Sea buckthorn. Useful properties of berries, leaves, branches for the body

Sea buckthorn berries for medicinal purposes used by the inhabitants of Ancient China and Ancient Greece. The Chinese called them "health berries" and used them to treat various pathologies. It is not known when the shrub appeared in Russia, but the first mentions of the fruits are found in the works of the 18th century botanists who traveled across Siberia.

Due to its beneficial properties for the body, sea buckthorn is now widely used in folk and traditional medicine. The substances contained in fruits slow down the aging process, improve the condition of blood vessels, normalize blood sugar levels, and also protect against the development of malignant diseases.

Peculiarities

Sea buckthorn (the beneficial properties of berries for the body are undeniable) has a sweet and sour taste, for which it is also called “Siberian pineapple” in another way. But at the same time, it differs in the content of all vitamins known to science. In order to benefit from the fruits, it is necessary to properly collect and procure raw materials.

Botanical description

Sea buckthorn is a shrub of the Olive family. The tree is very noticeable, as its branches are densely covered with sharp thorns, and during the fruiting period - with brightly colored fruits.

A shrub 4-6 m high with linear-lanceolate leaves can be found on river or lake shores. Different climatic conditions are suitable for it, any, even the poorest soil.

One of the features of the plant is that first flowers appear on it, and after that the leaves are already blooming. The shrub bears fruit for 10-20 years.

What parts are used for medicinal purposes

Medicines for the treatment of various pathologies are prepared from the bark and fruits of the bush. The bark is a source of tannins, has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.

Its color varies from gray to black, depending on the place where the shrub grows. The bark is applied both externally and internally.

But most often in folk medicine, sea buckthorn berries are used. They differ in spherical or oval shape; there is one bone inside the fruit. The berries can be orange, yellow or red, depending on the variety.

Collection

The fruits are harvested in autumn, they should be bright and firm. Overripe berries are very soft and can be crushed by hand. Harvesting is necessary on a sunny day.

The difficulty in collecting is that the shrub is very thorny. Therefore, it is recommended to bend large branches to the ground and fix them in this position. The fruit can then be trimmed with scissors, allowing it to fall onto the lined fabric. Small branches are sometimes also cut off, and then the berries are removed from them. After harvesting, the fruits can be stored for no more than 3 days.

How to prepare

Berries can be frozen. In this form, they can be stored for about 6 months without losing their useful properties. You can also make other useful blanks.

Sea buckthorn blanks:

Blank	Compound	Preparation
Sea buckthorn rubbed with sugar	sea ​​buckthorn - 1 kg; sugar - 1 kg.	The berries are passed through a meat grinder and sugar is added. The composition is mixed well and packaged in jars. In this form, sea buckthorn can be stored without a refrigerator.
Raw jam	sea ​​buckthorn - 1 kg; sugar - 1.3 kg.	The components are mixed, sterilized jars are filled with the composition by ¾ of the volume and filled to the brim with sugar. Close the container with a lid and send it to a cold place.

Sea buckthorn juice is also used for medicinal purposes. In this tool, the beneficial properties of the fruit are maximally preserved. It should be remembered that uncontrolled use of unlimited quantities of the product may cause deterioration. It is better to prepare the juice immediately before use; it is stored for no more than 3 days in the refrigerator or freezer.

It is recommended to use a juicer for juicing. The cake that remains is not worth throwing away. Other medicines are prepared from it. In the absence of a juicer, the fruits can be passed through a meat grinder, then squeeze the juice using cheesecloth.

Juice can also be prepared for the winter. To do this, it is boiled with sugar (2: 1). The disadvantage of this method is that a significant amount of useful substances is lost during heat treatment.

Of particular value is sea buckthorn oil, which is prepared from its seeds. The tool is used to heal wounds, with damage to mucous membranes. Internal use is also possible.

To prepare the means, the cake, which remained after the preparation of the juice, is dried, crushed using a coffee grinder. The resulting powder must be poured into a thermos and filled with warm (50-60 ° C) vegetable oil (1: 2). The oil is insisted for a day, then filtered and stored in a cool place out of reach of sunlight.

Compound

Sea buckthorn (the beneficial properties of berries for the body are explained by their composition) contains almost all known vitamins (C, groups B, E, A and others). It also differs in the content of iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, copper and other minerals.

In addition, the fruits contain:

• glucose;
• fructose;
• organic acids;
• phytoncides;
• fixed oils;
• tannins.

Medicinal and useful properties

Sea buckthorn (useful properties of berries for the body are used in the treatment of various pathologies) helps to restore strength, increase the body's resistance to infections. Due to the high content of vitamin C, fruit-based products help to quickly improve the condition for colds, viral infections. Regular consumption of berries reduces the risk of developing malignant diseases.

Also, sea buckthorn helps to improve the condition with:

• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach ulcer;
• gout, helping to eliminate excess acids;
• decreased visual acuity. The berry is especially useful for those who spend a lot of time at the computer monitor;
• depressive conditions, helping to strengthen the nervous system;
• low hemoglobin levels;
• vascular diseases. With the daily use of the fruit, the walls of the vessels are strengthened.

For women

For women, berries help maintain overall health, remove harmful substances from the body, improving their appearance. The remedy has a positive effect on the thyroid gland, helps to restore hormonal levels, get rid of excess weight, and reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Sea buckthorn is part of suppositories with antibacterial properties that are used to treat female diseases. The remedy is effective for pathologies such as thrush, vaginitis, colpitis, endometriosis, inflammation of the ovaries. Due to its composition, sea buckthorn helps to restore the normal microflora of the vagina.

The product is also useful during pregnancy, as it has immunomodulatory properties, purifies the blood, and improves well-being. Sea buckthorn oil helps women who are carrying a baby get rid of constipation. Berries improve the composition of breastfeeding milk, making it more nutritious. But it is allowed to use this product only six months after the birth of the baby and in small quantities.

Also, berries are used in cosmetology as part of masks, tinctures, scrubs. Such products increase the elasticity of the skin, smooth out wrinkles, relieve acne, and help cleanse and moisturize the skin. Alpha-tocopherol and mineral elements in the composition of the fruit help to maintain the beauty of hair, give it shine, and accelerate growth.

For men

Due to its composition, sea buckthorn fruits have a positive effect on men's health. Experts say that regular use of sea buckthorn by the stronger sex reduces the risk of erection problems. It also improves the condition of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, prevents the development of genitourinary pathologies, and normalizes the balance of hormones.

The presence of B vitamins and dietary fiber in the composition of berries provides a quick set of muscle mass, which is important for hard-working men and athletes. The property of reducing the negative effects of free radicals is useful for those who work in hazardous industries.

For children

Sea buckthorn (the beneficial properties of berries for the child's body are confirmed by pediatricians) helps to increase children's immunity. It can be introduced into the baby's diet as a complementary food from six months of age, starting with minimal amounts.

Sea buckthorn helps to speed up the recovery of a child with pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, improves the functioning of the digestive system. Sea buckthorn oil is recommended for glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). And when teething, the berry will help reduce pain and improve the general condition of the child.

Potential harm

It is not recommended to get too carried away with sea buckthorn because of its laxative effect. A single dose of fruits should not exceed 50 g.

Usually, the berries are well tolerated by the body, but if the dosage is exceeded, side effects may occur in the form of:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• digestive disorders;
• allergic reactions.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to use the berry and preparations based on it with:

• exacerbation of gastrointestinal pathologies;
• disruption of the liver and kidneys;
• individual intolerance to the product;
• chronic stool disorders;
• weeping eczema.

Patients with hypotension should be careful. With inflammation of the gallbladder, you should limit the use of berries, as they change the acidity of urine, which can worsen the condition. For small children, it is recommended to give sea buckthorn juice diluted with water. If the baby has a tendency to allergies, then it is better to refuse the introduction of the product into the diet.

Traditional medicine recipes

The beneficial properties of berries for the body allow them to be used for various health problems. Sea buckthorn is used both internally and externally.

Flu

Alcohol tincture of berries will help improve the condition and speed up recovery.

To prepare it you need to take:

• 15-20 g frozen berries;
• 500 ml of vodka.

Fruits must be poured with vodka and allowed to brew for 24 hours. Children are advised to give 1 tsp. l. means a day before meals, for adult patients, a single dose is 1-2 tbsp. l.

Cold

To prepare a medicinal product, you need:

• 0.5 tbsp. non-carbonated mineral water (can be replaced with milk);
• 100 g of sea buckthorn fruits.

Juice should be squeezed out of the fruit, then 2 tbsp. l. means and combine with mineral water. If milk is used, then it must be heated and also combined with sea buckthorn juice. Use the product for ½ tbsp. the day before meals. You can also make a remedy with honey.

For this you need to take:

• boiling water - 500 ml;
• sea ​​buckthorn - 100 g;
• honey - 1 tbsp. l.

Knead the fruits, pour boiling water over them. After the product has cooled down a little, add honey and drink in small portions throughout the day.

Also, for colds, an infusion helps, for the preparation of which you need thyme, mint, St. John's wort, oregano, sage and sea buckthorn leaves. Mix dry ingredients in equal parts, pour boiling water (1:20). A little mashed sea buckthorn and honey are added to the infusion, 1 tbsp is used. 2 times a day.

For children, you can prepare a healing syrup that strengthens the immune system during the cold season. The tool can also be used for prophylaxis by adding it to water or tea.

To prepare the syrup, you need to take:

• berries - 1 kg;
• water - 0.5 l;
• sugar - 1.3 kg.

The fruits are kneaded, poured with water, the composition is slightly warmed up and filtered. Then add sugar, mix the product and bottle it. When the child is 1.5 years old, you can give the syrup every day, diluting it with water in equal proportions.

Cough

A remedy based on dried fruits of sea buckthorn and oats will help cough. The ingredients are poured into a heat-resistant container with water, covered with a lid and sent to a hot oven. The product is prepared until the berries and oats are softened by regularly adding water. Then it is filtered and cooled, consumed three times a day before meals, 3 tbsp. l.

Another remedy is also effective, for the preparation of which you will need dried berries and leaves of sea buckthorn, sage in equal quantities. Having selected 1 tbsp. l. mixture, pour 200 ml of boiling water into it, insist for a quarter of an hour, then bring to a boil and filter. Use the composition hot before bedtime.

Mashed sea buckthorn berries (100 g) with honey (2 tbsp.) Help to alleviate the condition. l.) and a little lemon juice. The mixture is taken three times a day for 1 tbsp. l.

If a cough suffers for a long time after suffering pneumonia, a remedy is prepared from:

• dried fruits of sea buckthorn - ½ tbsp.;
• milk - 1 tbsp.

Milk is boiled, fruits are poured into it and boiled for a quarter of an hour over low heat. Then let the product cool down and filter it. Take 1 tbsp. 2 times a day.

Stomach problems

For any diseases of the stomach, a drink is useful, which is used instead of tea.

To prepare it, take:

• sea ​​buckthorn berries (dried, fresh or frozen) - 3 tbsp. l .;
• boiling water - 0.5 l.

Fruits are poured with water, boiled for 10 minutes, filtered before use.

For gastritis, sea buckthorn oil will be useful. It is taken for 1 tsp. l. three times a day before meals. The course of therapy is 10 days, then the amount of the drug is doubled and taken for another 1 month. After the course of therapy, take a break for 6 months. If necessary, the treatment can be repeated.

Fresh sea buckthorn is also effective in treating stomach cancer. It is recommended to eat 1 tbsp 3 times a day. l. fruits.

Angina, laryngitis

If the voice disappears as a result of angina or laryngitis, a decoction, which is prepared from 1 tbsp, will help. bran and handfuls of dried sea buckthorn fruits. The components are poured with boiling water and kept on low heat for about 1 hour. After that, the broth is filtered, cooled and taken twice a day. Be sure to use the product freshly prepared.

The decoction will also restore the voice, for the preparation of which they take:

• sea ​​buckthorn berries - 0.5 tbsp.;
• honey - 50 g;
• cognac or vodka - 1 tbsp. l .;
• water - 1 tbsp.

The water is brought to a boil, sea buckthorn is poured into it and boiled for 20 minutes. over low heat. Next, filter the product, add honey, brandy, insist for 1 hour. They use the remedy every hour. Single dose - 1 tbsp. l.

A sore throat will be eliminated by a mixture of carrot and sea buckthorn juices, which is combined with warm milk (1 tbsp. milk - 2 tbsp. l. juice mixture). Take the remedy three times a day.

Against radiation, with increased fatigue

To restore lost strength, it is recommended to use a drink made from fresh fruits (a handful), filled with boiling water (1 tbsp.). To improve the taste, you can add honey to the drink. A remedy made from mint leaves and sea buckthorn fruits (200 g each), filled with water (5 l), helps to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. The drink must be infused for 5 hours, then add honey (0.5 tbsp.).

For joints

If the joints hurt, a sea buckthorn compress will ease the condition. The fruits are steamed to a state of gruel, spread on cheesecloth and applied to the affected area in a warm form.

For skin diseases

Sea buckthorn is also used externally for the treatment of skin diseases:

• dermatitis, eczema, trophic ulcers are treated with sea buckthorn decoction. It is necessary to pour 20 g of berries into 1 tbsp. water, boil for a quarter of an hour and leave for half an hour. The filtered agent is taken 100 ml three times a day or compresses are made from it;
• frostbite, burns, pustules are treated with fresh berries, kneading them and applying to the affected areas in the form of a compress;
• radiation injuries, frostbite, bedsores, burns, eczema, poorly healing wounds are treated with sea buckthorn oil. First, rinse the affected area with an antiseptic, dry it, then apply sea buckthorn oil, cover with gauze and bandage. The dressing should be changed every other day. The duration of therapy is 1-1.5 months.

The beneficial properties of sea buckthorn allow it to be successfully used in the treatment of various diseases. Eating fruits not only saturates the body with vitamins and minerals, but also gives energy, helps to reduce hunger, which will be appreciated by supporters of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to consider that this folk remedy also has contraindications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist before using the berries.

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