Blackcurrant leaves useful properties. Useful properties and harm from the consumption of currant leaves

Currant berries have long been deservedly popular with people, they are loved not only for their pleasant taste, but also for their benefits. It should be noted that in the currant bush, the leaves themselves are also healing, but, unfortunately, few people know about this. Today we will fill this gap and describe what unique qualities are fraught with Medicinal properties their are amazing.

Their chemical composition is in no way inferior to multivitamin medicines with artificially added minerals. Nature itself endowed currant leaves with a balanced and valuable set of vitamins (A, B1, B6, B2, C, E, D, K, PP). In addition, they are rich in vital important trace elements such as phosphorus, boron, potassium, sodium, fluorine, zinc, iron, calcium, cobalt.

Healing and prophylactic infusions and decoctions are prepared from the leaves. It is enough to put them in a thermos and pour boiling water - the broth is infused for several hours and used as tea. You can add honey for sweetness. The spicy aroma of the drink instantly causes salivation and improves appetite. Dry currant leaves can also be used to prepare tonic decoctions and fortified tea. The medicinal properties of such infusions have been known since ancient times, they were widely used in folk medicine.

In the old days, compresses were still made from them and treated. To get rid of dermatitis, eye diseases and diathesis, healers brewed buds, twigs and currant leaves. The healing properties of compresses and baths are obvious. The plant has a wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect, helps to quickly cope with skin diseases.

Healing infusions help to increase immunity, normalize work metabolic processes, facilitate clinical picture with rheumatism and reduce the concentration uric acid. Are used useful decoctions with cystitis, pyelonephritis and other diseases of the urogenital area. Since the leaves have a diaphoretic effect, they are recommended to be used in the form of decoctions for infectious and colds.

During scientific research experts found that all parts of the plant prevent the development mental deviation, especially in the elderly, prevent diabetes and have a beneficial effect on vision. Physicians are positive about herbal preparations, where the composition contains currant leaves. Contraindications for use are as follows:

Erosive ulcers duodenum and stomach;

High acidity;

The presence of thrombophlebitis;

Individual intolerance;

Pregnancy.

It should be noted that the plant is an excellent antiseptic, tonic, cleanser and tonic. That is why currant leaves are used to make useful decoctions that help to cope with cardiovascular diseases. If you suffer from constipation, we advise you to drink a tea or infusion daily, where the main ingredient will be blackcurrant leaves.

Contraindications to the use of such tea are listed above. In fact, if taken in small amounts, then there will be no harm. To make tea, you need to take 10 gr. dry leaves, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour and take several times a day for seven days. You can rinse your mouth with a similar decoction, so you strengthen the gums and get rid of periodontal disease.

With gastritis with decreased secretion alcohol tincture will help: 20 gr. pour fresh leaves with white wine (it will take a liter). Leave for 3 weeks in a closed container. The tincture is filtered and taken orally 100 grams before meals.

With osteochondrosis, arthritis, joint disease and edema, currant leaves will also help. The healing properties of the infusion are unique and work wonders - brew in a thermos 50 gr. dry leaves, let it brew for about an hour and drink a healthy and tasty drink with pleasure.

Most people know the benefits of currant berries, but many do not realize that the leaves of the plant can be no less useful. Due to his unique composition and useful substances, currant leaves have found application in both traditional and folk medicine. However, the scope of the miracle plant does not end there.

Since ancient times, women have used the plant to cleanse the skin and give it elasticity. Today, currant extracts are actively used in cosmetics. In this article, we will look at how to use currant leaves in medicinal purposes. In addition, we will learn how to properly prepare them for the winter.

Compound

Chemical composition currant leaves are characterized by a high content of ascorbic acid, carotene, vitamins A, B, and E, as well as essential oils and phytoncides. In addition, the leaves of the plant contain a high percentage minerals: sodium, calcium, magnesium, copper, sulfur and silver.

Currant leaves contain the following substances:

• The most important - vitamin C. Vitamin C is powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and accelerates recovery processes in the body. By the way, it is in the leaves and buds of the currant that contains the most ascorbic acid;
• The carotene contained in the leaves strengthens the immune system, protects against infections, and also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hairline;
• Phytoncides, which are rich in currants, act as a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent;
• Essential oils, in turn, improve the process of digestion and promote the removal of toxins from the body.

Beneficial features

Due to the high content of vitamin C, currant leaves are excellent remedy with beriberi and weakened immunity. This is especially important when restoring strength, after an illness or when chronic fatigue. Also, vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that inhibits cancer and rejuvenates the body. The leaves are especially useful for the elderly. Substances contained in the plant strengthen blood vessels, prevent atherosclerosis, help maintain vision and activate brain activity.

Do not forget that currant leaves also have quite powerful disinfectant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They easily deal with infectious diseases top airways. They are also often used as an adjunct to antibiotics.

When choosing between a type of currant, preference should be given to black. Its leaves and fruits contain more useful substances. However, its use is contraindicated in case of increased acidity of the stomach or gastric diseases. If you suffer from gastritis or stomach ulcers, you should give preference to red or white currants. Before use, you should consult your doctor.

Features of the use of currant leaves

Currant leaves have found their use in the treatment of the following diseases and pathologies:

• Pulmonary diseases, as well as inflammatory and catarrhal pathologies;
• hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease;
• Diabetes;
• Acne;
• Cardiac pathologies.

For the treatment of most of these ailments, decoctions, infusions, teas or their variations are used. It is worth noting that in most cases, currant leaf recipes are interchangeable. However, in certain cases, care should be taken when using more powerful medicines plant based.

Treatment of lung diseases

Phytoncides present in currant leaves do an excellent job with inflammatory processes respiratory tract. Doctors recommend using drinks from the plant for prevention lung diseases, and also as aid for the treatment of pneumonia. Also, due to the abundance of vitamin C, currant drinks help to cope with colds, strengthening the body and lowering the temperature.

For cooking healing agent take 4 tablespoons of crushed leaves and pour them with a liter of boiling water. The resulting product is kept in a water bath for 30 minutes. After that, we filter it and cool it. The resulting drink is consumed one glass, 3 times a day.

Hypertension

To lower the pressure, you can use tea from the leaves of the plant. To make tea, take two tablespoons of crushed leaves and pour half a liter of boiling water over them. We insist tea for fifteen minutes, after which we drink. For taste, you can add sugar, honey, twigs or even currant leaves.

People with reduced pressure you can also use currants, but you should not abuse it. It effectively lowers blood pressure, but due to its diuretic properties, pressure can drop even more. Therefore, people with hypotension should carefully monitor their food intake. this plant.

Diabetes

Currants are an excellent source of vitamins for people with diabetes. Due to the content of pectin and fructose in the berries of the plant, they can be consumed in pure form for any type of diabetes. Decoctions and teas from the leaves of the plant are safe for use by type 2 diabetics. Type 1 diabetics should consult a specialist before using these products.

Below are two recipes from currant leaves.

Recipe one

• Infusion will require 7 fresh leaves or one teaspoon dried. Finely chop the leaves and pour a glass of boiling water. We insist the mixture for half an hour, after which it is filtered and consumed. Such an infusion is useful for nervous disorders, anemia, beriberi and cough. To enhance the effect, you can also use red currant leaves.

Recipe two

• Tea from young currant branches helps with scurvy and saturates the body with vitamins. To prepare such tea, it is necessary to boil chopped currant branches for 10 minutes. It is worth mentioning that such tea helps a lot with cystitis, pyelonephritis and urolithiasis.

Please note that both drinks can be consumed in half a glass, no more than six times a day.

Acne

Currant leaves can help with acne or acne, due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. In addition, unlike artificial lotions, currant infusion moisturizes the skin, gives it elasticity and saturates it with useful substances.

To prepare the tincture, pour a bunch of fresh leaves with a liter of boiling water and let them brew for an hour. We apply the infused sheet to the problem area. After a week, blackheads and pimples will begin to dissolve and eventually disappear.

Cardiac pathologies

Due to the high content of magnesium and potassium, currant leaves have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and strengthen the heart muscle. In addition, they regulate heartbeat and prevent myocardial infarction. It is also worth mentioning the hemostatic effect of this plant.

To prepare an infusion that helps with cardiac pathologies, we take dried currant, blueberry and birch leaves and mix in equal proportions. Pour two teaspoons of the resulting mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for two hours. We drink the resulting infusion twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.

It is important to note that the use of currants and its leaves is strictly contraindicated for people who have had a stroke or heart attack. This is justified by the fact that the plant contains vitamin K, which thickens the blood.

Recipes from blackcurrant leaves

To date, there are innumerable recipes based on currant leaves. Whether it is decoctions for rinsing and compresses, tinctures for treating colds or tonic baths that help with skin diseases and strengthen the body. It is almost impossible to list them all. However, for you we have collected the most simple and effective recipes folk medicine.

Tea

Currant tea helps to strengthen the body during seasonal epidemics or speed up the recovery of the body after illness. It can also be used as an antiseptic for coughs, colds, sore throats, and even pneumonia.

Decoction

Currant decoction is a powerful antiseptic and healthy helps with sore throat. It is usually used as a rinse and for compresses. Such a decoction can be drunk, but for these purposes it is better to use tea. This is due to the fact that tea has a pleasant taste and has a milder effect on the body.

To prepare a decoction, take six fresh leaves or two tablespoons of dried ones. Pour them with a cup of boiling water, cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. We insist the broth for ten minutes, after which we filter it.

Such a decoction should not be stored for more than two days, otherwise it will lose its beneficial properties.

Infusion

An infusion of currant leaves has found its use in metabolic disorders, kidney disease, swelling and even bleeding. Due to its diuretic and diaphoretic effect, the infusion helps to normalize metabolism and remove salts and harmful substances. In addition, the decoction is used to reduce pressure, increase appetite and stimulate the intestines and stomach. It also helps with type 2 diabetes.

To prepare the infusion, take six tablespoons of dried leaves and pour them with a liter of boiling water. We wrap the container with a towel and leave to infuse for an hour. We drink the resulting drink five times a day, one glass each.

Tincture

Currant leaf tincture is universal remedy from diseases. It strengthens the body during the period of exacerbation of seasonal epidemics and helps to restore strength after a protracted illness. The tincture is used for inflammation of the respiratory tract, colds, coughs and sore throats. It has also found its use for normalizing metabolism, stimulating appetite and stomach function. In addition, tincture can be used as a means for rubbing or compresses.

To prepare the tincture you will need:

• 0.5 liters of vodka;
• 9 fresh currant leaves;
• 4 tablespoons of sugar;
• A pinch of citric acid.

Thoroughly stir sugar, vodka and acid, then add currant leaves. The resulting mixture is poured into a dark bottle and left for a month in a dark, cool place.

Therapeutic baths

Herbal baths with blackcurrant leaves are incredibly beneficial for the skin. Such a bath is taken for diathesis, dermatitis. The procedure cleanses the skin of toxins, tones and gives it elasticity. In addition, baths improve metabolism in the body, remove unpleasant odors and have a calming effect.

To prepare such a bath, you will need a bunch of leaves, a few chopped twigs and a couple of currant buds. Pour the components with five liters of boiling water and boil for 30 minutes. Then we insist the broth for ten minutes. Then, strain and dilute hot water. The temperature of the bath should be around 37 degrees. For maximum effect you need to spend ten sessions of ten minutes, with a break of one day.

Contraindications

The use of currant leaves and products based on them is contraindicated in case of intolerance individual substances contained in them:

• The use of decoctions and teas is prohibited with increased acidity of the stomach, gastritis and stomach ulcers.
• The use is also prohibited for people who have had a heart attack or stroke, as the currant thickens the blood.
• In addition, it is advisable to refrain from eating currants during pregnancy.

At long-term use or if available chronic pathologies, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Harvesting currant leaves

When harvesting currant leaves, you must follow certain rules. You can’t just pick the leaves in the garden and dry them. They simply lose all their properties. To preserve all the useful properties of currants, first of all, you need to guess right time to collect them.

Leaf picking period

The best period for harvesting is the time of flowering. Approximately end of May beginning of July.

It is during this period that the plant contains maximum amount useful substances. Another important condition is the time of day. It is desirable to collect leaves at ten - eleven o'clock in the morning. By this time, the dew on the leaves will have time to dry, and the sun will not yet bake.

It is worth noting that the leaves must be fairly dry. If you picked them up after rain, you probably won't be able to dry them properly.

No less important is the procedure for drying harvested leaves. In order to properly dry the raw materials, you need to find a dry, warm place where the direct rays of the sun do not fall. It is desirable that this place be on fresh air.

Under no circumstances should newspapers be used as a substrate, since the paint used in newspapers contains lead and other toxic substances. Periodically harvested raw materials must be stirred and turned over. Currants can be harvested as soon as the leaves become brittle.

If you do not have enough space to dry the raw material, you can dry it in the oven. To do this, distribute the leaves thin layer on a baking sheet and leave for an hour and a half in an oven preheated to one hundred degrees. Then we lower the temperature to 50 degrees and bring the leaves to readiness. During drying, the oven door must be ajar.

In addition to the usual drying, there is the so-called "fermentation" of currant leaves. During fermentation, the destruction of intercellular bonds and the release of juice. The juice oxidizes and begins to ferment, giving the leaves a special aroma and taste. In addition, the plant retains much more useful properties than when dried.

Store dried or fermented currants in cloth bags or in jars with tight lids. The place where the workpiece will be located for healthy tea should be dry, cool, well ventilated. In addition, spices and other products with a strong odor should not be nearby.

Blackcurrant is a berry shrub that grows on almost every suburban area. He deserved such popularity for his relative unpretentiousness and wonderful fragrant and healing berry, which can be used for both food and medical and cosmetic purposes. Currant leaves and buds also have medicinal value.

Compound

Black currant contains a considerable amount of vitamins and microelements with a low calorie content - 63 Kcal. The composition of the berry includes:

• pectins;
• beta carotene;
• organic acids;
• essential oils;
• glucose;
• tannins;
• salts of iron, phosphorus, potassium.

In addition, currant contains almost all the main vitamins - A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, D, E, K, PP.

Blackcurrant leaves are rich in essential oils, phytoncides, magnesium, manganese, copper. They also contain small amounts of silver, lead and sulfur.

Benefit for health

Blackcurrant can be considered a necessary component rational nutrition, which is able to provide the body with the right amount of minerals and vitamins. For example, it is enough to consume only 20-30 berries daily to cover daily requirement body in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moreover, you can use both fresh berries, and frozen or dried. Culinary preparations will also be no less useful if the fruits are properly processed so that they do not lose their beneficial properties.

Blackcurrant has the following healing properties:

How to help in the treatment of diseases

1. During epidemics of influenza and other viral respiratory diseases, currants become simply indispensable - they can activate the work immune system and saturate the body with vitamins. In addition, the berry also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. With an increase in body temperature, it is advisable to use the berry as an antipyretic and diaphoretic, and for the treatment of angina it is recommended to gargle fresh juice blackcurrant.
2. Black currant leaves are recommended to be used as a diuretic for cystitis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis. However, if there are large stones in the kidneys, it is strongly not recommended to use any diuretic, including currant-based recipes, since a large stone can move and block the bile duct with active urine production.
3. In addition, blackcurrant can improve metabolism, stimulate appetite during weight loss, and have a tonic effect on the body. Those who constantly eat these berries are not threatened by constipation.
4. The plant also has a positive effect on the normalization process blood pressure. There are ways to treat hypertension with recipes that use both fresh and dried berries.
5. Despite the content of glucose, blackcurrant can be used to treat type I and type II diabetes. Diabetics are recommended to use this berry due to the presence of natural fiber (pectin) and fructose in it. In addition, the leaves of the plant are also used in recipes. The ability of currants to regulate metabolism and work positively affects the course of the disease. gastrointestinal tract. This can significantly reduce the risk possible complications diabetes.
6. Blackcurrant leaves are used to treat gout, which develops due to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. The plant successfully removes excess urea and purine bases from the body. Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for inflammatory diseases liver, gastric mucosa and duodenum. However, you should be aware that with hepatitis, increased acidity of the stomach and peptic ulcer the use of currants is contraindicated.
7. With obstructive bronchitis, blackcurrant is successfully used as an immunomodulatory, tonic and tonic. When sick rotavirus infection the berry is recommended as a component of a therapeutic diet.
8. AT medical articles there are descriptions effective application decoction from a whole range medicinal plants, including currant leaves with epileptic seizures up to their complete cessation.

Ways to use

raw jam

To stock up healing product for the winter, it is best to make currant jam. Actually, this product in the traditional sense is not jam, but is a berry ground with sugar. Cooking currants is not recommended, as when heated, it loses most of its useful qualities.

To prepare such a “raw” jam, you need to grind 1 kg of washed and dried berries with a mixer with 1.5–2 kg of sugar, let the mixture stand for several days to completely dissolve the sugar, pour into dry sterilized jars and close tightly with lids. It is better to store the product in a cool place. it delicious medicine can be used during epidemics of influenza and SARS as an antipyretic and diaphoretic. In addition, currants will help restore immunity in the winter-spring period and saturate the body with vitamins and minerals.

Juice from fresh or frozen currants

Children will especially like blackcurrant juice - delicious vitamin drink which is very easy to prepare. You can use both fresh berries and pre-frozen. First, wipe the berries through a sieve, set the pulp aside, and bring the pomace to a boil, strain, add sugar to the liquid, cool and mix with the pulp. Morse is ready. For 12 tablespoons of berries, you will need 9 tablespoons of sugar and 10 glasses of water. This recipe is applicable if you use fresh berry. If the currant is frozen, it is enough to bring it to a boil as a whole, without kneading, strain and add sugar.

Currant jelly from diarrhea

Kissel can be prepared in a similar way: in a hot fruit drink, you need to gradually add starch, previously diluted in cold water. The amount of starch depends on how thick the jelly you want to get - 5-6 tablespoons will be enough for the above amount of liquid. Such jelly, only slightly sweetened, is recommended for children with diarrhea. High content pectin provides regulation of work digestive system child.

Currant seed oil

Separately, it should be said about blackcurrant seed oil - a valuable product that can be used in medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The oil contains vitamins, pectins, antioxidants, beta-carotene, valuable fatty acid. It can be both taken orally and used as part of cosmetic creams and masks.

Currant oil has the following healing properties:

• activates the immune system;
• improves brain activity;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• positively affects hormonal balance;
• improves blood circulation;
• stimulates recovery processes in the body;
• regulates the activity of the digestive system.

It is impossible to prepare oil at home - you need to purchase it.

Currant tincture on alcohol, vodka or moonshine

Pour a fresh berry into a bottle so that it occupies a little more than half the volume, and fill it with alcohol to the top. You can use vodka or moonshine, but the tincture is prepared faster on alcohol. You can also add a few fresh currant leaves to enhance the flavor. You need to insist the drink for a week under a tightly closed lid. Before use alcohol tincture should be diluted with water in a ratio of 2:3, respectively.

Blackcurrant tincture can not only be used as a tasty and healthy drink, but also taken for colds, rubbing muscles with myalgia and lumbar spine with neuralgia. It should be remembered that currant tincture is an alcoholic drink, so it should not be abused.

Traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine has a whole arsenal of recipes that can effectively deal with various diseases.

For flu and colds

Pour a tablespoon of berries (fresh, frozen, dried) with a glass of boiling water, wrap and let it brew for several hours. Strain the resulting infusion and drink half a cup three times a day. Take until the condition improves.

Vitamin decoction

Chop the young shoots of the currant bush and boil for 7-10 minutes over low heat. Strained broth can be drunk instead of tea, adding sugar and lemon to taste. The course of treatment is a month.

With inflammation of the urinary system

Brew five tablespoons of dry chopped currant leaves with a liter of boiling water and let it brew for several hours. Then you can add sugar or honey, if you are not allergic to it, strain the broth and drink a glass 3-5 times a day until the condition is relieved.

With rheumatoid arthritis and gout

Insist for several hours one tablespoon of crushed leaves, poured with a glass of boiling water, strain and take 4-5 times daily for half a glass for a month, then take a break for two weeks and repeat the course of treatment.

From hypertension

Rub 600 g of fresh berries through a sieve and mix with five tablespoons of honey. You need to take this healing jam three times a day, after dissolving one teaspoon in a third of a glass of mineral water with gas. The course of treatment should be at least two weeks. Also good for hypertension and freshly squeezed currant juice.

You can also prepare medicine from dried berries. To do this, two tablespoons of raw materials should be poured with half a liter of boiling water and held on low heat for 10-15 minutes. After this, the broth should be allowed to brew, then it can be filtered and taken daily for a month, a quarter cup 4 times a day.

With diabetes

Grind 7 pieces of fresh or two tablespoons of dry currant leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it brew for an hour. Then strain the infusion, and take daily half a cup 4-6 times a day for a month.

You can also combine currant and rosehip berries. Pour into a thermos in the evening 20 g of crushed dried blackcurrant and rose hips, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it brew until morning, then strain the infusion and take it daily 3-4 times a day for three to four weeks.

With epilepsy

Take in equal proportions the following plants:

• currant leaf,
• dog-rose fruit,
• pharmaceutical chamomile,
• juniper fruit,
• hops (cones),
• bearberry,
• lingonberry leaf,
• plantain,
• nettle,
• horsetail,
• Chernobyl,
• sweet clover,
• yarrow,
• oregano,
• Dill seeds,
• Birch buds.

Chop them up and mix. Then pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with half a liter of boiling water, wrap, leave to infuse for several hours, then strain. You need to take half a cup 15 minutes before meals four times a day for at least a month, then take a week break and then resume taking.

With dermatitis (diathesis) in children

Pour 5 tablespoons of crushed dried currant leaves with a liter of boiling water, let it brew until it cools completely, strain, moisten gauze or a cotton rag and apply to the affected areas.

Masks for face, hands, hair and other products

For cosmetic purposes, not only blackcurrant berries in any form are suitable, but also leaves. We bring to your attention a few simple recipes.

1. Facial skin whitening. To do this, it is enough to wipe your face with a swab soaked in currant juice in the morning and evening. You can also make frozen cubes from the juice for a refreshing facial massage.
2. Vitamin face mask. Mix currant juice with wheat flour or oatmeal to the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply the mixture on your face and keep it for 20 minutes, then rinse with water.
3. Toning mask for aging skin. Soak gauze or cotton folded in several layers with freshly squeezed currant juice and apply on face for 20 minutes. Then wash your face and work a nourishing cream into your skin.
4. Mask of currant leaves. Pour 20-25 currant leaves with a glass of boiling water and let it brew, then strain and add 2 tablespoons of fresh currant juice. Soak the gauze with the resulting liquid and put on your face for 20 minutes. Then remove the gauze and wash your face.
5. Facial skin whitening mask. Pound the berries into a pulp and apply on your face for half an hour. At oily skin then it is enough to wash with water, and when dry, it is better to wash off the mask with cosmetic milk. If the skin of the face is irritated under the influence of sour juice, you can pre-lubricate it with cream or vegetable oil. To enhance the nutritional effect, it is recommended to mix berry gruel with sour cream or kefir.
6. Mask of dried berries. Pour boiling water over the dried berries in a ratio of 1:10, let it brew and strain. Soak gauze or cloth with the resulting infusion and put on your face for 15 minutes. The mask helps to get rid of rosacea. The recommended course is 25 procedures.
7. Tonic for dry skin. Mix freshly squeezed currant juice with mineral water and olive oil(4:4:1) and shake well - the tonic is ready! Before wiping the face, the solution must be shaken each time.
8. Tonic for aging skin. Mix equal parts freshly squeezed blackcurrant juice and warmed milk, add a little honey at the rate of 1/2 teaspoon per half a glass of liquid and mix well. You can add a few drops to enhance the effect. oil solution vitamins A and E.
9. Hair Mask. Brew a tablespoon of chopped dry currant leaves in a thermos with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for several hours. Then strain and gently massage into the hair roots after shampooing with a neutral shampoo. The liquid does not need to be rinsed off. You can also use fresh leaves - in this case, you will need 4-5 medium-sized leaves.
10. Hand care. After chores wipe the skin of the hands with fresh blackcurrant juice, then rinse and apply a nourishing cream. To strengthen the nails, rub the juice into the nail plates.

Is it possible to use the berry during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Thanks to the rich vitamin and mineral composition blackcurrant must be present in the diet of a pregnant woman. The berry will help support the immunity of the expectant mother and saturate her body with useful substances, increase the overall tone of the body. Due to the hypotensive effect, currant is able to positively influence the stability of blood pressure, effectively fight edema, which often accompanies pregnancy. During respiratory diseases, blackcurrant can replace antipyretic and diaphoretic drugs that are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

However, the berry should be used with caution - it can cause allergies, aggravate the patient's condition when varicose veins veins and provoke an exacerbation of chronic stomach ulcers.

During lactation, blackcurrants should be used carefully, as this can cause allergies in the baby and spoil the taste of breast milk.

Currant tea for babies

Tea made from fragrant and healthy currant leaves is an excellent drink for babies, as it is a source of necessary children's body vitamins, minerals and natural flavonoids. Currant tea strengthens the walls of blood vessels, activates the immune system. In addition, it has a diaphoretic and diuretic effect, which makes it advisable to use it for colds.

No less useful is fruit tea made from currant fruits, which has similar properties as a drink from the leaves of the plant. From fruit drink and compote, for example, it differs in the way it is prepared - you just need to brew it in a cup or teapot in the same way as regular tea is prepared.

It is better if such teas in the diet of the baby can be present no earlier than the child reaches nine months, and even better - one year of age. This will reduce the risk of developing allergies. In addition, the drink should not be strong - no more than 1–1.5 g of raw materials per cup.

To date, in retail chains a wide range of children's vitamin instant teas, including currant teas, is presented. They are prepared in the form of granules, which are easy enough to dissolve in water by filling the bag with boiling water. This is very convenient, but it should be understood that any concentrate is inferior natural product. To be able to all year round to prepare natural teas, it is enough to take care of the preparation of raw materials in advance in the season - to dry the leaves and berries. In addition, the berries can be frozen.

My name is Elena. Trained as a nurse. I specialize in the field of medicine and health, but also have knowledge in the field of literature and psychology.

currant leaves- leaves of a shrub with sour berries. The branches and leaves of the plant are used in gastronomic and medicinal purposes. Blackcurrant berries have dark color, there is also a red currant with the corresponding color of the berries. The currant bush is a member of the Gooseberry family. Its leaves are of medium size and rich green (see photo). The currant bush blooms in May - early July with small flowers collected in a brush, the berries ripen in August.

Scientists consider Central Europe and Asia to be the birthplace of blackcurrant. The cultivation of this shrub began in the 11th century in estates and monastery gardens. Of course, the currant has become a very popular berry precisely because of its taste. The shrub got its name from the old verb "stink", that is, emit an unpleasant odor, over time the name was transformed into the well-known "currant".

Collection and storage

Currant leaves should be collected in June. Only healthy leaves are suitable for medicinal and food purposes (sometimes fungi can infect the plant). It is best to dry the leaves outdoors away from direct sun rays. Dried leaves are stored in a glass jar. They are crushed immediately before brewing in order to preserve the benefits and, of course, the taste.

Beneficial features

Beneficial features currant leaves are quite diverse, thanks to which they have found application not only in cooking. The shrub is rich in vitamins and flavonoids, contains ascorbic acid, manganese, copper, essential oil.

High content biodegradable active substances makes currant leaves useful for spring and autumn colds. They restore strength after protracted illnesses, tone the body, give vigor. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that effectively prevents aging and protects body cells. Different parts of the shrub contain different amounts of vitamin C: leaves - up to 460 mg, buds - up to 175 mg, buds - up to 450 mg, flowers - up to 270 mg. The leaves of the shrub contain carotene, phytoncides, essential oils.

A decoction of currant leaves has anti-inflammatory action, the effectiveness of which can be compared with the action medications. Currant leaves perfectly disinfect, which is useful for skin diseases. Phytoncides, which are rich in plant leaves, will help you recover faster after colds. Decoctions improve the patient's condition with bronchitis, sore throat, lower the temperature, relieve hoarseness. With angina sore throat can be rinsed with warm water.

For the elderly, this drink will help maintain vision, normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system, and maintain brain activity. Currant leaf tincture cleanses blood vessels, which is very important for the elderly, it also reduces arterial pressure. The decoction gently dilates blood vessels, which improves the condition in certain diseases.

Scientists claim that the substances contained in the currant leaves kill the dysentery bacillus, and also increase the effectiveness of antibiotics. Tibetan sages advise brewing tea for acute respiratory diseases, urinary diseases. The drink is recommended to be consumed during influenza epidemics, thanks to antiviral action product. The leaves contain substances that help the lungs work and have antipneumonic effect.

medicinal properties a drink made from currant leaves has long been of interest to scientists. They studied the leaves of this plant and came to the conclusion that the currant is effective. in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, cancer . Tea is also effective diabetes. The leaves of the plant can be brewed as an independent drink or used as an additive to green tea.

In cosmetology, currant extracts are added to cosmetics. At home, you can also use currants to treat and maintain skin condition. The decoction can be added directly to the bath in order to get rid of skin diseases. Currant broth can be diluted with face masks. Currant leaves can be used to bathe small children instead of string. A decoction of currant helps to forget about sweating, soothes the skin with rashes and diathesis. Gruel from fresh leaves will improve the condition of the skin with dermatitis.

Application in cooking

In cooking, the leaves of the plant are not used as often as the berries. Leaves can be added when pickling vegetables. Not only cucumbers and tomatoes are preserved, but also currant leaves, which are then served as an independent dish or as an addition to salads, meat and fish dishes. Currant leaves are thoroughly washed, put in a jar and poured with brine with 300 g of salt. Canned currant leaves are covered with linen and stored in the refrigerator.

Currant leaves can be brewed as a tea. Fragrant and healthy drink from currant leaves is very popular in our country. For tea, both fresh and dried leaves are used, sometimes sprigs of currant are also added. In order to brew one serving of this fragrant drink, it will be enough to take 2 tbsp. l. crushed leaves of the bush and pour them with a glass of boiling water, after 15 minutes the tea will be ready. To improve the taste of the drink, you can drink it with currant or other jam, if you wish, you can add a little honey or a slice of lemon.

Currant leaves can be used for making homemade wines and liqueurs. Wine from blackcurrant leaves is prepared in this way: 70 pieces of fresh leaves are crushed and poured with vodka (150 ml), the mixture is left in the refrigerator for 4 days. Then red wine (0.7 l) and sugar (300 g) are added to the mixture of vodka and currants, everything is thoroughly mixed and left to infuse for 10 days, then the wine is filtered and bottled.

Currant leaves are great for making fruit vinegar. For this purpose, the leaves are placed in glass jar and pour cold water with 100 g of sugar. The jar is covered with gauze and left for 2 months, and then the resulting vinegar is filtered.

The benefits of currant leaves and treatment

The benefits of the currant leaf have been known to folk medicine since ancient times. Its decoctions are used to treat gastritis and ulcers. The leaves of the plant are recommended for use in diseases of the joints. Decoctions also have a positive effect on circulatory system, are a good prevention of anemia, help prevent atherosclerosis.

Currant decoction is a proven remedy of traditional medicine. The leaves of the plant will be useful to normalize metabolism. The decoction is effective for kidney disease due to the persuasive effect. Also, leaf tea helps to remove uric acid, which is important for gout and rheumatism. Medicinal properties of currant help to get rid of puffiness. Long-term use of tea helps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, lower blood pressure. The leaves of the shrub have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, the decoction increases appetite, normalizes the liver.

Leaves and fruits of currant are included in herbal preparations, they give the drink flavor and benefit. Currant decoction copes well with general malaise, and wine from the leaves of the plant strengthens the cardiovascular system, fights heart disease. Tea prevents the fragility of blood vessels, helps with stone formation.

Harm of currant leaves and contraindications

The leaves of the plant can harm the body with individual intolerance or with increased acidity. Currant tea - proven folk remedy, but with prolonged use of decoctions, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

People have known about the benefits of currant berries for a long time. Almost the same amount of useful substances is contained in other parts of this berry bush. In folk medicine in many countries where currants are grown, they have long known about healing power leaf decoctions, which are successfully used to treat many diseases.

Even if no one knew about them useful qualities, probably drank fragrant tea from currant leaves in the summer, not even suspecting that, along with pleasure, it saturates the body with vitamins and other bioactive substances.

What is useful in the decoction

Currants are often called a vitamin pantry, but few people know exactly what this plant can boast of. First, it is ascorbic acid. It is noteworthy that in greater quantities it is not found in berries, as many people think, but just in the leaves.

Secondly, carved currant leaves, especially at the time of flowering, are rich in vitamins E, K, D, P, group B, as well as carotene. And they also contain:

• essential oils;
• natural sugars;
• valuable organic acids (citric, malic, etc.);
• a large set of micro and macro elements;
• tannin compounds;
• phytoncides;
• antioxidants.

It is clear that with such a set of valuable substances, one cannot leave the leaves unattended and not take advantage of what nature gives for free.

Useful properties of the decoction

Due to its richest biochemical composition, a decoction of currant leaves has exceptional benefits and helps to heal from many diseases.

A large vitamin complex relieves beriberi, promotes activation of the immune system, restores strength during the rehabilitation period after serious illnesses and surgical interventions. Decoctions are also used for prophylactic purposes during periods of cold epidemics and in early spring, when there is a lack of vitamins.

They have an antioxidant effect and help cleanse the body of toxins. The trace elements contained in the leaves, especially potassium, magnesium, manganese and calcium, are necessary for the normalization of cellular metabolism.

Blackcurrant leaves are rich in a large number of potassium, magnesium, manganese, calcium. Trace elements are essential for cell metabolism.

Tannins, essential oils and other components act as antiseptic. Decoctions are useful in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers with low acidity, gout, some vascular and heart diseases. They are often used to prevent atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and hypertension in the elderly. They help strengthen blood vessels and support normal brain activity.

Lotions and compresses are used to treat wounds and skin problems - eczema and dermatitis. A weak decoction is used to wash the eyes with suppuration and other problems. The decoction has a mild disinfectant effect and is able to eliminate inflammatory processes.

Decoctions of a currant leaf showed themselves well and in complex treatment rheumatism, problems with the respiratory system, liver and urolithiasis. The tool helps to destroy the pathogenic environment in digestive tract and remove excess uric acid and bile from the body.

How are the leaves used in traditional medicine?

Most often, a decoction of the leaves is used as a diaphoretic and sedative for colds, SARS, whooping cough, bronchitis, coughs and high temperature. In terms of the speed of reducing heat, it is able to compare with medicines, and at the same time it is harmless.

Gargle with the drug for sore throats and inflammations oral cavity. In addition, due to antimicrobial agents, it kills the pathogenic environment, relieves hoarseness and speeds up recovery. For this quality, the decoction was recognized as an effective anti-influenza remedy.

Antioxidant and immune-boosting properties make it a good adjuvant in treatment oncological diseases, with radiation contamination and as a prophylaxis in gerontology - to improve the condition in old age. They help improve vision, support normal state cardiovascular system, contribute to the improvement brain activity and prevention of senile dementia.

In the old days, herbalists often recommended bathing children in currant leaf decoction baths in the treatment of scrofula and dermatitis. Baths and compresses help to cope with many skin problems. And now it is useful to use it for diathesis, sweating, itching and rashes.

AT Tibetan medicine decoction is prescribed for kidney diseases and edema various etiologies, because it has strong diuretic and cleansing properties and removes excess uric acid from the body. It is also used in the treatment of diabetes and for the prevention of mental clarity in old age. The decoction is also useful as an aid in the treatment of gout and some diseases of the joints. It will also be useful for:

• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• urolithiasis.

In addition, the product has a slight relaxing effect and can be used as a gentle laxative for constipation and frequent stool retention. Mouth rinses were used to remove bad breath.

Women used decoctions to solve gynecological problems- douching and tampons for inflammatory diseases. Currant leaf is irreplaceable and in home cosmetics. The decoction was added to creams, masks and lotions. They rubbed the face to get rid of acne, improve the condition of the skin and prolong its youth. When rinsing, hair becomes silky and shiny, seborrhea disappears.

Decoction treatment recipes

For whooping cough, colds and coughs

2 tbsp. l. pour dry leaves l hot water and boil on low heat for 5 minutes. Let stand for 2 hours, strain and drink a glass in a warm form 3 r. after meals and before bed.

1 st. l. with the top of the leaves, pour 0.25 liters of water and cook for 2-3 minutes. after boiling. Means to insist 4 hours, strain and take 100 ml in the morning and evening after meals.

For skin diseases

Any of the decoctions is used in the form of lotions or compresses 2 p. in a day. During treatment, it is very good to drink 2-3 r. a day for a cup of tea from a currant leaf.

With pyelonephritis, cystitis and urolithiasis

5-6 art. l. raw materials are poured with a liter of hot water and kept on fire for 5 minutes. Give an hour to brew and take a cup during the day.

For diarrhea and dysentery

They make a healing phytocollection. Take 1 hour of elecampane, 2 hours each of raspberry, strawberry and calamus leaves, 3 hours of currant leaves, 4 hours of thyme, berries or blueberry leaves and alder fruits. Everything is crushed and mixed. 2-3 tbsp. l. poured? l of hot water, put on fire and incubated for 5 minutes.

Then the boiling drug is poured into a thermos, closed and kept overnight. You need to use 100-150 ml in 30 minutes. before meals 3 p. in a day.

For sore joints, gout, rheumatism

Recipe 1. 2-3 tbsp. l. leaves are poured with a liter of water, put on fire and boiled for 10 minutes. after boiling. After standing 15 min. strain and add to the bath. Take it for 15-20 minutes. at a temperature of 37-38 degrees. After the bath, it is advisable to take a warm cover and lie down for an hour.

Recipe 2. 1 tbsp. l. nettles, 3 tbsp. l. elderberry and currant leaves, 4 l. horsetail and tansy flowers, 5 tbsp. l. turns. Pour the entire volume with a liter of water and cook according to the previous recipe.

Recipe 3. 3 tbsp. l. poured? l of hot water, boil for 2-3 minutes, stand for 2 hours and take 100 ml. during the day.

To strengthen the immune system

Mix 1 tsp. currant leaves and green tea, pour 300 ml of boiling water, soak for 1 minute. on fire and let it brew for 15 minutes. You can drink in the form of tea with honey after a meal.

With angina, any sore throat and inflammation in the oral cavity

Any decoction in the form of heat 6-7 r. rinse your mouth and throat daily.

To normalize pressure

3 art. l. pour raw materials? l boiling water and keep on fire for 2 minutes. Cool, strain and take 100 ml after meals. You can add a teaspoon of honey.

For the treatment of hemorrhagic diathesis

1 st. l. leaves pour a cup of boiling water, boil for 2-3 minutes, cool and drink warm 3-4 r. in a day.

With overwork, diabetes and radiation damage

Any decoction of a currant leaf to use 100 ml 5-6 r. in a day.

For the treatment of acne

With diabetes

3 hours currant leaves. 5 teaspoons dandelion flowers, 2 teaspoons blackberry leaves, and 1 teaspoon mint. Mix everything and grind. 1 st. l. phytocollection pour a cup of boiling water, cover and simmer in a water bath for an hour. Top up to the initial volume and take according to? glasses 3 p. a day before meals.

Decoction preparation

Decoctions of currant leaves are used externally or internally.

classic decoction

5-6 freshly picked leaves or 2 tbsp. l. dry pour a cup of boiling water, put on fire and cook under the lid for no more than 15 minutes. Wait until the broth cools down, during which time it will have time to infuse. Strain and use as directed.

If you proportionally increased the dosage and prepared large quantity broth, it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. The same decoction can be applied externally in the form of compresses.

Healing tea from currant leaf

2-3 fresh or 1 tbsp. l. dried leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, hold on fire for 2-3 minutes, cool, strain and drink like tea. You can add sugar or honey.

Leaf Harvesting

The best time for harvesting currant leaves is the time of flowering. At this time, they accumulate many of the most valuable bioactive substances, especially vitamin C, and they are more fragrant.

In case you didn’t know, store-bought currant leaf teas are made with additives that mimic the natural smell of the plant, so it has a stronger aroma than home-made teas. However, industrial tea or decoction other than palatability and strong odor, does not have useful properties, and therefore cannot be compared with its home.

Leaves for the winter are plucked in dry weather, choosing healthy ones, without damage and fungus. Dry in the shade, spreading out in a thin layer, the process goes until the leaf is brittle.

Ready raw materials are stored for no more than 2 years in closed jars or bags, but not plastic.

Contraindications

Sometimes a decoction can be harmful, this happens when people do not know contraindications. There are not many of them, and they are:

• ailments of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcer with hyperacidity juice;
• hepatitis;
• pregnancy at the last stage;
• strokes or myocardial infarction;
• thrombophlebitis;
• individual intolerance.

Contraindications relate to decoction treatment, but currant leaf tea is sometimes summer evenings no one has been harmed yet.