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Coniferous trees contain a large amount of useful substances, which have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. The entire upper part of the plant is valuable: cones, branches, needles, young buds. After 1-2 weeks, dried raw materials begin to lose vitamins. But the tincture on spruce shoots retains the qualities of ephedra for a long time.
The benefits and harms of spruce tinctures
Shoots of any spruce tree are suitable for preparing the tincture. Ephedra can belong to the Siberian, ordinary, eastern, blue, and Caucasian varieties.
Spruce branches are very beneficial for brain cells
Spruce shoots and cones contain the following substances:
- essential oils;
- vitamin C, D, P, group B;
- succinic acid;
- manganese;
- iron;
- chromium.
Spruce shoots also contain bioflavonoids - elements that improve blood flow.They normalize the functioning of blood vessels and strengthen the walls. Conifers contain not just a lot of bioflavonoids, but a lot. They help lower blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and get rid of cough.
Since tinctures made from spruce shoots are prepared with alcohol, they are alcoholic beverages. And although the medicine is replete with useful substances, it should be remembered that the dosage must be regulated.
Alcohol abuse can lead to results that are opposite to treatment
The ideal component for preparing the product is medical alcohol. It is not always possible to get it, so people use all available means. Spruce needle tincture is prepared with vodka and other drinks. They can be homemade or store-made. The main thing is that the product is of high quality and as pure as possible.
How to use
Tinctures from spruce shoots are taken in the following cases:
- angina;
- decreased immunity;
- lack of vitamins;
- infectious diseases of the excretory and reproductive systems;
- chronic fatigue;
- decreased hemoglobin;
- colds;
- high blood pressure;
- bleeding gums;
- memory problems.
Contraindications for use
Tincture of spruce branches with vodka has contraindications. It is prohibited to use:
- children under 12 years old;
- nursing mothers;
- people suffering from hepatitis, kidney disease;
- for gastritis, ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract;
- in the absence of a gallbladder;
- pregnant women;
- persons with allergic reactions. Due to individual intolerance, side effects may occur: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, itching.
Collection and preparation of spruce shoots
Spruce shoots should be collected in winter. During this period, they contain three times more nutrients. The exception is vitamin PP, which is present in the same amount in summer.
If there was a natural spruce tree during the New Year holidays, you can prepare shoots with its help
If it is necessary to collect young shoots, they go to the forest in early May. You cannot break off tree branches - they will not be able to recover. Only female specimens are suitable for harvesting cones. They are collected during the summer. It is advisable to choose young fruits (can be distinguished by their green color). Brown cones with open scales are not used.
Tinctures on spruce needles prepared with vodka are recommended for use for the first six months. Then the drug effect begins to weaken. It makes sense to prepare a lot of tinctures if you want to share with loved ones and neighbors. Preparing large quantities of spruce shoots for personal use is not advisable.
Recipes for tinctures from spruce shoots
As noted, tinctures are prepared from different parts of coniferous trees. Depending on the material, a recipe is chosen.
Tincture of young spruce shoots with vodka
The algorithm for preparing the tincture is simple. You will need 250 g of young spruce shoots (collected in late spring or early summer) and half a liter of vodka. The ingredients are mixed in a glass container.The medicine is stored out of reach of the sun. It should be cool.
After 15 days, the drug is filtered
To improve the taste of the drink, you can use fruits and plants. For example, they used to add orange peel, a spoonful of honey, and a third of a stick of cinnamon to vodka. The substances have a beneficial effect on the oral cavity and reduce gum bleeding.
Tincture of spruce needles and branches
Traditional medicine is effective against colds. It has been proven that the needles and branches of spruce trees contain huge reserves of vitamin C. They reduce the time of illness, improve metabolism, and stimulate the production of leukocytes - protective cells.
To prepare a tincture of spruce needles with vodka, you will need a small (about 1 tbsp.) amount of pine needles. It is crushed and poured with boiling water. One glass is enough. The medicine is poured into a thermos to keep it warm longer and left until the next morning.
When you wake up, you should strain the liquid, clearing the shoots, and pour into a glass container
Tincture from spruce shoots is consumed daily 2 times a day. Preferably 10-20 minutes after eating. The drink is stored in a cool, dark place, you can use a refrigerator or cellar.
Tincture of spruce needles in alcohol
To prepare a tincture of spruce shoots in alcohol, it is necessary to clean the raw materials from scales. They give a bitter taste. The material is washed with tap water, dried on the windowsill, or even better - in the open air.
The needles are cut and placed in several layers in a glass jar. Sugar is poured between the individual layers. If the jar is small, you can compact the raw materials with a stick.
To finish, sprinkle with sugar again and cover with a lid.
The jar is placed in a sunny window, where it is kept for 15 days. Every day they shake it and check that all the sprouts are lying tightly. They should not peek out from under the sugar. Over time, spruce shoots will begin to secrete sap, which will dissolve the sugar.
After 15 days, the juice is drained and the needles are watered with alcohol. The jar is placed in a dark place for a month, shaken periodically. When the time comes, the tincture is filtered and combined with water. For taste, you can add honey or lemon and mix well. In this case, the drink is left for another week. If the tincture is still bitter, add sugar or 1 tbsp. l. honey
Storage conditions and periods
Medicinal ingredients are effective for 15 days after collection. If stored in the refrigerator, the period can be extended to two months. For long-term maintenance, the shoots are dried in a room with an open window, then placed in the freezer.
In order not to harm the plant, 1-2 branches are collected from one tree. They are cut with a sterilized and well-sharpened knife.
The cut areas are treated with garden varnish.
Collected spruce shoots can be stored in bags, glass containers or cardboard boxes. They are placed in shade. Branches prepared in this way are stored for up to two years.
Conclusion
Tincture of spruce shoots is a popular remedy among people that improves health. You can use different parts of the plant, even unripe buds. The medicine prepared in accordance with the instructions is consumed after meals.Before use, it is better to consult a specialist.
