Blueberry leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

The small, black berries of a wild plant called bilberry at first glance seem rather unsightly. But the black forest "bead" contains many useful vitamins and minerals. The medicinal properties of the berry and leaves of the shrub were discovered quite a long time ago. Herbalists and herbalists gathered the forest berry and used it to treat a number of diseases. In folk recipes, blueberry leaves are one of the most common components. Decoctions, teas, infusions relieve inflammation, strengthen vision and the weakened body, have a positive effect on the work of internal organs. Blueberry leaf is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products.

Chemical Composition

Nature has endowed a unique composition of vitamins, micro- and macroelements not only blueberries, but also its shoots and leaves.

In the chemical composition of the leaves of the plant are present:

1. Quite a large amount of vitamin C and A, a little less B, PP.
2. Potassium, manganese, zinc, small amounts of calcium and cobalt.
3. Organic and inorganic acids: ascorbic, oxalic, succinic, quinic, oleic, ursolic, resinous.
4. Flavanoids and carotenoids.
5. Anthocyanins - large concentration of mirtillin.
6. Resins.
7. Essential oils that endow blueberry leaves with a unique fragrance.
8. Natural antiseptics - tannins.
9. Arbutin, which has a beneficial effect on the urogenital system.

Thanks to such a set of useful natural components and their compounds, blueberry leaf has a restorative effect on the body and has medicinal properties.

Harvesting and storage

Timely collection and proper harvesting contribute to the disclosure of the useful properties of the blueberry leaf in full.

Time for harvesting

A favorable period is in mid-May to June. Young juicy leaves and shoots contain the maximum amount of vitamins and useful elements. In late summer and early fall, the leaves are more mature. Their chemical composition has an increased concentration of tannins. If the collection is carried out for the treatment of a specific disease, then on the basis of this and choose the appropriate period.

Weather conditions

Leaves are better preserved if they are collected on a sunny day. It is desirable that there was no precipitation in the previous 24 hours.

Pruning

Blueberry leaves are not cut by hand, but carefully cut with scissors. Young ones are cut off along with the shoot. Autumn harvesting involves pruning only the leaves.

Drying .

After harvesting, the leaves should be poured in water and left for a few minutes. This method of cleaning helps to quickly get rid of dust, insects and dirt. Clean leaves are spread on a paper towel for several hours, getting rid of excess moisture.

Dry the leaves in a ventilated room or outside. The main thing is to choose a place where there is no sunlight. Leaves on a branch are more convenient to dry in a hanging state. Single raw material is better placed on paper.

Storage

Dried blueberry leaves are placed in a cloth bag with ties or a glass (ceramic) jar with a tight lid. It is recommended to store at room temperature in a dry and dark place. The leaves do not lose their unique properties for 2 years after the collection.

Blueberry leaves are used not only in dried form. They can be placed in the freezer, be sure to rinse before doing so. In the freezer leaves do not lose their useful properties for 12 months.

Therapeutic properties of blueberry leaves

Endowed by nature with a large amount of useful substances, the blueberry leaf has a number of medicinal properties:

1. Antibactericidal - help eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms from the body.
2. Hypoglycemic - normalize blood sugar levels.
3. Antimicrobial - used to reduce inflammatory and purulent processes.
4. Diuretics - in combination with antimicrobials help in treatment of cystitis.
5. Antiseptic - indispensable in diseases of the kidneys.
6. Disinfecting and healing - help to heal wounds and burns as quickly as possible.

Anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by tannins. In combination with other elements, they help cope with disorders of the digestive system.

It is difficult to overestimate the healing effect of blueberry leaves. As part of tinctures, decoctions, teas, this plant component benefits not only adults but also children's bodies, as well as women during pregnancy.

For women

Included in the composition of blueberry leaves vitamin and mineral complex helps the female body to cope with a number of gynecological diseases. Sprinkling the decoction alleviates the symptoms of thrush, relieves inflammation in the vagina.

Elements present in the chemical composition of this plant have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair, nails. Tea with blueberry leaves relieves swelling, removes harmful substances from the body, improving the overall condition.

For Men

Flavanoids, which are part of the leaves of blueberries, have a beneficial effect on the male reproductive system, improving its performance and reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Tinctures, teas improve the performance of the urinary system. Men at work with heavy physical exertion, a cup of herbal tea will help relieve muscle strain and overall fatigue.

Pregnancy

A woman's body during pregnancy needs a constant replenishment of the vitamin and mineral complex. Blueberry leaves contain quite a lot of vitamin C, A having a beneficial effect on the immune system, visual organs of the future mother.

Decoction and tea support the body of a pregnant woman, increasing the level of hemoglobin, reducing the swelling of the limbs, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body. Daily intake alleviates the overall condition with toxicosis, and helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system of the woman and child.

Take drinks made from blueberry leaves should only be taken after consulting a doctor and the absence of an allergy to blueberries.

For children

The medicinal properties of blueberry leaves are an excellent remedy to strengthen children's immune system, especially during a flu epidemic.

Green tea, prepared with the addition of blueberries, leaves and branches of this plant, has a calming effect on the nervous system of the child, increases mental activity.

Decoction can be used to rinse the mouth and throat. It relieves inflammation, promotes wound healing, has a disinfecting effect in stomatitis, gingivitis.

Therapeutic compositions are not recommended for children under the age of 4 years, and allergic persons.

Blueberry leaves in folk medicine

The healing properties of the blueberry leaf have been tested by more than one generation. Folk healers have created quite a few recipes that have an effective effect in the treatment of a large number of diseases.

Diabetes mellitus

Blueberry leaves, as well as the berry, help to reduce blood sugar levels. This plant is endowed with such properties due to the presence in its composition of a large percentage of mirtillin. It combined with other useful elements increases the receptor sensitivity of cells to insulin: the body begins to use glucose more efficiently, and its content in the blood decreases.

Decoction (diabetes I-II degree)
Ingredients:

• 20 g of blueberry leaves;
• 20 g nettle leaves (fresh);
• 30 g of young leaves of dandelion;
• 250 ml of water.

Brew the herbal collection. After 15 minutes, strain. Take 1 tbsp. 2-3 times a day. Receiving broth should begin only after approval of the attending physician and in the complex medical therapy.

Anemia

Iron, which is part of the chemical composition of blueberry leaves, replenishes the reserve of this element in the body. Therefore, decoctions are often included in the complex treatment of anemia.

Decoction recipe
Pour 7 tbsp. blueberry leaves with water. Boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Cool the broth. Take 100 ml 2 times a day for half an hour before a meal. The treatment is cyclic in nature: the duration of reception - 2 months. Then take a break for 30 days. After receiving broth to carry out the same scheme.

Improve immunity

Tea from blueberry leaves is an excellent remedy for strengthening the immune system. This is due to the content in the plant of a large amount of vitamin C and other useful elements. Taking the drink should be started at the beginning of autumn (spring).

Tea recipe:

• rosehip;
• elecampane root;
• blueberry leaves;
• raspberry sprigs;
• oregano;
• echinacea.

Take the same amount of herbs. Add to them 2 branches of raspberries and, pouring boiling water, leave at rest for ¼ hour.

For eye ailments.

Blueberry leaves, along with the berries, by stimulating the circulation of the retina, improve vision and prevent the appearance of disease. This plant has the ability to increase the production of protein and melatonin. These elements reduce eye strain and fatigue from long hours of computer work and driving. They help adapt people working in the dark hours of the day.

Infusion that strengthens vision and relieves fatigue
Components:

• blueberry leaves (dried) - 1 tbsp;
• water - 250 ml.

Grind the leaves, pour 1 tbsp. hot water and infuse for about 40 minutes. Strain the infusion to take 50 ml 3 times a day.

This concentrated solution is also used for lotions. After a hard day's work, it relieves stress, removes redness. It is enough to soak cotton pads with the infusion, put to the eyes and leave for 5-10 minutes.

Mouth ailments

Infusion of blueberry leaves has an antiseptic and analgesic effect in periodontal disease, thrush, gum inflammation. Use it for gargles. Anthocyanins in combination with tannins disinfect the oral cavity, relieve unpleasant astringent sensations.

Recipe for an infusion for periodontal disease
Pour 0.5 tbsp. dried blueberry leaves in a thermos and pour boiling water (0.75 liters). Allow to infuse (up to 20 minutes). Rinse the mouth several times a day (as often as possible). Repeat the procedure can be up to 7 days.

Gynecological diseases

For the treatment of female diseases, decoctions and infusions of blueberry leaves are used externally.

Decoction for the treatment of candidiasis
Freshly harvested or dried leaves (50 g) steep in steep boiling water (500 ml). Leave the decoction until the herb settles to the bottom of the vessel. Strain and use for douches. Carry out the procedure up to 5 times a day. Blueberry decoction will reduce inflammation and relieve unpleasant itching. It has hemostatic, antiseptic properties.

For weight loss

Healing compositions made from blueberry leaves improve the metabolism, speeding up the metabolism and reducing the need for carbohydrates. Blueberry leaf tea reduces the need for sweets and helps curb appetite while dieting.

Recipe 1
Ingredients:

• blueberry leaves - 1 tbsp;
• nettle leaves - 4 tbsp;
• Black elderberry inflorescences - 1/2 tbsp;
• St. John's wort herb - 3 tbsp;
• Peppermint - 3 tablespoons.

Mix all the herbs and pour 1500 ml of water. Boil for 10 minutes. Drink before eating 3-4 times a day.

Recipe number 2
Ingredients:

• blueberry leaves - 3 parts;
• St. John's wort - 2 parts;
• rose hips - 2 parts;
• bramble - 1 part;
• meadowsweet (leaves) - 1 part.

Brew the herbal collection and drink it as a tea. It not only improves the digestive process, but also helps to keep the body toned throughout the day.

Gout, arthritis.

The acids in the blueberry leaf relieve joint pain and inflammation.

Infusion that relieves joint pain
Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. dried blueberries;
• 50 g leaves;
• 400 ml of water;
• 10 g honey.

Boil blueberries with leaves for a short time. Allow the infusion to cool. To improve the taste add honey. Drink 2-3 times a day.

You can make a compress from the broth.

Pancreatitis .

Essential oils simulate bile separation, preventing its accumulation, improve blood circulation in the walls of the pancreas. Anthocyanins have a positive effect on the work of the internal organ, accelerating the breakdown of fats.

Recipe for the broth
Pour 400 ml of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of blueberries and 20 grams of dried leaves. Leave the infusion for 4 hours. Drink 20-25 minutes before each meal.

Diarrhea

Tannins have a binding effect on the intestines. Antibacterial properties of the plant remove poisonous substances, toxins that provoke poisoning and intestinal disorder.

To prepare the broth is desirable to use leaves collected in early fall or late summer. They contain more tannins than young leaves.

Decoction for dysentery
50 g of dried leaves combine with 20 g of berries. Boil over medium heat. Preferably longer - up to 20-30 minutes. Strain. You can drink it warm or cold. Reception to be carried out up to 5 times a day.

Hemorrhoids

The healing properties of blueberry leaf help to restore blood circulation in the vessels of the rectum, reduce inflammation and heal microcracks. Internal intake of infusions stops hemorrhoidal bleeding.

Infusion for taking as a drink
Pour 2 tbsp of crumbled blueberry leaves in 1 tbsp of hot water. After the infusion has cooled, strain. Drink decoction 1-2 times a day. Reception repeat every other day. The infusion has an astringent effect and relieves pain.

Decoction for enemas
A decoction with a high concentration is suitable for douches: 1 tbsp boiling water pour 4 tbsp of dried or young leaves. It is better to crush them beforehand. Boil and pour into a thermos (take the decoction into an enema warm). After 3 hours of infusion can be used for douches.

Skin diseases

In the complex treatment of eczema, dermatitis, skin lesions, a decoction or infusion of blueberry leaves is used. He has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect.

Recipe for a healing infusion
Ingredients:

• ¼ tbsp. of blueberry leaves;
• 2 tbsp. celandine;
• ½ tbsp. plantain leaves;
• 1 liter of purified water.

All ingredients place in a saucepan. Pour water and put on the stove. Boil the broth for about 5 minutes. Cool and strain through gauze folded into several layers.

Apply externally in the form of lotions until the wound is completely healed.

Infusion with purulent dermatitis
Boil 50 g of dried blueberry leaves in 1 liter of mineral water. Filter the cooled infusion. Soak cotton pads and apply a compress to pustules. Hold for no more than 20 minutes.

Types of medicinal compositions

Blueberry leaves are used to prepare medicinal infusions. They have a restorative effect, help improve bowel function, reduce acidity, and normalize heart rhythms. Decoctions of blueberry leaves remove toxins from the body, enriching it with antioxidants. They are used for douches for inflammation of the female organs. Tea from the leaves of this plant reduces appetite, has a tonic effect on the body. Tinctures are used as a rinse for oral infections, colds. Decoctions and tinctures have an antiseptic effect and promote healing of injuries, so they make lotions for burns, purulent wounds.

Infusion .

The greatest concentration of vitamins, essential oils and acids in the composition of blueberry leaves is contained in the decoction. It is recommended to take it not for preventive, but only for therapeutic purposes. The most effective drink is for anemia, disorders of the thyroid gland. People prone to allergies should take it with extreme caution.

Vitamin
In a bowl to pour 70 grams of dried blueberry leaves. Pour 2 tbsp. boiling water. Cover the decoction with a lid and let stand 60-80 minutes. Filter through gauze. Drink the infusion after a meal to 30 ml.

Tincture .

Cooked from the leaves of blueberries tincture not only has a great taste, but also retains the useful properties contained in the raw material. It helps to reduce the risk of colds, improves appetite, and helps to cope with depression.

Recipe of alcoholic tincture of blueberry leaves with the addition of citrus fruits
Ingredients:

• fresh blueberry leaves - 40 pcs;
• sugar - 1500 g;
• Blueberry twigs - 5 pcs;
• purified water - 1000 ml;
• vodka - 1700 ml;
• lemon - 1 pc;
• orange - 1 pc;
• cinnamon - 1 stick.

Pour the leaves and branches of blueberries in water. After a few minutes, take out and dry with a towel or napkin. Place in a saucepan, adding the cinnamon stick and grated lemon and orange zest. Pour water over the ingredients and place on the stove. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sugar to the hot syrup and stir until the crystals have dissolved. Pour the cooled infusion into a glass container and add vodka. Cover with lid and place in a dark place. After 2 months, strain the tincture. After that, put for another 30 days.

Homemade tincture of blueberry leaves are used internally and externally. It is suitable for compresses, lotions.

Alcoholic tincture of blueberry leaves for dermatitis
60 g of dry or fresh blueberry leaves, pour 200 ml of alcohol. Put in a dark place for 6 days. Such a tincture to wipe problem areas of the skin. It has antiseptic and drying effect. Store in a glass container with a lid, preferably in the refrigerator.

Decoction

Blueberry leaves are used to prepare decoctions. They improve brain activity, have an analgesic and soothing effect. External use of decoctions is recommended as a natural antibacterial agent for burns, pustules, abscesses, problem skin in adolescents.

Analgesic decoction
Place 40 g of leaves in a saucepan and pour 150 ml of hot boiled water. Steam the leaves in a water bath for 20 minutes. Remove and cover the saucepan with a lid. Leave for 10 minutes. After the allotted time, strain. Take 30 ml every 2 hours after a meal.

When poisoning.
Ingredients:

• blueberry leaves - 30 g;
• chamomile - 20 g;
• Cinquefoil roots - 20 g;
• Water - 250 ml.

All ingredients are placed in a small container, pour water and put on the fire. Bringing the herbal broth to a boil, reduce the intensity of fire and simmer for 5-7 minutes. When cooled, filter the healing composition.

For complete elimination of toxins from the body and to stop diarrhea decoction should be drunk continuously during the first 24 hours of the disease. The next day the decoction is taken 4 times a day. The treatment should continue for 3 days.

Tea

Blueberry leaves in tea give the drink an additional flavor, endowing it with an excellent taste and smell. Such a drink has a beneficial effect on the body: in the cold period of time helps to strengthen the immune system, in hot days - perfectly quenches thirst.

Blueberry leaves can be brewed on their own or used in combination with raspberry, currant leaves and twigs or added during the brewing of green (black) tea leaves.

Classic blueberry tea
To make it you will need:

• blueberry leaves - 6 pcs;
• blueberries - 4 tsp.

Place the leaves and berries in a brew pot. Infuse hot boiling water over the ingredients for ¼ hour. It is advisable to drink tea lightly sweetened. Honey (sugar) contributes to a greater disclosure of the flavor of blueberries.

Strengthening the immune system
Ingredients:

• blueberry leaves - 5 pcs;
• raspberry sprig - 2 pcs.
• Currant leaves - 4 pcs.

All ingredients pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Leave to infuse ¼ hour. This tea has a pleasant taste and a wonderful aroma.

Refreshing
Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. green tea;
• 2-3 mint leaves;
• 4 blueberry leaves.

Pour boiling water over tea and blueberry leaves. Leave for 3 minutes. Then add mint. Leave it for another 5-10 minutes. This tea is especially good when cold.

Cosmetic Applications

Blueberry leaves are one of the strongest antioxidants. This contributes to the use of the plant component in cosmetics that have a rejuvenating effect, tightening the contours of the face. Enhance the effect of essential oils, a set of organic acids, vitamins and useful macro-and micronutrients, which are part of the plant.

Healing and antiseptic properties eliminate acne, prevent the appearance of acne in adolescence. Useful active ingredients nourish the skin, give elasticity and natural complexion.

Masks, which include a blueberry leaf:

• stimulate blood circulation;
• Eliminate puffiness and bags under the eyes;
• Smooth out expression lines;
• Have protective properties against the effects of temperature extremes on the skin;
• tone the skin;
• reduce inflammation;
• Nourish and saturate dry skin with vitamins.

Baths with blueberry leaves have a relaxing effect, helping to tighten the skin in problem areas. This plant is used in products to combat cellulite.

Pore Thinning Mask

Crush blueberry leaves. Add a purée of fresh berries. Mix with wheat flour. As a result, the mixture should have the consistency of sour cream of medium thickness. Keep the mask for 10 minutes. It is desirable to carry out the procedure in the evening, before going to bed.

Blueberry and cream anti-aging mask

Ingredients:

• 100 g of berries;
• 3 tbsp of crushed young leaves;
• 20g of cream (nonfat).

Beat the ingredients in a blender. Apply the nourishing mass on the face. Leave on for 20 minutes.

For dry and fading skin

Ingredients:

• 10 berries;
• egg yolk;
• 4 blueberry leaves;
• 3 drops of wheat germ oil.

Before making a mask from the leaves, make a strong decoction. Crush the berries with a spoon (so more juice remains). Mix 2 tablespoons of leaf infusion with egg yolk and berries. Add oil to the mixture. Keep it for 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure once every 10 days.

Lotion for teenage skin

Take equal amounts of blueberry leaves, St. John's wort, plantain and succession. Add a few calendula flowers. Make a thick broth. Strain. Pour into a freezerproof dish and put it in the freezer. Wipe your face with ice cubes in the morning, after removing makeup and before going to bed.

Herbal firming bath

You will need:

• lily petals - 50 g;
• birch leaves - 30 g
• blueberry leaves - 70 g;
• dandelion leaves - 5 pcs;
• lemon oil - 3 drops;
• Linden inflorescences - 20 g.

All herbs are placed in a thermos and pour 1 tbsp. hot water. Allow the herbal mixture to stand for 2 hours. Strain and add lemon oil. Pour into the prepared water. Take a bath for 10-15 minutes.

Beneficial effect of blueberry leaves have on the hair. Tannins help in the fight against seborrhea and dandruff. Nicotinic acid combined with a vitamin complex helps to strengthen hair follicles and eliminate damage from the use of styling products.

Bath for dermatitis and psoriasis

Required:

• celandine;
• blueberry leaves;
• mother and stepmother;
• succession;
• chamomile.

Take all the herbs in equal proportions. Make a concentrated decoction. Insist in a thermos for an hour and a half. Before adding to water, it is recommended to strain through a fine sieve. Add to the bath only in warm form. After the procedure reduces inflammation. Frequent applications prevent the appearance of new psoriatic rashes.

Herbal rinse for oily hair

Ingredients:

• vinegar (wine) - 1 tbsp;
• rosemary - 15 gr;
• mint - 20 gr;
• blueberry leaves - 40 gr;
• sage - 30 gr;
• nettle - 10 gr.

Pour the herbs in a glass jar. Pour the vinegar. Close tightly with a lid. After 14 days the rinse is suitable for use. Before using the infusion dilute with water 1:2. Apply after every hair wash, no more than 3 times a week.

Mask against split ends

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. chamomile;
• 3 tbsp. blueberry leaves;
• 2 tbsp. St. John's wort;
• 2 ml each of linseed, burdock and coconut oils.

Infuse the herbs with oils for a week, put them in a glass container and close tightly with a lid. Put the vial in a dark place without sunlight. Apply by combing evenly over the entire length of hair, starting from the roots. The time of action of the oil-herbal mask is 40 minutes. After the time has passed carefully wash your head with shampoo under warm water.

Contraindications for use

External use of decoctions and tinctures of blueberry leaves has no contraindications. But to apply therapeutic infusions, teas and decoctions inside should be with caution.

Despite a number of useful properties, the use of berries and leaves of this plant can have a negative impact on the general condition and health of certain categories of people.

With particular caution should be treated healing compositions for people

• with cholelithiasis;
• Diseases of the stomach, accompanied by high levels of acidity;
• Chronic pancreatitis and cholecystitis;
• poor blood clotting.

Use for the preparation of decoctions, teas, tinctures mature blueberry leaves are not recommended for people with chronic constipation. They contain a fairly high percentage of tannins, which can further worsen the stool disorders. Do not be treated with blueberry leaves and people with pancreatic pathologies.

Extremely cautious should treat with infusions allergic people. This healing composition has the highest percentage of essential oils, which can cause an allergic reaction.

Decoctions, tinctures, teas with blueberry leaves on the body will not have harm, if during the treatment or prevention of diseases to adhere to the recommended norms of consumption and observe the cyclicity of reception.

Interesting facts about blueberries

1. The blueberry bush usually reaches 1.5 m in height, but in the tundra grows a dwarf species, only up to 5 cm in height.
2. The color is always black and rich. When the berry is dirty, it may appear blue, but washed always takes on a natural color.
3. In Krasnovishersk (Russia), a blueberry festival is held every year.
4. Scientists from America say that those who want to stay young, healthy and beautiful for a long time should include blueberries in their diet.
5. A postage stamp depicting a branch of a blueberry bush was printed and issued in a small edition in the USSR in 1964.
6. Often the black berry is used as a natural dye. Once upon a time, artists used to take blueberries to make purple and violet dye.
7. In Ukraine, a monument to blueberries was erected in the village of Guklivy.
8. Blueberries are considered the favorite berry of Canadians.
9. Forest berries and decoctions from their leaves must necessarily be present in the daily diet of astronauts.
10. Like most berries, blueberries tend to spoil quickly. Therefore, they should be washed right before consumption, not beforehand.
11. In the distant past, almost all herbalists and shamans in Russia especially liked to use blueberries for medicinal purposes. They believed that the berry has miraculous properties and contributes to a speedy recovery.

Photo of blueberry leaves