Healing properties of currants
The healing properties of currants have been known since ancient times. Growing wild, currants grew along the banks of rivers and were found throughout almost the entire territory of Russia. Even the Moscow River in those days was called Smorodinovka. Mentions of this berry are found in historical documents dating back to the 15th century. After the berry successfully became part of the diet of European countries, it began to be grown in Russia in the 18th century.
The main representatives of this plant are black, red and white currants. The composition of the berries is almost identical and the differences are noticeable only in the content of vitamin C, a large amount of which is found in black currants.
The berries also contain a large vitamin complex, including vitamins B, P, K, E, H, A. High content of organic acids, pectin, iron, tannins, sugar, essential oil, carotene. Currant fruits are also rich in such essential substances for the human body: phosphorus, potassium, calcium.
Important: During storage and heat treatment, currant berries almost do not lose their properties and can be used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.Currants are recommended for consumption if you have or are prone to diseases: diabetes, cardiovascular system, oncology, eye diseases, stomach diseases. Due to the high content of vitamin C in fruits, berries are used to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds.
Contraindications for eating currant berries are: thrombophlebitis, increased stomach acidity, ulcers and gastritis. It is not recommended to use the fruits in case of serious liver and kidney diseases, as well as in the presence of an allergic reaction to currants.
Healing properties of currant leaves
The healing properties of currant leaves are justified by their chemical composition. They contain large quantities of vitamins, tannins, phytoncides and essential oils. Traditionally, currant leaves are used to brew tea, since their vitamin C content is several times higher than that of the berries. Tea made from currant leaves is used for diseases of the genitourinary system, joint diseases and during the cold season. Currant leaves are also rich in sulfur, silver, lead, copper and organic acids. Currant leaves are used for swelling and stones in the bladder.
You can prepare decoctions, infusions and fruit vinegar from currant leaves. They have a mild laxative effect, stop bleeding and regulate metabolism.For various skin diseases, lotions and baths made from a decoction of currant leaves are very useful. They eliminate rashes, peeling, dermatitis, eczema and other unpleasant diseases.
If there is a lack of vitamins, it is recommended to drink tea from the leaves, which replenishes the lack of nutrients and has a tonic effect.
Currant leaves are successfully used in canning vegetables and preparing meat and fish dishes. They collect the flavors of the food and prevent premature spoilage.
It is best to collect young leaves that are bright green in color and without visible signs of disease or damage. It is better to do this during the day in dry weather. If it is necessary to dry the leaves, they should be spread on a dry surface, in a layer of no more than 5 cm, in a dark place, stirring occasionally.
Healing properties of black currant berries
The healing properties of black currant berries are quite rich. The fruits can be consumed all year round as ripe berries, jam, compote, jam, jelly or dried.
Currants are useful for colds, low immunity and diseases of the oral cavity. It is recommended to use it for gum diseases, cough and sore throat. It is a good antipyretic. Currant berries increase hemoglobin in the blood and help with anemia.
To store currants, you can mix them with sugar and enjoy them even in winter. Currants will protect against Alzheimer's disease and strengthen the heart and blood vessels. The berry will also help with hypertension, and also normalize night sleep.
Currant fruits are also indispensable for the intestines, destroying harmful bacteria, normalizing microflora and improving digestion. They have an antioxidant effect and successfully remove radioactive elements and heavy metal salts from the body. For colds, it is recommended to consume currant berries, which contain large amounts of vitamin C. They have an antiviral and antipyretic effect. In this case, you need to consume the berry in small portions during the day and before bed.
Tip: To enhance the effect, you can add honey to the berries.Homemade wine is made from currant berries. For a full taste, add raisins and other ingredients if desired. This drink removes toxins, stimulates the immune system and is an anti-inflammatory agent. However, it is necessary to remember the dangers of alcohol in large quantities.
Black currant berries are collected as they mature in sunny weather. Berries should be collected with tassels in a shallow container.
Currant flowers, beneficial properties
The beneficial properties of currant flowers include a high content of vitamins and microelements. These are small yellow-green flowers of inconspicuous appearance. They bloom in early spring, after which the main buds are formed. Flowering begins in May-June and lasts about 20 days. The number of flowers depends on the condition of the branches and their level of illumination. Some varieties, mainly American ones, have a more saturated shade of flowers.
The beneficial properties and chemical composition are not much different from currant leaves.
Currant flowers are excellent honey plants. Nectar is formed in the bud several hours before blooming. Most nectar is formed in black currants, a little less - in red ones. From 1 hectare you can get up to 100 kg of honey.
This honey has medicinal properties. It replenishes vitamins, improves metabolism and fights colds. Useful for coughs and diseases of the respiratory system. Honey normalizes overall health, improves appetite and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Blackcurrant essential oil, properties
The properties of blackcurrant essential oil are quite extensive. The oil contains important components: Omega-3 and Omega-6, which prevent the aging of the body. It contains a significant amount of organic acids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
The high content of phytoncides in the oil promotes the death of pathogenic microorganisms and blocks inflammatory processes.
Essential oil is often used in cosmetology for the prevention and treatment of skin and hair diseases. It is effective against dryness and flaking. Using masks with the addition of blackcurrant essential oil will restore firmness and elasticity to the skin. This valuable product is added to many cosmetic products.
Oil normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and evens out the skin. It tightens pores and regenerates the skin, improving its appearance.
Important: Essential oil is not recommended to be applied to the skin in its pure form. It is better to mix it with other cosmetics.For thick and beautiful hair, it is recommended to make masks with blackcurrant essential oil. This will return your hair to a healthy appearance and prevent hair loss.
The healing properties of currants are difficult to overestimate. This berry can safely be called a home doctor, since its spectrum of action is truly wide.