The Power of Quince: Nature's Cough Remedy and Vitamin C Boost

Kristina TOSEVSKA
12 minutes ago
3 min read

When a cough lingers or the body feels run down, many turn to natural remedies for relief. One such remedy, often overlooked, is the quince fruit. Known for its pleasant aroma and nostalgic presence in country kitchens, quince offers more than just a sweet scent or a spot in folk songs. It carries a wealth of vitamins and healing properties that have been valued in traditional medicine for centuries.

Quince in Traditional Medicine

Quince has a long history in folk medicine, especially for treating coughs and digestive issues. The fruit, seeds, and leaves all have medicinal uses. Traditionally, quince seeds are soaked in water to release a soothing mucus that helps calm coughs and clear the respiratory tract. This natural remedy has been passed down through generations, valued for its gentle yet effective relief.

Besides coughs, quince preparations have been used to ease stomach discomfort and support intestinal health. The fruit’s natural compounds help reduce inflammation and protect the digestive lining, making it a go-to for mild stomach ailments.

Quince fruit — Quince has a long history in folk medicine

Nutritional Profile of Quince

Quince is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health:

Vitamin C: Quince contains more vitamin C than lemons, making it a strong immune booster.
B Vitamins: Including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and niacin, which support energy metabolism.
Carotene: A precursor to vitamin A, important for vision and skin health.
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, chlorine, and sulfur.
Other nutrients: Proteins, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates.

This rich nutritional content supports the immune system, helps maintain healthy skin, and promotes good digestion.

How Quince Seeds Help with Coughs

The seeds of quince are especially valuable for respiratory health. When soaked in water, they release a gel-like mucus that coats the throat and soothes irritation. This natural mucus helps reduce coughing fits and clears mucus buildup in the airways.

Quince seeds also contain amygdalin, sometimes called vitamin B17, which has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. While research is ongoing, the seeds’ other components like tannins, pectin, and emulsin contribute to their medicinal effects.

Tannins help reduce inflammation and fight infections.
Pectin supports blood health and may help lower blood pressure.
Emulsin aids in breaking down complex compounds for better absorption.

Together, these compounds make quince seeds a gentle but effective remedy for coughs and respiratory discomfort.

Benefits of Quince Juice and Cooked Quince

Quince can be consumed fresh, but juices, compotes, and syrups are popular ways to enjoy its benefits. Quince juice is known to:

Relieve cough and asthma symptoms
Help with diarrhea by soothing the digestive tract

Baked or boiled quince is often recommended for people with anemia due to its iron content. It also helps reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines, making it useful for those with sensitive digestive systems. Women experiencing heavy menstruation may find relief from quince’s natural properties as well.

How to Prepare Quince Juice at Home

Making quince juice is simple and preserves many of the fruit’s health benefits:

Wash the quinces thoroughly.
Finely grate or chop the fruit, including the skin.
Boil the chopped quince in water until soft.
Strain the mixture to extract the juice.
Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

This juice can be consumed daily during cold seasons or whenever a cough or digestive upset occurs.

Practical Tips for Using Quince

Use quince seeds soaked in warm water as a natural cough syrup.
Incorporate quince juice into your diet for a vitamin C boost.
Bake quince with a little honey for a soothing treat that supports digestion.
Store quince juice in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for best results.

Quince’s Healing Qualities

Quince is like the overachiever of the fruit world, crammed with vitamins and a backstory worthy of a folk medicine superhero! It's been hailed for its superpower to shush coughs and calm those rebellious stomachs!