Wild (maiden) grapes: edible or not, beneficial properties

Maiden grapes are a common crop in Russia, which have been decorating parks, gardens and houses for decades. Although the berries are not used in winemaking, medicinal decoctions are made from them to treat various diseases. Wild grapes are edible only in very small doses, which children are unlikely to know.

Are the fruits of virgin grapes edible?

It is usually said that this is a poisonous plant. As statistics show, there are indeed cases of poisoning by plant fruits, although in small quantities. Therefore, a reasonable question arises whether its berries are still edible.

Although virgin grapes are not edible, they are not afraid to use them to create hedges

When chewed, virgin grapes acquire a sour taste. After consumption, an unpleasant sensation occurs in the mouth, which then spreads throughout the body. One berry is quite edible. In this case, intoxication will be minimal. However, if you eat a whole handful, it can cause big problems.

Mostly girl's grapes are eaten by children, who are unaware of the poisonous properties of the plant.It is more difficult for a young body to cope with the symptoms of a disease than for a healthy adult. The greater the weight, the weaker the poisonous effect.

Compotes are not prepared from the berries and dried fruits are not made. They retain their unpleasant taste for a long time. Toxic substances remain even after thermal exposure, so the grapes will still not be edible.

Composition and calorie content

Wild grapes have a place in pharmacological activities. Scientists use petioles and branches, or rather, their antibiotic - resveratol. It is necessary to maintain immunity. With its help, the plant survives various fungal diseases and infections.

Substances useful to humans are also contained in the leaves of virgin grapes. Of course, they cannot be called edible. However, they are dominated by sucrose, fructose and several types of acids, which are used in the production of flu drugs. The composition also includes flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, which are a kind of analogue of vitamin P. In addition, they reduce the permeability of vascular walls.

No part of the virgin grape is completely edible, so the plant does not have many natural pests

Attention! The berries are rich in substances necessary for the manufacture of medicines. They contain tetracosanol, alcohol, phytosterol, as well as several types of fatty acids; anthocyanins, which are glycosides, are also visible under a microscope.

The berries are quite high in calories - 63 kcal. They consist of fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash and plenty of water.

What are the benefits of wild grapes?

When consumed correctly, virgin grapes have health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, strengthening properties.With its help you can regulate sugar levels and stabilize the heart.

Use in folk medicine

Due to its rich chemical composition, virgin grapes are widely used in folk medicine. People get healthy oil from the seeds, vinegar is made from the berries, and anti-inflammatory tinctures are made from the branches.

Individual parts of the plant are used for:

  • normalization of metabolism;
  • treatment of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • prevention of loose stools;
  • reducing the acidity of the digestive system;
  • improving blood composition, stabilizing blood cells.

In appearance, the fruits of the berries may seem edible and even healthy, but scientists refute the healing properties of virgin grapes

Preparing a decoction to treat a tumor is not difficult even for a beginner in this matter. It is enough to follow a simple folk technique:

  • cut off branches from girlish grapes, dry and finely chop;
  • prepare a container with hot water (about 1.5 cups) and add 10 g of raw materials to it;
  • cook over low heat for eight minutes or place in a water bath for the same period;
  • remove from heat and wait until the liquid infuses, this is about 60 minutes;
  • pass the resulting broth through a sieve, add warm water to the previous volume;
  • drink half a glass of liquid (no more than four times a day).
Advice! In folk medicine, almost every part of the virgin grape is used; the leaves deserve special attention, as they contain vitamin C. They are used in winter to strengthen the immune system.

Contraindications for use

Self-medicating without certain knowledge is dangerous. Before preparing a decoction of virgin grapes, you need to know when it is contraindicated.

The medicine should not be used by humans:

  • overweight;
  • with unstable stomach function, accompanied by fermentation processes;
  • with diabetes mellitus;
  • with ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, decoctions are contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as women breastfeeding.

The fact that virgin grapes are not edible is evidenced by the dangerous red color of its leaves.

Attention! Before taking the medicine, you should consult a specialist. If used incorrectly, virgin grapes will harm the body.

What to do in case of poisoning

Maiden grapes are poisonous and dangerous to animals and humans. Its use can lead to irreparable consequences.

Signs of poisoning

When eating berries in large quantities, a person will experience the following symptoms:

  • allergic reaction;
  • nausea;
  • abdominal pain;
  • dizziness;
  • convulsions;
  • problems with stool;
  • fainting.

In children, even with small doses, the temperature may increase. Adults practically do not suffer from poisoning. The exception is the abundant consumption of berries.

Maiden grapes resemble edible blueberries in appearance, so plants should be distinguished by other characteristics

First aid

Young children consider girl's grapes to be edible. They are also attracted to sour tastes. If a child has eaten several fruits, you should immediately consult a doctor. At this time, first aid must be provided.

Instructions:

  • rinse the stomach with plenty of water;
  • drink a few tablets (calculate based on the child’s weight) of activated carbon;
  • take enterosorbent.

If the doctor is away for a long time, antihistamines can be used to avoid the development of allergies.

Advice! Babies need to be given as much water as possible. This will speed up the process of removing harmful substances.

They like to use girlish grapes as a decoration, but owners need to take into account that its fruits are not edible

In most cases this is enough. But intervention from a doctor is still necessary. If other symptoms occur, you should definitely go to the hospital. Children under three years of age cannot be treated independently.

Conclusion

It must be remembered that wild grapes are edible only in small quantities and only for adults. It is much more difficult for a child’s body to cope with toxic substances. However, virgin grapes are also used for medicinal purposes. Each part of it is used as raw material for the manufacture of medicines.

Comments
  1. And I like the taste of these grapes, it is tart but sweet. I don't understand why some people say it tastes bad. It is not true.

    10/13/2023 at 08:10
    Mari
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