Sbiten: health benefits and harms

Sbiten is an old folk drink that was made in Russia. Currently, this product is undeservedly forgotten, like many other culinary recipes of our ancestors. In fact, it would be nice to learn from our ancestors to make medicines with their own hands, using only the gifts of nature.

Hot sbiten was prepared from honey, with the addition of various spices, medicinal herbs or their infusions. In terms of composition and method of preparation, this product is similar to mead, but at the same time it is absolutely two different drinks.

For the first time such a drink became known back in the 12th century. And since then, Slavic peoples have known and practiced the healing properties of a warming and fortifying product. In those days, there were several varieties of slaughter. These included hot, cold, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic solutions. Sviten-kvass was also made.

In the hot form, the drink was consumed mainly in the winter, and the cold variety was excellent for quenching thirst in the summer heat. You could add hops or homemade wine to the sbiten.

The drink received such a name from the old Russian word “knock down,” that is, mix. The fact is that the components for sbitn were in two containers. Medicinal plants were infused in one dish, and honey was in the second. Before use, both ingredients were mixed in the same bowl, resulting in a bitten. It is interesting that before tea appeared in Russia, sbiten was made in samovars; it was he who was considered the most beloved and often consumed product. Almost all Russians drank this drink on weekdays and holidays for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, at fairs and baths, at home and at a party.

The main spices were herbs such as sage, St. John's wort, cinnamon, bay leaf, bitter capsicum, and ginger could be used as spices. After the end of the October Revolution, the use of the population by the population was significantly reduced, until its complete cessation. Instead of such a drink, people began to drink black tea and coffee.

What is sbiten

Sbiten is most often a non-alcoholic, sometimes alcoholic, hot or cold drink, which includes water, honey, spices and herbs. As already mentioned, the name of such a product appeared in the process of combining them, that is, whipping two liquids - honey, diluted in water, and a spicy-herbal broth.

There are two main methods for making sbitn - simple and custard. If the custard method is used, the process is accompanied by fermentation.

To get 1 liter of simple sbitn, you will need 100 g of honey, spices and 1 liter of water. The specified amount of liquid must be divided into two parts: 200 ml and 800 ml. Dissolve honey in a smaller volume of water and boil over low heat, constantly removing foam. Spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, wrap in gauze and boil in water. In order for spices and herbs to fill the water with their aroma as much as possible, insist on continuing for half an hour. After that, mix both components and reheat before use.

For the preparation of custard, 4 l of water, 500 ml of honey, 4 l of light mash, 30 ml of vinegar and 20 g of ginger should be combined in an enameled container. Cook the resulting mass for 60 minutes over low heat with constant removal of the foam. After this, cool the mixture, and then pour into a container that is tightly closed. To this also add 0.5 tbsp. yeast. Place the drink in a warm place for 10-12 hours so that it wanders. After that, open the dishes and move to a cold place. Here the drug should be infused for a few more days. Only after this custard sbiten can be eaten.

It should be noted that, in addition to spices, various fruit and berry juices can be included in sbiten. As a result of this, the drink will become more aromatic and delicious.

Composition and calorie content

The benefit and harm of such a product lies in the properties of the main components, and is also determined by additional components. It can be cinnamon, lemon, ginger. As you know, beekeeping products are a natural source of many useful substances that are necessary to strengthen human health and maintain it. Honey promotes rejuvenation, in addition, supports and strengthens the immune system, helps to cope with colds.

Even known methods of purification with a complex of honey and water. However, before using such a remedy, it is necessary to study all positive and negative qualities, as well as consult with a specialist, since it is very important to prepare a drink consisting of correctly selected ingredients.

So, sbiten contains mono- and disaccharides, starch, acids of organic origin, dietary fiber.

The mineral composition is represented by the following substances: Na, K, P, Ca, Cu, S, Mg, I, Zn, Fe and others.

The product is enriched with B vitamins. This is where thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine are contained. In addition, as a part of sbitn there is ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol, niacin.

The calorie content of the drink is about 60 kcal per 100 g.

How useful is sbiten

General benefit

As already mentioned, hot sbiten is basically a winter drink that was used to warm after hypothermia. Due to its composition, the product is endowed with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, such a solution is useful to drink to restore the body after suffering illnesses, operations and injuries. Cold liquid is used to quench thirst in the bath, as well as on hot days.

The main healing properties of the sbiten are due to the inclusion of honey in it. It is this component that saturates the drink with many vitamins and minerals. It has a tonic effect, helps to restore strength after heavy mental and physical stress. In a small amount, the drink is approved for use by diabetics. It is also important to include sbiten in the diet for anemia, indigestion, impaired intestinal activity, pathologies of the cardiovascular system and diseases of the dermis.

Thanks to additional spices, sbiten acquires healing properties. Thus, if you add cloves to the drink, the result is a potion that will help relieve stomach and intestinal cramps, reduce pain and provide energy to the body. The addition of cinnamon to sbiten gives the drink antifungal properties, which reduces the development of putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as normalize blood glucose levels. Cardamom in the composition of such a solution will have a positive effect on the nervous system, help relieve stress. If you add elecampane to the solution, you get a tool that is effective in the presence of cough. If you include sage, thyme or oregano in the composition, the drink will acquire anti-inflammatory characteristics.

For good reason, sbiten was originally used precisely in winter frosts and bad weather. After all, it helps to restore strength, improve mood, enrich the body with vitamins.In addition, such a product reduces the likelihood of developing inflammatory, respiratory, infectious pathologies. Sbiten also destroys pathogenic microflora, allows you to cope with diseases of the gums and oral cavity.

Moreover, this drink normalizes the liver, cleanses it of toxins, improves intestinal motility, helps to remove stones and feces. If you take the product on an empty stomach, you can get rid of parasites, since honey in its composition has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. When warm, such a cocktail can reduce acidity, restore intestinal mucous membranes, and eliminate dysbiosis. As for the cold drink, it should be remembered that it can irritate the intestines. For this reason, it should not be used in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

For women

For women, the product is useful in that it has a calming effect, that is, it helps to cope with stress, restores the nervous system. Useful properties of such a drink are its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory qualities.

Girls are also appreciated for the fact that it favorably affects the metabolic processes, stimulating fat burning. In addition, fluid helps restore energy balance after training. Thus, when eating fasting in the morning, the benefits of the product are manifested in improving the activity of the digestive tract and urinary system, in awakening the body and reducing headaches.

In addition, the drink helps to reduce appetite. If you need to lose weight, it is recommended to use such a useful product, as it helps to burn fat, accelerates the digestion of food. To enhance the effect of fat burning, you can add components such as lemon, ginger or apple cider vinegar to the solution.

The benefits of the solution are also manifested in the cosmetology sphere. At the same time, the composition helps to cleanse the skin, strengthen the structure of the hair and stimulate their growth.

We can say that the drink comprehensively affects the entire human body, saturating all its cells with useful substances.

If honey water is consumed before bedtime, it will act as a sedative, which also has a beneficial effect on metabolism.

For men

For the stronger sex, sabiten is appreciated in that it is able to improve the activity of the heart and blood vessels. It should also be noted that the drink helps to normalize the value of cholesterol in the body, which reduces the load on the cardiovascular system.

During pregnancy

Although the complex of water, honey and various other herbal supplements is a very useful product for the body, nevertheless, while carrying the baby, its use should be limited. This is due to the fact that the main component of such a drug is honey, which is considered a strong allergen. For this reason, during pregnancy, it is not recommended to consume such a cocktail on your own.

Such a composition will help to relax, relieve nervous tension and eliminate headaches. However, it is very important to consult a doctor regarding its use so as not to harm the unborn baby.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, this product should also be discarded. Very often, the baby has an allergic reaction to honey. If there is no tendency to allergies, intolerance to beekeeping products is not observed, the doctor may permit the use of such a useful solution. However, when breastfeeding, the use of the drink is unacceptable until the baby reaches three months of age. After three months, you need to contact a pediatrician to change your daily diet without any harm to health.

For kids

Children should also take water with honey with extreme care. Again, this is due to the high probability of developing an allergic reaction.Up to three years, it is not recommended to introduce honey and other dishes with its addition into the children's menu. After reaching the age of three, you need to contact a pediatrician and make sure that the child is not allergic to such a component. The first lure must begin with 1-2 tsp. Frequent feeding of children with honey in large quantities can harm a fragile body and provoke an allergy.

When losing weight

Water with honey for weight loss is used due to the beneficial qualities that normalize digestion and speed up metabolic processes. The use of such a drink improves the digestibility of beneficial elements. In addition, it has a mild laxative effect, which eliminates problems with the digestive tract. At the same time, intestinal microflora is also restored.

To reduce body weight, it is recommended to drink a cocktail in a warm form for 15-20 minutes before eating. By the way, it has a beneficial effect on the activity of the liver. The beneficial properties of such a product are also manifested in the presence of peptic ulcers, since it ensures their healing.

As mentioned above, the caloric content of the water and honey complex is not more than 55-60 kilocalories. Such a useful solution reduces appetite, makes up for the lack of carbohydrates. To enhance the effect of losing weight, various other products that have fat-burning properties can be added to the drink. Such a healthy cocktail must be present in the diet of a losing weight person. If it is used incorrectly, which is important to consider, it can be harmful to human health, therefore it is recommended to consult a specialist in advance regarding the method of use.

Sbiten in medicine

The beneficial properties of warm water with the addition of honey and other components are manifested directly in colds, intestinal upset, dysbiosis and other pathologies. A slightly warmed solution ensures the normalization of important digestive processes for constipation. It should be noted that before starting therapy, it is important to verify the absence of an allergic reaction and other contraindications, so as not to harm the body. In no case should you start taking such a useful solution and medicines yourself.

From parasites

If you drink sbiten morning and evening, you can get rid of worms. The healing properties of such a product adversely affect parasites and their eggs. The mild laxative effect of the product also has a beneficial effect on the body. In this case, it is recommended to combine this drug with other medicines and drink sbiten for 1 tbsp. twice a day.

With gastritis

Water with honey is used to eliminate nausea and heartburn in the presence of gastritis and other diseases of the stomach. For gastritis, it is recommended to drink the drink directly on an empty stomach, an hour or a half before eating, and in the evening, at least 3 hours after dinner. At the same time, mucus liquefies, pain is eliminated, and the acidity level is also normalized.

With pancreatitis

A glass of water with the addition of a spoonful of honey is useful for inflammation of the pancreas. The benefit of such a drink, drunk on an empty stomach, is due to the fact that the beekeeping product is completely digested by the body and is a natural sugar substitute, which is prohibited for use in pancreatic pathologies. This product is also used for anemia. Honey stimulates the production of hemoglobin, saturates all cells of the body with very useful substances for it.It must be remembered that the uncontrolled use of food is dangerous to health.

With diabetes

The honey contains a substance such as chromium. It provides normalization of glucose levels in the blood, and also prevents the appearance of fat cells. When drinking a drink, it is important for diabetics to calculate the correct dosage. Drinking sbiten is best in the morning. In this case, you should choose a quality product.

For the liver

You can cleanse and treat liver pathologies using a natural remedy based on honey. Useful properties of this component help get rid of stagnation of bile, contribute to the restoration of tissues of this organ. To cure the liver, it is recommended to use mineral water. The solution is best drunk on an empty stomach in the morning.

A cocktail can be used as a preparation for cleansing the liver. In this case, for several weeks you should drink the solution in a warm form 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals, as well as before bedtime. It is important to limit the use of sugar and sweets.

For colds and viral diseases

Doctors recommend using beekeeping products as one of the best methods for treating viral, colds. The properties of such substances allow you to restore strength and energy, suppress inflammatory processes, and also participate in the fight against microbes.

It is recommended to use water with cough honey with additional elements such as viburnum, radish, lemon, etc. Solutions and infusions, made according to the requirements of the recipe, are effective when used 1-3 times a day. Milk drinks are also effective.

For eye diseases

With conjunctivitis, you can apply lotions from sbitniya twice a day. The recipe for such a drink is very simple. It is only necessary to boil 1 tsp. beekeeping product in 250 ml of water for 2 minutes. After this, cool the liquid and apply in the form of a compress for 15-20 minutes.

You can also use droplets of honey water to relieve pain, fatigue, redness of the eyes. The duration of treatment in this case is 2 weeks. In this case, it is necessary to start every day with instillation of such a tool in the eyes. After that, take a break for 7 days, and then repeat the course again.

Drops based on honey and water will be useful to humans also with increased intraocular pressure. In this case, a special regimen is used for treatment. The therapeutic effect is achieved after 3 weeks of therapy, treatment lasts up to 2 months.

To improve vision, you should prepare a solution where the ratio of honey to water is 1 cup of liquid per 1 tbsp. honey component. Take the solution orally at night, and also use for washing the eyes with inflammation, tension and fatigue.

How to drink sbiten

In order to get the greatest effect and pleasure from eating a delicious slimming, you need to figure out how to drink it. There are several points regarding the use of this solution. If it does not contain alcohol-containing substances, almost everyone can drink it in a small volume. Caution should be observed only in the presence of allergies.

Very sweet foods with such a drink have a sugary flavor. In summer, sbiten can be used as kvass, as it perfectly quenches thirst. And in the winter, when it is cold outside, it perfectly warms.

If diluted 1 tbsp. saturated sbitniya in a circle of water, you get a vitamin composition that saturates the body with various minerals and useful compounds.

In order for treatment with a drink to be effective, some nuances should be taken into account that will allow you to get the maximum benefit from the course of therapy. First of all, it should be remembered that the solution must be used immediately after its manufacture. To improve the activity of all organs and systems of the body, it is necessary to drink these funds in the morning on an empty stomach. If you need to improve sleep, this cocktail can be consumed at night. The temperature of the solution should be comfortable. The use of the medicine in the morning is allowed no later than a quarter of an hour before breakfast.

Sbiten in cosmetology

In its pure form, the beekeeping product is widely used in the cosmetology sphere, however, it has a number of contraindications. When diluted, the product does not cause allergies when used outdoors. The benefits of honey and cold water are felt when caring for facial skin and hair.

For face

Honey-based tonic is characterized by soothing and nourishing properties. Such a tool can reduce dryness, redness and peeling of the skin. After applying this product to the dermis, it becomes very smooth and tender. The classic recipe for a cosmetic product in this case consists of 1 tbsp. water and 1 tsp honey. Such a tonic is very easy to use: they only need to rinse your face twice a day after washing. It is important to remember that in excessive amounts, honey is harmful to the skin.

For hair

Such a sweet balm for curls helps to improve their structure, saturate them with vitamins. In addition, this composition allows you to reduce the number of split ends, has a protective effect.

To prepare the balm, you need 2 tsp. honey and 1 tablespoon warm water. The resulting mass must be distributed along the entire length of the hair, and also applied to the scalp. The tool should act for an hour under a hat. After that, wash your hair with regular shampoo.

Harm and contraindications

Sbiten does not apply to medicines. You can drink such a drink without any restrictions. However, in this case, it should be remembered that it contains components, each of which is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, so in some situations you need to think before using the composition.

Such a cocktail can be not only healing, it can also harm human health. Firstly, this applies to people who are allergic to honey, and also have kidney or heart failure. In addition, the product is contraindicated for those who have an individual intolerance to certain ingredients of the drink.

With care, sbiten should be used in the presence of diabetes mellitus, as well as during an exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract. This is due to the fact that the product can harm the digestive system. Sbiten is used for the preventive purposes of a number of diseases, while it must be drunk in courses. Daily use of the drink is indicated to maintain the health of the body.

When using a low-alcohol honey drink, those who have contraindications to drinking alcohol should be careful. Such limitations are impaired functioning of the kidneys, heart, liver. The period of gestation, breastfeeding, chronic pathologies, circulatory disorders in the brain are also a reason for refusing to consume such a drug.

Girls who follow the figure and follow a diet should know that this composition is a fairly high-calorie drink, it has a high concentration of carbohydrates and glucose.

How to cook sbiten: recipes

When a person is very tired, the protective functions of his body are reduced, and he begins to hurt. This is especially often observed in cold, frosty weather. And precisely at this moment recipes for making sbitn will become useful. It is believed that this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from a cold. This drink is prepared without any special costs and skills. At the same time, it allows you to increase immunity, raise your mood and not cause harm, since it contains natural and safe components.

There are several options for getting sbitn at home.

Classic recipe

You will need the following products: 1 kg of molasses, 250 g of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, 5 buds of cloves, 1 tbsp.ground ginger root, several peas of allspice, 7 pieces of cardamom, 5 l of water.

First you need to dilute molasses in boiling water. After the liquid has cooled to 40 degrees, add honey. It should be remembered that if a beekeeping product is added to a very hot liquid, it can lose most of its valuable qualities. After this, send the mixture to low heat for 15-20 minutes. After that, add all the remaining ingredients, and boil the potion for a few more minutes. The resulting drink is consumed hot.

Strawberry Juice Sbiten

After the winter, when vitamin deficiency is observed in the body, massive epidemics of the common cold begin, and you can take advantage of a valuable vitamin diet. To create it, you need the following ingredients: 250 ml of strawberry squeeze, 1 tbsp. mint, 0.5 tsp St. John's wort, 1 tsp sage, 2.5 liters of water and 250 g of honey.

Strawberry juice should be poured into the boiling liquid and boil the mixture for several minutes. Next, add honey and herbal ingredients. After that, boil the mass for about an hour, regularly removing the foam.

There is another way to cook sbitnitsa according to this recipe. In this case, you should first dissolve the honey component in boiling water and insist at room temperature for a day. After that, boil the liquid for 2 hours over low heat. 10 minutes before being ready, add all remaining substances.

Suzdal Sbiten

The basis of such a drink is honey and sugar, taken in equal quantities, namely 150 g. In addition, you will need another 1 liter of water and 15 g of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf and cardamom. In hot water, add honey and cook the solution for 15 minutes. After that, add spices and spices to the mixture, and then continue cooking for another 7 minutes over low heat. Filter the hot solution, and then add the burnt sugar to it.

Another option for the preparation of such a drug is slightly different. First you need 6 tbsp. boil sugar until caramel is formed, then remove from the stove and dissolve in 100 ml of boiling water. Approximately 0.5 cups of honey pour in 1 liter of water and keep on the stove for 20 minutes. Without removing the mass from the fire, add the indicated spices. Cook the mass for another 5 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and mix it with hot sugar in hot form.

Kolomna Sbiten

To make a drink with your own hands, you will need 150 g of honey, 100 g of sugar, 2 l of water, a couple of buds of cloves, 5-6 peas of black allspice, 2 tsp each. mint and St. John's wort, 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger.

First you need to dilute the honey product in a glass of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Do the same procedure with sugar in the same amount of water. After that, mix both syrups and cook them until a thick mass is formed. Boil the remaining 1.5 liters of water, add the indicated spices, and then cook for a quarter of an hour. After this, the mass is insisted for another 10 minutes. Next, combine the syrup with broth and warm to a boil. If necessary, filter the liquid. Serve the drink hot.

Low alcohol sbiten

No less popular were drinks based on alcoholic ingredients. In such cases, wine and mash were used. Alcohol-containing substances were added to a previously prepared broth or used instead of water.

The way to get this option is very simple. At the same time, 500 g of honey should be mixed with a bottle of red dry wine and boiled. To preserve most of the useful elements, you can simply fill the beekeeping product with wine, heated to 50 degrees. After this, remove the mass from the heat, add spices such as cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg to the tip of the knife. Now leave the solution to cool completely. Filter the drink before use.

Interesting Facts

1. For a long time, sbiten was served in a special container, which was called the "sosnitsa".This dish was an earthenware vessel that had a spout with a hole closing with a lid. People believed that drinking this drink from such a clay container is not only more beautiful, but also much tastier.
2. At the very beginning, the beaten had other names, such as “var”, “digest”.
3. The drink was especially popular at fairs. People who sold such a product were called sbitenschiki.
4. Recipes for making sbitn were passed from one generation to another. Therefore, you can try to find out the old way of getting a drink from your grandmother.
5. In Russia, sbiten was used to treat prostatitis. It was believed that the product can not only improve blood circulation, but also increase potency.

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