Cherry leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Cherry is an unpretentious tree with tasty fruits and healthy juicy leaves. In our area, cherry trees are grown everywhere. Healing properties, as you know, have the stalks, and the roots of the tree, and young shoots. In the home preparation of medicinal compounds, you can use both fresh and already completely dried raw materials.

Chemical composition

Cherry leaves are rich in beneficial substances:

1. Quercetin. Positive effect on the heart muscle and central nervous system. Means based on personally harvested cherry leaves are natural antioxidants, because contain flavonoids. With the regular use of such compounds, the negative impact of the so-called free radicals is reduced.
2. Volatile Protection of the body from fungi, bacteria, viruses. Inhibition of their growth with subsequent destruction.
3. Vitamin C. Strengthening the body's defenses.
4. Vitamins Metabolism acceleration. Sedative and restorative ability of the body due to the content of vitamins A, B, C, P.
5. Coumarin. Protection against blood clots, blood thinning, a positive effect on the coagulation process.
6. Essential oils, as well as unique tannins. Anti-inflammatory and tonic effect, disinfecting properties.
7. Gum. Decreased feeling of hunger and irritation of the walls of the stomach.
8. Micro and macro elements. Saturation of the body with calcium, manganese, magnesium, iodine, sodium, cobalt, potassium, copper, molybdenum, phosphorus.
9. Amygdalin. The heart rhythm is brought back to normal, heart attacks are more easily tolerated.

Collection and storage

Raw materials are collected from April to May or from mid-May to early June (depending on the region where the trees are grown), when the composition of the leaves is optimal and the flowering process has not begun. Leaves are tender, juicy, fresh. In the same period, shoots are also collected while they are still young, not numb. If dried properly, the raw materials will retain their flavor and remain useful.

They collect leaves along with petioles after rain, as soon as the first rays of the sun dry the greens, but do not pick too much from one tree. For convenience, you can use scissors. After collecting, the leaves are sorted out, the spoiled ones are thrown away.

The raw materials are not washed so that during drying they do not begin to rot and the microorganisms necessary for fermentation are not lost. If you follow all the collection rules, the leaves will already be clean, moisture will evaporate naturally. Dry the leaves with a thin layer on oilcloth, paper or a sheet in a well-ventilated room or under a canopy (in calm weather), excluding direct sunlight. As a result, the volume of raw materials is significantly reduced, about 1/5 of the amount should remain, not more. Properly dried leaves have a uniform color, break when bent.

To conduct fermentation, the leaves are spread in a thin layer on paper. When the raw materials have withered, several leaves at once are rolled up and rolled with palms like plasticine. You can implement another method, for this, the raw materials are poured into a bowl and washed like shredded cabbage until the juice is released. The resulting mixture or tubes are transferred to an enameled container or dishes made of glass, with a layer of about 5 cm, not less and sent under oppression. A wet towel is placed on top. The container is left at room temperature for fermentation. After a few hours, the aroma should intensify. It is important to prevent fermentation and decay.

Dried cherry leaves in the oven or oven. First set the temperature to 100 ° C, gradually reduce the value to 50 ° C. The raw materials are regularly mixed to dry evenly. When the leaves have dried well and become brittle, they are moved to the street for final drying in natural conditions, but not in direct sunlight, otherwise many useful substances will be destroyed.

For storage, glass jars with a tight lid are used. Tanks are placed in a place protected from moisture and light. You can use paper bags or canvas bags. In this case, storage away from other herbs is required. The shelf life of dry raw materials is a maximum of 2 years.

Useful properties of cherry leaves

Since ancient times, cherry leaves have been very actively used in folk medicine, added to food. The beneficial substances contained in greens provide the development of such effects:

1. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic. The body is assisted in the fight against influenza, SARS, the common cold.
2. Expectorant. The bronchi are cleared, freed from mucus.
3. Antispasmodic. A positive effect on the vascular wall is noted, the spasm is eliminated, the intensity of pain in the joints decreases.
4. Hemostatic. Bleeding stops with hemorrhoids or from the nose.
5. Diuretic. The body is freed from excess fluid and toxic substances. The kidneys are freed from stones and sand.
6. Hematopoietic. Minerals and iron salts present in the composition help to improve the condition with anemia.
7. Antioxidant. The risk of developing cancer and the severity of gerontological degenerative changes are reduced.
8. Tonic. The skin is healed, saturated with nutrients.
9. Soothing, sedative, anticonvulsant. The sleep and work of the central nervous system are normalized, nervous tension is eliminated.
10. Immunostimulating effect. The composition contains many minerals and vitamins that help the body withstand negative external influences.

In addition to the listed properties, when using cherry leaves, the following results are achieved:

1. The condition of the body improves with hepatitis.
2. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular on the vascular wall, resulting in normalized blood pressure.
3. Due to the presence of tannins, problems with stool (diarrhea) are eliminated.
4. The body recovers faster after a stroke, heart attack.
5. The water-salt balance is restored, as a result, the rehabilitation period is reduced after suffering cardiac diseases.
6. The risk of blood clots and the development of a condition such as ischemia is reduced.

It is recommended to use cherry leaves in such conditions and diseases:

1. Urolithiasis disease. The components have a diuretic effect, so the body is freed from sand and inflammatory processes.
2. Thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Provides protection against the development of ischemia and the formation of blood clots. The risk of developing pathological conditions is significantly reduced.
3. Reduced immunity. Means made from cherry leaves are useful for frequent colds, help cure bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, improve the condition in chronic processes, and help to recover.
4. Bleeding. Thanks to hemostatic ability, cherry greens helps to stop frequent nosebleeds, improve blood circulation. Such a natural medicine is effective for anemia.
5. Various skin lesions. So that the damaged areas heal faster and a purulent infection does not develop, a decoction in the form of lotions and compresses is used.
6. Epilepsy. It is believed that the substances contained in the leaves can relieve seizures in people with epilepsy.

For women

The intensity of bleeding during menstruation can be reduced by applying a decoction made from the leaves and stalks of cherries with the addition of nettles. It is especially useful to take such a remedy for endometriosis and uterine myoma. In addition, you can eat fruits, they contain a lot of magnesium, so the spasm is eliminated and the intensity of pain during menstruation is reduced.

For men

Cherry leaves positively affect the male reproductive system, they can be used to treat many diseases and for preventive purposes. For the prostate, various decoctions and infusions prepared using fresh / dried berries and leaves are very useful. In addition, you can eat fruits and prepare medicines from them, since the berry contains a lot of zinc, which is necessary for the production of sex hormones in the male body.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to consume cherries rich in folic acid. But during the period of carrying the baby, not only berries are useful, you can make tea from the leaves to treat colds without chemicals. In addition, due to the increased acidity of gastric juice, not everyone can consume fruits, and teas made on the basis of leaves also contain many vitamins and minerals and are suitable for almost everyone.

Pregnancy is often accompanied by anemia. To normalize the condition, take a decoction of shoots and young leaves. Also, stalks and twigs with young leaves in fresh or dried form are used to prepare a decoction that stimulates peristalsis and normalizes the digestion process.

Cherry Leaves in Traditional Medicine

For treatment and prevention, decoctions, infusions, teas, pulp from the leaves are used. When there were no anticonvulsants, the leaves and fruits of cherries were used as the most effective and safe means for epilepsy. Decoctions were prepared from them to alleviate the symptoms.

Jaundice Remedy

Both fresh and dry young leaves are suitable for this recipe.

Ingredients:

• leaflets - 2 tbsp. dry or 4 tbsp Fresh
• milk - half a glass for dry raw materials or 1 for fresh.

A useful broth in milk is prepared for 10 minutes, setting the minimum heat. Leave to cool under a lid or insist in a thermos. The finished medicine is taken during the day, strained in small portions - 1 / 4–1 / 3 glasses. The recommended frequency of use is 4-6 p. / D. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.

Infusion for stopping nosebleeds and wound healing

Ingredients:

• dried or fresh herbs - 2 tbsp. or 4 tbsp;
• boiling water - 1 cup.

The raw materials are crushed, filled with boiling water, mixed and boiled for 5-10 minutes. Then cover and just leave to insist. The medicine is filtered, moistened with a cotton pad and stuffed into the nose. The decoction helps to get rid of frequent nosebleeds by strengthening the vessels of the mucous membrane. It can be used to wash wounds on the body and compresses.

Also, at high blood pressure for prevention, the drug is taken orally. Additionally, they drink natural cherry juice.

Joint infusion

Ingredients:

• branches with leaves - a handful;
• boiling water - 500 ml.

The raw materials are poured with boiling water, cooked for 15 minutes with minimal heating, left to brew for a short time - for about 2 hours. After consuming such a drink, one feels better with joint diseases.

The cure for anemia, atherosclerosis

Ingredients;

• twigs with leaves - a handful;
• boiling water - 2 glasses.

The product is boiled for 5 minutes, left for 20 minutes to infuse under a closed lid. The drink is used hot one glass a day.

Hemostatic agent

The leaves are combined with a small amount of water, ground to a state of gruel. Squeeze the liquid, use it for lotions, compresses. If you want to stop bleeding from the nose, put cotton pads moistened in this fluid into the nostrils.

Decoction for the treatment of fibroids, endometriosis

Ingredients:

• cherry branches with leaves - 1 small bunch (about 20 branches);
• cold water - 2 l.

Branches with water are placed on the stove, set the minimum heating. After boiling the liquid, the branches are boiled for 5-10 minutes. The pan is covered, the contents are left to infuse for 30 minutes. The daily dosage is 3 glasses, the course of treatment is 1 year.

Fresh hepatitis treatment

Ingredients:

• cherry leaves (fresh, pre-chopped) - 4 tbsp;
• hot milk - 1 cup.

The raw material is poured with boiling or simply still hot milk, put on the stove for 10 minutes (minimum heating). Leaves insist in a warm place under a closed lid. The cooled broth is filtered, used for treatment for 7 consecutive days. The daily dosage is 50-60 ml 5-6 times a day.

Dry Hepatitis Cure

Ingredients:

• dry basis - 2 tablespoons;
• boiling water - 1 cup.

The therapeutic drink is prepared in the same way as the previous version from fresh raw materials. Dosage - 70 ml (1/3 cup), frequency of use - 3 r. / D. The medicine is taken in compliance with the interval of 4 hours. The course of treatment is 14 days.

Infusion from urolithiasis

Ingredients:

• dry raw materials - 2 tbsp .;
• boiling water - 200-250 ml.

The raw materials are combined with boiling water, the container is placed on the stove for 10 minutes. The leaves are boiled over low heat, then insist for several hours under the lid. The drug is taken strained every day for a month. Dosage - 100 ml (½ cup) subject to an interval of 3 hours. The recommended frequency of use is 3-4 r / d.

Cherry infusion is taken with urolithiasis, cystitis. The drink helps to establish the full functioning of the kidneys, recover faster with tonsillitis and colds. A diuretic effect develops, the body is cleansed of heavy salts and toxic substances.

Infusion for pressure normalization

Ingredients:

• dried base - 4 tbsp.,
• boiling water - 2 glasses.

The raw materials are insisted for several hours in a thermos and used for treatment in strained form. With hypertension, by taking a medication for a long time, it is possible to normalize blood pressure. The medicine helps to get rid of puffiness and improve well-being in case of disturbances in the cardiovascular system. Strained infusion is taken several times a day - 2-3 times. A single dose is 0.5 cups.

Tea to increase the body's defenses

Ingredients:

• cherry leaves - 2 tbsp .;
• tea leaves - 1 tsp;
• sugar - 1 tsp;
• boiling water - 500 ml.

First, the kettle for making the drink is scalded, then all the ingredients are covered and pour them with boiling water. Medicinal tea is brewed for 20 minutes. The daily norm is 2-3 glasses. Have a drink for 14 days. Such tea helps to boost immunity during periods when the body lacks vitamins, after prolonged illnesses.

Cold remedy

Ingredients:

• leaves - 5-6 pcs.;
• dried berries - 5-6 pcs.;
• honey - 1 tsp;
• boiling water - 1 cup.

From the specified amount of ingredients, one portion of the drink is obtained. Leaves with berries insist in a closed container. Before use, honey is added to the drink. Take the drug after meals.

Compote for the cardiovascular system

The drink, prepared on the basis of cherry leaves and rhubarb, is used to improve well-being in atherosclerosis and vitamin deficiency. Compote is useful for joints, heart, blood vessels.

Ingredients for 3 L of Compote:

• rhubarb (only root is required for the drink) - 1 pc.;
• dried cherry base - a handful;
• sugar to taste;
• boiling water.

The root is finely chopped and put into a jar, the leaves are sent there. Pour boiling water “on the shoulders” into the container. The cooled liquid is drained, the ingredients are re-filled with boiling water, sugar is added.

Infusion for diarrhea

Ingredients:

• young branches of cherries - 10 pcs.;
• stalks - 1 glass;
• boiling water - 2 l.

Raw materials fall asleep in a thermos, pour boiling water. The tool is insisted 6 hours, take 3 r./d. Single dosage - 1 glass.

Types of healing compounds

The therapeutic effect develops only with the correct preparation and use of medicines from cherry leaves to treat various ailments. Twigs should be brewed so that beneficial substances are not destroyed.

Infusion

To prepare the infusion, thin young branches with leaves are required. Dishes should not be transparent, since in the light there is a destruction of dyes. As a result, the infusion will not turn out saturated, the taste will change. A handful of twigs are boiled in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Cover the pan with a lid, leave to insist overnight. The infusion is used strained, heated before use, but in no case boil. If desired, you can add a little honey.

Tincture

The ingredients for cherry tincture may vary, but the proportion of alcohol and water is always 50:50. Instead of alcohol, you can use vodka. It is recommended to dilute alcohol with spring water. It is forbidden to use tap water. You can add sugar or honey, but the presence of these ingredients is not a prerequisite.

Raw materials are poured into well-washed cans. They take so many twigs so that the jar is filled with them “on the shoulders”. The container is filled with vodka or alcohol, shaken, insisted 21 days at room temperature in a dark place. Preparation of funds based on cherry twigs with leaves is carried out taking into account an important condition - alcohol is diluted only after the branches are infused, that is, after 3 weeks when used for treatment. A remedy for medicinal purposes is better prepared in a small container of glass - 200-500 ml.

Decoction

To prepare the broth take 20 branches. Cold water (2 L) is added to the crushed raw materials. After boiling over low heat, the product is boiled for 15 minutes. Insisting requires 2 hours. Add a little honey to the filtered broth. The tool is used for various purposes, changing the dosage:

1. Inflammation, arthritis - 0.25 cup 4 r./d ..
2. Myoma, endometriosis - 3 cups per day in a course of 10 days once a month (duration - 1 year).
3. Diabetes mellitus - 1 cup 5 r. / D. within 10 days (after a break of 10 days, the course is repeated).

From the preparation of the infusion, this recipe differs only in water temperature and the duration of the process. In this case, the liquid is cold, for infusion - hot.

Tea

In accordance with the classic recipe, dry or fresh branches (5–10 pcs.) Are chopped and poured into a saucepan (preferably from stainless steel). Add half a liter of boiling water and simmer with minimal heating. After 5 minutes, the container is removed from the fire, covered with a lid, wrapped in a thick towel and left for 2 hours. You can choose another way - insisting for 15-30 minutes in a teapot or thermos. Before use, add honey, mint, cinnamon. The norm per day is no more than 3 cups.

Tea can be consumed immediately, but the infused drink turns out to be more saturated, aromatic, with notes of almond. To strengthen the body's defenses, blackcurrant and raspberry (leaves, shoots) can be used as an additional ingredient. It is allowed to use branches up to 3 times with an increase in boiling time by 5–10 minutes.

Cherry coals

To get natural cherry charcoal, dry or fresh branches are cut in half and wrapped in foil with a beam. Sent in the oven for 2 hours, setting the temperature to 180-200ºC. From the resulting coals, a healing drink is prepared for the symptoms of seasonal allergies. They are used in powder form, consumed with a glass of milk in the morning before meals. Such milk is prepared immediately before drinking it. The course is 10 days (they start one month before flowering).After a break for the same period, the course is repeated.

Cherry coals are also used for cooking meat with a barbecue. The finished product acquires a smoked taste and a light cherry flavor.

Application in cosmetology

A decoction of dried cherry leaves is used as a hair conditioner, they wipe oily skin. In a frozen form, the broth is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening. After applying this ice, the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a healthy color. Below are the most popular care products.

Hair conditioner

Cherry leaves (a handful or 4 tbsp) are combined with hot water (0.5 l). Under a closed lid, insist 1–2 hours. The washed hair is cooled and rinsed with a ready-made product. You can dilute it with water. Each hair gets the nutrients necessary for an attractive look. As a result, the hair gets a healthy shine and a pleasant aroma.

Compress for the skin of the neck and face from the infusion of cherry leaves

The tool has a tonic effect on the skin. In the infusion moisten gauze, apply it to the skin in the face and neck. With regular use of such a tool, its elasticity increases, it is possible to get rid of irritation and signs of fatigue.

Dry raw materials (2 tablespoons) are poured with boiling water (1 cup), boil for 5-10 minutes with minimal heating. In a closed container, insist 1–2 hours, then filter.

Bath, compresses for the skin from cherry leaves and medicinal herbs

To prepare the infusion, you can use not only cherry leaves, but also herbs, such as chamomile, oregano, sage, succession, stepmother, St. John's wort. Compress is applied to the face and décolleté.

The broth can be added to the water while taking a bath. Such home care replaces salon SPA procedures.

Cooking Application

Cherry leaves in cooking are used as the basis for compotes, tea, jam, confiture, jam, liquor. This is an essential component in pickling, canning tomatoes and cucumbers, providing a special aroma and antiseptic effect for long-term storage of workpieces. In addition, if you put cherry leaves on fruits and berries, you can extend their preservation.

Royal jam

This dessert is prepared on a decoction obtained from cherry greens. To make jam, unripe gooseberries are required. The fruits are filled with walnuts, the broth is prepared according to the recipe suggested above. The liquid is brought to a boil, but not boiled, kept in the refrigerator for 7-8 hours. The filtered broth is combined with sugar to taste, brought to a boil. Berries are poured into syrup, jam is cooked for a quarter of an hour.

Fruit and cherry liquor

Homemade alcohol can be made from cherry leaves. For the recipe, greens (200 pcs.) And fruits (50 pcs.) Are required. The ingredients are combined, brought to a boil, boil for 10 minutes. 1.5 kg of granulated sugar is poured into the pan. Citric acid (1.5 tsp) is sent there. The mixture is stirred, after cooling, pour vodka (1 l).

Liqueur made from green cherries and aronia fruits

Leaves (200 g) are mixed with berries (1 kg). The mixture is boiled for 20 minutes over low heat. The cooled base is filtered. Next, use only a decoction. Sugar (1 kg) is poured into the liquid. After boiling, the syrup is boiled for 20 minutes, after cooling it is combined with vodka (0.5 l).

Can rabbits be given cherry leaves

The branches of stone fruit trees contain tannins and astringents, which in high concentrations are dangerous for rabbits. They are not fed branches of cherries with leaves, as are branches of other stone fruits (pear, apricot, sweet cherry, plum, peach). Accumulating in the body of rodents, tannins lead to constipation, astringents - to problems with the digestion of food.

Contraindications

Almost everyone can benefit from the use of cherries, but there are several points that must be taken into account. The list of contraindications:

1. Inflammatory processes affecting the gastric mucosa (gastritis, ulcerative lesions, and others).
2. Chronic constipation (cherry tea has a fastening effect on the digestive system, therefore it is better to refuse it in this case).
3. Intolerance of constituent substances (individual reactions may develop, as with other means).
4. Low blood pressure (drinks prepared on the basis of cherry greens reduce blood pressure, which is completely unnecessary for hypotensive patients).

Means based on such raw materials are used with caution in diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic pneumonia, and chronic diarrhea. No other adverse effects were detected. In the absence of restrictions, cherry leaves can be used even for children (from 3 years), pregnant and lactating women.

Cherry leaves are really very useful, contain important substances for the body. But this does not mean that you can completely abandon traditional medicine and switch to natural remedies. Such medicines are more likely than basic ones. Therapy should be comprehensive.

In the absence of the ability to apply funds based on cherry leaves inside, both in relation to medicine and cooking, you can benefit by their use in cosmetology. The components of greenery perfectly restore the skin and have a beneficial effect on the hair.

Photo of Cherry Leaves