Properties, benefits, negative effects and varieties of dates in the traditional medicine

The date, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is a monocotyledon and tropical plant of the palm specie. Dates are part of the human’s nutrition since the antiquity and belong to the oldest fruits that are being cultivated by humans. There are approximately 200 varieties of dates in the world, 120 of which have been identified and researched so far.

Dates are the black gold of Iran and one of the products that are being processed in the whole country for several aliments and drinks. Next to Iran’s saffron, pistachios, caviar and carpets, Iranian dates are particularly popular around the world.

Like grapes, dates offer many varieties. The best among them are the sweet, ripe dates with fine and fleshy skin. The most popular date varieties are: Pyarom, Khanizi, Shahani, Mardasang, Mazafati, Madjoul, Zahedi, Kabkab, Rabbi, Barhi, Gantar, Al-Mehtari, Khazravi and Khasoui.

Dates in Avicenna’s school:

Dates go through seven stages, from the start of growth to the ripening. Each of these stages has its own particular characteristics and functions according to its nature. For example, the sixth stage “rotab” (ripe and fresh dates) has a warm and wet temperament, the seventh “tambr” (dried dates) a warm and dry temperament.

Thanks to their high content in potassium, dates are often used in Iran to treat back and joint pain. Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal muscle function and to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

Avicenna referred to the cold season as being the best time to eat dates and recalled that they should be consumed with caution during the hot season.

Despite all the mentioned characteristics and benefits, dates need to be eaten with moderation since they’re difficultly and slowly to digest. Their exaggerated consumption might cause clogged arteries and be harmful to humans with warm temperament.

Especially during the cold season, it doesn’t matter if you have a warm or cold temperament according to Avicenna’s definition. Thus, enjoy one or two dates with your tea or as a dessert and let your body build up warmth from the inside. When eating fish: fish has a cold temperament and in order to compensate this within your body, dates offer the best option to do so according to traditional Persian medicine.

For you, Swisspica has newly included organic dates from Iran in its product assortment.