Bird cherry berries: benefits and harm

The health benefits and harms of bird cherry have long been known to many peoples. It is difficult to imagine a simple Russian estate without this beautiful tree. It is not only amazingly decorative, but all its parts have healing properties that are widely used in folk and official medicine. Flowers, leaves, bark, and berries of the plant are used as medicines. Thanks to the beauty of bird cherry and the unique aroma of its flowers, the tree serves as a decoration for park areas and the basis for other landscape compositions.

You should learn more about the benefits the plant can provide to the body, how medicinal raw materials are prepared, and what are the contraindications to its use.

Nutritional value and composition of black bird cherry berries

The tree blooms in May or June, after which the white fragrant flowers turn into round black fruits that ripen in July or August. Their diameter is about 1 cm.

Bird cherry berries can be eaten, their chemical composition is very rich, it includes:

• essential oils;
• polysaccharides;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• organic acids;
• glycosides;
• endorphins;
• antioxidants.

The benefits of black bird cherry are due to the high concentration of vitamins C and P. Among the macro- and microelements:

• manganese – 1 mg;
• magnesium – 0.9 mg;
• zinc – 0.3 mg;
• iron – 0.2 mg;
• cobalt – 10000 mcg.

In addition to the above elements, the berries contain alkaloids, the content of which is maximum in the seeds. In case of overdose, they can cause harm rather than benefit to the body, so there are contraindications for use.

Calorie content of bird cherry

The energy value of 100 g of fresh bird cherry berries is only 46 kcal. The product contains:

• carbohydrates – 10 g;
• organic acids – 2 g;
• water – 76 g.

There are no fats or proteins in fresh fruits. When drying bird cherry berries, the calorie content increases to 100 kcal per 100 g of product. The nutritional value also changes: the amount of carbohydrates increases to 16.8 g, 8.4 g of proteins appear, but there is no fat in the dry berries.

Why does bird cherry knit?

The astringent or tart taste of the berries is due to the presence of tannins (tannin) in the chemical composition. Persimmon, quince, sloe, and pear have the same property.

After tannin enters the oral mucosa, it interacts with cellular protein, forming a protective film that creates an astringent sensation. Most tannin is found in unripe berries. As it matures, its quantity decreases slightly.

You can reduce the astringent properties of bird cherry in several ways - blanch, freeze or use the berry in a dish with proteins, where some of the tannins are neutralized and the astringency is reduced.

The benefit of the tartness of the berries is to protect the plant, since animals do not like the taste, and the fruit remains intact until fully ripe.

Useful properties of bird cherry

Our ancestors knew well about the benefits of bird cherry and its harm to the human body if the dosage is not observed or consumed by those for whom the drugs are contraindicated. Its main medicinal properties include:

• astringent and fixing effect - due to the presence of tannins and pectins;
• normalization of intestinal function;
• disinfection - thanks to phytoncides;
• strengthening the walls of small blood vessels;
• cleansing the blood of toxins;
• strengthening the immune system;
• the presence of a diuretic and diaphoretic effect;
• destruction of foci of inflammation in the body;
• restoration of joints - thanks to cleansing of heavy metal salts;
• antioxidant properties;
• antibacterial effect.

What are the benefits of bird cherry for the human body?

The properties of the plant make it possible to use it for medicinal purposes and be beneficial in the prevention of diseases:

• gastroenteritis in chronic or acute forms;
• dysbacteriosis;
• dysentery;
• enterocolitis;
• headache;
• colds;
• fever;
• rheumatic pains.

The forms of medicinal raw materials are different.Thus, not only dried berries, but also their infusions are used to treat diarrhea in children. For acne, the benefits of lotions made from leaves are obvious. The juice of the berries acts as an antiemetic in case of intoxication.

For men, the plant is a powerful aphrodisiac, the benefit of which is to increase potency with regular consumption of berries or their infusion.

The menstrual cycle in women can be regulated as a result of the use of bird cherry fruits; douching is beneficial for genital infections. Using berries for cosmetic purposes improves skin and hair health.

At the same time, the benefits of external use are obvious as lotions for blepharitis, conjunctivitis or compresses during attacks of radiculitis.

How bird cherry helps with diarrhea

Due to the presence of tannins in bird cherry, its benefits include antidiarrheal properties. After consumption, the patient’s condition improves very quickly, not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the disease are eliminated. Most often, the berries and bark of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. It is necessary to correctly prepare the medicine from bird cherry for diarrhea and use its dosage correctly in order to bring only benefits to the body.

To prepare the bark infusion, take 1 tbsp. l. dry medicinal raw materials and pour boiling water (300 ml) over it.The container with the mixture is placed in a water bath and heated, covered with a lid, for 30 minutes, left for 40 minutes and filtered. Apply 100 ml three times a day.

For an infusion of bird cherry fruits, you need to take berries and water in a ratio of 1 to 10 and prepare it according to plan:

1. Crush the berries in an enamel bowl.
2. Fill the mixture with water.
3. Place the mixture in a water bath and heat for 30 minutes.
4. Leave for 20 minutes.
5. Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth in several layers.

To get tangible benefits, drink the prepared medicine for 2 days, 120 ml, three times a day.

The use of such infusions and decoctions of bird cherry is recommended for adults against diarrhea, since for children the ratio of parts in the medicine should be different.

If you have diarrhea in nature, where there is no way to prepare the remedy, you should not refuse to use whole raw berries (about a handful), removing the seeds. The remedy is not as powerful as infusions, but the action is fast, the benefits are undeniable.

How to brew bird cherry for diarrhea for children

Brewing bird cherry berries for diarrhea for children aged 7 years and older should be done in much the same way as for adults. The difference is that 12 parts of water are taken for one part of crushed fruit, obtaining a weaker concentration of infusion. Take 100 ml three times a day.

From the age of three, children are recommended to brew 2 tbsp. l. dry crushed berries with three glasses of water. Give an infusion 5-6 times a day, 10 ml.

Many people note the benefits of using bird cherry, twisted using a meat grinder, against diarrhea. The seeds are first removed from the berries. After processing, they are stored in the refrigerator and taken three times a day, a tablespoon until symptoms disappear.

The use of bird cherry in folk medicine

All parts of the bird cherry are used to create medicinal preparations.

The fruits are beneficial in many cases:

• in the treatment of diarrhea;
• with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• during vitamin deficiency;
• in the form of tea to normalize intestinal flora and treat gastric diseases;
• to cleanse purulent wounds.

The benefits of bird cherry bark include a number of medicinal properties:

• sweatshop;
• diuretic;
• antipyretic;
• antirheumatic.

Bird cherry leaves are used:

• in the fight against diarrhea;
• strengthening the body - thanks to vitamin C;
• getting rid of cough;
• relief of symptoms of tuberculosis and bronchitis;
• treatment of furunculosis;
• prevention of stomatitis and caries.

A number of medicinal effects of bird cherry flowers are known:

• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• antimicrobial;
• painkiller.

The bark, leaves and young shoots of the plant are widely used in homeopathy as a sedative and tonic. It brings relief and benefits for headaches, heart diseases, and gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Medicinal properties of bird cherry flowers

Flowers are collected in May from bird cherry trees and bushes located in dacha areas, away from polluted highways, only in this case they are beneficial. Flowers are dried under a canopy, in the shade.

After complete readiness, an infusion is made from them, used internally for trophic ulcers on the legs:

1. Pour 1 tbsp into 250 ml of boiling water. l. dried flowers.
2. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Strain.
4. Take 1 tbsp three times a day before meals. l.

The benefits of bird cherry infusion are obvious for conjunctivitis, purulent wounds, burns, bedsores, abrasions - in the form of lotions, as well as for sore throat, stomatitis - for gargling and mouthwash.

Flower tincture is used to normalize heart rate and prevent heart disease.

To prepare it you need:

1. Pour one glass of dry inflorescences into 0.5 liters of medical alcohol.
2. Place the container in a dark place.
3. Shake the mixture periodically for two weeks.
4. Strain.
5. Place in a cool, dark place.

Take 20 drops three times a day, diluting them in a small amount of water or with a teaspoon of sugar.

Medicinal properties of bird cherry bark

Bird cherry bark is of great benefit if it is harvested in early spring - before the leaves bloom. It is dried in the sun, and then placed in the oven and dried at a temperature of about 70 oC. You can store finished medicinal raw materials for about 5 years in a closed container. During this time, its benefits are not lost.

For digestive disorders, the medicinal properties of bird cherry in the form of a tincture from the roots are used as an antimicrobial agent. To prepare it you need:

1. Pour dry crushed bark (1/2 cup) with vodka (0.5 l).
2. Shake the mixture.
3. Leave in a dark place for 2 weeks.
4. Strain.

Take a teaspoon of tincture twice a day. Its benefits for rubbing sore joints are noticeable.

An infusion of the bark is used externally for douching for gynecological diseases and internally to support the functioning of the heart. To prepare the product, you need:

1. A tablespoon of dry and crushed bark is poured into a glass of water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for about half an hour.
3. Cool.
4. Strain.
5. Bring to the original volume using boiled water.

Take a third of a glass orally, before or after meals.

Does bird cherry bark cure cancer?

In folk medicine, a bark-based recipe is used to treat cancer:

1. Place two tablespoons of dry bark and bird cherry flowers in an enamel bowl.
2. The mixture is poured with boiling water (750 ml).
3. Wrap it up and leave for about 10 hours, until the infusion turns the color of red wine.
4. Strain.
5. Store no more than two days in a cool place.

Take 100 ml infusion three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Useful properties of bird cherry leaves

Bird cherry leaves are used for the same indications as the bark and flowers. Infusions, decoctions, and tinctures are prepared from them. The benefit of fresh leaves, especially mashed ones, is that they are capable of releasing a large amount of phytoncides that have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms.

The benefit of the infusion is to cleanse the skin of boils, prevent periodontal disease, and stomatitis. To prepare you need:

1. Place 30 g of dry leaves in an enamel pan.
2. Pour a glass of water.
3. Boil.
4. Keep on low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Leave for about 2 hours.
6. Strain.

Drink 50 ml three times a day, before meals.

Medicinal properties of bird cherry root

Along with the fruits, flowers, leaves and bark, the stems and roots of bird cherry bring benefits to the body. Decoctions, infusions, and tinctures are prepared from them for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases:

• joint pain;
• colds;
• stye, blepharitis.

To prepare the tincture, you need to pour a spoonful of crushed roots with a glass of alcohol and, after infusion, use it for three weeks to rub the joints.

What are the benefits of bird cherry honey?

Bird cherry is an early honey plant.Bees do not collect honey from this plant very often, because during its flowering period the weather deteriorates, insects are unable to collect pollen and nectar, and in good weather the collection does not last long. The bribe ends in a week, its volumes are small, only about 20 kg per 1 hectare.

Bird cherry honey has healing properties. In terms of its benefits to the body and its qualities, it is superior to many other types. It contains vitamins that help compensate for their winter deficiency for the body.

Malic acid and rutin contained in honey help strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation and intestinal function.

The benefits of consuming bird cherry honey include normalizing the condition of the mucous membrane and accelerating metabolism, which is useful for those who are watching their figure.

How to prepare a decoction of bird cherry

To prepare decoctions, the rough parts of the plant are most often used - bark, roots, fruits, branches. The concentration of solids in water should be 1 in 10 or 1 in 30.

Decoctions are absorbed into the body more slowly than infusions, but they also last longer. During preparation, the medicine is boiled, and some of the beneficial substances may evaporate or be destroyed.

It is necessary to prepare a decoction of bird cherry in an enamel container with a lid. To do this, measure out the required amount of crushed raw material, place it in a container, fill it with the required amount of water and place it in a water bath for 30 minutes. After cooling, the broth is filtered and used.

Decoction of bird cherry fruits

Decoctions of dry and fresh berries are used for indigestion accompanied by diarrhea.

To prepare, you need to pour 100 g of dried bird cherry fruits with 250 ml of water, put on fire, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 15 minutes. Once ready, remove the broth from the heat, cool, filter and take 0.5 cups twice a day.

In folk medicine, the benefits of a decoction of bird cherry berries are noted for the treatment of acute respiratory infections and sore throats. To prepare it, pour 500 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried berries and leave for up to 8 hours. After filtering, gargle with the liquid up to 4 times a day.

With the help of a decoction of bird cherry fruits for type 2 diabetes, it is possible to reduce blood sugar to normal. The drug must be taken for a month, three times a day. After six months, the course should be repeated.

Is it possible for babies to take bird cherry decoction?

Despite the undoubted benefits of bird cherry, preparations based on it should not be used by pregnant and lactating women and children under three years of age. The plant can cause an allergic reaction during breastfeeding and lead to negative, unpredictable consequences.

Decoction of bird cherry branches

For furunculosis, dermatitis, and ulcers on the surface of the body, lotions are applied and bird cherry-based rinses are made. For this purpose, prepare a decoction from the branches of the plant:

1. Dry shoots (10 g) are crushed.
2. Mix them with green leaves (10 g).
3. Place in an enamel bowl and fill with water (250 ml).
4. Place on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Cool and strain the broth.

Bird cherry bark decoction

For stomach cramps, prepare a decoction of bird cherry bark:

1. Dry crushed bark (10 g) pour 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Keep in a water bath for 40 minutes.
3. Filter.
4. Bring the volume of the decoction with boiled water to the original volume.

Take 100 ml three times a day before meals.

The decoction helps treat colds with cough. In this case, the dosage should be reduced to 60 ml, and the frequency of administration should remain the same.

Benefits of bird cherry tea

Herbal tea can be called a decoction of bird cherry. An unusual taste will be obtained if the berries or leaves are mixed with regular black tea.

The simplest brewing recipe is as follows:

1. Take 3 tbsp. l. dried berries, leaves or flowers of bird cherry.
2. Pour one liter of boiling water.
3. Leave for a few minutes.

Bird cherry goes well in taste with raspberries, rose hips, and mint. In combination with these components and black tea, the drink has a tonic effect.

When honey is added, it acquires an even more tart taste.

Traditional healers advise drinking this tea for skin diseases and rheumatism as a diuretic.

If the bird cherry drink is fresh, just brewed, it has a pink color. At this moment, the benefit is maximum; take no more than two glasses a day. Later, the tea becomes dark, its taste deteriorates, and resembles wood.

The use of bird cherry in cosmetology

The astringent, soothing, tonic properties of bird cherry, its healing and decongestant effect are valued in cosmetology and are widely used.

Extracts of bark and berries are used in cosmetic preparations for many indications:

• to cleanse the skin and make it soft;
• rejuvenation and achieving tone;
• softening inflammation after sunburn;
• with redness of the eyelids;
• to strengthen hair.

Despite the safety and non-toxicity of bird cherry preparations, they are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance.

Extract from fruits and roots is added to lotions, gels, emulsions in a ratio of no more than 10% of the total volume.

In cosmetology, bird cherry preparations are used to combat skin diseases:

• acne - wipe the skin with berry juice;
• dermatitis - a decoction of the bark in the amount of 60 ml is consumed orally an hour before meals;
• dry skin, sunburn, wrinkles - wipe with tincture of flowers.

Restrictions and contraindications for taking bird cherry

Like any medicine, bird cherry fruits, in addition to beneficial properties, also have contraindications. They are explained by the presence of hydrocyanic acid in small quantities in the plant. For this reason, pregnant and lactating women and children under three years of age should refrain from using the drugs. The seeds inside the berries are considered to be the source of hydrocyanic acid; the fruit itself is safe and beneficial.

Excessive amounts of berries can lead to constipation, so moderation should be observed when consuming them for anyone who uses them for treatment.

The aroma of bird cherry flowers can cause a severe headache, the cause of which is the volatile substances and essential oils released by the plant. To avoid this, you should refrain from being near the blooming bird cherry tree and do not bring bouquets of fragrant flowers into the house.

Conclusion

The health benefits and harms of bird cherry are determined by the dosage, indications and contraindications for use.If you follow safety rules and methods of use, the effect is always positive. But it must be remembered that before using any traditional medicine, you should consult your doctor.

Recommended Posts

Red bird cherry: benefits and harm

Planting and caring for bird cherry

Bird cherry Late Joy

Red-leaved bird cherry: photos and reviews

Bird cherry Maak: photo and description

Bird cherry flour recipe

What does it look like when the bird cherry blossoms?

Bird cherry Colorata

Bird cherry: description and characteristics