Groundcherry grows only in cemeteries; once thought to be poisonous, now it has become a rare commodity

Human wisdom is endless, especially the traditional Chinese medicine of our country, which is the crystallization of our ancestors' wisdom and has played a great role in human growth and health. We really must applaud their spirit of exploration; even a tiny groundcherry plant, they were able to discover where its value lies.

Summer is when we are most prone to getting sick. Colds, coughs and fevers are common occurrences, and we often suffer because of having to take medicine. But today, the author will introduce to everyone a most inconspicuous little plant; however, this little plant will surprise you.

In the countryside in the past, one would always see plants covered all over with little lanterns, and this plant grew specifically beside cemeteries on wasteland. In the eyes of many farmer friends, this plant was worth nothing, and it also easily frightened people. But what everyone did not know is that this plant has a very resounding name, named after the lantern-like fruits on its body, and is called groundcherry (Physalis). However, in the countryside, farmer friends prefer to call it by the common name "gua jin deng" (hanging golden lantern). Actually, many people have seen it, but few truly understand it.

It does not look much different from a weed. The only thing that catches the eye is the few lanterns growing on it. Because of the adornment of these few lanterns, this little plant becomes exceptionally good-looking. Although it is called a lantern, it is not a lantern that can glow.

The author remembers that when very young, this wild plant was often seen in the wild, especially in autumn, when groundcherry would bear fruit. After its fruit ripened, it turned bright red and looked especially tempting. But at that time, adults always said that this wild fruit was poisonous and could not be eaten. Only later did I learn that the wild fruit borne by groundcherry is actually not only not poisonous, but also very delicious; it was just that the adults did not want us going to the edge of cemeteries to pick this wild fruit.

Inside each little lantern of the groundcherry hides a berry. It contains very high fructose, so it tastes very good, with excellent flavor. This fruit is not only delicious, but also has extremely high medicinal value. It can both be eaten and treat illness, so it can be said that many farmer friends like it very much.

This berry mainly has a detoxifying effect, and using it to make wine can be said to be the best choice. In the author's hometown, there is a way to treat coughs: pull up the groundcherry by the roots, wash it clean, and dry it in the sun. It is very convenient to use; simply break the groundcherry and put it in water to boil, then filter it, and give the boiled water directly to the patient to drink. Besides treating coughs, for people who smoke year-round, drinking a little of the water boiled from groundcherry in moderation can also relieve smokers' symptoms of bronchitis and chronic pharyngitis.

Of course, if it is medicine, then it still has some drawbacks for the human body. Taking it for a long time will have a certain effect on the body. Everything has its two sides, so if we want to use it well, we must understand it well. Only in this way can we achieve twice the result with half the effort. However, nowadays with rural construction, many places in the countryside are encouraged to build new houses, and in addition the use of pesticides has also made this groundcherry increasingly rare. Thus today's groundcherry has also become a rare commodity. At least in the author's hometown, wild groundcherries are seldom seen, and if you want to eat them you have to spend money to buy them.

Dear friends, have you ever seen or eaten groundcherries? You are welcome to leave a message and share!