Medicinal properties of lingonberry leaves
The good news is that harvesting, storing and transporting lingonberry leaves is quite simple. Therefore, you can buy leaves at any pharmacy. But the use of lingonberry leaves is very wide, since they are in no way inferior to the beneficial properties of the berries themselves, and in some cases even surpass them. Leaves cope with many diseases and improve the health of the body. They have a choleretic, astringent and antimicrobial effect.
A decoction of lingonberry leaves is a famous grandmother’s remedy for colds, diabetes, liver and kidney disease. In addition, the leaves are included in a complex of medications that fight prostatitis, pyelonephritis, diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia), inflammation of the oral cavity and edema. They relieve joint pain and prevent cancer.
Useful substances in the leaves:
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- vitamins;
- arbutin;
- tannin;
- hydroquinone;
- flavonoids.
There are also some contraindications: a decoction of the leaves should not be taken by children under 12 years of age and by hypertensive patients for more than 2 weeks.
Attention! Decoction and infusion should be taken only after consultation with a doctor! This is a potent drug that can cause allergic reactions!
Medicinal properties of lingonberries and chemical composition
If we talk a little about the medicinal properties of berries, leaves and flowers, then first it is worth noting that the beneficial properties of lingonberries have been known for a long time. Legends were made about the berries, calling them “berries of immortality.” Since ancient times, different peoples have used lingonberries for medicinal purposes.
The berries of the plant contain:
- Glucose and fructose
- Organic acids
- Vitamin C
- Pectin
- Cellulose
- Manganese
- Tannins
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Iron
The chemical composition of lingonberries depends largely on where they grow. The most valuable plants are those grown in the Taiga and in clearing areas. If we talk about the chemical composition of lingonberry leaves, we must highlight:
- Arbutin glycoside
- Flavanol
- Organic acids
- Vitamins A and C
- Hydroquinone
- Tannins
It is the rich composition of all parts of the plant that determines the beneficial properties of lingonberries. To prepare medicinal infusions, decoctions, and extracts, different parts of the plant are used, including both fresh and dried.
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Useful properties of lingonberries
Lingonberries contain carbohydrates, useful organic acids (citric, salicylic, malic, etc.), pectin, carotene, tannins, vitamins A, C, E. Berries contain up to 10-15% sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose), and also potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron and phosphorus. Thanks to the large amount of benzoic acid, lingonberries are well preserved and have preservative properties.
Lingonberry leaves contain tannins, arbutin, hydroquinone, tannin and carboxylic acids. Also gallic, quinic, tartaric acids and vitamin C.
Fatty carboxylic acids were found in lingonberry seeds: linoleic and linolenic.
Treatment with lingonberries. This is a very valuable medicinal plant. It is mainly the leaves that have healing properties. They are easy to prepare yourself. To do this, in April and until mid-May (while the plant still has no buds or they are very small and green), the leaves are carefully torn off the branches by hand.
In folk medicine, lingonberry is known as a tonic, wound-healing, antipyretic, antiscorbutic and for vitamin A deficiency, anthelmintic, for dysentery, hypoacid gastritis, hepato-cholecystitis, salt deposits, stomach tumors, antiseptic, hemostatic for uterine and internal bleeding, rheumatism, diabetes, tuberculosis lungs, jaundice, hypertension, neurasthenia, enteritis, antibacterial. A decoction of leaves and fruits mixed with St. John's wort fruits - for enuresis, and mixed with blueberries - for typhus. Liquid extract - sedative and diuretic.
Lingonberry fruits are used in homeopathy to prepare essences. In dried and fresh form and juice - for vitamin deficiencies A and C. Water infusion and decoction - laxative, for dysentery and rheumatism, diuretic and antiseptic, anthelmintic, antiputrefactive and bactericidal. Juice and extract - restorative and tonic for fever, colds, malaria, measles, symptomatic treatment of skin cancer and stomach tumors, and diabetes. The fruits help improve visual acuity and are recommended for pilots, sailors, hunters, and drivers who work with eyestrain.
You can also collect leaves in the fall after picking berries. But leaves collected in summer turn black when dried and are unsuitable as raw materials. A decoction of lingonberry leaves has a diuretic, antiseptic and astringent effect. Indicated for cystitis, kidney stones, gout, osteochondrosis, arthritis. The greatest efficiency is manifested in an alkaline reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to drink a decoction of lingonberry leaves with appropriate mineral water.
To prepare the decoction, pour the required number of grams of crushed leaves (2 tablespoons) into an enamel bowl with 200 milliliters (1 cup) of boiling water. Heat, covered, in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Then cool for 10 minutes and strain. Bring the volume of the decoction to 200 milliliters with boiled water. Take, be sure to coordinate the dose with your doctor, 30-40 minutes before meals.
Lingonberries are rich in sugars, organic acids, vitamins. In medicine, they are used as an adjuvant in the treatment of hypertension and gastritis with low acidity. A water infusion of berries (fruit juice) quenches thirst well: it is often recommended for patients with high fever. In addition, the infusion of lingonberries has a slight laxative effect.
Lingonberry juice also has medicinal properties. It slightly lowers blood pressure, has a mild sedative effect, enhances intestinal motility, and has an antipyretic and diuretic effect. For colds, you can recommend linden flower tea with lingonberry jam to patients. It's not only tasty, but also healthy!
An infusion of lingonberry leaves is used as a diuretic for kidney and liver diseases, as well as for rheumatism and gout. 10 g of leaves are poured into 100 g of boiling water, left for 2 hours, filtered. Take 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day before meals.
For general weakness, colds, constipation, headaches, and flu, take a drink made from lingonberry juice. 50 g of juice is diluted with 150 g of chilled boiled water, add sugar or honey to taste. Drink 100 g 3-4 times a day after meals.
For constipation, liver and kidney diseases, and colitis, take 100 g of lingonberry infusion 4 times a day before meals. 200 g of berries are poured over boiling water in a colander, and then infused in 400 g of chilled boiled water for 6 hours.
The consumption of lingonberries and lingonberry juice is recommended for hypo- and avitaminosis, gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice, and high blood pressure. Infusions and decoctions of lingonberry berries and leaves are used as a diuretic, astringent and antiseptic.
A decoction of lingonberries quenches thirst well during fever. Lingonberry juice is drunk for neuroses and anemia. For rheumatism and hypertension, lingonberries have an anti-sclerotic effect and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
A decoction of lingonberry leaves is used for diabetes, rheumatism, kidney disease, gout (promotes the dissolution and removal of stones). Lingonberry leaves are brewed as tea. “Lingonberry” tea restores strength well and relieves fatigue. Lingonberry berries are used for pulmonary tuberculosis, gastric catarrh, kidney stones, as a vitamin and anti-putrefactive agent. Lingonberry juice sharpens vision and is very useful for neuroses and anemia.
Lingonberries have an anti-ulcer effect, reduce cholesterol in the blood, improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines, and lower blood pressure. Young shoots of lingonberries are used as an analgesic and antidepressant.
Flowering lingonberry shoots heal women's ailments and help maintain pregnancy. Lingonberry jam is extremely useful for women in labor. In addition, it has been proven that lingonberries enhance the activity of antibiotics and sulfa drugs, so for various fevers, as well as to increase appetite after serious illnesses and injuries, it is difficult to find anything more useful than lingonberry juice.
Methods of preparation and use
Traditional medicine offers many options for brewing lingonberries. In general, the recipes are similar to each other, but differ in the proportions of ingredients and rules of use.
Is it possible to brew lingonberry leaves?
Before consumption, lingonberry leaves are most often thermally treated. Based on them, you can prepare both an infusion and a decoction with a high concentration of useful substances. Brewing does not violate the valuable properties of the raw material if the correct algorithms are followed.
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Tincture
Lingonberry leaves are successfully combined with an alcohol base. Valuable substances dissolve well in alcohol; even with minimal dosages, the tincture brings a quick positive effect.
You can prepare the medicine as follows:
- pour a large spoonful of crushed raw materials into a glass vessel;
- add 250 ml of alcohol or vodka;
- close the container and put it in a dark place for two weeks.
The finished tincture is filtered and taken 30 drops three times a day. If desired, you can add chopped dry shoots to the greens during cooking; the benefits will be even greater.
To prepare lingonberry tincture, use only dry leaves.
Infusion
The simplest recipe suggests making a vitamin infusion. Here's how to properly brew lingonberry leaves:
- pour a large spoonful of raw materials into a thermos;
- add 500 ml of boiling water;
- stand for four hours, and then pass through folded gauze.
You need to drink the infusion 50 ml twice or thrice a day.
Lingonberry infusion is best consumed after meals
Decoction
During the boiling process, lingonberry leaves release the maximum amount of valuable substances. The recipe for preparing the medicine looks like this:
- two large spoons of dried raw materials are poured into 1 liter of water;
- simmer over low heat for 20 minutes;
- cool until warm and filter.
You need to use the product 100 ml three times a day. If you are going to use the decoction externally, you can slightly change the recipe and take only 500 ml of water for the same amount of dry raw material.
Lingonberry decoction is used not only internally, but also for rubbing and rinsing.
Tea
Fragrant lingonberry tea has a low concentration of beneficial substances; it is taken mainly for the prevention of diseases. But at the same time, you can drink the product every day and not fear an overdose.
The recipe for making tea looks like this:
- a handful of leaves is poured into a teapot;
- pour 500 ml of hot water;
- leave for five minutes and distribute into cups.
It is best to prepare the drink in small portions at a time. The beneficial substances in tea and its pleasant aroma do not last long.
Dry and fresh lingonberry leaves are used to make tea.
Contains many valuable substances
Lingonberry is a low-calorie berry (about 46 calories per 100 grams) that contains the following vitamins and minerals per 100 grams:
Substance name | Percentage of recommended daily requirement |
vitamin C | 17 % |
vitamin E | 7 % |
vitamin PP | 2 % |
vitamin A | 1 % |
vitamin B2 | 1 % |
potassium | 4 % |
manganese | 139 % |
calcium | 3 % |
iron | 2 % |
phosphorus | 2 % |
magnesium | 2 % |
Lingonberries also contain a number of anthocyanins and flavonoids, the main of which is quercetin. It has powerful antioxidant activity.
Lingonberries are rich in biologically active substances that are important for the normal functioning of the human body.
Lingonberry leaves
The foliage of the shrub contains a large number of different chemical elements and beneficial properties, which have a healing effect on the human body. When used, the effect of antimicrobial agents is significantly enhanced.
Deciduous collection of lingonberries has contraindications. It is not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age, pregnant women with increased uterine tone, people with chronically low blood pressure and kidney failure, as well as gastritis with low acidity.
Benefits for children and pregnant women
Lingonberries are a storehouse of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are vital for the harmonious development of all organ systems in the child’s body. It has the following effects:
- Ensures proper functioning of the digestive system (from the first months of a child’s life). This is extremely important for obtaining biologically active substances from food.
- Normalizes the functioning of all enzymatic systems.
- Promotes the removal of heavy metal salts through the urinary system and gastrointestinal tract, which could enter the body with poor-quality food or from the surrounding air.
- Strengthens the immune system. As a result, respiratory diseases and “childhood” infections are less common.
It is recommended to introduce lingonberries into a child’s diet from 12 months of age. The first dose is 1-2 berries, then the dose gradually (over 2-4 months) increases up to 50-70 grams per day.
Lingonberries are also recommended for pregnant women. It improves tolerance to physical and emotional stress and prevents the development of depression, which is extremely common in early pregnancy. The berry also contains vitamin E and manganese, which ensure adequate formation of all fetal organs.
Lingonberries contain a number of valuable substances necessary for the proper growth and development of a child and maintaining the health of all organs. The berry also improves the course of pregnancy.
For children
Even a healthy baby should not be given lingonberries in their pure form. However, you can include fruit juice in your diet from the fifth month, but only after consulting a doctor.
You need to start complementary feeding with 1 teaspoon. By 1 year, a child can drink from 50 to 100 ml of a drink rich in healthy vitamins and minerals. The benefit of lingonberry juice is that it will help shape the baby’s body, fill it with the necessary elements and strengthen the immune system.
Important! Children are given both fresh berries and processed products after permission from the pediatrician.
If the child does not like the taste of lingonberries (it is sour), then there is an option to make jelly, jelly from it, or simply candied the fruits. All this will also have a beneficial effect on the body. Berries should not be given only in case of individual intolerance.
For women
There are many folk recipes for women's health. For example, it was noticed that lingonberries can improve a woman’s reproductive function. The healthy berry is indispensable for those who want to get pregnant, as it speeds up the process of conception. In addition, it is responsible for normalizing hormonal levels. If you include lingonberries in your diet, they will help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Lingonberry for cystitis is a well-known folk way to combat the problem. Since it has a diuretic effect and prevents the infection from spreading further, it is very effective. Doctors advise using healthy berries during menopause. They act as a sedative, helping to cope with neurosis during this period. The following actions are also observed: reducing sweating, preventing stagnation of blood in the veins.
The note! Lingonberries are useful for weight loss. It is not only low-calorie, but also fills the body with elements that reduce the process of converting carbohydrates into fat deposits.
Help with weight loss
Lingonberries are not only a low-calorie product. It also has a number of medicinal properties that help reduce body weight.
In studies led by Swedish scientists, it was found that the inclusion of lingonberries in the diet promotes significant weight loss. The effect is associated with the breakdown of adipose tissue to produce energy.
Lingonberries also affect the composition of the intestinal microflora. It increases the number of beneficial microorganisms, which normalizes the functioning of the digestive system and promotes more efficient absorption of nutrients, preventing their excessive absorption.
Polish experts discovered the ability of the berry to inhibit the work of enzymes responsible for the breakdown and absorption of fats from the intestinal lumen.
Regular consumption of lingonberries is an effective component of a strategy aimed at losing weight.
For men
In addition to the above beneficial properties that lingonberries provide, they can cope with prostatitis in men. This is one of the components found in medicines for the disease. The benefits of lingonberry leaves and the berries themselves in their disinfectant and diuretic effect on the body are undeniable.
Men are recommended to eat fresh fruits daily to prevent prostatitis. It also improves male strength.
Lingonberry recipes
- A decoction of lingonberry leaves. 50 g of crushed leaves should be poured into an enamel saucepan and poured with one glass of boiling water. Place the saucepan in a water bath and heat it for half an hour. After this, the broth must be cooled. All it takes is 10 minutes, after which you can strain it and add enough boiled water so that the volume of the decoction is equal to one glass. This decoction is useful for its diuretic and antiseptic properties. It is recommended to consume half an hour before meals. It is also known that if you burn it with mineral water, the best effect will be. This is due to the fact that the greatest efficiency occurs in an alkaline reaction.
- Infusion of lingonberry leaves. The recipe is quite simple: pour a teaspoon of crushed leaves with half a glass of boiling water. After this, the tincture should stand for a couple of hours, after which it can be strained and taken. Recommend using for problems with kidneys, liver, rheumatism and gout, 2-4 teaspoons several times a day before meals.
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What diseases are lingonberries useful for?
Lingonberry has been used in Rus' since time immemorial, so its properties and benefits in the treatment of various diseases have been well studied. Witch doctors and healers used “lingonberry elixir” for many diseases. Modern medicine does not deny the beneficial properties of berries for the body, and the list of these properties is quite large.
Table: “Beneficial properties of lingonberries for a number of diseases”
1. | Genitourinary system | Lingonberry is an excellent diuretic for the kidneys. This is the prevention of urolithiasis: stones are not formed due to the rapid outflow of fluid. |
2. | Gastrointestinal problems | The berry is useful for gastritis with low acidity. The lingonberry drink is characterized by laxative properties, it improves intestinal motility and has the ability to increase appetite. |
3. | Cold infections | Colds go away with the use of lingonberry fruit drinks, which help with fever and runny nose. Cough lingonberries are prepared as a drink mixed with honey. The berry enhances the effect of antibiotics. |
4. | Diabetes | Due to the ability to normalize metabolic processes, blood sugar levels are kept at a constant level. |
5. | Anemia | Lingonberries have the property of increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which facilitates oxygen access to cells and accelerates metabolic processes. |
6. | Hypertension | The ability of berries to slightly lower blood pressure has been noted, so regular consumption of drinks is beneficial for hypertensive patients. |
7. | Swelling | The berry and leaves help remove excess fluid from the body, relieving swelling in old age and during pregnancy. |
8. | Gout | For arthritis, arthrosis, gout, any damage to joints and cartilage, lingonberries help get rid of pain and discomfort when moving. Decoctions are used not only internally, but also applied externally in the form of compresses. |
9. | For pancreatitis | The berry is useful only in the remission stage. It enhances the secretion of the pancreas and is able to relieve inflammation, which restores the functions of the organ. |
10. | Ischemia | The fruits have a positive effect on the heart muscle, strengthening and improving its activity with regular consumption of drinks. |
11. | Worm infestations | Due to the presence of alkaloids, essential oils and acids, regular intake of teas and infusions gradually eliminates parasites. |
The properties of the useful, medicinal berry, its ability to fight inflammation, colds, and increase defenses are used at any age. The consumption of lingonberries has no age restrictions.
How lingonberries are useful for edema (including in pregnant women)
Lingonberries are often used to combat edema, since due to their diuretic effect, their preparations help remove excess fluid from tissues. As a rule, concentrated lingonberry decoctions and teas are used for this purpose, when consumed, a small amount of liquid enters the body, but a large number of components that stimulate urine excretion.
An important feature of this use of lingonberries is that they are contraindicated in this form during pregnancy. This is due to the risk of hydroquinone poisoning when consuming drugs based on lingonberry leaves. At the same time, the edema itself in women in many cases develops during pregnancy, and it is at this time that they try to take lingonberries. As a result, some women refuse such treatment, while others take risks that are not entirely justified.
Edema in pregnant women is not as dangerous as decoctions of lingonberry leaves are dangerous.
At the same time, although lingonberry juice can have the same diuretic effect, it does not provide relief from edema. This is due to the fact that, along with the active components that stimulate urination, a large amount of fluid enters the woman’s body, compensating for its loss due to the diuretic effect. As a result, the effect of consuming juices or fruit drinks, if it appears, will be much less weak than when consuming preparations of lingonberry leaves.
As a result, lingonberry is useful in eliminating edema, but only in the form of leaves or shoots and only outside of pregnancy. Pregnant women are better off using other means instead.
Benefits of lingonberries for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Due to the content of a large amount of tannins, lingonberries have an astringent effect on the intestinal epithelium and help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea, digestive disorders and flatulence. Preparations based on lingonberry leaves are less effective in this regard.
In addition, taking lingonberry berries is considered useful for catarrh of the stomach with low acidity, mainly due to the large amount of acid in the berries themselves.
Prevention of atherosclerosis
Lingonberries are an important source of fiber and polyphenols, the presence of which in the diet is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular pathologies.
Experiments on animals demonstrate that lingonberries, by normalizing the lipid profile, prevent atherosclerotic damage to arterial walls, providing reliable prevention of diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and chronic cerebral ischemia.
According to Swedish scientists, regular consumption of lingonberries, even with an excess amount of fat (up to 20% of the daily diet), caused a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol in the blood by 30% after 3 months.
Lingonberries reduce cholesterol levels and prevent pathologies associated with atherosclerosis.
Lingonberry under pressure
With the help of lingonberries you can reduce blood pressure. This property is clearly expressed in lingonberry drinks such as juice and fruit drink. Of course, lingonberries cannot replace medications for a hypertensive crisis. However, it is quite possible to lower blood pressure with a slight increase in this folk remedy. These drinks are often used for hangover syndrome.
The condition of hypotensive patients can only worsen when consuming lingonberries. The already low blood pressure will drop even further. It is not recommended to drink lingonberries during menopause, as it is accompanied by unpredictable pressure surges.
Lingonberry for gout
Lingonberry fruits have good anti-inflammatory properties. And this action is valuable not only for gout. Inflammation of the joints is also accompanied by diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, and osteochondrosis. However, it is not possible to completely recover from these diseases with lingonberries alone. In this case, it is used as an addition to therapy.
Benefits for cystitis and urinary tract diseases
For diseases of the urinary system, both berries and lingonberry leaves are used. Their benefits are due to the content of arbutin, a natural glycoside, which, when it enters the kidneys, irritates the renal parenchyma and stimulates increased urination. It, as well as its derivative into which it is converted in the body - hydroquinone - has some antiseptic effect. Being in the kidneys and then moving through the ureters with urine, it to some extent disinfects their surface and destroys some pathogenic bacteria.
Hydroquinone is a substance that, on the one hand, stimulates the functioning of the kidneys, but on the other, can lead to poisoning of the body.
Both arbutin and hydroquinone have a similar bactericidal effect in the bladder when they enter here along with accumulated urine.
On a note
The bactericidal properties of lingonberries are also due to many other components in its composition, for example, benzoic acid. In addition, the diuretic effect itself reduces the activity of bacteria and their survival in the bladder and ureters due to the fact that a large number of microbes are carried away by the constantly excreted fluid and are simply “washed away” from those places that they are able to colonize and in which they can cause inflammation.
As a result, for cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis, lingonberry preparations make it possible to intensively remove bacteria and their waste products (including various toxins) from the kidneys and bladder. This leads to both relief of the patient’s condition and normalization of her urination, as well as to a reduction in the duration of the disease and a reduction in the risk of complications.
Ready-made tea from crushed lingonberry leaves.
Lingonberry leaves and shoots contain significantly more arbutin than berries. For this reason, they are used as medicine, and the fruits are considered only as a food product and delicacy. However, with abundant consumption of lingonberry juices and fruit drinks, the benefits from them will be comparable to the benefits from using decoctions of the leaves.
Lingonberry during menopause
Menopause causes such unpleasant consequences in women as:
- nervousness;
- sweating;
- frequent urination, accompanied by pain;
- venous congestion.
Many of the listed syndromes can be eliminated with the help of lingonberries. To do this, the diet includes decoctions of leaves or a small amount of fresh berries. Thanks to its multifaceted influence, pain and nervous excitability are reduced in women.
Lingonberries are no less effective in medications. However, in chronic and acute forms of diseases it can only be an addition to therapy. In any case, before using the fruits and leaves of the bush, you should consult a specialist. Considering the beneficial properties of the plant, it is worth knowing about contraindications for women.
For athletes
As a tonic and strengthening agent, lingonberries are useful for representatives of all sports. This plant is of particular value during the period of weight loss, after injuries with limited mobility, and when returning to training after childbirth.
Let's look at the main types of lingonberry diet:
- Three days. It combines low-calorie (0.1%) kefir and berries. During the day, in any combination, it is permissible to eat about 0.5-0.7 kg of lingonberries and drink 1.5 liters of kefir. Berries are eaten raw, boiled, baked, soaked, etc. Fruit drinks, smoothies, and compotes without added sugar are prepared from them. With such a diet, weight is reduced by 3-4 kg and does not return due to the removal of excess fluid from the athlete’s body.
- Seven days. In this version of the diet, an egg, non-starchy vegetables (fresh or boiled), and basic porridge with water are added to lingonberries and kefir (0.1%). Sugar, baked goods, meat, fish, other fruits and berries (especially sweet ones) are excluded from the athlete’s menu. This diet is more comfortable and easier to follow, and a result of 3-4 kg is achieved after 7 days of diet restriction.
- Supportive. This method of weight loss is used after a three-day or seven-day method. It maintains the achieved effect. On this day, lingonberries are eaten with 0.1% kefir.
- Unloading. This is a one-day diet in which you drink a decoction of lingonberry leaves without restrictions. It is especially useful for athletes with a tendency to increase blood pressure and swelling of the legs.
Face masks
Masks can rejuvenate the skin and tighten it. Recipe (course – 8 procedures):
- take 1 tbsp. l. chopped lingonberries;
- 1 tbsp. l. wheat flour;
- 1 tbsp. l. grapefruit;
- mix and apply to the skin around the perimeter;
- After 10 minutes, rinse with cool water.
Acne mask:
- mix lingonberry juice and mineral water (highly carbonated);
- wash with a healthy mask.
When the bubbles burst, they accelerate blood circulation, expanding the pores into which beneficial substances from lingonberries penetrate.
And to make a facial lotion, you need to mix equal amounts of juice from lingonberries, apples and grapefruits. The product produces an excellent moisturizing and cleansing effect.
Lingonberry leaves for hair
A decoction of the leaves removes dandruff and strengthens hair. It makes them soft, voluminous and beautiful. In addition to the fact that berries are useful to consume in any form for healthy hair, a decoction is also made from the leaves. It is enough for them to rinse clean hair.
The procedure is performed no more than 2 times. in Week.
Lingonberries in cooking
The sweet and sour taste and beneficial properties have made the berry popular in cooking. In its pure form, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you prepare healthy lingonberries correctly, you can please all family members.
Lingonberry dishes:
- lingonberry jam;
- jelly;
- baked goods with berries (muffins, pie, pies, cookies, cake);
- sweet and sour sauce for meat and side dishes;
- lingonberry tincture and delicious liqueur;
- fresh berries in sugar;
- juice, fruit drink, jam, jam.
This list of dishes is relative, since knowing the beneficial properties of the berry, cooks can add it to salads and other delicacies.
How can lingonberries harm you?
Like any food product, lingonberries are useful only within reasonable limits. Excessive consumption of berries causes an increase in the acidity of gastric juice. This leads to an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, duodenitis, etc.).
Lingonberries remove water from the body, therefore lowering blood pressure. People with hypotension feel worse when taking berries or leaf decoctions. The damage to lingonberries in this case can be significant (collapse).
The plant accumulates radioactive waste in the ground part. For this reason, berries and leaves collected from industrial and contaminated areas are dangerous.
Lingonberries contain substances, the entry of which into the body provokes allergic reactions. Athletes with hypersensitivity should refrain from taking lingonberries.
Infusion of lingonberry leaves and strawberries for swelling:
Combine 20 g lingonberry leaves, 5 g lavender, 5 g black currant leaves, 10 g birch leaves, 5 g ivy grass, 5 g juniper fruits, 10 g bearberry leaves, 5 g plantain leaves, 15 g nettle leaves, 20 g dried strawberries. Pour 30 g of the resulting mixture into 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes, then strain. Take 150 ml 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
How to treat colds and flu with lingonberries?
Pour 50 g of crushed lingonberry leaves and branches into 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes, then strain. Take 50 ml warm 4-5 times a day.
How to brew and drink lingonberry leaves correctly
In order for plant materials to be beneficial, they must be consumed in accordance with certain rules. It is necessary to take into account the specifics of diseases and the norms for the use of drinks.
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How much to drink and is it possible to take lingonberry leaves for more than a month?
The dosage and duration of taking lingonberry decoctions and infusions depend on the specific recipe. But usually natural remedies are consumed in a volume of no more than 1/3 glass twice or thrice a day. It is better to take drinks on a full stomach, so that the organic acids in the composition do not lead to irritation of the mucous membranes.
In total, it is recommended to drink lingonberry infusions and decoctions for no longer than 14 days in a row. If necessary, taking teas with weak concentrations can be extended to a month, but after this they must take a break for 1-2 weeks.
How to brew lingonberry leaves for kidney disease
Brew lingonberry leaves for kidney disease according to this recipe:
- pour 200 ml of water into 10 g of dry raw materials;
- boil for ten minutes;
- cool and pass through cheesecloth.
Drink a large spoonful of this healthy infusion four times a day.
How to brew and take lingonberry leaf for swelling
To remove excess fluid, you can use the following recipe:
- pour 20 g of lingonberry greens into a glass of boiling water;
- keep covered for an hour;
- strain and wait to cool.
Drink 20 ml of the product three times a day, preferably on a full stomach.
Lingonberry drink against edema reduces the load not only on the kidneys, but also on the heart
How to take lingonberry leaves as a diuretic
To brew lingonberry leaves for a diuretic effect, follow this recipe:
- 30 g of dry herbs are poured into 500 ml of boiling water;
- keep for a quarter of an hour in a water bath;
- leave for another 45 minutes covered;
- add clean water to the initial volumes and filter.
Take 50 ml of the drink on an empty stomach three times a day, in total treatment is continued for no more than 14 days in a row. It is not recommended to drink diuretic lingonberry decoction at night - it can interfere with restful sleep.
How to brew and drink lingonberry leaf for cystitis
For inflammation of the urinary tract, the following remedy is beneficial:
- 30 g of dried lingonberry raw materials are poured into 1 liter of boiling water;
- cover the container with a lid and leave to infuse for an hour;
- filter.
You need to drink the medicine 150 ml three times a day, preferably warm.
How to take lingonberry leaf for high blood pressure
For hypertension, a simple lingonberry decoction has a good effect. They do it like this:
- 100 g of dry greens along with twigs and flowers are poured with 500 ml of water;
- boil over low heat for about 20 minutes;
- remove from the stove and leave covered for another six hours.
The strained product should be consumed 1/2 cup three times a day.
How to take lingonberry leaves for weight loss
Lingonberries effectively remove excess fluid and toxins, thereby promoting weight loss. On a diet, it is useful to use the following infusion:
- two large spoons of crushed dry raw materials are poured into 400 ml of boiling water;
- keep in a water bath for 15 minutes;
- remove from heat and leave for another 45 minutes.
The strained product is added to the original volume and consumed 50 ml on an empty stomach three times a day.
To lose weight, drink lingonberries for no longer than 21 days.
Preparations for the winter
There are several ways to increase the shelf life of lingonberries. Among the main ones are:
- Freezing. Frozen lingonberries retain the maximum amount of vitamins and antioxidant substances, therefore, they are the most useful.
- Drying. In dried lingonberries, the content of fiber and carbohydrates increases several times. They may not be safe for people who are obese or have diabetes.
- Options with excess sugar. Jam, as well as lingonberries pureed with sugar, have an extremely high content of simple carbohydrates. But the availability of valuable substances is reduced by about 40-60%. People who are overweight or have glycemic diseases should avoid such dishes.
There are many ways to increase the shelf life of berries. Freezing is most preferred.
How best to store for the winter
Lingonberries, like other fruits and vegetables, lose their medicinal properties if they undergo heat treatment. Preserves, jams and compotes with miracle berries are, of course, very tasty, but their usefulness can be debated. The medicinal properties of frozen lingonberries are much better. It contains a lot of vitamins A, B, C, E, minerals, beta-carotene. It is one of the best products against vitamin deficiency, which very often appears after winter.
This is explained by the fact that in a frozen product, useful and medicinal substances are completely preserved, while fresh berries lose them after a very short time, not to mention those that have undergone heat treatment.
To do this, choose it when it is still firm, maybe slightly under-ripe, so that it is whole and not crushed. Before placing the berries in the chamber, rinse them well and dry them, spreading them on a cotton towel. After drying, it must be spread in one layer on a special sheet and frozen. When the berries become frozen, they are transferred to a storage container and left in the freezer. Thus, freezing is carried out in several stages, which prevents the product from turning into a large ice lump.
To dry berries and leaves, it is recommended to lay them out in one row and not expose them to high temperatures. Or you can grind lingonberries with sugar. In this form, it will also retain all its beneficial substances. Very tasty and no less healthy soaked.
Harm to the body and contraindications for use
Like any homeopathic remedy, lingonberries have contraindications; they can bring not only benefits, but also harm to health. It should not be taken if you have allergies or individual intolerances. Pregnant women should avoid the product in the first two trimesters, as well as during the first month of breastfeeding.
It is not advisable for hypertensive patients to eat lingonberries - they significantly lower blood pressure. If we remember about its ability to thin the blood, it becomes clear that in case of bleeding it is better to exclude lingonberries. For ulcers and kidney stones, decoctions and infusions from the leaves are drunk only after consulting a doctor.
Possible harm and contraindications
- Due to the ability of lingonberries to affect blood pressure, drinks based on this berry should be taken with caution by people with heart or vascular problems.
- It is not recommended to consume fruit juice for people suffering from stomach diseases, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers, since lingonberries increase the acidity of the stomach.
- Abuse of the product can provoke an allergic reaction, itchy skin, and rashes throughout the body.
Recommendations
- You shouldn’t go too heavy on the lingonberry drink, as excessive consumption can cause allergies or stomach disorders.
- It is not recommended to give fruit juice to children under three years of age.
- The drink can be prepared from both fresh and frozen berries. Lingonberries (100-150 g will be enough for 1 liter) need to be washed and cleared of debris, then placed in a blender or juicer and squeezed out the juice. Next, pour the resulting liquid with water, add granulated sugar, and, if desired, a little honey and spices to add flavor (you can take cinnamon, lemon zest or mint). Place in a cool place and let it brew for a day or several hours. The recipe is very simple and accessible to everyone!
Price of lingonberry leaves, where to buy
The price of a pack of lingonberry leaves 50 g varies from 50 to 72 rubles; filter bags of Lingonberry leaves 1.5 g, No. 20 cost 62-89 rubles. You can purchase the drug in the pharmacy chain of Moscow and other cities without difficulty.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
ZdravCity
- Lingonberry leaves 1.5 g 20 pcs. JSC Krasnogorskleksredstva
85 rub. order - Lingonberry leaves 1.5 g 20 pcs. Zdorovye ZAO
77 RUR order
- Lingonberry leaves raw plant. crushed 50 GJSC Krasnogorskleksredstva
81 RUR order
- Raw lingonberry leaves are crushed. pack 50 gIvan-tea JSC
70 rub. order