For today it is possible to meet about 100 speciesblueberries. However, one of the largest varieties is Caucasian bilberry, which grows in the mountains of Europe, Asia and the Caucasus. An artisanal plant is literally known to everyone who lives on the territory of the former USSR.
Botanical description
Bilberry caucasian, photos and pictures of which can be found in books on gardening, reaches a height of 3-4 meters. The plant has such structural features:
- Rounded branches.
- Small kidneys of acute form.
- Flowers of red and white hue collected in the brush.
- Falling and large leaves are elongated, narrowed to the base (length 6-10 cm).
- Black spherical fruits, which are located under the leaves.
Composition
All useful properties of the plant are explained by the chemical composition. It:
- vitamins of group B (contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system);
- vitamin A (is considered indispensable for fat metabolism and "fights" with free radicals and toxins in the body);
- vitamin C (maintains the tone of the vessels and is important for good immunity);
- Vitamin PP or nicotinic acid (improvesthe work of the brain, clears the vessels, and also lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood and takes a direct part in the synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin);
- Essential oils (have anti-inflammatory and soothing effect);
- tannins (several times accelerate the regeneration of cells, have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties);
- organic acids (slow the aging of cells);
- sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium and chromium (these elements are necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes and contribute to the normal functioning of the body).
Therapeutic action
Useful properties of bilberries of the Caucasus are preservedin a greater degree in fresh berries, and when freezing or drying the fruits of the plant are able to lose only a small part of their properties. Today for the treatment of many ailments use:
- berries;
- leaves and stems.
The above parts of the plant have an antiseptic effect and can be used as natural antibiotics. Benefits of Caucasian blueberries:
- prevention of cancer and the development of malignant tumors;
- prevention of catarrhal diseases and strengthening of immunity;
- purification of the gastrointestinal tract from slags;
- treatment of urinary tract diseases;
- normalization of the amount of sugar in the blood.
In addition, blueberries are actively used in cosmetology as a means for moisturizing the skin. Fruits of an artisan plant are considered a dietary product, since they contain a minimum amount of calories.
Tinctures and teas from the leaves of the blueberry caucasiancan cope with severe headaches and migraines, coughing. Blueberry tincture is used for the healing of skin in cases of burns, wounds, eczema.
Contraindications
To consume the fruits of a plant is forbidden to thosewho has an individual intolerance or an allergy to components that are part of the Caucasian bilberry. In addition, do not use berries, if:
- pancreatic diseases are diagnosed;
- there is urolithiasis;
- propensity to constipation.
Cultivation of blueberries
Widespread handicraft plantFamily Heather planted at a depth of 20 cm in soil with peat crumb. It is recommended to land in October and early November or in March or April. An excellent option will be the planting of 2-3-year-old bushes, which can soon begin to bear fruit.
Cultivation of Caucasian bilberries can occurboth on an industrial scale and at home. To make the plant feel better, it is necessary to mix the upper layer of soil (10 cm) with large sawdust. These actions allow maintaining the optimum level of moisture even on hot summer days.
Blueberries of the Caucasus blossom in May or in July, andfruits appear either in July or August, depending on the planting and age of the plant. Complete ripening of blueberries occurs mainly in early September.
Recipes
To prepare a curative decoction of blueberries from the Caucasus, you should pour steep boiling water in advance dried berries. The broth boils for 5-10 minutes. It is used such a remedy for lotions.
An excellent option will be brewing freshjuicy blueberries with other fruits. Such drinks can be consumed in the form of compotes, and in the form of tea. The healing effect is homemade ointment from boiled bilberry fruits, which are ground to a homogeneous consistency. Ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin and a gauze bandage is applied.
Many housewives know what can be tastyjam and jelly, cooked from blueberries of the Caucasus. To do this, 5 glasses of berries should be filled with 7 glasses of sugar and cook for 10-15 minutes while stirring and taking off the white foam. Such sweet dishes also have medicinal properties and in their composition preserve vitamins and nutrients. Blueberry jam can be added to tea or made from it cold drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails.
