Blueberry leaf: beneficial properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, blueberries have been particularly popular not only in medicine, but also in other areas of life. It is known that the medicinal properties and contraindications of blueberry leaves depend not only on the composition of the berry itself, but also on the conditions of collection, preparation and storage of this unique product. There are many technologies that preserve the benefits of blueberry leaves; everyone can find a recipe to their taste.

Composition of blueberry leaves

The properties of blueberry leaves depend primarily on the chemical composition. This part of the black berry is known to contain the same substances as other parts of the plant. However, their concentration is much lower. However, the benefits of blueberry leaves are very great.

So, blueberry leaves contain:

• tannins (18-20%);
• flavonoids and carotenoids;
• anthocyanins;
• arbutin;
• sugars and disaccharides;
• organic acids: citric, gallic, malic, oxalic, benzoic, tartaric;
• vitamins: A, B, C;
• trace elements: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sulfur, calcium, chlorine;
• essential oils.

The beneficial properties of blueberry leaves are due to the complex action of all these compounds.

What are the benefits of blueberry leaf?

Blueberry leaf has many beneficial properties.

The main substances that characterize the blueberry leaf on the positive side:

1. Vitamins help strengthen the immune system and improve a person’s well-being with vitamin deficiency in the fall and spring.
2. Essential oils provide a unique scent. At the same time, they help normalize blood circulation and the functioning of the heart muscle in general.
3. Organic acids restore the chemical balance in the human body. In addition, they help lower the temperature and normalize intestinal function during various attacks of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Microelements in blueberries help compensate for the deficiency of certain substances in the human body.
5. Anthocyanins help improve the condition of long-term stress. They improve the functioning of the nervous system, reduce fatigue and apathy, and increase efficiency.
6. Tannins are compounds that help restore and strengthen the body during various viral infectious diseases.
7. Arbutin. This substance plays an important role in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system of the body.
8. Flavonoids and carotenoids regulate blood glucose concentrations. That is, blueberry leaf is useful for diabetes. At the same time, it is not the shoots themselves that are used most effectively, but a decoction of them (blueberry leaf tea).

Blueberries are useful not only for their medicinal leaves, but also for the products made from them.Infusions and teas cope with increased stomach acidity and poor functioning of the intestinal tract. The mixtures help reduce cholesterol in the blood and normalize the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system. Not only the leaves, but also ointments, creams, and tinctures contribute to the complete healing of burns, ulcers, wounds, and superficial injuries. Tablets, capsules, drops help people suffering from diseases of the eyes, genitourinary system, viral and bacterial infections.

In addition, many doctors recommend consuming blueberries as a preventive measure for cancer. Various products based on blueberry parts help to effectively lose weight, while improving a person’s appearance.

When to Harvest Blueberry Leaves

Blueberries are harvested at the time of flowering - the period from May to June. At this time, gardeners recommend choosing bright green, succulent leaves without specks.

Since blueberries are easily contaminated, you should not take shoots and berries from:

• white or brown spots;
• black dots;
• dried twigs.

Darkened blueberries should also not be taken.

Here are some other important recommendations:

1. It is best to cut the branches and collect the parts you are looking for in dry, windless weather with your hands. And in the rainy season it is better to use gloves and scissors.
2. You cannot cut off all the shoots at once, otherwise the blueberries will not be able to bear fruit for a long time.
3. Since this berry is susceptible to the toxic effects of various substances, it should be collected away from roads and highways.

After collecting the leaves, it is important to properly prepare them for further processing.

Rules for procurement of raw materials

The preparatory work algorithm is quite simple:

1. The raw materials must be spread out in a thin layer on a special fabric for fruits or vegetables (canvas or cotton bags).
2. Place in a well-ventilated dark place.
3. Leave for 4-5 days. The room temperature should reach 40-45 degrees above zero.
4. To prevent mold and rot from occurring, the leaves should be sorted regularly.
5. The process is completed when the raw materials can easily crumble in your hands.

You should be aware that many shoots may darken during the drying process - they cannot be used.

How to brew blueberry leaves

There are many ways to prepare a decoction from different parts of blueberries.

Classic version

Ingredients:

• water;
• shoots.

Methodology:

1. Boil the kettle.
2. Pour dry ingredients into a sieve.
3. Pour water.
4. Boil.

You can add mint, jasmine or lemon for flavor.

1 option

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) – 1 l;
• shoots.

Methodology:

1. Prepare the berries.
2. A quarter of the volume of dry raw materials should be boiled in water.
3. Cool and strain through cheesecloth.

It is used for dermatitis and ulcers. It is enough to moisten a cloth with this decoction and apply it to the damaged areas, making a compress.

Option 2

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) – 1 l;
• prepared shoots.

Methodology:

The same as in the previous version. However, the volume of water taken is 2 times less. This infusion should be used as enemas and lotions for hemorrhoids.

Option 3

Ingredients:

• water (mineral) – 0.35 l;
• shoots - 1/3 of all raw materials.

Methodology:

1. Brew dry ingredients in water.
2. Let it brew for 2 hours.

This drink is good for treating oral diseases. It is enough to rinse your mouth with this infusion once every 3 hours. Improvement on the third day of treatment.

Option 4

Ingredients:

• water (boiling water) – 3 tablespoons;
• shoots - 3 tablespoons.

Methodology:

1. Boil the dry ingredients in water for a quarter of an hour. In this case, the container must be closed. However, you should stir regularly.
2. Cool the drink and strain through cheesecloth. Cool.
3. Dilute with water 1:3.

The drink helps with diabetes. This amount should be consumed per day.

How to Ferment Blueberry Leaf

Fermentation is necessary for good absorption of all the nutrients from blueberry shoots by the human body. In this case, the leaf tissues are subjected to additional processing: sparingly soluble compounds are converted into easily digestible elements.

The main process of fermentation of blueberry leaves occurs during the harvesting (drying) period. Moreover, you can use different options: convection oven, oven, microwave, basement, cellar. The temperature in these devices is different and the drying period will be different.

Fermentation is completed by preparing infusions, decoctions, alcoholic medicines and teas based on this part of the berry.

Traditional medicine recipes

There are many different ways to treat almost all diseases of the body using this unique product.

For diarrhea

Ingredients:

• water – 0.5 l;
• shoots – 0.1 kg;
• suitable container.

Methodology:

1. Place the prepared ingredient in an iron bowl and add water.
2. Boil for 15 minutes.
3. Cool, strain.

Take orally 3 times a day after meals.

For constipation

Ingredients:

• water – 0.2 l;
• shoots – 0.1 kg;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. A similar technique as in the previous version.
2. Let it brew for four hours.

Take orally the day before at intervals of 2 hours.

For diabetes

Ingredients:

• water – 0.5 l;
• shoots (blueberries, dandelion, nettle) – 0.05 kg each;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all ingredients in one bowl, add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and strain.

Serve hot.

For hypertension

Ingredients:

• water – 0.5 l;
• shoots (blueberries, motherwort, lemon balm, arnica) – 0.05 kg each;
• capacity.

Cooking method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in one bowl, grind, add prepared water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and strain.

Drink 0.05 liters at least three times a day. The composition is useful for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

For diseases of the genitourinary system

Ingredients:

• water – 0.25 l;
• shoots – 100 g;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all the ingredients in one bowl and add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and strain. Leave to infuse for 8 hours.

Drink hot daily 3 times a day for a month. The course can be repeated after two weeks.

For eye diseases

Ingredients:

• water – 0.5 l;
• shoots –0.5 kg;
• capacity.

Methodology:

1. Mix all the ingredients in one bowl, grind, add water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and strain.

Consume hot 2-3 times a day.

Use in cosmetology

Blueberries are used not only in the industrial production of cosmetics, but also at home:

1. Infusions and decoctions are used as antiseptics against unhealthy skin. They are used to remove pimples, acne or allergic reactions. Useful for herpes on the skin of the face.
2. A frozen decoction of the leaves tones and improves skin condition.
3. A moisturizing mask based on blueberry parts is suitable for girls with any skin type. It does not leave any marks on the face.
4. In addition to masks, you can make health scrubs by adding cream or sour cream to the base.

You can wash your face with a decoction of these leaves.

Blueberry leaves for diabetes

Although blueberry leaf and its products reduce blood sugar, they should still be consumed along with the main complex of therapeutic agents. This is due to the fact that the tests are carried out on rodents, whose metabolism is 4-7 times faster than in humans.

This means that the rate of sugar reduction by 40% in rodents will not correspond to the rate of glucose reduction in humans over the same time. But this product should not be completely removed from the diet.

Contraindications

Despite their beneficial properties, blueberry leaves also have contraindications.

The use of plant leaves is not recommended for:

• possible individual intolerance to the components of the composition of blueberry leaves, this applies to both external agents and preparations intended for internal use.
• oxalaturin for various chronic diseases, since blueberries are a good choleretic agent, oxalates (salts of useful metals) can be removed along with urine, which then leads to dehydration and, in advanced cases, death;
• with kidney stones, partial blockage and obstruction are possible due to the action of blueberry leaves.

Blueberries should be consumed with caution if you have diabetes.

Terms and conditions of storage

Blueberry leaves should be stored in linen or canvas bags in a cool, dark place for two years.

Infusions, decoctions, and other medicinal preparations from blueberry leaves can be placed in the refrigerator. The shelf life is 1 year.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties and contraindications of blueberry leaves presented above should suggest the correct option for using this product in each individual case. Don't forget: everything should be in moderation. Before eating blueberry leaves, you should consult your doctor.

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