Fresh, organic peaches are a wonderfully nutritious food. They are high in vitamins and nutrients like lycopene and beta carotene. The fruit is a perfect summer staple that we all know well but, as less people realize, the rest of the peach tree is also quite medicinal. The whole plant is rich in therapeutic properties.
We at Earth Tu Face use the leaves to make tea and tincture. (The twigs and flowers can also be used.) Peach leaf tea relaxes the nerves and relieves tension. It has a cooling effect and moistens the body, perfect for any dry, hot condition. It’s also a perfect natural remedy for anxiety, restlessness, and frazzled nerves.
Peach is also very soothing for an irritated, upset stomach and upper GI tract. If your digestion is aggravated and feels “hot,” then peach leaf tea is just the thing. It moistens the body and soothes the tissues. The tea is very helpful for eliminating nausea, too. Peppermint and ginger also work well for this, but peach is a more universal crowd-pleaser since less people are lovers of ginger tea and peppermint is somewhat contraindicated in pregnancy.
Topically, crushed fresh or dried peach leaves are great for sunburns, bug bites, rashes or any red skin ailments that need soothing.
Overall, peach is a cooling, moistening remedy, making it a perfect summertime food and welcomed herbal medicine.
