🥝 Kiwi Actinidia deliciosa
Common Names: Kiwifruit, Chinese Gooseberry
Scientific Name: Actinidia deliciosa
Botanical Family: Actinidiaceae
📍 Place of Origin
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Native Region: Southern China, specifically the Yangtze River valley
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Introduced to: New Zealand in the early 20th century, where it was commercialized and renamed “kiwifruit”
🌱 Growing Zones
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USDA Zones: 7–9 (some hardy varieties can tolerate zone 6)
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Climate: Subtropical to temperate; requires winter chilling hours for fruiting
🌿 Soil Requirements
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pH Range: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
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Soil Type: Rich, well-drained loam with organic content
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Drainage: Essential; kiwis don’t tolerate waterlogged soil
💧 Watering
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Needs: Moderate to high
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Tips: Keep soil moist but not soggy; mulching helps retain moisture
☀️ Light Requirements
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Full Sun: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
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Note: Needs good air circulation and some protection from strong winds
🌡️ Ideal Growing Conditions
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Temperature Range: 50–80°F (10–27°C)
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Frost Sensitivity: Young vines and flower buds are frost-sensitive
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Support: Requires a strong trellis or arbor to support vigorous growth
🐛 Pests & Diseases
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Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, scale insects, root-knot nematodes
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Diseases: Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae), crown rot, botrytis
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Prevention: Good air circulation, pruning, copper sprays in dormancy
🌸 Pollination
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Type: Dioecious (separate male and female plants)
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Pollination Method: Insects, especially bees
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Ratio: 1 male per 6–8 female plants
🦋 Wildlife & Companions
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Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees and pollinators
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Good Companions: Nasturtium, borage, comfrey, clover
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Avoid Nearby: Trees that provide too much shade or compete for water (e.g., walnut)
🏛️ Cultural & Historical Background
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China: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a tonic and digestive aid
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New Zealand: Rebranded and commercialized as “kiwifruit” in the mid-20th century, becoming a major export
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Symbolism: Longevity and vitality in traditional Chinese culture
🌿 Folk Medicine Uses
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Used traditionally to:
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Aid digestion
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Soothe inflammation
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Support respiratory and urinary systems
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Cool the body and moisten dryness
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🍊 Vitamins & Active Compounds
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Vitamin C: Exceptionally high
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Vitamin K, E, Folate
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Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, calcium
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Antioxidants: Polyphenols, lutein, zeaxanthin
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Enzymes: Actinidin (aids digestion of proteins)
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Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble
🔬 Lab Studies & Medical Findings
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Digestive Health: Actinidin improves protein breakdown and may relieve constipation
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Antioxidant Protection: Reduces oxidative stress and supports immune health
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Anti-inflammatory Effects: May benefit cardiovascular health
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Potential Anti-Cancer Action: Flavonoids and antioxidants inhibit tumor growth in some lab models
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Respiratory Health: Some studies show improved lung function and reduced wheezing in children
💊 Uses & Preparation
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Eaten Fresh: Skin can be eaten if cleaned properly
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Juice & Smoothies: Vitamin-rich and refreshing
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Dried Slices: Used in snacks and teas
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Fermented Preparations: Tonic drinks in traditional practices
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Topical Use: Kiwifruit extract is used in skin brightening products due to high vitamin C
🥝 Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) – Recipes and Uses
🍽️ Culinary Uses and Recipes
1. Fresh Eating
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Slice in half and scoop with a spoon (skin is edible if washed).
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Peel and cube for salads or snacks.
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Combine with other fruits for a vitamin-rich fruit bowl.
2. Kiwi Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 ripe kiwis (peeled)
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1 banana
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½ cup Greek yogurt
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½ cup orange juice or coconut water
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Optional: honey, mint leaves
Instructions:
Blend all until smooth. Add ice if desired.
👉 Benefits: Boosts immunity, digestion, and skin clarity.
3. Kiwi Salsa for Grilled Fish or Chicken
Ingredients:
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2 kiwis (peeled and diced)
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½ red onion (diced)
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½ jalapeño (minced)
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp chopped cilantro
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and chill for 15 minutes.
👉 Use: Delicious over white fish, chicken, or tacos.
4. Kiwi Jam (No Pectin)
Ingredients:
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2 cups mashed kiwi
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1 cup sugar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Simmer on low until thickened (about 30 min). Store in a sterilized jar.
👉 Use: Spread on toast, pancakes, or yogurt.
5. Kiwi Sorbet
Ingredients:
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4 ripe kiwis
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1–2 tbsp honey (optional)
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½ cup water
Instructions:
Blend and freeze in a container. Stir every 30 minutes until set.
👉 Use: Cool summer dessert, anti-inflammatory.
🌿 Folk Medicine & Healing Uses
1. Natural Laxative
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Eat 1–2 ripe kiwis daily on an empty stomach.
👉 Effect: Relieves constipation due to fiber and actinidin enzyme.
2. Immune Tonic Tea
Ingredients:
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1 kiwi sliced (with peel)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Slice of ginger
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1 cup hot water
Steep 10 min. Strain and drink warm.
👉 Use: Fights colds, boosts vitamin C and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Anti-Aging & Detox Smoothie
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Blend kiwi, spinach, cucumber, green apple, and parsley.
👉 Benefits: Liver support, antioxidant detox, and glowing skin.
💆♀️ Skin & Beauty Uses
1. Kiwi Face Mask for Bright Skin
Ingredients:
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1 mashed kiwi
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1 tsp honey
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1 tsp yogurt
Apply to clean face. Leave for 15 min. Rinse with warm water.
👉 Use: Brightens dull skin and adds vitamin C glow.
2. Kiwi Scalp Tonic for Hair Loss
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Blend kiwi with aloe vera gel and apply to scalp.
Leave for 15–20 minutes before rinsing.
👉 Benefits: Stimulates blood flow and nourishes roots.
3. Kiwi & Oatmeal Exfoliant
Mix mashed kiwi with fine-ground oats. Rub gently on face.
👉 Use: Exfoliates dead skin, clears pores, and refreshes skin tone.
🍃 Kiwi Leaves – Medicinal Values, Vitamins, and Active Compounds
Plant: Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwifruit)
Part: Leaves (young and mature)
🧪 Active Compounds and Nutrients in Kiwi Leaves
Compound / Nutrient | Action / Benefit |
---|---|
Polyphenols (e.g. flavonoids) | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging |
Tannins | Astringent, antimicrobial, helps heal wounds |
Quercetin | Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, may reduce allergies |
Kaempferol | Supports cardiovascular health, antioxidant |
Saponins | Immune-modulating, antimicrobial, detoxifying |
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Immune booster, collagen synthesis, antioxidant |
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) | Skin protection, cell repair |
Chlorophyll | Detoxifier, helps in wound healing, alkalizing |
Potassium | Heart and muscle function support |
Calcium and Magnesium | Bone health, calming, muscle relaxation |
✅ Kiwi leaves are rich in bioactive molecules with strong antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties.
🌿 Medicinal & Folk Uses of Kiwi Leaves
1. Anti-Inflammatory Compress
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Use: Crushed leaves applied to swollen or inflamed areas.
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Benefit: Reduces puffiness and eases pain in muscles or joints.
2. Wound Healing Poultice
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Use: Warm mashed leaves applied to cuts or minor wounds.
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Benefit: Tannins + Vitamin C accelerate healing, reduce infection.
3. Leaf Infusion (Kiwi Leaf Tea)
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Preparation:
Steep 2–3 fresh young kiwi leaves in hot water for 10–15 min.
Add honey or lemon if desired. -
Benefits:
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Aids digestion
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May reduce allergic reactions
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Supports respiratory and immune function
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Mild detoxifying effect
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4. Topical Skin Use
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Use: Crushed or blended leaves used in masks or compresses.
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Benefit: Tones the skin, reduces irritation or acne flare-ups.
🔬 Lab Studies and Preliminary Research
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Antioxidant Potential:
Studies show kiwi leaves contain flavonoids and phenolic acids with potent free radical scavenging capacity — possibly useful in anti-aging and disease prevention. -
Antibacterial Action:
Leaf extracts tested in vitro showed inhibition against several bacteria including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. -
Anti-Allergic & Respiratory Benefits:
Compounds like quercetin and kaempferol in leaves may help reduce histamine release, which is helpful in treating mild allergies and asthma symptoms.
⚠️ Precautions
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Use only pesticide-free, clean leaves.
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Avoid using mature tough leaves internally—use young leaves.
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External use is generally safe; internal use should be occasional and gentle.
🍃 Kiwi Leaves – Uses and Preparations
🫖 1. Kiwi Leaf Tea (Infusion)
Use: Internal – detox, immunity, digestion, mild allergies
Ingredients:
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2–3 young, tender kiwi leaves (fresh or dried)
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1 cup hot water
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Optional: slice of ginger, lemon, or raw honey
Preparation:
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Rinse leaves thoroughly.
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Tear or bruise slightly to release oils.
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Steep in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
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Strain and drink warm.
Benefits:
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Boosts immune system (Vitamin C & flavonoids)
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Helps relieve mild asthma/allergy symptoms
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Supports digestion and natural detox
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Mild calming, antioxidant tonic
🌿 2. Poultice or Leaf Compress
Use: External – for swelling, bruises, muscle pain, joint inflammation
Ingredients:
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4–6 kiwi leaves
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Warm water
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Cloth or gauze
Preparation:
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Mash or crush fresh kiwi leaves into a pulp
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Warm slightly (not hot) with a splash of warm water
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Spread on gauze or cloth
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Apply to affected area for 20–30 minutes
Benefits:
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Reduces inflammation and pain
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Speeds healing of bruises or sore joints
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Soothes insect bites or skin irritation
🧴 3. Kiwi Leaf Skin Rinse
Use: External – for oily skin, acne, or skin inflammation
Ingredients:
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A handful of kiwi leaves
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2 cups water
Preparation:
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Boil leaves in water for 5–10 minutes
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Let cool and strain
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Use as a facial rinse or toner after cleansing
Benefits:
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Tightens skin (tannins)
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Reduces acne and inflammation
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Antimicrobial effects help clean pores
💧 4. Kiwi Leaf Steam Inhalation
Use: Respiratory – relief for congestion, seasonal allergies
Ingredients:
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Fresh kiwi leaves
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Hot water
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Towel
Preparation:
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Place washed leaves in a bowl
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Pour hot water over them
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Lean over bowl with towel over your head
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Inhale steam for 5–10 minutes
Benefits:
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Opens nasal passages
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May reduce histamine release (quercetin & kaempferol)
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Relieves allergy or cold symptoms
🧃 5. Kiwi Leaf Juice (For External Use Only)
Use: Topical – skin conditions, irritation, minor cuts
Preparation:
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Blend fresh kiwi leaves with a little water
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Strain and apply the green juice with cotton to affected skin
Benefits:
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Cools and tones inflamed or itchy skin
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Helps minor cuts and blemishes heal
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Antibacterial and antioxidant action
⚠️ Safety Note
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Use only clean, unsprayed leaves.
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Internal use should be moderate and for short periods.
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Always test a small patch of skin before full topical use.
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Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional guidance.
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Actinidia deliciosa — Kiwifruit | Botanical Garden Love
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