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The healing properties of fir cones were discovered by people many decades ago. Since ancient times, their benefits have been known to traditional healers and healers, who widely used this raw material in their medical practice. The product is famous for its healing properties and unique beneficial composition; to this day it is used to prepare various infusions, decoctions, syrups and baths.
For medicinal purposes, young spruce cones collected from May to June are most often used.
Why are fir cones collected?
Since ancient times, people have collected spruce cones because of their medicinal properties and great benefits. Due to the fact that they combine a large number of diverse components, with their help people have learned to cope with many diseases and ailments. Although it should be borne in mind that not all fruits of the spruce tree are suitable for treatment, and this must be taken into account when collecting medicinal material.
The benefits of fir cones for the human body
Fir cones are useful due to the fact that they contain a wide range of active substances:
- phytoncides;
- vitamins D, C, E, K, PP;
- essential oils;
- succinic acid;
- mineral salts;
- tannins;
- minerals;
- bioflavonoids;
- sap.
The benefit of extracts prepared from fir cones lies precisely in the presence of these elements. Thanks to them, the products are able to suppress the proliferation of pathogens, strengthen the immune system, and improve metabolism at the cellular level. In addition, the beneficial properties of spruce cones are that they have a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. And the turpentine (resinous substance) included in their composition has a unique healing composition.
What is treated with fir cones
The list of diseases that spruce cones help to cope with is quite wide, and they are used not only in folk medicine, but also in scientific pharmacology.
If we talk about specific diseases, the fruits of the evergreen tree help in the treatment of:
- runny nose, colds, sore throats;
- respiratory tract diseases;
- tuberculosis;
- scurvy;
- anemia;
- dermatitis;
- arthritis and rheumatism;
- skin diseases;
- bruises;
- kidney diseases.
In addition, the benefits of spruce fruits have been proven when used after a stroke, as an anti-inflammatory agent for troubles associated with the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, gout, radiculitis), as a prevention of cancer. They help cope with vitamin deficiency, protect the body from flu and colds, kill viruses and bacteria, have an expectorant, disinfectant, antimicrobial effect, and participate in the regulation of metabolism. According to many healers, there will be benefits even with ordinary contact with the cone. For example, if you just hold it in your hand for 15-20 minutes, you can restore energy balance.
Spruce fruits are considered a real natural pharmacy
The use of fir cones in folk medicine
Due to the benefits of cones, there are many recipes for their use in folk medicine. Housewives prepare various healing infusions, decoctions, ointments, and alcohol tinctures from this material. The preparation technology for the most popular of them is presented below.
Decoction of fir cones
The recipe for preparing a decoction of spruce cones is as follows:
- Grind green fruits in the amount of 2-3 pieces.
- Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the raw material.
- Boil the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, strain.
This remedy is almost universal, and its benefits have been proven for a number of diseases. The decoction is drunk to increase the body's resistance to infections, instilled into the nasal passages for a runny nose (five drops each), and used for gargling for a sore throat. The solution is inhaled for respiratory diseases, added to the bath while bathing to improve sleep or get rid of skin diseases.
The maximum benefit is felt from a freshly prepared decoction of spruce cones.
Infusion of fir cones
For throat diseases, patients feel quite significant benefits from an infusion of fir cones. It's easy to prepare. To do this, you need to take 20 g of finely chopped spruce fruits, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and steam for half an hour under a terry towel. After this, you should strain the infusion. Use it warm to gargle 5-6 times a day.
Alcohol tincture
A tincture of spruce cones in alcohol has a strong disinfectant and antimicrobial effect. It makes it possible to quickly cope with bronchitis and relieves a debilitating cough. Useful as a preventative against acute respiratory infections, normalizes heart function, improves blood composition, and helps with infections of the genitourinary system.
Prepare the tincture as follows:
- Five green cones are crushed.
- Pour the mixture into a glass half-liter bottle.
- Fill with vodka and close tightly.
- Leave for 12 hours in the dark, shaking every four hours.
- Strain through cheesecloth.
Take 30 ml of tincture before breakfast, lunch and dinner (30 minutes before), washed down with hot tea.
Tincture of cones saturates the body with minerals and vitamins
Cough syrup
To prepare a fragrant antitussive syrup from spruce cones, the benefits of which will be noticeable almost immediately, you need to follow this recipe:
- Wash the young fruits of the spruce tree well, dry, and cut into thin slices.
- Mix the cones with sugar in a 2:1 ratio and place the mixture in a sterilized glass container.
- Close tightly and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
- Strain through a sieve.
It is recommended to drink the resulting syrup 1 tsp. three times a day.
If the medicine is needed urgently, you can use accelerated preparation technology:
- Pour the chopped cones into a saucepan, add water 1:3, and keep covered for three hours.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, simmer for a quarter of an hour.
- Let it brew for 30 minutes, strain.
- Add sugar at the rate of 300 g per 500 ml.
- Cook for an hour.
This medicine will significantly alleviate coughing if you take it a dessert spoon three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
Spruce cone syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Bath of fir cones
To prepare a bath of spruce cones, you need to take a metal bucket, fill 1/3 of it with raw materials, add water and put on fire. Next, bring the mixture to a boil, boil for 30 minutes and leave to infuse for 12 hours. Then pour the resulting broth into the bathtub, dilute it with water at a comfortable temperature, immerse yourself in it and lie there for no more than a quarter of an hour.
This procedure will bring many benefits for skin diseases, dermatitis, and various rashes, including those on the face. This infusion can be used for daily washing. The procedure will help improve the condition of your face and skin.
For a bath of cones you will have to collect a large amount of raw materials
Contraindications
Spruce fruits may not always be beneficial, therefore, before starting treatment with products that were prepared on their basis or contain them in their composition, it is recommended to make sure that there are no contraindications for use, including:
- allergic reactions to elements contained in the product;
- acute nephritis;
- pancreatitis;
- chronic hepatitis;
- stomach ulcer or gastritis;
- kidney diseases;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children up to 12 years of age.
When to collect fir cones for treatment
To ensure maximum benefit from the cones, they should be collected at the right time. The most favorable period for this is considered to be the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The medicinal potential of the fruits is at its peak in June, and at this moment they are easiest to process. In this case, you should focus on the external signs of the fruit, which should be elastic, colored a rich green color, the scales on their surface should be tightly closed.
Also, when collecting material you need to adhere to certain rules:
- You cannot collect raw materials near industrial zones and highways.
- Cones that have fallen to the ground are not suitable for harvesting.
- The collection of damaged fruits is excluded: with signs of spoilage, rotting, or plaque.
- It is forbidden to pick cones from a sick spruce tree or one that is attacked by pests.
How to store
Fir cones will only be beneficial if properly harvested and stored. The material must first be dried, for which it should be laid out under a canopy in a ventilated place without direct sunlight. Next, it is recommended to place it in a cardboard box and take it to a cool place (basement, cellar).
Benefits are also observed from consuming pine cone preparations in the form of jam, honey and even wine.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties of fir cones help people not only strengthen their immune system, but also heal every system of the body. The spectrum of action of medicines prepared from this product is very wide. Correctly and timely harvested fruits from spruce will become an indispensable raw material for the manufacture of all kinds of potions, suitable for both internal and external use. Their benefits and positive effects have been proven for centuries.
