Currant leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Currant is one of the most beloved and common berries in Russia. This shrub can be found in almost every garden plot. It belongs to the gooseberry family. To date, there are more than 300 species of this plant. The most popular varieties are red and black currants. On the territory of the Russian Federation, golden and white are also grown.

Of all the species, black currant is the most healthy and tasty. Its fruits are consumed inside both fresh and cooked. They make jam, jelly, pies, compotes, syrups, tinctures, liqueurs, wines, and liquors from it.

But not only the berries of the plant positively affect the human body. For pharmacological purposes, currant leaves are actively used. They produce drugs. Traditional medicine resorts to decoctions and teas from the leaf part of the bush in the process of treating many diseases.

Such popularity is explained very simply - all parts of the plant are a storehouse of useful vitamins, micro and macro elements, so necessary for man.

Interesting facts about currants:

1. Shrub grows almost throughout the globe. The only exceptions are Australia and Antarctica.
2. The content of vitamin C in unripe berries is four times higher than in mature berries.
3. The greatest benefits are the bushes that grow in the North.
4. Leaves have the same benefits as berries.
5. In ancient times, the bush was grown in the vicinity of monasteries and was called the “monastery berry”.
6. Where did the currant come from, it was not exactly possible to establish. But there is speculation that her homeland is Asia.
7. To saturate the human body with the daily norm of vitamin C, it is enough to eat only 35–40 berries of blackcurrant daily.
8. Currant leaves have a pleasant aroma, which allows them to be used successfully as a seasoning in the preparation of some meat and fish dishes.

Chemical composition

Due to the chemical composition of the garden shrub has a number of healing properties. Even our ancestors used plants for the treatment and prevention of many ailments. The benefits of currants are recognized by official medicine. Leaves in the form of an extract are added in the production of various medications.

The composition of the plant includes the following useful substances:

1. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, E, H, PP.
2. Macronutrients: potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus.
3. Trace elements: boron, iodine, copper, fluorine, zinc, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, iron.
4. Polyphenolic compounds: flavonoids, bioflavonoids, free and condensed catechins, proanthocyanidins.

Chartered doctors and traditional healers agree on the benefits of currant leaves for humans. They can provide significant benefits in the treatment of many diseases, as well as strengthen the body as a whole.

Collection and storage

To obtain the maximum benefit from the use of funds from currant leaves, it is necessary to conduct the correct collection.

You can collect leaves from the moment of flowering until late autumn. But the optimal period for collecting the leaf portion of the currant is May-June, before the berries ripen. It was at this time that the leaf was enriched with healing substances. Experienced herbalists recommend paying attention to the phase of the moon. The most favorable gathering day is the new moon.

Another interesting nuance in the collection of currant leaves. It is believed that in addition to the new moon, time is very important - 12 o’clock in the afternoon. It is at noon on the day of the new moon that the plants are maximally saturated with useful elements.

Only blackcurrant leaves are considered useful. Red currants use berries for medicinal purposes. You can certainly collect leaves, but there will be no tangible effect from them.

Collection should be done with clean hands and very carefully so as not to damage the branches of the bush. You need to choose leaves of good quality, without damage by insects. An important point: if you do not want to upset and reduce the fruiting of the bush for next year, then picking the greens is from the middle, without touching the upper and lower parts. After collecting the required amount, you need to think about storage.

Before sending healing leaves for storage, they must be properly dried. To do this, you need to decompose the foliage on a flat surface in one layer and place in a sunny, but still, place. The process may take 5 to 10 days. Willingness is determined by touch. As soon as the leaves begin to crunch and crumble in your hands, you can pour it into a storage container.

In this form, raw materials can be stored for up to two years. After the specified period, its miraculous properties disappear.

Is it possible to freeze

There is another way to store currants - freezing in a freezer. It is more suitable for shrubs. But with it, you can save the leaves. Rinse them thoroughly beforehand and remove excess moisture. Then put in a bag and send in the freezer. The period of such storage should not exceed 6 months. But experts note that this method will negatively affect the taste of currants during defrosting, and an already delicate aroma will be lost.

The healing properties of currant leaves

Both fresh and dry leaves have a range of medicinal properties. Means, which include currants, are able to have the following effects on the human body:

1. They improve the work of the cardiovascular system, normalize the heartbeat, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, positively affect the composition of the blood, and cleanse it.
2. Normalize blood pressure.
3. They have a significant effect on the normalization of vision.
4. Favorably affect the work of the liver and kidneys.
5. They can slow down the aging process of the skin, and also positively affect its condition.
6. Strengthen the immune system.

In addition, currant leaves have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, tonic, general strengthening and anti-tumor properties.

For women

The use of drugs and folk remedies containing currant leaves has a beneficial effect on the female body, relieves fatigue and irritability, relieves insomnia, normalizes metabolic processes, and water balance. The shrub has proven itself in the treatment and prevention of female genital diseases, as well as ailments associated with the urinary system. It has a rejuvenating effect, is actively used as a prophylactic for benign and malignant neoplasms.

It is great for preparing anti-aging and cleansing face masks. Currant decoction effectively affects the hair, restores them and strengthens.

Currant tea is an indispensable remedy for colds, as it contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is famous for its antiviral and immunostimulating effects.

For men

Currant favorably affects the male body. Constant stress at work often causes cardiovascular disease in men. World statistics show that every year the number of representatives of the stronger sex increasingly have heart pathologies and various problems with blood vessels. Moreover, the age criterion is reduced annually.Tea from currant leaves is able to provide a preventive effect in case of overwork, depression, nervousness.

Such a drink increases potency, prolongs male reproductive function, as in women, normalizes blood pressure, relieves insomnia and rejuvenates the body.

Experts recommend that men use products prepared with currant leaves at least four times a year in courses of at least 14 days.

During pregnancy

Gynecologists strongly recommend that pregnant women drink currant tea. The fact is that currant leaves contain folic acid, which can reduce the risk of intrauterine pathology in an infant.

Immunity is very important for a pregnant woman. A currant leaf, due to its chemical composition, is an excellent natural immunostimulant.

When breastfeeding

There are no contraindications to the use of drugs and fees, which include currants, during breastfeeding. On the contrary, it is believed that tea from currant leaves contributes to the rapid recovery of the female body after pregnancy and childbirth.

But experts advise using currant products in moderation. Vitamin C contained in the leaves of the shrub can cause a serious allergic reaction in the newborn.

For children

Currant in all its manifestations is an indispensable product for a children's diet. Pediatricians strongly recommend regularly including currant tea or decoction in the baby's menu. This tool is able to increase the immunity of a growing organism, strengthen bones, normalize the digestive tract, protect against viral and colds.

Also, a bath with the addition of currant broth will favorably affect the condition of the baby’s delicate skin. Currant has proven itself in the fight against prickly heat and as an antibacterial and wound healing agent for abrasions and cuts.

When losing weight

Currant products are excellent helpers in the fight against extra pounds.

First, they contribute to the normalization of metabolism and the acceleration of metabolic processes. These two disorders most often become the main cause of the appearance of excess body weight.

Secondly, currant leaves have a slight diuretic effect, which will help get rid of puffiness.

Thirdly, currant remedies are able to cleanse the body of harmful toxic substances and toxins, which will be a significant plus in the process of losing weight.

Fourth, the body receives all the important vitamins and minerals, so necessary during the diet.

All world nutritionists are unanimous in their opinion that preparations made from currant leaves enhance the results in the struggle for a beautiful fit figure. There is even a currant mono-diet and fasting cleansing days on leaf tea.

Of course, this is not a panacea. To achieve a visible effect when losing weight, just one use of currant is not enough. Physical activity and moderate proper diet have not been canceled.

Currant leaves in folk medicine

Traditional healers and herbalists actively use all parts of currant in the preparation of medicinal products for various diseases. Leaves are used in any form: fresh, dry, frozen.

An interesting fact is that the content of vitamin C in the deciduous part of the shrub is much higher than in the fruits.

With diabetes

Blackcurrant leaf products can provide a person with diabetes with many useful substances, such as carotene, vitamins C, E, PP and group B, pectin, phosphoric acid, potassium, iron, and natural sugars.

Currant is able to have a prophylactic effect at the stage of prediabetes.

Doctors recommend using currant remedies for all types of diabetes, but in moderation.Observing the measure, a diabetic can, with the help of preparations from the leaves of the bush, improve the condition of the walls of the vessels, cleanse the blood of cholesterol, lower the level of sugar. There are several recipes for healing drugs for diabetes.

1. Infusion of fruits and leaves of currant. Pour a tablespoon with a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes. Take orally 5-6 times a day for 100 g.
2. Grind dry leaves. A glass of hot water will require 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Insist half an hour. To use several times a day in one glass.
3. To prepare this remedy, you will also need blueberry leaves. Mix them with currants in equal proportions - a tablespoon. Pour boiling water in an amount of 250 ml. Consume after 30 minutes, once a day.

With gastritis

With gastritis, gastric ulcer and high acidity, it is not recommended to eat pure black currant berries. But the means from the leaves of the bush not only can be used to treat these diseases, but also very necessary!

1. Pour small leaves of currant in an amount of 25-30 pieces to 1 liter of dry white wine. Clean for 2 weeks in a dark place. After the specified period, strain. Take 100 ml several times a day.
2. Alcohol currant tincture is well established in the treatment of gastritis with low acidity. For its preparation you will need 1 liter of dry red wine and 20 g of dry currant leaves. Mix both ingredients, close the container tightly and place in a cool dark place for 21 days. As with the first recipe, strain. The course of treatment is 14 days. It is recommended to consume 50 ml once a day.

With gout

A disease such as gout, significantly spoils the life of a person. And the point is not only that there is an external deformation of the upper limbs, but also in the pain syndrome that causes joint disease. It is not possible to completely cure gout with just one currant. An integrated approach is needed here, including medications. But decoctions and infusions from currant leaves can reduce pain.

1. For cooking, you need 2 tablespoons of dry leaves of the bush and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Mix both components. Insist 60 minutes. The resulting volume must be drunk per day. The course of treatment is from a month to two. During this period, pain should be reduced to a minimum.
2. Relieve the symptoms of gout will help infusion of currants and lingonberries. You should take a tablespoon of crushed leaves of these plants. Pour the herbal mixture with 500 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for one hour. Take a month, 4-5 times a day, 100 ml.

An important point: a few weeks after the start of treatment, the urine may become clouded. Do not be afraid of such a reaction of the body, this is normal, since there is an active cleansing from excess salts. You do not need to stop using the drug, after 7-14 days everything is normal.

With cystitis

Due to the diuretic property, currants are actively used to treat diseases of the urinary system. Currant remedies help not only to alleviate symptoms with an ailment such as cystitis, but also to improve the general well-being of the patient. The plant has an antibacterial and diuretic effect, normalizes the work of the bladder. Pathogens are excreted along with urine.

People’s healers offer dozens of recipes to treat this problem. Consider the most popular and effective.

1. It will take 100 fresh leaves of currant. They must be carefully crushed until juice appears. Then add 300 ml of boiling water. Close the lid tightly and leave to insist 15-20 minutes. Then strain and drink all the resulting volume at a time. The course of treatment is 14 days. Once a day is enough.
2. To prepare the product, you need to take dry leaves of three types of plants - currants, raspberries, cranberries - 30 g each. Treat the treated herbal mixture with 1 liter of hot water. Insist 15 minutes under the lid. Take during the day.The recommended treatment period is 14-21 days.

Against cough

For quick elimination and for the purpose of cough prevention, the fruits and leaves of blackcurrant are very helpful. The plant has antimicrobial, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. The following recipe has proven particularly effective.

5 tablespoons of chopped currant leaves, steam 1 liter of boiling water for several hours. It is recommended to use a thermos for this purpose. Drink infusion during the day instead of regular tea. The tool helps to get rid of cough of various origins, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, the initial stage of tuberculosis.

For weight loss

We have already talked about the miraculous benefits of currant remedies in the fight against extra pounds. Consider the most popular recipes for weight loss.

1. Tea recipe. The most common remedy is tea from dried leaves of currant. It is very simple to prepare it: just pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water. After 20 minutes, it can be taken orally. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add raspberry leaves and linden flowers. Drink several times a day.
2. Drainage recipe. To achieve a good and lasting result, it is necessary to establish the functioning of the lymphatic drainage system and get rid of excess fluid in the body. This currant can be handled wonderfully, prepared as follows: Pour 500 ml of hot water with 30 g of dry or fresh leaves of the plant. Insist 30 minutes. Apply 3 times a day in half a glass 15 minutes before meals. The period of use is set individually and lasts until the appearance of visible and lasting results.

Prescription for normalizing blood pressure

With the modern rhythm of life, every second person has problems with pressure. In some, it decreases, in others, on the contrary, increases. In order to avoid such serious consequences as a stroke, rupture of aneurysm, hemorrhage, it is extremely important to monitor blood pressure. Stabilize and bring it back to normal with a currant decoction prepared according to the following recipe: pour 30 ml of dry, well-ground leaves into 500 ml of hot water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, cool and strain. Take half a glass 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Types of healing compounds

Depending on the disease and method of application, currant leaves are added in the preparation of various medicinal products: infusion, tincture, broth, tea, oil.

Infusion

Infusion is used to treat many ailments. Preparing it according to the classic recipe is not difficult at all. To do this, you need 6 tablespoons of chopped dried leaves of currant and 1 liter of boiling water. Pour the mixture with water, cover, wrap in a warm cloth and leave for 2-3 hours. Before use, be sure to strain. Take orally in the dosage necessary to treat a particular disease.

Tincture

Unlike infusion, in order to prepare a fragrant and healing tincture, you must purchase alcohol or vodka. You can use home-made moonshine, but the timing of the infusion will be much longer. It is recommended to cook in a dark container. Wash and currant leaves in a jar, pour alcohol-containing liquid. Insist at least 21 days. There are several standard recipes for currant tincture, depending on the type of alcohol used.

Recipe tincture on vodka
The following ingredients will be required for preparation:

• fresh leaves of currant in such a quantity that it was enough to fill a three-liter jar by a third;
• 1 tablespoon of sugar;
• 1 teaspoon chopped lemon zest;
• 2-3 pcs. dried cloves;
• 1 liter of vodka.

Preparation: mix all ingredients and add vodka. Close the jar tightly. Insist 10 days in a dark place. After the specified time, strain. Store in a refrigerator in a closed container.

Apply orally at 50 ml for the first symptoms of a cold.

The recipe for alcohol tinctures
The preparation of currant tincture using alcohol is very similar to the classic methods of making other herbal similar products. The difference is that experts do not recommend drinking alcohol elixir in its pure form, it is better to dilute it with water before use.

Required Products:

• 0.5 l of 96 percent alcohol and water;
• 100 g of sugar;
• 500 g of fresh leaves of currant.

Cooking: rinse the sheet part and put it in a jar, add sugar and alcohol. Remove to a dark place for 10 days. Strain, pour in the required amount of water.

Add to hot drinks in small doses (1 teaspoon). It is recommended to use as a prophylactic during exacerbation of colds and viral diseases.

Moonshine Tincture Recipe
Virtually no different from the previous recipe. But there are a few nuances. Experts advise adding 500 g of currant berries to the leaves. Such a product will acquire a more pronounced aroma, a beautiful ink color, and the taste will be softer. When insisting, it is necessary to shake the product 3-4 times.

Decoction

Due to the chemical composition, currant leaves have an exceptional benefit on the human body. A decoction from this plant is considered healing and helps to get rid of many ailments, vitamin deficiency, recover in the postoperative period, increase immunity, cleanse of toxins and toxins, speed up metabolism. In addition, currant is excellent for the prevention of colds.

Decoction is an excellent antiseptic, therefore it is often used in the form of lotions and compresses for the treatment of cuts, wounds, abrasions and other skin problems. Composition and preparation may vary depending on the disease. But there is a classic recipe. The following ingredients will be required for preparation:

• 6 large leaves of currant (can be replaced with 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials);
• one glass of boiling water.

Cooking: mix both ingredients. Put on moderate heat. Cooking time should not exceed 15 minutes. Then remove the container with the decoction from the stove, allow to cool naturally, drain. The healing remedy is ready.

An important point: store the finished product for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.

Tea

Currant tea can be consumed regularly, it is an excellent substitute for ordinary tea. But do not get carried away with them, the recommended dose is 250-300 ml per day.

It’s easy to cook. You need to take 2-3 fresh leaves of currant or 1 tablespoon of dry. Pour 300 ml of boiling water. To obtain a pronounced aroma, it is recommended to boil for several minutes. Drink once a day instead of tea. If desired, you can add honey. Only you need to add it not to hot, but to warm drink. Otherwise, bee sweetness loses its beneficial properties.

There is another recipe for tea with currants. It is advised to use as an aid in the treatment of colds and viral diseases.

Vitamin Tea Recipe
For preparation, the following components will be required: 2-3 leaves of currant, one leaf of raspberries and strawberries. Pour the greens with 500 ml of boiling water. Cover and let stand for 15–20 minutes. Consume 200 ml several times a day.

Butter

Currant oil is considered one of the most valuable and rare. For its preparation, cake is used, which remains from the berries after processing them into juice. It has a characteristic yellow color, a thick consistency and delicate aroma, is widely used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery purposes.

The main value of currant oil is its composition, which includes:

1. Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic fatty acid). The most important component for the human body, regardless of age. It normalizes blood pressure, improves blood circulation and mental abilities, positively affects the work of the digestive tract and heart muscle, burns fats, and helps in the formation of muscle mass. People who have a healthy lifestyle and want to lose weight, children just need to eat foods high in omega-3.
2. Omega-6 (gamma-linolenic fatty acid). It is famous for its beneficial properties and plays a huge role in cell division. In addition, it has a significant effect on the normalization of hormonal balance, the general condition of the skin and hair, the functioning of the circulatory system and the function of brain activity.
3. Omega-9 (oleic acid). The benefit lies in the ability to prevent cholesterol deposits and blockages, to normalize blood sugar levels. It has a powerful antitumor effect.
4. Stearic acid. It is actively used in the food industry and in cosmetology, as a thickener.

Currant oil is one of the few that is used both externally and internally. It has the following useful properties:

• antibacterial;
• restorative;
• diuretic;
• sweatshops;
• wound healing;
• choleretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• soothing;
• blood purifying;
• immunomodulatory;
• antiviral.

It’s difficult to prepare currant oil at home, so it’s better to purchase this healing product in a specialized store or pharmacy chain.

Application in cosmetology

Currant leaves are actively used in cosmetology. By including this raw material in cosmetics, the following results can be obtained:

• saturate the skin with the necessary vitamins, micro and macro elements;
• clean the skin;
• increase elasticity;
• get rid of skin diseases;
• achieve a natural complexion;
• prevent premature wrinkles.

In addition, currant products have a beneficial effect on the hair, restore their structure, give volume and a healthy look.

Well-proven bath with the addition of currant broth. Such water procedures have a restorative, calming, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. All that is required is to prepare a decoction according to the classic recipe indicated above. For one procedure, 1 liter of a healing currant remedy will suffice.

In order to feel all the miraculous effects of currant preparations, it is not necessary to visit expensive beauty salons. All the necessary face and hair care products can be prepared without leaving your home.

Acne Mask Recipe
To prepare a cleansing and toning mask, you will need the following ingredients:

• 150 ml of yogurt or sour milk;
• 1.5 tablespoons of dry chopped currant leaves.

Combine both ingredients, mix thoroughly. Apply a thick layer to pre-cleansed skin. The exposure time is 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water at the end. It is recommended to carry out this procedure once a week until the acne disappears completely.

Whitening mask recipe
Freckles are pigmented spots on the face. Some of them are calm, others are very annoying. A whitening mask with currant leaves will help get rid of this problem.

Mix 1 teaspoon of dried chopped leaves and oatmeal. Add one chicken egg and mix well. Apply the resulting mass to the face and hold for 15 minutes. After the specified time, remove the mask with warm water. Apply several times a week.

The recipe for the treatment of oily skin

Many representatives of the female half of humanity are familiar with the problem of oily skin, unpleasant shine and enlarged pores. The use of compresses with currant means will be an excellent solution in the fight for perfect skin.

Ingredients:

• 20 g of raw materials from crushed currant leaves;
• 30 g of chamomile flowers;
• 50 g dried sea buckthorn berries;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation: mix all plant components, pour boiling water. Place in a water bath for 20 minutes. Cool, strain.Store in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days.

Application: moisten clean gauze in the prepared solution and apply to the face for 15 minutes. The procedure is carried out daily, several times a day. The course of treatment is 5 days. If necessary, you can repeat the course after a few weeks.

If you don’t have time to regularly prepare homemade facial skin care products, you can use a light ice recipe. You only need to make a classic decoction, pour it into ice molds and send it to the freezer. It is enough to wipe the face daily, morning and evening, after cleansing procedures. Such manipulations with the skin will increase its elasticity, moisturize and give a healthy look.

Today on the Internet you can find a large number of home recipes for hair treatment. Currant leaves - one of the most popular and effective ingredients that is part of masks and rinses.

A decoction prepared according to the classic recipe has a wonderful effect on the hair. After each head wash, rinse the head with this currant. With regular use, the result will not be long in coming. After a few months, positive changes can be noted.

Currant oil, in combination with grape, will help to quickly restore the structure of damaged hair. It is necessary to mix in equal proportions two types of oils. Rub massage movements into the scalp, at the end distribute with a comb along the entire length. Leave to work for 30 minutes. Rinse well with the usual shampoo. The recovery procedure is recommended to be carried out 2 times a month until the desired result is achieved.

Not only hair and face need care and nutrition. Do not forget about the body. There is an excellent body remedy recipe based on currant leaves. The following products are required for cooking:

• 4 tablespoons of chopped dry currant leaves and the same amount of thyme;
• 2 tablespoons of linden, string, horsetail, hop cones;
• 6 tablespoons of chamomile and mint;
• 2 liters of boiling water;
• 150-200 ml of vegetable oil (it is better to use olive or almond).

Mix all herbal ingredients, pour boiling water. Insist 30 minutes. After the specified time, strain the product. Gently introduce oil, mix. Pour into a tightly closed container. Keep refrigerated. Rub into the body with massage movements, especially in problem areas, once a day after taking a shower.

Currant body product will give the skin elasticity and velvety. In addition, it has proven itself as an anti-cellulite drug.

Contraindications

About the healing properties and indications for the use of blackcurrant leaves have been known since ancient times. But, like any plant with so much extensive chemical composition, it also has certain contraindications.

1. The most important and serious ban is for those people who have an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to this plant, as well as to the vitamins and minerals that make up its composition. If earlier signs of allergy were not observed, and after the start of taking currant funds itching and redness appeared, you should immediately stop taking preparations containing any parts of the bush.
2. People suffering from hepatitis, high acidity of the stomach, thrombophlebitis and increased blood coagulation are also not recommended to use currants inside.
3. It is possible to give funds from currants to children up to a year only after consulting a pediatrician.

Almost all of these prohibitions apply to the use of currant tinctures, decoctions, teas inside. For external use, the restriction is only one - an allergic reaction of the body.

But in any case, in order not to harm yourself and your health, before using any herbal remedy, you should definitely consult a specialist and clearly follow all recommendations regarding the timing of treatment and dosage.

Photo of currant leaves