Description :
Grapes plants are large, woody vines that are self-fertile. They require some sort of support at planting in order to grow upward and prevent disease. The vine will grow and cling to the support structure. Grapes like deep, well-drained loose soil. Grapes vines start off as small green vines with tightly curled ends. The curled end will cling to the support structure. As the vine grows and ages, the older parts become woody. The leaves grow larger than a person’s hand and are vibrant green with a strong stem and many veins. They generally have three sharply serrated lobes. The fruit of the Grape grows only on one-year old branches (canes). Grapes must be carefully pruned on a regular basis in order to produce fruit. The fruit is generally green, red, or purple in color with a membranous outer cover over a soft fleshy inside that usually has seeds. The leaves of the Grape are used in cooking in many different cultures all over the world. Grape leaves have historically also be used medicinally. Internally, Grape leaves were used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and relieve the accompanying edema. Externally, Grape leaves were supposedly used fresh or in a poultice to help stop bleeding.
History and Folklore:
Grape vines, and thus grapes and grape leaves have been known to man for centuries. Grapes have been used to make drinks for 6 to 7 thousand years. It is likely that the leaves have been used for nearly as long for wrapping other foods for cooking.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the leaves of the grape from branches pruned during the spring and early summer. For food, you can store the fresh leaves as you would lettuce or kale in the refrigerator. For longer term storage, you can dry them or pickle them in a brine. Dried leaves can be used to make tinctures, teas, and capsules.
Precautions:
Do not use while pregnant or nursing
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Anti-inflamatory, Nutritive, Antihemorrhagic
Tincture Ingredients: Grape Leaf (Vitis vinifera)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Lydia –
wow!