Fall is the season of the pear, and therefore this is the best time of year to benefit from this fruit’s healing properties.

Traditionally, in Chinese medicine, the pear is taken for its therapeutic and nutritional value. Considered to be sweet, slightly sour, cool, moistening, and detoxifying in nature, it is often prescribed for relief of coughs, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, difficult urination, and constipation.

Because of its viscous quality, the pear helps to moisten the lungs and stomach, providing a natural relief from some of these conditions. The pear is also a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K.

Pears are very perishable once ripe, and the pears found in grocery stores are typically unripe, and still require a few more days of maturing. Try to find pears that are firm, but not too hard. The skin should be smooth and free of punctures, bruises, and dark soft spots. Brown speckles on the skin are acceptable and may even indicate a more intense flavor. Pears should be left at room temperature and are considered ripe and ready to eat once the skin yields to gentle pressure.

Following are several easy preparations of pears for use in relief of certain conditions. But please, remember… these preparations are suggested to provide relief only, and should never be taken in place of proper medical care. It is always recommended and advised that you seek proper care from your healthcare provider for any of these conditions.

* For relief of cough and thirst from fever, drink a glass of fresh pear juice in the morning and evening.

For relief from the following conditions, soak fresh unpeeled pears in vinegar:

* Indigestion – Peel 2 vinegar soaked pears and eat them.

* Sore throat and difficulty swallowing – Squeeze the juice out of 2 vinegar soaked pears and drink in the morning and evening.

Patients seen by appointment only.