Currant leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Currants are one of the most favorite 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 the plant. The most popular varieties are considered red and black currants. On the territory of the Russian Federation, golden and white currants are also grown.

Of all the species, black currant is the most useful and tasty. Its fruits are consumed internally as fresh and cooked. Of it make jam, jelly, pies, compotes, syrups, tinctures, liqueurs, wines, liqueurs.

But not only the berries of the plant have a positive effect on the human body. Currant leaves are actively used for pharmacological purposes. They are used to produce medicines. Folk medicine resorts to decoctions and teas from the leafy part of the shrub in the treatment of many diseases.

Such popularity is explained very simply - all parts of the plant are a treasure trove of useful vitamins, micro- and macronutrients, so necessary for a person.

Interesting facts about currants:

1. The shrub grows almost throughout the entire territory of the globe. The only exceptions are Australia and Antarctica.
2. The unripe berries contain four times more vitamin C than the mature ones.
3. The bushes that grow in the North are the most useful.
4. The leaves are just as useful as the berries.
5. In ancient times, the shrub was grown in the vicinity of monasteries and was called "monastery berry."
6. Where currants come from, it has not been precisely established. But there are suggestions that it was born in Asia.
7. To saturate the human body with the daily norm of vitamin C it is enough to eat only 35-40 berries of black currant every day.
8. Currant leaves have a pleasant flavor, which allows their successful use as a seasoning in the preparation of some meat and fish dishes.

Chemical Composition

Due to its chemical composition, the garden shrub has a number of medicinal properties. Even our ancestors used the plant to treat and prevent many ailments. The benefits from the use of currants are also recognized by official medicine. The leaves in the form of an extract are added in the production of various medicines.

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.

Certified doctors and folk healers are unanimous in their opinion about 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.

Harvesting and storage

In order to get the maximum benefit from the use of currant leaves remedies, it is necessary to conduct a proper collection.

The leaves can be collected from the beginning of flowering until late fall. But the optimal period for collecting the leaf part of currants is May-June, before the berries ripen. This is when the leaf is most enriched with medicinal substances. Experienced herbalists recommend paying attention to the phase of the moon. The most favorable day of collection is a new moon.

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

Only black currant leaves are considered useful. In red currants, the berries are used for medicinal purposes. Of course, you can also collect the leaves, but they will have no tangible effect.

Gathering should be done with clean hands and very carefully, so as not to damage the branches of the shrub. It is necessary to choose leaves of good quality, without insect damage. An important point: if you do not want to disrupt and reduce the fruiting of the shrub for next year, you should pluck the greens from the middle, not touching the upper and lower part. After collecting the required amount, you need to think about storage.

Before you send the healing leaves for storage, they must be properly dried. This will require placing the leaves on a flat surface in a single layer and placing them in a sunny, but windless, place. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Readiness is determined by touch. As soon as the leaves begin to crisp and crumble in the hands, you can pour into a container for storage.

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

Can I freeze them?

There is another way to store currants - freezing in the freezer. It is more suitable for the berries of the shrub. But with its help, you can also save the leaves. Only first be sure to rinse them thoroughly and remove excess moisture. Then place them in a bag and send it to the freezer. The period of such storage should not exceed 6 months. But experts note that this method will negatively affect the taste qualities of currants when defrosting, the already subtle flavor will be lost.

Medicinal properties of currant leaves

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

1. Improve the work of the cardiovascular system, normalize heartbeat, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have a positive effect on the composition of the blood, purify it.
2. Normalize blood pressure.
3. Have a significant effect on the normalization of vision.
4. Beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys.
5. They are able to slow down the aging process of the skin, as well as have a positive effect on its condition.
6. Strengthen the immune system.

In addition, currant leaves have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, tonic, restorative and anticancer properties.

For women

The use of preparations and folk remedies containing currant leaves has a beneficial effect on the female body, removes fatigue and irritability, gets rid of insomnia, normalizes metabolic processes, water balance. Shrub has proved itself excellent in the treatment and prevention of female genital diseases, as well as ailments associated with the urinary system. It has a rejuvenating effect and is actively used as a preventive agent for benign and malignant neoplasms.

It is excellent for preparing rejuvenating and cleansing facial masks. Decoction of currants effectively affects the hair, restores it and strengthens it.

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

For men

Currants have a beneficial effect on the male body as well. Permanent stress at work often causes men cardiovascular disease. World statistics show that every year the number of members of the stronger sex are increasingly likely to have heart disease and various vascular problems. And the age criterion is decreasing every year. Tea from currant leaves can have a preventive effect on overwork, depression, nervousness.

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

Specialists recommend that men apply remedies prepared with the addition of currant leaves, at least four times a year, by courses of at least 14 days.

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 the baby.

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

When breastfeeding

There are no contraindications to the use of drugs and gatherings, 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 to use currant remedies in moderation. Vitamin C contained in the leaves of the shrub can cause a serious allergic reaction in the newborn.

For children.

Currants in all its forms are an indispensable product for children's diets. Pediatricians strongly recommend regularly including currant tea or decoction in the child's menu. This product is able to improve the immunity of the growing body, strengthen bones, normalize the gastrointestinal tract, protect against viral and cold-related diseases.

Also a bath with the addition of currant decoction will have a favorable effect on the delicate skin of the child. Currants have proven excellent against sweating and as an antibacterial and wound-healing agent for abrasions and cuts.

For weight loss

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

First, they help to normalize metabolism and accelerate metabolic processes. These two disorders are most often the main cause of excess body weight.

Secondly, currant leaves have a mild diuretic effect, which will help to get rid of edema.

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

Fourthly, the body gets all the important vitamins and minerals, so necessary during the diet.

All the world nutritionists are unanimous in the opinion that currant leaf preparations help to improve the results in the fight for a beautiful trim figure. There is even a currant mono-diet and unloading cleansing days on tea from the leaves.

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

Currant leaves in folk medicine

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

An interesting fact, the content of vitamin C just in the leafy part of the shrub is much higher than in the fruits.

For diabetes.

Remedies from the leaves of black currant can provide a person suffering from diabetes with many useful substances, such as carotene, vitamins C, E, PP and group B, pectin, phosphoric acid, potassium, iron, natural sugars.

Currants can have a preventive effect at the pre-diabetes stage.

Doctors recommend using currants for all types of diabetes, but in moderate amounts. Observing the measure, a diabetic can improve the condition of the walls of blood vessels, clean the blood from cholesterol, reduce sugar levels with the help of preparations from the leaves of the shrub. There are several recipes for medicinal preparations for the treatment of diabetes.

1. Infusion of the fruits and leaves of currants. Pour a tablespoon with a glass of boiling water. Allow to infuse for 20 minutes. Take internally 5-6 times a day for 100 grams.
2. Grind dried leaves. A glass of hot water will need 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Insist for half an hour. Use several times a day, one glass.
3. To prepare this remedy you will also need blueberry leaves. Mix them with currants in equal proportions - a tablespoon each. Pour boiling water in an amount of 250 ml. Use in 30 minutes, once a day.

With gastritis

With gastritis, peptic ulcer and hyperacidity is not recommended to eat black currant berries in pure form. But the remedies from the leaves of the shrub can not only be used to treat these diseases, but even very necessary!

1. Small leaves of currants in an amount of 25-30 pieces pour 1 liter of dry white wine. Remove to 2 weeks in a dark place. At the end of this period, strain. Take 100 ml several times a day.
2. Alcoholic currant tincture has proven itself in the treatment of gastritis with reduced acidity. For its preparation you will need 1 liter of red dry wine and 20 g of dried currant leaves. Mix both ingredients, close the container tightly and place in a dark, cool place for 21 days. As with the first recipe, strain. The course of treatment - 14 days. It is recommended to use 50 ml once a day.

With gout

Such a disease as gout significantly spoils a person's life. And it's not just the fact that there is an external deformation of the upper limbs, but also in the pain syndrome that causes the disease of the joints. Cure gout completely only one currant remedy does not work. It requires a comprehensive approach, including medications. But decoctions and infusions of currant leaves can reduce pain.

1. To prepare it, 2 tablespoons of dried leaves of the shrub and 0.5 liters of boiling water will be required. Mix both components. Insist for 60 minutes. The resulting volume should be drunk in a day. The course of treatment is from one to two months. During this period, pain sensations should decrease to a minimum.
2. An infusion of currants and cranberries will help to alleviate the symptoms of gout. It is necessary to take a tablespoon each of the chopped leaves of the specified plants. Pour the herbal mixture with 500 ml of boiling water. Allow to infuse one hour. Take a month, 4-5 times a day for 100 ml.

An important point: After a few weeks of treatment, your urine may become cloudy. Do not be afraid of such a reaction of the body, it is normal, because there is an active cleansing of excess salts. There is no need to stop using the remedy, after 7-14 days everything will be normalized.

When cystitis

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

Folk healers offer several dozen recipes for the treatment of this problem. Let's consider the most popular and effective ones.

1. Take 100 fresh currant leaves. They must be thoroughly crushed until the juice appears. Then add 300 ml of boiling water. Cover tightly and leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes. Then strain and all the resulting volume to drink at once. The course of treatment - 14 days. Once a day is enough.
2. To prepare the remedy, take dried leaves of three kinds of plants - currants, raspberries, cranberries - 30 grams each. Pour 1 liter of hot water over the cured herbal mixture. Insist 15 minutes under a lid. Take during the day. The recommended period of treatment is 14-21 days.

From coughs

For the rapid elimination and prevention of coughs, the fruits and leaves of black currant are good. The plant has antimicrobial, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. Especially effective proved to be the following recipe.

5 tablespoons of crushed currant leaves steeped in 1 liter of boiling water for several hours. It is recommended to use a thermos for this purpose. Drink the infusion during the day instead of the usual tea. The remedy helps to get rid of coughs of different origin, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, the initial stage of tuberculosis.

For weight loss

Already mentioned about the miraculous benefits of currant remedies in the fight against extra pounds. Let's consider the most popular recipes for weight loss.

1. Tea recipe. The most common remedy is tea from dried currant leaves. To prepare it is very simple: just pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water. After 20 minutes, you can use it internally. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add raspberry leaves and linden blossoms. Drink several times a day.
2. Recipe for a drainage remedy. To achieve a good and lasting result, it is necessary to establish the work of the lymph drainage system and get rid of excess fluid in the body. The currant remedy prepared in the following way will do the job wonderfully: 30 grams of dried or fresh leaves of the plant, pour 500 ml of hot water. Insist for 30 minutes. Apply 3 times a day, half a glass for 15 minutes before a meal. The period of use is set individually and lasts until the appearance of visible and lasting results.

Recipe for normalization of blood pressure.

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

Types of medicinal compositions

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

Infusion

Infusion is used to treat many ailments. Prepare it according to the classic recipe is not difficult at all. You will need 6 tablespoons of crushed dried currant leaves and 1 liter of steep boiling water. Pour water over the mixture, cover with lid, wrap in a warm cloth and leave for 2-3 hours. Before using be sure to strain. Is taken internally in doses necessary for the treatment of a disease.

Tincture .

Unlike infusion, in order to prepare a fragrant and healing tincture, you need to buy alcohol or vodka. You can also use home moonshine, but the period of infusion will be much longer. It is recommended to prepare in a container of dark color. Currant leaves are washed and put in a jar, pour the alcoholic liquid. Insist for at least 21 days. There are several standard recipes for currant tincture, depending on the type of alcohol used.

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

• Fresh currant leaves in such an amount that would be enough to fill a three-liter jar by a third;
• 1 tablespoon sugar;
• 1 teaspoon of crushed lemon peel;
• 2-3 pcs. dried cloves;
• 1 liter of vodka.

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

Apply internally 50 ml at the first symptoms of colds.

Recipe for tincture in alcohol
Preparation of currant tincture using alcohol is very similar to the classic ways of making other herbal similar products. The difference is that experts do not recommend using the alcoholic elixir in pure form, it is better to dilute it with water before using it.

Necessary products:

• 0.5 liters each of 96% alcohol and water;
• 100 grams of sugar;
• 500 g of fresh currant leaves.

Preparation: Wash the leaves and put them in a jar, add sugar and alcohol. Place in a dark place for 10 days. Strain, add the required amount of water.

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

Recipe for tincture on moonshine
Almost no difference from the previous recipe. But there are a few nuances. Experts advise to add to the leaves also 500 g of currants. Such a remedy will have a more pronounced aroma, a beautiful ink color, and the taste will be milder. When infusing, it is necessary to shake the remedy 3-4 times.

Decoction

Due to the chemical composition, currant leaves have exceptional benefits for the human body. Decoction from this plant is considered healing and helps to get rid of many ailments, avitaminosis, recover in the postoperative period, improve immunity, cleanse from toxins, and speed up the metabolism. In addition, currant remedy is excellent for the prevention of colds.

Decoction is an excellent antiseptic, so it is often used in the form of lotions and compresses to treat cuts, wounds, abrasions and other skin problems. The 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 currant leaves (can be replaced by 2 tablespoons of dried raw materials);
• One glass of boiling water.

Preparation: Mix both ingredients. Put on a moderate heat. Cooking time should not exceed 15 minutes. After that, remove the container with the broth from the stove, allow to cool naturally, strain. The healing remedy is ready.

Important point: Store the finished product no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.

Tea

Currant tea can be consumed regularly, it is an excellent substitute for ordinary tea. But they should not be fond of, the recommended dose - 250-300 ml per day.

Prepare it simply. You must take 2-3 fresh currant leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried. Pour 300 ml of boiling water. For a pronounced flavor, it is recommended to boil for a few minutes. Drink once a day, instead of tea. If desired, you can add honey. Only add it not in a hot, but in a warm drink. Otherwise, the bee sweetness loses its useful properties.

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

Recipe for vitamin tea
To prepare it, the following components will be required: 2-3 leaves of currants, one leaf of raspberries and strawberries. Pour 500 ml of herbs boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes. Consume several times a day at 200 ml.

Oil

Blackcurrant oil is considered one of the most valuable and rare. It is made from the oil that is left over from the berries after they have been processed into juice. It has a characteristic yellow color, thick consistency and delicate flavor, and is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery purposes.

The main value of currant oil lies in 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, has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and heart muscle, burns fat, and helps build muscle mass. People who lead a healthy lifestyle, trying to lose weight, children just need to consume foods high in omega-3.
2. Omega-6 (gamma-linolenic fatty acid). Famous for its beneficial properties and plays a huge role in cell division. In addition, it has a significant effect on normalizing hormonal balance, the overall condition of the skin and hair, the functioning of the circulatory system and the function of the brain.
3. Omega-9 (oleic acid). The benefit lies in the ability to prevent cholesterol deposits and blockages, normalize blood sugar levels. It has a powerful anti-tumor 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;
• tonic;
• diuretic;
• diaphoretic;
• wound-healing;
• choleretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• sedative;
• cleansing;
• immunomodulatory;
• antiviral.

Independently, at home to prepare oil from currants is difficult, so it is better to buy this healing remedy in a specialized store or pharmacy network.

Use in cosmetology

Currant leaves are actively used in cosmetology. Including this raw material in cosmetics, you can get the following results:

• saturate the skin with necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements;
• Cleanse the skin;
• To improve elasticity;
• Get rid of skin diseases;
• achieve a natural complexion;
• prevent the premature appearance of wrinkles.

In addition, currant remedies have a favorable effect on the hair, restoring its structure, giving volume and a healthy look.

Baths with the addition of currant decoction have proved excellent. Such water procedures have a restorative, soothing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. All you need is to prepare a decoction in accordance with the classic recipe above. For one procedure will be enough to 1 liter of currant healing agent.

To feel all the miraculous effects of currant preparations there is no need to visit expensive beauty salons. All the necessary remedies for face and hair care can be prepared without leaving home.

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

• 150 ml of sour milk or sour milk;
• 1.5 tablespoons of dried crushed currant leaves.

Combine both ingredients, mix thoroughly. Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin. Time of action is 20 minutes. Afterwards rinse off with warm water. It is recommended to carry out this procedure once a week until the pimples completely disappear.

Recipe for a whitening mask
Freckles are pigmented spots on the face. Some people treat them calmly, others they are very irritating. Get rid of this problem will help whitening mask with currant leaves.

Mix 1 teaspoon each of dried crushed leaves and oatmeal flour. Add one chicken egg and mix well. The resulting mass apply to the face and keep for 15 minutes. After this time remove the mask with lukewarm water. Use several times a week.

Recipe for a remedy to get rid of greasy skin

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

Ingredients:

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

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

Application: Clean gauze soaked in a prepared solution and apply to the face for 15 minutes. The procedure should be performed every day, several times a day. The course of treatment - 5 days. If necessary, in a few weeks you can repeat the course.

If you do not have time to regularly prepare home remedies for facial skin care, you can use an easy 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 your face daily, morning and evening, after cleansing procedures. Such manipulations with the skin will increase its elasticity, moisturize and give a healthy look.

Today you can find a large number of homemade recipes for the treatment of hair on the Internet. Currant leaves are one of the most popular and effective ingredients included in masks and rinses.

Decoction, prepared according to the classic recipe, has a remarkable effect on the hair. After each washing of the head, you need to rinse your hair with this currant remedy. With regular use, the result will not make you wait long. After a few months you can note positive changes.

Currant oil, in combination with grape oil, will help to quickly restore the structure of damaged hair. It is necessary to mix in equal proportions of two types of oils. Rub into the scalp with massaging movements, at the end distribute with a hairbrush over the entire length. Leave to act for 30 minutes. Rinse well with water and usual shampoo. It is recommended to carry out the restoration procedure 2 times a month until the desired result is achieved.

Not only hair and face need care and nourishment. Do not forget about the body. There is an excellent recipe for body care, based on currant leaves. To prepare the following products are required:

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

Mix all the herbal ingredients, pour boiling water. Allow to stand for 30 minutes. At the end of the specified time, strain the remedy. Carefully add the oil, mix it. Pour into a tightly closed container. Store in refrigerator. Rub into the body with massaging movements, especially in problem areas, once a day after taking a shower.

Currant body lotion will make your skin firm and velvety. In addition, it has proven to be excellent as an anti-cellulite product.

Contraindications for use

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

1. The most important and serious prohibition is for those people who have an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to this plant, as well as to the vitamins and minerals in its composition. If earlier signs of allergy have not been observed, and after the beginning of taking currants, itching and redness appeared, you should immediately stop taking preparations containing any part of the shrub.
2. People suffering from hepatitis, hyperacidity of the stomach, thrombophlebitis and increased blood clotting are also not recommended to use currants inside.
3. Give currants to children under one year old can only be after consultation with a pediatrician.

Almost all of the listed prohibitions apply to the use of currant tinctures, decoctions, teas inside. When applied externally, there is only one restriction - an allergic reaction of the body.

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

Photo of currant leaves