Strawberry leaves: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Many people often turn to folk medicine. Some can not take medicines because of contraindications, others - because of personal beliefs, and nature is ready to share the best with a person. Some plants in the jungle synthesize a substance that is part of antibiotics. But the native expanses are also rich in medicines. For example, strawberries are very tasty and useful berries, which contain a large number of vitamins and minerals. Its useful properties have been known for a long time, but not everyone knows that the leaves of the plant are also widely used in folk medicine. However, you need to use them carefully, because they have a number of contraindications.

Chemical Composition

Leaves contain a large set of useful substances. They are high in vitamin C, in addition, they contain essential oils and many tannins. They also contain a large amount of iron and calcium - in general, everything that is necessary for the normal development of the human body.

What strawberries look like and where they grow

Strawberries belong to the Pink family. There are more than 10 varieties: some grow exclusively in the wild, others grow in greenhouses and vegetable gardens, while others are universal. It can be called the little sister of the strawberry. The berries are very similar in appearance, but have different sizes - strawberries rarely exceed 1.5 cm. Young berries grow on long stems that extend toward the sun, allowing them to get more light. As they ripen, the berries increase in size, fill with liquid, and turn red-pink. The thin branches of the plant are not able to hold them by weight, and they are pressed to the ground. If the soil is wet, the berries will rot quickly. But wild strawberries grow in dense grass, which prevents the berries from touching the ground. This protects some of the fruit from rotting. A special technique gardeners use is to cover the ground near the bushes to protect the plant.

The leaves of the plant are very similar to strawberry leaves. Each twig has a triple leaflet at the end. The surface of the leaves is smooth and there are small hairs on the back side. Since something rarely just happens in nature, the hairs on the back of the leaves have a practical use-they protect the leaves from rotting. In the morning, the dew wets not only the plants but also the soil near the strawberries. When the sun peeks out, it evaporates moisture, causing the evaporation to accumulate not on the leaves, but on the hairs.

Strawberries are widespread all over the world, with some varieties even growing in northern Africa. It is found all over Eurasia, usually growing in forests in small clearings that get some sunshine. If conditions are favorable, it instantly spreads into a veritable carpet and begins blooming white in June.

Gathering and storage

Collect the leaves for medicinal purposes should be after the appearance of flowers and before the appearance of berries. This occurs at different latitudes at different times. It is during this period that the leaves accumulated enough useful substances and did not have time to give them to berries. It is important to pay attention to the ecology of the place where the berries grow. They can often be found near roads or cemeteries. Such places for collecting medicinal raw materials are not suitable. Remote from roads and populated areas, glades and forests are an ideal choice.

You can collect leaves only in sunny and dry weather. If it rains, you can go for the raw material not earlier than a day or two. Only the leaves, without the stems, should be cut.

Since the leaves can be harvested in a limited period, there is the question of storing them. First, they need to be dried away from sunlight, ensuring constant access to fresh air. It is important to spread them in a thin layer on any cloth or paper.

Lofts are ideal for drying strawberry leaves, if the roof is slate. It will heat evenly in the sunlight and provide the raw material with sufficient heat. Also attics usually have windows through which fresh air enters. Leaves dried in this way are of the highest quality. Even dryers can be used, but the temperature should not exceed 45 degrees.

Once the leaf crumbles effortlessly in your hand, it is ready. For long-term storage, glass jars or cloth bags can be used. In these conditions, the leaves can be stored for more than 2 years.

For tea, the drying technique is slightly different. Just picked leaves should be put in the shade for a short time so that they have time to wilt. Next, twist each leaf until the juice appears. Place the curled tubes in a small layer on any flat surface - a baking tray, a board, a dish. Then cover tightly with a damp cloth and leave for 8 hours to complete the chemical reaction. The process can be considered complete once the leaves begin to smell like berries. Now they can be dried in the oven or outdoors, away from sunlight. The oven should be heated to 90 degrees and dry for no more than an hour.

Move the finished raw material to a tightly sealed jar and store in a cool, dry and dark place.

Therapeutic properties of strawberry leaves

Rich in a variety of useful substances composition makes the leaves of strawberry an excellent medicinal remedy. Each element contained in the leaves has its own value for the body. For example, a large amount of vitamin C makes the skin healthy, strengthens the immune system and is a prevention of viral diseases. Calcium contributes to the normal development of bone tissue, has a favorable effect on the nails. The minerals contained contribute to the purification of blood vessels and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Strawberry leaves can also fight atherosclerosis, the decoction can even stop bleeding.

Tannins help keep the stomach and intestines healthy and help eliminate heavy metals from the body. They can treat burns and inflammation. It is also worth remembering that tannins lose their useful properties when frozen.

Strawberry leaves contain various antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects. They keep blood vessels toned and have a beneficial effect on the myocardium and normalize the production of insulin. Since ancient times, strawberry leaves have been used to treat the following diseases:

1. Colds, sore throat. Strawberry leaves effectively fight viruses and restore immunity after diseases. Decoctions and teas are used to gargle the throat.
2. Ulcers. Decoctions of the leaves are used to heal internal wounds in the stomach or intestines. They can also increase the appetite.
3. Insomnia or increased irritability. Decoctions and teas will allow you to fall asleep quickly, relieve fatigue and nervous system tension. In some cases, they help people get out of depression.
4. Open wounds. From decoctions and tinctures often make compresses. They quickly heal wounds, prevent the appearance of scars, thanks to the antimicrobial action does not allow harmful microorganisms to penetrate into the wound.
5. Worms. The substances contained in the leaves have a devastating effect on these parasites.
6. Diseases of the heart. Not only the leaves but also the berries are useful for the heart and blood vessels. They tone the heart and improve the condition in hypertension or angina. Leaves with berries not only strengthen the heart, but also clean the blood vessels and ensure normal blood circulation. Regular consumption of tea from the leaves is a prevention of senile dementia.
7. Blood pressure. Leaves dilate blood vessels, than contribute to the rapid lowering of blood pressure.
8. Kidney problems. Leaves are an excellent diuretic, so they remove all excess salt from the body, as well as all harmful substances. Remaining in the body, they can cause various diseases of the joints. Leaves can stop inflammatory processes in the bladder.
9. Endocrine disorders. Strawberry leaves can lower thyroid iodine intake.
10. Gallbladder problems. The leaves also remove bile from the body, which is an excellent prevention of liver disease.
11. Avitaminosis. Leaves contain a full range of vitamins necessary to keep the body healthy. Vitamins get into the body with regular consumption.
12. Metabolic problems. The plant is able to bring it back to normal.

For women

Women use the fruit of strawberries for cosmetological purposes, but often forget that the leaves are also useful not only for the skin, but also for the body as a whole. For example, a decoction with milk from the leaves and branches can remove freckles, pimples and acne. Constant use of this medicinal decoction allows you to completely cleanse the skin, make it soft and return its normal color. The decoction is used as compresses for sore spots on the face and as a drink.

Decoction with water will strengthen the hair, making it clean and voluminous. To do this, you need to rinse them with the decoction after each wash.

No less important role is played by strawberry leaves to maintain the female body. With gynecological problems, women often turn to folk medicine. In combination with medication, decoctions and tinctures of strawberry leaves can increase the tone of the uterus.

For men

Strawberry leaves are also important for the male body. They contain zinc, which takes an active part in the formation of testosterone. Zinc normalizes its production, thereby increasing male power and improving health. Decoctions in water have a beneficial effect on the sexual system. They can increase the duration of sexual intercourse and improve the quality of semen.

For pregnant women

Strawberries are very useful for pregnant women, but in very limited quantities. It is better to give up the leaves, especially for women who have a risk of pregnancy termination. Since the folic acid in the leaves promotes muscle contraction, this leads to an increase in uterine tone, which can be dangerous, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. In addition, during pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes changes, and allergic reactions to products that previously had no such effect may occur. Therefore, the use of this drug is dangerous.

For children

This medicine can also be taken by children, but at an older age - after 6 years. They can be given strawberry leaves in any form, except for tinctures. Teas from the leaves will strengthen their immunity and will not allow viruses to enter the body. In adolescents, one of the main problems at this age are pimples, with which ointments and decoctions will easily cope.

Strawberry leaves in folk medicine

People often turn to folk medicine, for a variety of reasons. Nature has a lot to give to a man. Very many herbs become components of medicines, so their benefits are undeniable. Strawberry leaves are no exception. They can cope with many ailments. There are a huge number of recipes for preparing medicine based on strawberry leaves.

When hypertension

Hypertension is a very dangerous disease, so timely treatment is important. You can also knock down high blood pressure with pills, but by taking strawberry leaves regularly, you can stabilize it.

To prepare the folk medicine will need a tablespoon of finely ground leaves and boiling water. Pour water over the leaves, cover with a pair of tissues and leave to infuse. Then strain through gauze. The medication is ready. Take one spoonful every 6 hours.

When vitamin deficiency and poor blood clotting

Avitaminosis can cause more serious illness, especially during the cold season. Lack of vitamins makes the body vulnerable to colds and viral diseases. Avitaminosis is especially dangerous in the midst of a flu epidemic.

To prepare the medicine, you need a dark jar or bottle, a tablespoon of strawberry leaves and a bottle of vodka. Pour the leaves with vodka, close the container with a lid, then put in a dark place for at least 7 days. Use no more than 2 times daily for 20-30 drops.

In diseases of the skin

Decoction lotions of strawberry leaves are incredibly effective in the treatment of skin diseases. This remedy accelerates the healing of wounds, reduces inflammation, does not allow scars to occur.

To prepare a therapeutic agent, you need to take an enamel bowl and pour there 3 cups of boiling water. Then add 3 tablespoons of crushed leaves and put on a low heat. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Let the mixture infuse, then strain. Soak a cloth or towel in the broth and apply to the sore spot for half an hour no more than 5 times a day.

Also cope with disease and drinking this broth will help. You need to apply a glass a day.

For severe sweating of the feet

Many people are faced with this problem. She gives discomfort, but it is easy to get rid of it with the help of strawberry leaves. For 5 tablespoons of leaves will need about 3 liters of boiling water. Pour water over the leaves and bring them to the boil, then take them off the fire and cool them. Every day before going to bed, do a foot bath for at least 15 minutes.

For colds

Colds rarely happen in time, so it is important for a person to get on his feet as quickly as possible. An infusion of strawberry leaves will help in this. A tablespoon of leaves to pour a glass of boiling water, cover with a tightly folded gauze and leave to insist for 2 hours. Apply internally by half a glass in the morning and evening.

For sores and wounds

For the treatment of ulcers and serious wounds, decoction lotions may not be enough. Fresh strawberry leaves are helpful. Thoroughly wash a small handful of leaves with cool water without soap, then finely chop and grind in a bowl with a wooden mortar until a pulp.

The resulting ointment is applied to the wound, wrap tightly with clingfilm and wrap with a bandage. Every 2-3 hours, change the leaves for fresh ones. Repeat the procedure until the wound is healed.

With colitis

This recipe is also suitable for the treatment of gastritis, but it is worth remembering that it is forbidden to take the leaves during exacerbations. Two tablespoons of crushed leaves pour a liter of boiling water, cover with a napkin and insist for 7 hours. Strain through gauze and take half a cup three times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 10 days, and when the condition worsens, you should seek help from specialists.

With acne

To quickly get rid of acne, you will need fresh strawberry leaves. First you need to dry them for 1-2 hours in the shade, then finely chop and grind into a pulp. Thoroughly mixed with castor oil in a ratio of 1 to 4. You will get an ointment, which should be applied to the rash until it passes.

When hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a very unpleasant disease. In the shortest time it will help get rid of it with an enema from the infusion of strawberry leaves. To prepare it, you will need a glass of boiling water and a tablespoon of dried strawberry leaves. Add leaves to boiling water and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Pour the cooled infusion into a syringe and do enema every night until the cure.

With chronic heart disease

Infusion of strawberry leaves is very useful for people who have problems with the heart. To prepare it, you will need a thermos, 0.5 boiling water and 120 grams of dried leaves. Chop the leaves, pour into a thermos and pour boiling water. Cover tightly with a lid, wrap with a towel and leave for 1-1.5 hours. Drink the infusion after a meal, half a glass throughout the day. In addition to improving heart and vascular function, the infusion strengthens the nervous system and normalizes digestion.

Types of healing compositions

As with other folk remedies, strawberry leaves can be prepared in different ways. Each method of preparation of medicinal raw materials has its own advantages and is most often aimed at a particular group of problems.

Infusion

Infusion is an excellent diuretic. Due to the absence of alcohol in its composition, it can be given even to children. Infusion replenishes the stock of vitamins in the body and shows high efficiency with avitaminosis. It is able to strengthen the immune system and quickly bring the body back to normal after an illness, reduces blood pressure and has a positive effect on the heart in general.

It may seem strange, but the infusion can even fight allergies, despite the fact that in some people strawberry leaves themselves cause allergies.

To prepare it is simple, you need only a small amount of raw material and a glass of boiling water. A couple of spoons of chopped leaves, pour boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for at least two hours, then strain. Drink in small sips throughout the day. This recipe is suitable for the treatment of avitaminosis, to clean the vessels of the raw material will need 2 times less for the same amount of liquid. When colitis, pour the leaves with cold water and insist throughout the day.

Tincture

Tincture in alcohol is no less useful for health. Alcohol increases the usefulness of essential oils that are part of the leaves. Therefore, the tincture is good for strengthening the immune system and improving health. It is not recommended for use by pregnant, nursing mothers and children. Tincture improves the gastrointestinal tract.

It shows itself well in infectious diseases and colds, useful for the flu. Tincture can alleviate the disease. Shortly before the flu epidemic is recommended to take a tincture as a prophylactic.

For its preparation you will need a teaspoon of raw materials and a glass of vodka. Instead of vodka you can use other strong drinks such as moonshine or rum. Mix the tincture preferably in a dark jar or bottle. If you do not have such a bottle at hand, you can wrap an ordinary transparent cloth or paste paper. If you do not have such a thing at hand, you can wrap it in a usual transparent cloth or cover it with paper. You should take out and shake the container about once a day. Use a tincture for 30 minutes before a meal, one tablespoon. You can mix the medicine with water in the proportion of 1:1.

Decoction

Decoctions have a tonic effect. They strengthen the immune system and can cope with colds and viral diseases. Decoction is often prescribed for severe coughs, it can help people with bronchitis. With problems with sleep, it will also be useful because it calms the nervous system.

The decoction can even help to cope with overwork and asthma. The method of preparation is simple. Pour about 2-3 spoonfuls of finely grinded leaves with a glass of boiling water, and then boil for 10-15 minutes. Then remove from the heat, cover and allow to infuse 60-120 minutes. Ready mixture to take a tablespoon no more than 3 times a day.

Increase the effectiveness of the broth can be added and other medicinal herbs. The best combination of strawberry leaves with currant leaves and linden flowers.

Tea

Tea from strawberry leaves is not only very useful, but also delicious. It is the prevention of many diseases. It is an irreplaceable source of vitamin C, which is very important in the cold season. A nightly cup of tea will ensure a sound and healthy sleep, calm the nerves and cure insomnia. It also removes bad breath and can relieve inflammation in the mouth. It improves metabolism, lowers blood pressure, strengthens blood vessels, and is good for the intestines and stomach.

Tea is suitable not only for internal use, but also for external use. It perfectly copes with purulent boils and any other skin lesions.

Prepare the tea is not difficult. Harvested in advance raw material should be crushed and take 1-1.5 teaspoons of brewed tea per cup of 200-300 ml. When brewing, it is useful to mix strawberry leaves with green tea, this only increases the effectiveness of the drink.

To make a soothing tea, add a little chamomile and jasmine to the strawberry leaves. The plants are mixed, pour boiling water, allow to infuse and strain. Then pour green tea with this decoction. To calm the nervous system, drink 2 cups a day.

In summer, you can prepare an enhanced vitamin tea. To make it, pour a spoonful of leaves with boiling water, strain, then add a few raspberries to the cup and cover for 5 minutes.

To improve sleep, mix a teaspoon of strawberry leaves with the same amount of chamomile and lemon balm, pour boiling water, infuse and drink 2 times a day - once necessarily before going to bed. Increase the effectiveness by adding barberry fruit or strawberries to the ready-made tea. Drink with honey or sugar.

Cosmetic uses

Strawberry leaves have long occupied their niche in cosmetology. They are used to improve the condition of hair and skin. They can cleanse the face of freckles and pimples. For these purposes, use a decoction, which should be applied daily to problem areas. Hold the decoction on the face for no more than 15 minutes.

The decoction is also used for baldness. It is used to wash your hair after shampooing, but can also be used internally. There are many ways to use strawberry leaves in cosmetology.

Very often the powdered leaves are added to ready-made hand creams. This helps to keep the skin of the hands soft and tender, to heal wounds. If you infuse the leaves with vodka beforehand, you can achieve a rejuvenating effect.

Another recipe involves the use of berries and leaves. They should be rubbed into a mush, then add kefir, flour and egg yolk. Such a mask will moisturize the skin of the face, return a healthy color and give brilliance.

Can rabbits and chinchillas be given strawberry leaves

At first glance, rabbits and chinchillas are easy to care for, but in fact it is important to properly provide not only care for them, but also nutrition. This is not easy to do, because not all plants can be eaten by them. In the wild, chinchillas eat cereals, shrubs, tree bark, etc. In the conditions of keeping them at home, it is up to a human to provide the ration. Strawberry leaves can be given to them, but not as a main dish. This plant can be used to diversify the diet of the animal. Strawberry leaves will also be useful for chinchillas in case of digestive disorders, as they can stop diarrhea and have a diuretic effect. Pregnant females will also benefit from strawberries in limited quantities. The plant is able to normalize lactation of the animal.

Rabbits can also be given strawberry leaves, but in small quantities and dried form.

Contraindications to use

Strawberry leaves in any composition are safe for a healthy person, but in some cases due to individual intolerance there may be an allergic reaction, which is expressed by rash, vomiting and severe itching. All these problems disappear at the end of taking the remedy.

After taking strawberry leaves, some people have problems with stomach acidity. In such a case, folk remedies should be taken very carefully. It is desirable to drink infusions, teas and decoctions in small portions with long pauses to monitor the condition. In case of deterioration, it is better to immediately seek help from a doctor.

Also, this medicine is prohibited for use by people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or liver. In no case can not take the leaves in any form with exacerbations of gastritis. Also, do not forget that it is not recommended to use this remedy during pregnancy.

Photo of strawberry leaves