The fruit of a small palm bush is known as saw palmetto berries.The berries were eaten by Native American peoples and are still eaten today as a tonic for health.They're believed to contain compounds that can treat urinary tract infections and male pattern baldness.You can either eat the berries raw or make a tea out of them.
Step 1: Find a wild saw palmetto plant.
The saw palmetto has a small size of 7 to 10 feet, a horizontal trunk, and a large crown of leaves.The saw palmetto bush can be found in the lowlands and savanna scrubs of the southeastern United States.In Florida, saw palmetto is very common.When the fruits are ripe, look for berries in September and October.They are ripe by their dark brown to black color.You need to find a plant that is growing on public land.If you are caught picking strawberries that are being commercially farmed, you can be fined.
Step 2: Pick a few of the ripe black fruit.
The berries can be found at the base of the palm fronds.When picking the berries, be careful.The sharp prickly frond stalks are referred to as the saw palmetto.
Step 3: The strong flavor of the berry will take a while to get used to.
The Saw palmetto berry is similar in size and oiliness to a black olive.They have a pit like an olive.Take small nibbles of the fruit.Remember that there is a pit if you pop the whole fruit into your mouth.The strong flavor of the berries was described as rotten cheese steeped in tobacco juice.The taste of the cheese is strong and sweet.
Step 4: Put a quart of dried saw palmetto berries in a jar.
You can buy dried saw palmetto berries at your local health food store.The berries are chopped into small pieces.Cut the berries into quarter pieces or smaller.
Step 5: Grain alcohol can be used to cover the berries.
80 or 100 proof alcohol can be used.Check the label if the alcohol is made from grain.Don't worry about brand name, just get the cheap kind.Shake the mixture for 30 seconds when the jar is full.You can use apple cider vinegar as an alternative to grain alcohol.
Step 6: You have to label and date the jar.
Make a note of the contents and the date by putting a label on the jar.If you plan on making a lot of tinctures at a time, this is important.
Step 7: The mixture should be put in a dark place for 6 weeks to 3 months.
Shake the mixture twice a day for the first two weeks.Let it sit.The alcohol will extract the properties of the berry over time.The stronger the tincture is, the longer you let it sit.There is no benefit after 3 months.
Step 8: The liquid should be removed from the berries.
Pour the mixture through a strainer into a bowl to catch the liquid.The berries should be discarded.Store the liquid in a dark bottle.You can buy bottles with droppers online or at a health food store.
Step 9: It's a good idea to take a small amount of the tincture a day as a tonic.
It can be used for a variety of diseases, including treatment for enlarged prostrate, male pattern baldness, and urinary tract infections.It is important to see a doctor for specific symptoms to rule out serious conditions.
Step 10: A cup of water is boiled.
Turn the burner to high when you put the water in the tea kettle.Wait for a full boil and pour it into your cup.It is best to make your tea with fresh water.Water that has already been boiled should not be used.
Step 11: The dried palmetto saw berries should be placed in a tea ball.
You can buy dried saw palmetto berries at the health food store.The berries are chopped into small pieces.Cut the berries into quarter pieces or smaller.Place the tea ball in the water.
Step 12: Let the palmetto saw berries steep.
Wait at least 30 minutes.The stronger your tea is, both in flavor and strength, the longer you steep.
Step 13: The tea should be flavored to your liking.
If you're tasting saw palmetto tea for the first time, don't add anything.Saw palmetto berries are both sweet and stinky.You can use sugar, honey, or milk to create a flavor that you will like.