Cherry is a tree that is known and loved by many.It is unpretentious and grows in all cities, at each summer cottage. But not everyone knows that, except for berries, you can eat and cherry leaves. Useful properties and their contraindications have long been known to traditional healers. But with the development of the pharmaceutical industry, herbs were rarely used. And only in recent years, people began to remember what a delicious tea from these leaves. Although many gardeners constantly use cherry leaves in canning, their beneficial properties and contraindications have not yet been fully studied.
What is remarkable cherry
The tree is originally from the Black Sea.But since antiquity he was honored and loved in all countries where it grew. Berries were considered not only tasty, but also useful. They have long been used to make jams, compotes and vitamin decoctions. Cherry orchards look very beautiful during flowering, and when covered with red berries. In ancient times, magical properties were attributed to this tree. It was believed that if the branches of the leaves to decorate the bed of the newlyweds, their marriage will be happy.
The composition of the leaves of cherry
Everyone knows how much vitamin C containsberries of this tree. But the rich composition and leaves of cherry. Useful properties and contraindications of them are due to exactly what substances they contain. Recent studies have shown that these leaflets are rich in vitamins and trace elements that are very important for health. They include:
- pectins, fiber;
- minerals: calcium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, boron;
- B vitamins;
- tannins;
- fructose;
- antioxidants, for example, quercetin;
- large amounts of ascorbic acid;
- a lot of folic acid;
- phytoncides;
- essential oils;
- coumarin - a substance that reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- ellagic acid, which prevents the development of tumors;
- anthocyanins that slow down cell aging.
It is important to know when to pick cherry leaves so that there are more nutrients in them. The most valuable are young, recently blossomed shoots.
Useful properties of cherry leaves
Наши предки многое знали об этом дереве и часто used it for treatment. For example, it was believed that porridge from cherry bark, onions and hemp seeds helps to heal even from a serious illness. All parts of the plant were used to prepare decoctions, compotes and syrups. Modern medicine has proven that not only berries, but also cherry leaves have healing properties. Their health benefits are enormous:
- they strengthen the immune system and increase the body's defenses;
- have anti-inflammatory properties;
- have a hemostatic effect;
- restore water-salt metabolism;
- they cleanse the body of toxins, remove sand from the kidneys and even radionuclides;
- have a diuretic effect;
- detrimental effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi;
- have an antioxidant effect that helps slow aging;
- relieve fatigue and return to work.
When is it good to use cherry leaves
Most lovers of traditional medicine use such decoctions only to raise immunity and with a lack of vitamin C. But cherry leaves can be used in the treatment of many diseases:
- with cold and flu;
- nasal bleeding;
- with increased pressure;
- tachycardia;
- anemia;
- thrombophlebitis;
- ischemic heart disease;
- gout;
- as an expectorant for bronchitis;
- with liver diseases.
Are there any contraindications to their use?
Many people know that cherry berries can causeabdominal pain and irritation of the gastric mucosa with gastritis and ulcers. And during exacerbations they can not be used at all. But completely different - the leaves of the cherry. Useful properties and contraindications are slightly different. They do not cause an increase in gastric acidity. You can drink broths based on them and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. It is not recommended only to use them in such cases:
- during exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer;
- with a tendency to constipation, as the decoctions have a binding effect;
- under reduced pressure;
- diabetes mellitus;
- with individual intolerance.
How to use the leaves
They can be used both fresh and indried form. The most useful are young leaves of cherry. Therefore, it is better to collect them in May before flowering. At this time, they contain the most nutrients, they are tender and juicy. Such leaves can be dried for the winter. Do it better at room temperature, spreading them in a thin layer on a baking sheet or towel and stirring occasionally. Raw materials prepared in this way retains all the beneficial properties of fresh leaves and their wonderful aroma. Store dried leaves in a glass jar no more than a year.
For the preparation of medicinal decoctions necessaryTake 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves or 1 spoon of dried, as they are more concentrated. Raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water and kept on low heat for 3-5 minutes. After cooling, the decoction must be filtered and used for treatment in accordance with the recipe.
Cherry leaves in cooking
They are not consumed fresh, as theytoo hard. Best of all, cherry leaves show their aroma and taste after heat treatment. Therefore, they have long been used for making tea, stewed fruit, cooking jam, jam or syrup. And now, many housewives add these leaves in cans when canning vegetables. After all, it is a natural flavoring, giving cucumbers and tomatoes an unusual pleasant taste. In addition, fresh cherry leaves have preservative properties. Berries and fruits are stored in their presence longer.
Cherry leaves are one of the ingredients.very tasty "royal jam". It is made from gooseberries. But the berries need to be boiled not on the water, but on a strong infusion of cherry leaves. This jam has an unusual pleasant aroma and taste.
Cherry Leaf Drinks
Of these, you can make delicious and healthy teas and compotes, which perfectly quench thirst and enhance immunity. And you can use them without restrictions, since they have no contraindications.
The most commonly used tea from the leaves of cherry.Each housewife brews it according to her own recipe: with the addition of tea leaves or other herbs. You can drink this tea with honey, syrup or lemon. It is tasty without everything, because the leaves give the drink a delicate cherry aroma and mild sourness.
In early summer you can cook healthyvitamin compote. To do this, finely chop the rhubarb shoots and boil for 15-20 minutes with fresh cherry leaves. At the end of cooking add sugar to taste.
Folk recipes
The most popular use of cherry leaves is fortified beverages and teas. But in folk medicine, they are used for serious illnesses. Most often used several recipes.
- To restore the liver in hepatitis, you need 2 tablespoons of crushed fresh leaves to boil for a few minutes in half a glass of milk. This amount is drunk throughout the day.
- A few glasses of decoction of dried raw materials per day to drink for kidney disease. The diuretic effect of such a drink removes pathogenic bacteria and gently dissolves stones.
- If you insist fresh or dry leaves on alcohol, and then strain, you get an effective antiseptic solution. It can be used both internally and externally.
- From such broth it is possible to do applications for a stop of nasal bleeding.
- When pains in the joints, leaves need to be brewed along with thin sprigs. Boil them need a little longer - about 15 minutes.
- A decoction of crushed leaves and twigs of cherries can also be used for gargling or inhalation for sore throats and colds.
External use of leaves
They are also very useful for preserving beauty andyouthful skin Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it possible to successfully apply them in the composition of masks for skin and hair. They are especially useful with high fat content. Cherry leaf decoctions effectively relieve swelling and reduce inflammation. Such lotions and compresses stop bleeding, destroy bacteria and accelerate wound healing. And if you freeze the decoction, such ice cubes are an excellent tonic and cleanser for the face. It is useful to use cherry branches with leaves as a bath broom. The essential oils released at the same time have a rejuvenating effect on the skin and a tonic effect on the entire body.
Cherry leaves - it is available to many and very effective healing tool. A delicious and aromatic tea in winter will remind you of sunny days and saturate the body with vitamins.
