Irga: benefits and harm to human health

Irga is a relatively new culture, but at the same time its popularity is growing every year. Today, few people know about it, but even in the Middle Ages, in some countries, irgi were actively used for the manufacture of various medicines and potions. Thanks to the many valuable substances contained in the berries, it has found its application in modern folk medicine. In addition, the highly decorative qualities of shrubs encourage gardeners to ennoble their plots with this particular crop.

What is irga and how does it look

Irga is a small tree or shrub belonging to the Pink family. Translated from Latin irga means "bring honey." In England it is called a shadow shrub, in America - "Saskatoon." There are more than 20 species of irgi, most of which grow in the north of the American continent. Plants can be found right on the forest edges, in rocky terrain and even in the tundra. People have mastered only 10 species of this culture. Moreover, they are grown not only as ornamental plants, but also as a sweet and healthy treat.

Plants look especially beautiful during foliage blooming - they seem to be covered with silver hoarfrost. With the advent of numerous flowers, another transformation occurs: white and pinkish flowers cover the tree and form a picture worthy of the artist’s brush. Green or pink foliage also delights in its appearance. The crown of the tree is well leafy, the bark on the trunk has a brownish-gray color and a slightly pinkish tint.

During fruiting, small white-pink “apples” appear on the tree, which eventually acquire a purple or dark purple color. Fruits have a pleasant sweetish taste, so birds like to peck them. In the autumn, the leaves acquire a yellow, orange-pinkish or red-scarlet hue.

In addition to the fact that the irga has excellent decorative characteristics, it is very drought-resistant and winter-hardy, and also differs in early maturity. The average life time of the bush is 65 years, as the stems grow, they become real trunks, which can reach a height of 8 m. Irga is considered one of the best honey plants. However, it is worth noting some of the disadvantages of this culture. For example, it has abundant root shoots, which can cause a lot of trouble to gardeners. But the efforts spent will not be in vain, since, in addition to beauty, the berry has many healing properties that can be used to treat various ailments.

Kinds

Specialists distinguish 4 main types of iergi. These include spiky, blood-red, Canadian and alder irigus.

1. Spiky. Winter-hardy and drought-resistant species. The leafy crown is covered with small leaves. Small fruits have a mediocre taste, despite the high sugar content.
2. Blood red. The view matures quite late. The fruits have an unusual shape - they are slightly flattened. There are few seeds in the fruits, so they are not very interesting to birds. Berries have almost no taste. They are quite dense, during consumption, a feeling of ripeness is created, but this is their characteristic feature. From the fruits you can get quite a lot of juice. Sometimes the juice of the berry is mixed with other juices, for example, apple, this gives the drink a very interesting taste.
3. Canadian This species has the largest fruits of brown-red and dark blue color. The birds really like the berries, so sometimes they just sweep away the entire crop even before ripening. To taste, the fruits are perfectly balanced, sweet, while they have sourness. The only drawback of the species is its poor winter hardiness.
4. Olkholistnaya. The fruits of this species are relatively large and juicy. They have high palatability, an excellent balance of sugar and acid, have a pleasant honey smell. Berry juice of this species is often used as a natural food coloring.

What is the difference between irga and blueberry

The average height of the blueberry shrubs is about one and a half meters, in contrast to the snowdrop, whose bushes and trees can reach 5 meters in height. The berries have a sweet and sour taste in blueberries, and the sweet-sugary taste in berries. The first is black and blue with a touch of wax, the second is black. The size of blueberries is comparable to black chokeberry, and shrimp is slightly larger than bird cherry.

Composition and calorie content

100 g of product contain:

• calories - 45 kcal;
• proteins - 0 g;
• fats - 0 g;
• carbohydrates - 11.4 g.

The product also has many vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the human body. The fruits are rich in B, C, P vitamins, sugars, carotenes, flavonoids, organic acids, dyes and tannins, pectin, fiber, copper and cobalt. The seeds contain fatty oils; tannins are present in foliage and bark.

Useful properties of Irgi

General benefit

1. It is rich in antioxidants. They help strengthen human immunity, help counteract irritations and depressive states, and can also accelerate cell regeneration processes. In addition, they play an important role in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
2. Lowers cholesterol. Irga contains phytosterols, the most famous and scientifically proven useful property of which is their ability to lower cholesterol.
3. Irga also contains pectin. This healthy substance also lowers cholesterol and improves digestive health. Pectin improves the detoxification abilities of the body, helps regulate cholesterol, and also supports the health of the intestines and digestive system.
4. Supports skin health. One of the factors of skin aging is the destruction and loss of collagen - the main component of connective tissue. With aging, the body is no longer able to produce it as before. The substances contained in Irga stimulate the production of collagen, so they have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
5. Normalizes blood pressure. Irga is rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce the risk of stroke and helps maintain normal levels of blood pressure. It protects the body from free radicals, which can also trigger a stroke.
6. Supports brain function. Vitamin C also plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine. This affects a person’s mood and plays an important role in the functioning of the brain. Vitamin C also helps strengthen immunity.
7. Accelerates wound healing. The substances contained in the irga accelerate the healing process of wounds, as they facilitate the growth of connective tissue.
8. Protect from cancer. Phytosterols contained in berry berries protect the body from oncology. They help prevent cancer of the ovaries, breast, stomach, and lungs. These substances significantly slow down or completely stop the formation of cancer cells, stopping their spread.
9. Prevent chronic diseases. Bioflavonoids contained in irga support immunity and act as prevention of chronic diseases. They help the body cope with various inflammations and oxidative stress, eliminating toxins that destroy tissue.

For women

Irga is very useful for the female body, as it helps to suppress unpleasant symptoms during menopause and accelerates recovery after uterine bleeding. Berries can alleviate the general condition of a woman during this period, as they relieve soreness. Irga helps restore hemoglobin and prevents a state of impotence and fatigue. In addition, as you know, women often suffer from varicose veins. When consuming the fruits of Irgi, the likelihood of blood clots, blood clots is reduced, while blood circulation is accelerated and the production of red blood cells is increased. Folic acid has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system.

For men

According to experts, men after 50 years can get special benefits from berries, since it is at this age that various cardiac pathologies manifest. In this case, berry berries can act as a prevention of heart disease. However, it also has a positive effect on young men. This product supports the health of the reproductive system and stimulates potency. Berries improve blood flow in the inguinal region, contributing to an increase in "male strength" and the ability to conceive.

Irgu is recommended to be used with a long or constant driving of a car or working at a computer. Berries support eye health, help get rid of chronic fatigue and prevent the onset of prostatitis.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman needs to limit the number of drugs that she took before. For example, blood pressure lowering agents can significantly increase the risks of side effects that are especially dangerous during pregnancy. Irga can help lower the pressure, while not causing any harm to the woman or the fetus.

Berries also help get rid of diarrhea due to its astringent and antibacterial properties. To reduce the likelihood of varicose veins, thrombosis, weakening of blood vessels and other problems that appear in women at this stage, experts recommend using fresh berry.

The fruits are useful for those women who during pregnancy continue to spend a lot of time at the computer, since they reduce the effect of electromagnetic radiation on the body. In the case of sore throat or stomatitis, virgins can act as an excellent alternative to antibiotics. You can use decoctions and juices to rinse the oral cavity or direct use.

Irga is also a natural sedative. Women who are preparing for motherhood, it is better to abandon pills and potions. One spoonful of honey with honey before bed will be enough to cope with nervous tension.

For all the benefits of this product, there are some contraindications regarding women in position.

1. Pregnant women who suffer from hypotension are not allowed to consume a berry, as the berries lower their pressure, which can lead to a loss of strength, impaired tone or loss of consciousness.
2. If the work requires a constant concentration of attention, the fruits of the berry should also not be eaten.
3. Since the product has a sedative effect, it is not recommended to use it before lunch.
4. In addition, it is worth considering that the berries are fixed, so in case of constipation or inclination to them, you should not include them in your diet.
5. In the case of an upcoming surgical intervention, it is worth knowing that the fruits of a berryberry reduce blood coagulation.

Juice can be used to rinse the mouth and throat with sore throat, heal wounds and burns, use it inside to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Berries are not very juicy, so the juice should be obtained in the following way - pour 2/3 of the berries with a little sugar and place in the refrigerator. After 4 days, the juice will be ready. In the case of purulent tonsillitis, the drink should be diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1: 1. This juice can gargle up to 5 times a day.

In case of burns and wounds, cotton swabs moistened in juice should be applied to the damaged areas.

To reduce blood pressure, you need to use a decoction from the flowers of a berry.To do this, boil dry flowers (2 tbsp) in boiling water (2 tbsp), wrap them with a cloth for several hours and drink 2 tbsp. before eating.

Women in position need to observe the moderation of berry intake. Irga is not a product that can be eaten without restrictions. Before consuming berries or using them for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

When breastfeeding

In the postpartum period in women, as a rule, the body is weakened and defenseless against viruses. And since taking medications at this time is undesirable, you should use natural remedies. As one of such means may be an irga. Berries will help to normalize blood pressure, relieve colds and the negative effects of external harmful factors. Fruits of Irgi will help get rid of postpartum depression and improve sleep. One spoonful of berries will be enough to solve all these problems.

It is worth noting that in the first week after childbirth, women may experience constipation, therefore, irgi should not be consumed. In addition, in the event of a baby developing allergic reactions (rash, redness, crusts on the head, diaper rash, frequent belching), berries should be discarded for at least 1 month.

For kids

It should be noted that it is not recommended to include berries in the diet of young children, otherwise this can provoke an allergy. In case of hypertension, it is necessary to introduce the product into the children's diet with extreme caution.

Generally speaking, irga is extremely useful for children. From 3 years old, you can already slowly begin to give the child berries, this will ensure the normal mental development of the baby, and from an early age will have a good sleep and a healthy nervous system. With the regular use of berries, the child will increase the productivity of the brain.

The fruits of the game are especially recommended for children of school age, as this product will help to transfer mental stress more easily. Berry juice promotes better healing of wounds and abrasions. At the same time, you need to consume fresh berries in limited quantities, otherwise you can earn stomach problems.

When losing weight

With regular use of the fruit of the berry, the digestive processes are normalized, while potential problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract are prevented. Irga during weight loss is really useful, because the substances contained in it contribute to the removal of toxins and toxins from the body. This will help to establish metabolism, prevent the deposition of fats and stimulate the loss of more calories.

You can lose extra pounds using the berries of this plant in several ways. For example, you can make various stewed fruit drinks, fruit drinks or berry infusions. The most useful during the period of weight loss are considered drinks. You should choose individually for yourself the most acceptable option, which will allow you to get rid of excess weight, while also strengthening your health. However, berries can be consumed in their natural form, the main thing is to observe the measure. During the period of weight loss, only a few fruits are allowed to be eaten per day.

The benefits and uses of leaves

The leaves of this plant also have a number of useful properties, so they are quite actively used by folk healers for the prevention or treatment of various ailments. Phytoncides contained in the leaves help fight various infections. For example, they can be used for acute respiratory infections or tonsillitis. They also have antimicrobial properties that may be useful in the treatment of various kinds of wounds.

The leaves also have astringent properties, so they can be used for pancreatitis and diarrhea.Infusions based on them can be drunk for problems with sleep and in case of disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscle.

In order not to stuff the child with artificial antibiotics for coughing, it is recommended to make decoctions from the leaves of this plant. Such drinks will help get rid of cough and reduce the formation of mucus in the airways. Children under 2 years of age can drink berry, but in small doses, because the leaves contain a large number of allergens.

Children, as a rule, are rather restless, they can injure themselves. In this case, a natural antiseptic is ideal for recovery - leaves of a berry. It will be enough to get a cotton pad wet (you can use a fresh leaf of a plant) in a decoction of leaves and attach it to the wound. Tea based on leaves will enrich the body with vitamins and strengthen the immune system. The leaves are also used in the field of cosmetology, rejuvenate and heal the skin.

Irga in medicine

Iringa is also used in the field of medicine, since with the help of this plant you can prevent the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes. The whole set of aerial parts of the plant - berries, flowers, leaves and bark - has a healing effect. Berries are used for vitamin deficiency, flowers - for heart problems, and leaves and bark - in cases of digestive disorders. Although irga is not used in scientific medicine, its healing properties are repeatedly confirmed by folk healers. Healers quite often turn to this culture, since it manifests itself effectively both in the prevention and in the treatment of various diseases.

With diabetes

Berries are allowed for diabetes, since they have a low glycemic index of 20, while they have no fat and few calories (45 kcal). This product contains many useful substances that help improve the condition of people with diabetes. In this case, it is necessary to observe the permissible dosages, since the berries also contain sugars that can be deposited in the body.

The consumption rate varies depending on the weight and course of the disease in a person, so it must be discussed individually with a doctor. It is possible to use irga both in its natural form and as a drink. The daily norm is up to 100 g of berries.

For constipation

In case of chronic constipation, irgu is prohibited. This is because the product has a fixing effect, so it can only worsen the condition.

With gout

With gout, acid builds up in the joint tissues, so in this case, foods that relieve inflammation and detoxify the body will be useful. Irga is just such a product. Fruits can be consumed internally or made on the basis of compresses. It is also possible to carry out therapeutic procedures with juice of irgi. When berry juice enters the affected area, pain and inflammatory processes noticeably weaken.

Recipes of traditional medicine based on jirgi

Flower infusion

1. Place dried flowers (3 tablespoons) in a pan.
2. Pour vodka (2 cups). In case of intolerance to vodka, you can add water. When using an alcohol base, the drink should be infused for 3 days. If the flowers are flooded, you need to wrap the container and wait for cooling.
3. After insisting, strain.
4. Consume up to 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. 20 minutes before eating.

Berry juice

1. Rinse the berries.
2. Grind them in mashed potatoes.
3. Squeeze juice using gauze.
4. Dilute the juice of the berry with the juice of cherries, cranberries and similar berries.
5. Preheat (do not wait until it boils) and roll into jars (pour cans of boiling water over the can before canning).
6. Drink 70-100 ml before meals.

Berry tincture

1. Mash the berries in mashed potatoes.
2. 75% of the banks fill with the resulting mass.
3. Pour the contents of the jar with vodka (leave free 4 cm from the neck).
4. Put in a cool place without access to light (for 3 days).
5. Strain and discard the remaining berries.
6. Keep the product cool. Consume 1 tbsp. before meals up to 3 times a day.

Application in cosmetology

Culture has found application in the field of cosmetology. Berry-based products have anti-aging properties, prevent aging of the skin, contribute to the narrowing of pores, and also have a beneficial effect on oily skin. In addition, cosmetics strengthen hair and nails. There are many recipes using the berries of this plant. For example, at home, you can make a simple nourishing face mask. To do this, you need:

1. Combine berry juice (1 tbsp) with honey (1 tsp) and cottage cheese (1 tbsp).
2. The resulting mass is applied to the face.
3. Wait 15 minutes. Wash your face with boiled water.

Harm and contraindications

In some cases, drinking Irgi can harm the body. Like any plant that has bright healing properties, it can be harmful if overused or misused. Irgu should not be used in such cases:

• intolerance to its components;
• hemophilia, as the product dilutes the blood;
• hypotension, as berries lower blood pressure;
• pregnancy or lactation;
• acute infections and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

In the last two cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.

How to save an irga for the winter

In winter, irgi can be frozen. The product is stored in a frozen form for a long time, especially since after thawing the berries become even sweeter than fresh, without losing their shape.

It is better to freeze the product without syrup and sugar. Before freezing the berries, you need to sort them out, rinse and dry. After that, sprinkle the fruits in one layer on a cardboard tray or on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. After that, pour the frozen berries into sachets, tie them and put them in the freezer.

What can be cooked from Irgi: recipes

Berry berries are actively used in the field of cooking, as they have a characteristic sweetish taste. They are perfect as a base for jam, as well as one of the ingredients of this dessert. Great drinks also come out of the fruits, for example, they can be used to make berry compotes or juice. Berries are perfect for making mashed potatoes, and they can also be used in desserts and pastries. Berry juices are used as sauces for dishes, the fruits are involved in the creation of alcoholic beverages.

Jam

Ingredients:

• berry berries - 1 kg;
• sugar - 1 kg;
• water - 1 tbsp .;
• citric acid - 3 g.

How to cook:

1. Rinse the berries and let dry.
2. Boil water and add sugar.
3. After boiling the syrup, add berries, reduce heat and cook until cooked.
4. At the end of cooking, add citric acid and cool.
5. Pour jam into sterilized jars and close the lid.

Compote

Ingredients:

• berry berries - 1.5 kg;
• sugar - to taste;
• water tastes good.

How to cook:

1. Wash the berries.
2. Put in banks (30% of the volume).
3. Pour boiling water and cover. Leave on for 20 minutes.
4. Drain the water into the pan.
5. Pour sugar (1 g - 150 g sugar).
6. When the syrup boils well, pour it into jars.
7. Cork banks and place in a warm place (for 7 hours).

Morse

Ingredients:

• berry berries - 1 tbsp .;
• granulated sugar - 1/2 tbsp .;
• water - 1 l.

How to cook:

1. Squeeze the juice from the washed berries.
2. Mix it with boiled (about 10 minutes) and strained squeezes, cooled water and granulated sugar.
3. Withstand about 11 hours.
4. Serve cold.

Wine

Ingredients:

• juice of irgi - 1 l;
• granulated sugar - 1 kg;
• water - 2 l.

How to cook:

1. Boil sugar syrup from water and sugar (the process takes up to half an hour).
2. Squeeze the berries and get the juice.
3. Add the syrup to the juice and pour into a jar.
4. Close the jar with a water lock.
5. After acquiring a light shade, pour the wine into another can.
6. Pour wine into bottles and place in a cool place.

The wine will be ready in 3 months.

Interesting facts about irga

1. Sometimes iergi trees can grow up to 18 m.
2. If you use 1 kg of berries in a short period of time, you can fall asleep.
3. When dried, the product can be stored for up to 2 years.
4. In botany, the fruits of irgi are not attributed to berries, but to small apples.
5. In Canada, irgi is usually grown for winemaking.

Photo of Irgi