Blueberry leaf: useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, blueberries have been especially popular not only in medicine, but also in other areas of life. It is known that the medicinal properties and contraindications of blueberry leaves depend not only on the composition of the berry itself, but also on the conditions of collection, preparation and storage of this unique product. There are many technologies that preserve the benefits of blueberry leaves, everyone can find a recipe to their liking.

Blueberry leaf composition

The properties of blueberry leaves depend primarily on the chemical composition. This part of the black berry is known to contain the same substances as other parts of the plant. However, their concentration is much lower. However, the benefits of blueberry leaves are great.

So, blueberry leaves contain:

• tannins (18-20%);
• flavonoids and carotenoids;
• anthocyanins;
• arbutin;
• sugar and disachara;
• organic acids: citric, gallic, malic, oxalic, benzoic, tartaric;
• vitamins: A, B, C;
• trace elements: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sulfur, calcium, chlorine;
• essential oils.

The beneficial properties of blueberry leaves are due to the complex action of all these compounds.

Why is blueberry leaf useful?

Blueberry leaf has many health benefits.

The main substances that characterize the blueberry leaf on the positive side:

1. Vitamins help to strengthen the immune system and improve the well-being of a person with vitamin deficiency in autumn and spring.
2. Essential oils give a unique scent. At the same time, they contribute to the normalization of blood circulation and the work of the heart muscle in general.
3. Organic acids restore the chemical balance in the human body. In addition, they help to bring down the temperature and normalize the bowel function during various attacks of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Trace elements in blueberries help to fill the deficiency of certain substances in the human body.
5. Anthocyanins help improve the condition during prolonged stress. They improve the functioning of the nervous system, reduce fatigue and apathy, and increase efficiency.
6. Tannins are compounds that help restore and strengthen the body in various viral infectious diseases.
7. Arbutin. This substance plays an important role in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system of the body.
8. Flavonoids and carotenoids regulate blood glucose concentration. That is, the blueberry leaf is useful for diabetes. At the same time, it is most effective to use not the shoots themselves, but a decoction from them (tea from blueberry leaves).

Blueberries are useful not only for medicinal leaves, but also for products made from them. Infusions and teas cope with increased acidity of the stomach and poor functioning of the intestinal tract. Potions help reduce blood cholesterol and normalize the entire cardiovascular system. Not only leaves, but also ointments, creams, tinctures contribute to the complete healing of burns, abscesses, wounds, and superficial injuries. Tablets, capsules, drops help people suffering from diseases of the eyes, genitourinary system, viral and bacterial infections.

In addition, many doctors recommend using blueberries as a prophylaxis for cancer. Various products based on blueberry parts help to effectively lose weight, while improving a person's appearance.

When to pick blueberry leaves

Blueberries are harvested at the time of flowering - from May to June. At this time, gardeners recommend choosing bright green, juicy leaves without specks.

Since blueberries are easily contaminated, you should not take shoots and berries from:

• white or brown spots;
• black dots;
• dried twigs.

Darkened blueberries are also not worth taking.

Here are some other important guidelines:

1. It is best to cut the branches and collect the desired parts in dry, calm weather with your hands. And in the rainy season, it is better to use gloves and scissors.
2. You cannot cut off all the shoots at once, otherwise the blueberries will not be able to bear fruit for a long time.
3. Since this berry is susceptible to the toxic effects of various substances, it should be collected away from highways and highways.

After collecting the leaves, it is important to properly prepare them for further processing.

Rules for the procurement of raw materials

The preparatory work algorithm is quite simple:

1. The raw materials should be spread out in a thin layer on a special cloth for fruits or vegetables (canvas or cotton bags).
2. Place in a well-ventilated dark place.
3. Leave on for 4-5 days. The room temperature should reach 40-45 degrees above zero.
4. To avoid mold and rot, the leaves should be sorted out regularly.
5. The end of the process occurs when the raw material can easily crumble in the hands.

You should be aware that many shoots may darken during the drying process - they cannot be used.

How to brew blueberry leaves

There are many ways to make a decoction of different parts of blueberries.

Classic version

Ingredients:

• water;
• shoots.

Methodology:

1. Boil the kettle.
2. Pour dry ingredients into a sieve.
3. Add water.
4. Boil.

For aroma, you can add mint, jasmine or lemon.

Option 1

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) - 1 l;
• shoots.

Methodology:

1. Prepare the berry.
2. A quarter of the volume of dry raw materials should be boiled in water.
3. Cool and strain through cheesecloth.

It is used for dermatitis and abscesses. It is enough to moisten the fabric with broth and apply to the damaged areas, make a compress.

Option 2

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) - 1 l;
• prepared shoots.

Methodology:

The same as in the previous version. However, the volume of water taken is 2 times less. This infusion should be used as enemas and lotions for hemorrhoids.

Option 3

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) - 0.35 l;
• shoots - 1/3 of all raw materials.

Methodology:

1. Boil dry ingredients in water.
2. Let it brew for 2 hours.

This drink is good for treating diseases of the oral cavity. It is enough to rinse your mouth with this infusion every 3 hours. Improvement on the third day of treatment.

Option 4

Ingredients:

• water (boiling water) - 3 tablespoons;
• shoots - 3 tablespoons.

Methodology:

1. Boil dry ingredients in water for a quarter of an hour. In this case, the container must be closed. However, stir regularly.
2. Cool the drink and strain through cheesecloth. Refrigerate.
3. Dilute 1: 3 with water.

The drink helps with diabetes. This amount should be consumed per day.

How to ferment blueberry leaf

Fermentation is necessary for good assimilation of all nutrients in blueberry shoots by the human body. In this case, the fabrics of the sheet are subjected to additional processing: sparingly soluble compounds are converted into easily assimilated elements.

The main process of fermentation of blueberry leaves occurs during the harvesting (drying) period. Moreover, you can use different options: airfryer, oven, microwave oven, basement, cellar. The temperature in these devices is different and the drying period will be different.

The fermentation is completed with the preparation of infusions, decoctions, alcoholic medicines and teas based on this part of the berry.

Traditional medicine recipes

There are many different ways to treat almost all diseases of the body with this unique product.

With diarrhea

Ingredients:

• water - 0.5 l;
• shoots - 0.1 kg;
• suitable capacity.

Methodology:

1. Put the prepared ingredient in an iron bowl, pour water over it.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Cool, drain.

Consume orally 3 times a day after meals.

For constipation

Ingredients:

• water - 0.2 l;
• shoots - 0.1 kg;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. A similar technique as in the previous version.
2. Let it brew for four hours.

Consume orally a day at intervals of 2 hours.

With diabetes

Ingredients:

• water - 0.5 l;
• shoots (blueberries, dandelions, nettles) - 0.05 kg each;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all the ingredients in one bowl, add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and drain.

Consume hot.

With hypertension

Ingredients:

• water - 0.5 l;
• shoots (blueberries, motherwort, lemon balm, arnica) - 0.05 kg each;
• capacity.

Cooking method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in one bowl, grind, pour prepared water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and drain.

Consume at least three times a day, 0.05 liters. The composition is useful for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

With diseases of the genitourinary system

Ingredients:

• water - 0.25 l;
• shoots - 100 g;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all the constituent parts in one bowl, add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and drain. Leave to infuse for 8 hours.

Consume hot daily 3 times a day for a month. The course can be repeated in two weeks.

With eye diseases

Ingredients:

• water - 0.5 l;
• shoots -0.5 kg;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all the constituent parts in one bowl, grind, add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and drain.

Drink hot 2-3 times a day.

Use in cosmetology

Blueberries are used not only in the industrial production of cosmetics, but also at home:

1. Infusions, decoctions are used as antiseptic agents against unhealthy skin. They are used to remove acne, acne or allergic manifestations. It is useful for treating herpes on the skin of the face.
2. The frozen decoction of the leaves tones up and improves the condition of the skin.
3. A moisturizing mask based on blueberry parts is suitable for girls with any skin type. It does not leave any stains on the face.
4. In addition to masks, you can make health scrubs by adding cream or sour cream to the base.

You can wash your face with a decoction of these leaves.

Blueberry leaves for diabetes

Although blueberry leaf and blueberry leaf products can lower blood sugar, they should still be consumed along with a major body of therapies. This is due to the fact that the tests are carried out on rodents, in which the metabolism proceeds 4-7 times faster than in humans.

This means that the rate of decrease in sugar by 40% in rodents will not correspond to the rate of decrease in glucose in humans for the same time. But this product should not be completely removed from the diet.

Contraindications

Despite their beneficial properties, blueberry leaves also have contraindications.

The use of plant leaves is not recommended for:

• possible individual intolerance to the components of the composition of blueberry leaves, this applies to both external agents and preparations intended for internal use.
• oxalaturin for various chronic diseases, since blueberries are a good choleretic agent, oxalates (salts of useful metals) can be removed with urine, which then leads to dehydration and, in advanced cases, to death;
• with kidney stones, partial blockage and obstruction due to the action of blueberry leaves are possible.

Caution should be taken when using blueberries for diabetes.

Terms and conditions of storage

Blueberry leaves should be stored in linen or canvas bags in a cool, dark place for two years.

Infusions, decoctions, and other medicines from blueberry leaves can be placed in the refrigerator. In this case, the shelf life is 1 year.

Conclusion

The above medicinal properties and contraindications of blueberry leaves should suggest the correct way to use this product in each individual case. Do not forget: everything should be in moderation. It is worth consulting your doctor before eating blueberry leaves.

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