Content
Pine cones are a natural raw material that is widely used in both home medicine and cooking. Cones have a pleasant taste and a lot of useful properties, but to prevent them from causing harm, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for their use.
Size and shape of pine cones
The size of pine cones can be considered average - they usually reach no more than 3-7 cm in length and only occasionally grow even larger. The diameter of the cones usually does not exceed 2-3 cm, their shape is elongated and oblong, cylindrical with a narrowing at the end.
As you can see in the photo of pine cones, they are covered on top with small scales covering the inner core. Young buds have scales that are bright green and tight-fitting, but as they grow older, the structure of pine cones changes, their color becomes brown, and the scales themselves become woody.
It is customary to distinguish male and female pine cones - male ones are small in size, collected in groups and located near the base of the shoots.Female cones are larger, and they grow closer to the end of the shoot. At the same time, both types of buds have beneficial properties.
What are the benefits of pine cones?
Common pine cones contain a huge amount of valuable substances. They contain:
- vitamins C, A, B and K;
- terpenes and essential oils;
- tannins and fatty oils;
- magnesium, iron and selenium;
- tannins and phytoncides;
- a small amount of alkaloids;
- bioflavonoids.
Thanks to such a rich composition, young green cones, when properly processed, bring great benefits to the human body. In particular, they:
- have an anti-inflammatory effect and fight infections;
- strengthen immune resistance to viruses and bacteria;
- dilute sputum in dry coughs and generally have an extremely positive effect on the lungs and bronchi;
- improve the composition and movement of blood - pine cones for blood vessels increase the elasticity of vascular walls and prevent the deposition of cholesterol plaques;
- protect the cardiac system from ailments, cones can protect against ischemia, reduce the likelihood of developing a stroke or heart attack;
- have a diuretic and choleretic effect, making them very useful for diseases of the kidneys and gall bladder;
- effectively eliminate swelling and associated unpleasant symptoms;
- prevent the development of scurvy and anemia - the vitamin composition of the cones quickly replenishes the deficiency of nutrients in the body;
- strengthen the nervous system and help normalize sleep patterns;
- saves from depression and increased anxiety;
- improve metabolism and help normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
For both men and women, cones can be beneficial in case of malfunctions of the reproductive system. Cone-based products stop inflammatory processes, improve blood circulation in the pelvis and restore healthy vigor and energy. The anti-cancer properties of pine cones are also well known; they can be used to prevent cancer.
How and when to collect cones
In folk medicine, the benefits of pine cones that have not yet become woody are used; accordingly, useful raw materials should be collected immediately after the cones appear on the branches of the plant. This happens at the end of May or beginning of June.
To collect raw materials, it is necessary to choose pine forests, the trees in which are about 30 years old. Young pines actively produce buds, but at the same time they still remain quite low; it is most convenient to collect cones from such trees. In addition, preference should be given to forests located far from major roads, plants and factories; the purer the medicinal raw material, the higher its beneficial properties will be.
Treatment with pine cones
Young pine cones are incredibly popular in home medicine, and this is explained simply - products based on them help in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.
- The cones have a healing effect for any colds: ARVI, bronchitis, flu, prolonged cough and runny nose.The vitamins in their composition, and especially vitamin C, quickly help relieve high fever and malaise, and activate the immune system to fight viral infection.
- Pine buds are used for stomach ulcers. Products based on beneficial raw materials have a healing effect on erosive lesions of the mucous membranes, soothe inflammation and relieve pain.
- Cones help with gastritis, a tendency to diarrhea and metabolic problems. The beneficial substances in their composition accelerate the digestion and absorption of food, improve intestinal microflora, and promote the rapid removal of toxins from the body.
- The choleretic and diuretic properties of raw materials are in demand in the presence of sand in the kidneys, in chronic inflammatory processes, and in cases of bile outflow disorders. The use of products based on pine buds contributes to the fact that bile begins to be produced more actively, and liquid is removed from the body by the kidneys faster - accordingly, the functioning of internal organs improves and swelling goes away.
The cones are used in complex therapy aimed at rehabilitation after a stroke. The beneficial raw materials contain a large amount of tannins - substances that can slow down the decay of neurons in the affected areas of the brain. Thus, pine cones for stroke do not allow the disease to develop further and help maintain maximum mental clarity and performance.
Tinctures and decoctions based on cones are good for joint ailments - arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis. Rubbing and compresses are especially beneficial, acting on the sore joint through the skin; pine buds relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Cones are also used:
- for diseases of the respiratory tract - pneumonia, pneumonia, tracheitis and bronchitis, tuberculosis;
- with a deficiency of nutrients in the body - scurvy, anemia and anemia;
- for gynecological inflammations and diseases of the genitourinary area - cystitis in women, urethritis and prostatitis in men;
- for skin ailments - dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis;
- for disorders of the endocrine system and diseases of the thyroid gland;
- with weak immunity, loss of strength and decreased performance;
- for atherosclerosis, hypertension and increased cholesterol levels in the blood;
- for anxiety disorders, insomnia, tendency to depression;
- with decreased potency and libido in men and women.
When used externally, pine buds not only help cope with inflammatory skin diseases, but also promote rapid healing of wounds - and in addition, have a disinfectant effect.
Folk recipes from pine cones
Recipes for pine cones can be very different; the dosage of medicinal agents and the duration of treatment always depend on the specific disease. But, one way or another, in folk medicine only a few medicinal tinctures based on natural raw materials are used, they are prepared using the same methods.
Infusion of pine cones
The simplest remedy based on fresh pine buds is a regular water infusion. It is prepared like this:
- about 50 g of green cones are thoroughly washed in cold water, dried and finely chopped with a knife;
- pour 500 ml of just boiled water into a small container;
- cover with a lid and leave to infuse in a shaded place for 2 hours.
The finished infusion will need to be passed through folded gauze to filter out the sediment.
You need to drink 100 ml twice or thrice a day, and the infusion brings maximum benefit to anemia, weakened immunity and cold cough. The valuable properties of the drink will also be in demand for gastrointestinal diseases - the infusion will soothe irritated mucous membranes and promote rapid recovery.
Pine cone tea
Pine buds are suitable for making healing tea; it is especially convenient because it can be taken in the same quantities as regular tea, along with honey or other sweets. To prepare you will need:
- wash in cold water, and then properly chop the pine cones in the amount of 10-12 pieces;
- pour the raw material with a liter of water and put it on the stove, and when the pine cones boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes;
- remove from heat, leave for about an hour and strain.
The resulting infusion is added to regular tea leaves - 3-4 small spoons.
The finished drink turns out to be very aromatic and healthy; it helps well with anemia, colds, and high blood pressure. It is recommended to drink tea if you have a predisposition to heart disease; the drink will strengthen blood vessels and heart muscle and prevent the development of dangerous conditions.
Tincture of pine cones
For arthritis, rheumatism and radiculitis, it is recommended to use a tincture of cones prepared in alcohol.This remedy has particularly strong warming and analgesic properties, and after a stroke it prevents the breakdown of brain cells.
Healing decoction
Green pine cones provide benefits in the form of an aqueous decoction. It is prepared like this:
- fresh pine cones are taken in such quantity as to fill a third of a liter pan with them;
- the raw materials are thoroughly washed, but not cut, but immediately poured into a prepared container;
- The pan is filled with water and the cones are sent to the stove - you only need to cook them for 5-7 minutes, since too many valuable substances are destroyed during long heat treatment.
Cover the finished broth with a lid and leave for an hour. The infused and cooled product is filtered using gauze, and then only 3-4 sips are taken in the morning. The product is especially beneficial for atherosclerosis and high cholesterol, stomach diseases and intestinal disorders.
Since the decoction has a high concentration of beneficial components, it should not be taken in large quantities - it will cause harm. But if desired, the product can be diluted with natural honey - the taste of the drink will become richer and more interesting, and the beneficial properties will only increase.
Pine syrup
Pine cones are used not only for making drinks, but also for creating tasty and healthy treats. One of them is pine syrup - its unusual refreshing taste will appeal to both adults and children.
The recipe for making syrup is as follows:
- young cones are thoroughly washed, placed in a pan and filled with water in a ratio of 1 to 3;
- The raw material is boiled for 20 minutes, then removed from the heat and left to infuse covered for a day;
- after this, the boiled cones are removed from the infusion and discarded, and the remaining liquid is filtered through tightly folded gauze.
Sugar is added to the resulting infusion in equal proportions, stirred thoroughly and put back on the fire. At the lowest temperature, the syrup is boiled for another 1.5-2 hours until it acquires a raspberry hue, and then immediately poured into sterile jars while hot.
Tasty and healthy syrup is good for colds and anemia - just use it with tea to make you feel better. The syrup also benefits the stomach and intestines, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps relieve insomnia.
Fragrant jam from green cones
Young pine cones bring benefits as part of sweet jam; such a delicacy contains a large amount of vitamins and valuable natural substances. There are 2 ways to prepare the product, but in both cases it takes very little time.
- According to the first method, cleanly washed green cones are poured with water in equal quantities, and then boiled over moderate heat for only 20 minutes. After this, the resulting broth is filtered and mixed in the amount of 2 glasses with 1 kg of granulated sugar. An ordinary sweet syrup is made from the resulting mixture, after which the remaining cones are placed in it again and boiled until completely softened for about half an hour.
- According to the second method, 1 kg of cones is poured with cold water and left to infuse for a day to soften. The next day, boil regular sweet syrup from sugar and water in a ratio of 1 to 2.When the syrup is ready, the water is drained from under the infused pine cones, and the cones themselves are boiled in the prepared syrup until they become completely soft.
Aromatic jam made from cones is used as a remedy for any ailment or simply eaten with tea to improve overall health. Whole cones left in jam are also suitable for consumption.
Precautionary measures
The benefits and harms of pine cones depend on many factors. First of all, it is necessary to control the dosage of the healthy product - drinks and treats based on pine buds can be harmful if you exceed the limits specified in the recipes. An overdose of pine cones can lead to stomach upsets, skin rashes and headaches.
In some cases, pine cones can provoke allergies. Since you can rarely find them on an ordinary table, for the first time you need to use medicines, syrups and jams in minimal quantities. If the body does not respond negatively, the dosage can be increased.
Contraindications for pine cones
The beneficial properties of pine cones are very great, and they rarely cause harm. And yet, the natural product has a number of contraindications, which include:
- hepatitis and severe liver damage;
- chronic renal failure and nephritis;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children's age up to 7 years.
People over 60 years of age should use pine cones with caution. The body in old age is particularly sensitive and may not be able to cope with the absorption of medicines based on raw materials.
Conclusion
Pine cones are beneficial for a wide range of ailments; they are used in the treatment of even the most serious diseases. But when using buds, it is important to pay attention to dosages and ensure that the raw materials are completely clean.
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