Malpighiaceae
Acerola
Malpighia emarginata
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Tropical Americas, Caribbean
Also known as: Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry, Acerola Cherry
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruit
Therapeutic Uses
Vitamin C supplementation (biologically superior to synthetic ascorbic acid), immune support, collagen synthesis, iron absorption enhancement, antioxidant protection, skin health.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, skin healing (collagen synthesis)
Active Constituents
Vitamin C (1677mg/100g — highest natural source, 50–100x orange), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hesperidin), carotenoids, anthocyanins, iron, calcium
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal TeaPowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried powder in water or juice, 2x daily |
| Tincture | Powder: 500mg–2g vitamin C equivalent daily. Fresh: 1–3 fruits daily. |
| Notes | Whole food vitamin C with co-factors superior to isolated ascorbic acid. Bioflavonoids enhance absorption and utilization. Best taken fresh or freeze-dried (heat destroys vitamin C). Excellent immune supplement. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Kidney stones (oxalate) at very high doses. G6PD deficiency — caution. Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: GI upset at very high doses. Diarrhea (bowel tolerance). Generally extremely safe.