Cherry leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Cherry is an unpretentious tree with delicious fruits and useful juicy leaves. In our area cherry trees are grown everywhere. Healing properties are known to have and fruit stalks, and the roots of the tree, and young shoots. In home preparation of medicinal compositions, you can use both fresh and already completely dried raw materials.

Chemical Composition

Cherry leaves are rich in beneficial substances:

1. Quercetin. Positive effects on the heart muscle and CNS. Remedies based on personally harvested cherry leaves are natural antioxidants, because they contain flavonoids. Regular use of such compositions reduces the negative effects of so-called free radicals.
2. Phytoncides. Protect the body from fungi, bacteria, viruses. Inhibition of their growth with subsequent destruction.
3. Ascorbic acid. Strengthening the body's defenses.
4. Vitamins. Acceleration of metabolism. Sedative and restorative ability of the body due to the content of vitamins A, B, C, P.
5. Coumarin. Protection against blood clots, thinning the blood, a positive effect on blood clotting.
6. Essential oils, as well as unique tannins. Anti-inflammatory and tonic effect, disinfectant properties.
7. Gum. Reduces feelings of hunger and irritation of the walls of the stomach.
8. Micro- and macronutrients. Saturation of the body with calcium, manganese, magnesium, iodine, sodium, cobalt, potassium, copper, molybdenum, phosphorus.
9. Amygdalin. The heart rhythm is normalized, heart attacks are easier to endure.

Gathering and storage

Harvested from April to May or from mid-May to early June (depending on the region where the trees grow), when the composition of the leaves are optimal and the flowering process has not begun. Leaves are tender, juicy and fresh. In the same period and collect the shoots, while they are still young, not woody. If properly performed drying, raw material will retain its flavor and remain useful.

Gather the leaves together with the petioles after the rain, as soon as the first rays of sun dry the greenery, but do not pluck too many from one tree. For convenience, you can use scissors. After harvesting, the leaves are sorted, the spoiled ones are thrown away.

Raw material is not washed, so that during drying it did not begin to rot and were not lost microorganisms necessary for fermentation. If you follow all the rules of collecting, the leaves will be clean, the moisture will evaporate naturally. Dry the leaves in a thin layer on a oilcloth, paper or a sheet in a well ventilated room or under a roof (in windless weather), avoiding direct sunlight. As a result, the volume of raw material is significantly reduced, should remain about 1/5th of it, no more. Properly dried leaves have a uniform color, when bent, they break.

To carry out fermentation, the leaves are spread thinly on paper. When the raw material has wilted, a few leaves at a time are rolled up into a tube and rolled with the palms of your hands like plasticine. It is possible to realize another way, for this purpose raw material is poured into a bowl and crushed as shredded cabbage until the juice is released. The resulting mixture or tubes are transferred to an enameled container or glassware, a layer of about 5 cm, no less, and send under the oppression. A wet towel is placed on top. The container is left at room temperature for fermentation. After a few hours, the flavor should intensify. It is important to prevent fermentation and rotting.

Drying cherry leaves in an oven or oven. First set the temperature at 100 ° C, gradually reduce the value to 50 ° C. Raw material is stirred regularly so that it dries evenly. When the leaves are well dried and brittle, they are moved outside for final drying in natural conditions, but not in direct sunlight, otherwise many useful substances will be destroyed.

For storage use glass jars with tight lids. Containers are placed in a place protected from moisture and light. You can use paper bags or canvas bags. In this case it is necessary to ensure storage away from other herbs. Shelf life of dry raw materials - 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 useful substances contained in the greens provide the development of such effects:

1. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic. The body is assisted in the fight against the flu, acute respiratory infections, colds.
2. Expectorant. The bronchi are cleared, freed from mucus.
3. Antispasmodic. There is a positive effect on the vascular wall, spasm is eliminated, the intensity of pain in the joints is reduced.
4. Blood-stopping. Stops bleeding from hemorrhoids or from the nose.
5. Diuretic. The body is freed from excess fluid and toxic substances. The kidneys are freed of stones and sand.
6. Blood-forming. Minerals and iron salts present in the composition help improve anemia.
7. Antioxidant. Reduces the risk of cancer and the severity of gerontological degenerative changes.
8. Tonic. The skin is revitalized, saturated with useful substances.
9. Calming, sedative, anticonvulsant. Normalizes sleep and the central nervous system, eliminates nervous tension.
10. Immunostimulatory effect. It contains many minerals and vitamins that help the body to resist negative external influences.

In addition to the above properties, the use of cherry leaves achieves such results:

1. Hepatitis improves the condition of the body.
2. There is a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular on the vascular wall, due to which the blood pressure is normalized.
3. Due to the presence in the composition of tannins eliminates problems with stool (diarrhea).
4. The body recovers faster after a stroke, heart attack.
5. Water-salt balance is restored, resulting in a shorter period of rehabilitation after cardiac diseases.
6. Reduces the risk of blood clots and the development of such a condition as ischemia.

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

1. Urolithiasis. The components have a diuretic effect, so the body is freed from sand and inflammation.
2. Thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Protection is provided against the development of ischemia and the formation of blood clots. The risk of the development of pathological conditions is significantly reduced.
3. Reduced immunity. Means prepared from cherry leaves are useful for frequent colds, help cure bronchitis, sore throat, maxillary sinusitis, improve the condition in chronic processes, help to recover.
4. Bleeding. Due to its hemostatic ability, cherry greens help to stop frequent nasal bleeding, improve blood circulation. Such natural medicine is effective for anemia.
5. Various damages to the skin. To make the damaged areas heal faster and not develop a purulent infection, apply the decoction in the form of lotions and compresses.
6. Epilepsy. It is believed that the substances contained in the leaves can weaken seizures in people with epilepsy.

For women

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

For men

Cherry leaves have a positive effect on the male genital system, they can be used to treat many diseases and for preventive purposes. Various kinds of decoctions and infusions made with fresh/dried berries and leaves are very useful for the prostate. Additionally, you can consume the fruit and prepare medicines from them, as the berry contains a lot of zinc, which is necessary for the production of sex hormones in the male body.

When pregnant

Pregnant women are recommended to consume the fruit of the cherry, which is 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, because of the increased acidity of gastric juice, not everyone can consume fruit, and teas based on leaves, too, contain many vitamins and minerals and are suitable for almost everyone.

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

Cherry leaves in folk medicine

Decoctions, infusions, teas, mush from the leaves are used for treatment and prevention. When there were no anticonvulsants, as the most effective and safe remedy for epilepsy used cherry leaves and fruits. From them were prepared decoctions to relieve symptoms.

Remedy for jaundice

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

Ingredients:

• Leaves - 2 tbsp. dried or 4 tbsp. fresh;
• Milk - half a cup for dried raw materials or 1 for fresh.

Useful decoction on milk is cooked for 10 minutes, setting the minimum heat. Leave to cool under a lid or insist in a thermos. Ready to take during the day filtered in small portions - 1/4-1/3 cup. Recommended frequency of use - 4-6 times a day. Duration of treatment - 5-7 days.

Infusion to stop nasal bleeding and wound healing.

Ingredients:

• Dried or fresh herbs - 2 tbsp. or 4 tbsp;
• Boiling water - 1 cup.

Grind raw materials, pour boiling water, stir and boil for 5-10 minutes. Then cover and just leave to infuse. The medicine is strained, dipped in it a cotton disk and stuck into the nose. 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, when high blood pressure values for prevention, the remedy is used internally. Additionally drink natural cherry juice.

Infusion for joints

Ingredients:

• Branches with leaves - a handful;
• Boiling water - 500 ml.

The raw material is poured over boiling water, boiled for 15 minutes at minimum heat, and left to infuse for about 2 hours. After the use of such a drink improves well-being in diseases of the joints.

Medicine for anemia, atherosclerosis

Ingredients;

• Twigs with leaves - a handful;
• Boiling water - 2 cups.

The remedy is boiled for 5 minutes, leave for 20 minutes to insist under a closed lid. The drink is used hot one glass a day.

A styptic

Leaves are combined with a small amount of water, grind to a pulp. Squeeze the liquid, use it for lotions, compresses. If you want to stop a nosebleed, in the nostrils put soaked in this liquid cotton disks.

Decoction for the treatment of myoma, endometriosis

Ingredients:

• Cherry branches with leaves - 1 small bundle (about 20 sprigs);
• Cold water - 2 liters.

The branches with water are placed on the stove, set the minimum heat. After the liquid boils, boil the branches for 5-10 minutes. The pan is covered with a lid, the contents for 30 minutes leave to infuse. Daily dosage - 3 cups, the course of treatment - 1 year.

Remedy for hepatitis from fresh raw materials

Ingredients:

• Cherry leaves (fresh, pre-shredded) - 4 tbsp;
• Hot milk - 1 cup.

Raw Pour boiling or just still hot milk, put on the stove for 10 minutes (minimum heat). Leaves insist in a warm place under a closed lid. The cooled decoction is filtered, used for the treatment for 7 days in a row. Daily dosage - 50-60 ml 5-6 times during the day.

Medicine for hepatitis from dried raw materials

Ingredients:

• dry base - 2 tbsp;
• Boiling water - 1 cup.

The medicinal 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 p./d. The medicine is taken at intervals of 4 hours. The course of treatment is 14 days.

Infusion for urolithiasis

Ingredients:

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

Raw materials are combined with boiling water, the container for 10 minutes put on the stove. Leaves are boiled over low heat, then insist a few hours under a lid. The remedy is taken strained every day for a month. The dosage - 100 ml (½ cup) at intervals of 3 hours. Recommended frequency of use - 3-4 times a day.

Cherry infusion is taken with urolithiasis, cystitis. The drink helps to establish proper functioning of the kidneys, a quicker recovery from angina and colds. A diuretic effect develops, the body is cleared of heavy salts and toxic substances.

Infusion for normalization of pressure

Ingredients:

• dried base - 4 tbsp,
• Boiling water - 2 cups.

Raw insist in a thermos for several hours and use for treatment in the strained form. When hypertension by long-term use of the drug it is possible to normalize blood pressure. The medicine helps to get rid of edema and improve health in disorders of the cardiovascular system. The strained infusion is taken several times a day - 2-3 times. A single dose of 0.5 cup.

Tea to improve the body's defenses

Ingredients:

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

Previously scald the kettle for the preparation of the drink, then pour all the ingredients and pour boiling water over them. Brew the therapeutic tea for 20 minutes. Daily rate - 2-3 glasses. Use the drink for 14 days. Such a tea helps to raise immunity during periods when the body lacks vitamins, after prolonged illness.

Remedy for colds

Ingredients:

• leaves - 5-6 pcs;
• Dried berries - 5-6 pcs;
• honey - 1 tsp;
• Boiling water - 1 cup.

From the specified number of ingredients you get one portion of the drink. Leaves with berries insist in a closed container. Before use, add honey to the drink. Take remedy after a meal.

Compote for the cardiovascular system

Drink made on the basis of cherry leaves and rhubarb, is used to improve health with atherosclerosis and avitaminosis. Kompot useful for joints, heart and blood vessels.

Ingredients for 3 liters of compote:

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

The root is finely chopped and poured into a jar, the leaves are also sent there. In a bowl pour boiling water "on the shoulders. The cooled liquid is drained, the ingredients are repeatedly poured with boiling water, add sugar.

Infusion from diarrhea

Ingredients:

• young cherry sprigs - 10 pcs;
• stalks - 1 cup;
• Boiling water - 2 liters.

Pour the raw material in a thermos, pour boiling water. The remedy is infused for 6 hours, take 3 times a day. Single dose - 1 cup.

Types of medicinal compositions

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

Infusion .

To prepare the infusion requires thin young twigs with leaves. The container should not be transparent, because the light destroys the coloring substances. As a result, the infusion will not be saturated, the taste will change. A handful of twigs boiled in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Cover the pot with a lid and leave to infuse overnight. The infusion is used strained, before use heated, but in no case boiled. If desired, you can add a little honey.

Tincture .

The ingredients for the cherry tincture can vary, but always respect the proportion of alcohol and water 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 mandatory.

Raw material is poured into well-washed jars. Twigs are taken so much so that the jar was filled with them "on the shoulders". The container is filled with vodka or alcohol, shaken, insist 21 days at room temperature in a dark place. Preparation of funds on the basis of cherry twigs with leaves perform with an important condition - dilute alcohol only after the branches infused, ie after 3 weeks when used for treatment. Means for medicinal purposes is better prepared in a small glass container - 200-500 ml.

Decoction .

To prepare the decoction, take 20 twigs. To the crushed raw material add cold water (2 liters). After boiling on low heat cook for 15 minutes. To insist requires 2 hours. In the strained decoction add a little honey. The remedy is used for different purposes, changing the dosage:

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

From the preparation of the infusion, this recipe differs only in the temperature of the water 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 crushed and poured into a saucepan (preferably stainless steel). Add half a liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat. After 5 minutes the container is removed from the fire, cover with a lid, wrap with a thick towel and leave for 2 hours. You can choose another way - to infuse for 15-30 minutes in a teapot or thermos. Before using, add honey, mint, cinnamon. Norm per day - no more than 3 cups.

Tea can be consumed immediately, but the infused drink is more rich, fragrant, with notes of almonds. To strengthen the body's defenses, black currant and raspberry (leaves, shoots) can be used as an additional ingredient. It is allowed to use twigs up to 3 times while increasing the boiling time by 5-10 minutes.

Cherry coals

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

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

Cosmetic applications

Decoction of dried cherry leaves is used as a hair rinse and to wipe oily skin. In the frozen form decoction is used for face cleansing in the morning and evening. After the use of such ice the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a healthy color. Below are the most popular care products.

Hair rinse

Cherry leaves (handful or 4 tablespoons) are combined with hot water (0.5 l). Under a closed lid, insist 1-2 hours. Cool and rinse washed hair. You can dilute it with water. Each hair gets the necessary nutrients for an attractive appearance. As a result, hair gets a healthy shine and pleasant fragrance.

Cherry leaf infusion for neck and face

The remedy has a tonic effect on the skin. The infusion is soaked in gauze, put it on the skin in the face and neck. With regular use of such a means to increase its elasticity, it is possible to get rid of irritation and signs of fatigue.

Dry raw materials (2 tbsp.) Pour boiling water (1 cup), boil for 5-10 minutes with minimal heat. In a closed container insist 1-2 hours, then strain.

Bath, compresses for the skin from cherry leaves and herbs

To prepare an infusion, you can use not only cherry leaves, but also herbs such as chamomile, oregano, sage, succession, mother-mother-in-law, St. John's wort. The compress is applied to the face and décolleté area.

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

Culinary applications

Cherry leaves in cooking are used as a base for compote, tea, jam, confit, jam, liqueur. It is a mandatory component in marinating, canning tomatoes and cucumbers, providing a special flavor and antiseptic effect for long-term storage of preparations. In addition, if you put cherry leaves to fruits and berries, it will be possible to prolong their preservation.

Royal Jam

This dessert is prepared on the decoction obtained from the cherry greens. To make the jam, unripe gooseberries are required. The fruit is filled with walnuts, the decoction is prepared according to the recipe suggested above. Bring the liquid to a boil, but do not boil, keep in the refrigerator for 7-8 hours. Strain the decoction combined with sugar to taste, bring to a boil. Pour the berries into the syrup, cook jam for a quarter of an hour.

Liqueur from the fruit and leaves of the cherry

From the leaves of the cherry tree can be prepared homemade alcohol. The recipe requires herbs (200 pieces) and fruits (50 pieces). Combine the ingredients, bring to a boil, boil for 10 minutes. Pour 1.5 kg of granulated sugar into a saucepan. The citric acid (1.5 tsp.) is also put there. The mixture is stirred, after cooling pour vodka (1 liter).

Liqueur from green cherries and black chokeberry fruit

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

Can we give cherry leaves to our rabbits?

Tannins and astringents are present in stone branches, which in high concentrations are dangerous for rabbits. Cherry leaves and branches should not be given as well as other stone fruit (pear, apricot, cherry, plum and peach). Accumulated in the body of rodents, tannins lead to constipation, astringents - to problems with digestion.

Contraindications to use

Almost everyone can benefit when using remedies from cherry greens, but there are several points that must necessarily be taken into account. List of contraindications:

1. Inflammatory processes affecting the mucosa of the stomach (gastritis, ulcerative lesions and others).
2. Chronic constipation (cherry tea has a binding effect on the digestive system, so in this case it is better to give it up).
3. Intolerance of the constituent substances (individual reactions can develop, as with other remedies).
4. Low blood pressure (drinks made on the basis of cherry greens reduce blood pressure, which is absolutely unnecessary for hypotensive people).

Means based on such raw materials are used with caution in diabetes, obesity, chronic pneumonia, diarrhea of a chronic nature. Other undesirable effects have not been found. In the absence of restrictions, cherry leaves can be used even in children (from 3 years), pregnant and lactating women.

Cherry leaves are really very useful, containing 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 rather complementary than basic. Therapy should be comprehensive.

If there is no possibility to apply remedies based on cherry leaves internally, both in relation to medicine and cooking, it is possible to benefit by using them in cosmetology. The components of the greens perfectly restore the skin and have a beneficial effect on the hair.

Cherry Leaf Photo