe to the Mediterranean and Iceland; and Asia from the Caucasus and the Himalayas to Siberia.
Production: Lady's Mantle herb consists of the fresh or dried above-ground parts of Alchemilla vulgaris gathered at flowering time, as well as its preparations. It is produced mostly through cultivation. |
| INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Internally, Bugle is used as an astringent for inflammation of the mouth and larynx. It is also used for gallbladder and stomach disorders. Externally, the plant is used for the treatment of wounds.
Efficacy has not been proven.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Bugle is used topically, in alcoholic extracts, as a water infusion and in teas. |
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