What are the benefits and harm of cowberry leaves?

For a long time lingonberry is known not only as a tasty delicacy, but also as a medicine, and not only the berry brings benefits, but also the leaf. To date, the lingonberry leaf has found widespread use not only in traditional medicine - this plant has officially become an effective drug for the treatment of many serious diseases. Cowberry-based phytopreparations can be used even by children from an early age. In addition to medicinal properties, cowberry leaves are used in cosmetology.

Lingonberry leaves have another arrangement, at any time of the year they retain their color - dark green outside the leaf and pale green from the bottom. Externally, the leaves resemble an ellipse, to the touch they are dense, leathery. The length of the sheet reaches up to 3 centimeters. Outside, the edges of the leaflets are bent inward along the entire contour. If you look at the back side of the sheet, you can see that black small dots are located on its surface - these are special pieces of iron with which the sheet absorbs water and nutrients from the external environment.

The lingonberry leaf contains many active biological components, which constitute its medicinal value:

• Phytoncides Possess antioxidant properties, so that under their influence there is an increased metabolism that promotes the rejuvenation of body cells.
• Tannins - These are compounds that do not contain nitrogen. Their effect on the body is to suppress the vital activity of pathogenic microflora, reduce inflammation and improve hemostatic properties.
• Glycosides (hyperoside and albutin) - have an increased diuretic effect, especially arbutin and hydroquinone, which are rich in cowberry leaves.
• Vitamins - lingonberry leaves are the richest in vitamins of group B and C, which stimulate the central nervous system, stimulate immune defense, and also enhance metabolic processes at the cellular level.
• Organic acids (gallic, elagic, quinic, tartaric, ursuloic) - have a disinfecting effect, as well as a pronounced diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Mineral components - magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese. The components of magnesium and phosphorus relieve inflammatory manifestations in the joints and periarticular bag. Potassium normalizes the work of the myocardium, removes excess sodium salts and water from the body, thereby reducing puffiness. Manganese has a positive effect on immunity and is involved in the production of interferon.

Lingonberry leaf has a mass of useful properties, thanks to which it is successfully used as a natural drug. The most effective phytoparaparaty of lingonberry in the following cases:

• For the treatment of diseases of the urinary system - cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, as well as the formation of conglomerates of uric acid in the kidneys. On the background of cowberry intake, inflammation is significantly reduced, pain subsides, and the frequency of urge to urinate decreases. In addition, a leaf of lingonberry well removes from the body slags and excess fluid, resulting in reduced swelling, reduced pastos soft tissue.
• For the treatment of nocturnal enuresis - Lingonberry regulates the water-salt balance and normalizes the frequency of urinary processes.
• Inflammatory processes in the joints and periarticular bag well stopped by taking herbal remedies based on lingonberries - the tool relieves swelling, pain and inflammation, helping to preserve cartilage from destruction. In addition, with gout, a decrease in the level of uric acid was observed while taking decoctions of lingonberry leaves.
• The ability of lingonberry to clean the body of toxins used in the treatment of skin diseases. While taking bilberry leaves, exacerbations of chronic skin diseases occur much less frequently, and the manifestation of any allergic reactions is also reduced.

• Lingonberry inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and fungal infections, in addition, contributes to the removal of worms.
• Improves metabolism with food and alcohol poisoning, and also helps to recover from a long course of antibiotic therapy.
• For colds and viral diseases of the throat and nasopharynx, the cranberry leaves are excellent. cleans the tonsils from bacterial plaque and contributes to the rapid removal of swelling, as well as pain. In addition, the tool contributes to the dilution and sputum in case of bronchitis and tracheitis.
• When insulin-dependent diabetes type 2 cranberries helps keep blood sugar levels under control - against the background of taking such drugs, sharp jumps in blood glucose are excluded.
• In gastroenterology, lingonberry leaf is used in the treatment of colitis, enterocolitis, gastritis. While taking this remedy, inflammation is reduced, the body is cleansed, and the stool is normalized. Lingonberry leaf improves the flow of bile, stimulates the appetite.

• Hemostatic property Lingonberry is used in gynecological practice - with the help of this plant uterine bleeding is treated and prescribed to pregnant women for the treatment of nephropathy. Cowberry broths have a positive effect on the mother and the future child - vitamins, minerals and antioxidant composition help prevent vitamin deficiency and successfully cope with staphylococcal infections.
• Lingonberry is indispensable in the treatment of blood vessels and the heart - it gently lowers arterial blood pressure during hypertension, strengthens the muscular wall of blood vessels and arteries, contributes to the restoration of heart rhythm during arrhythmias.
• Dentists often recommend rinsing the mouth with infusions and decoctions from the cranberry leaf for those who have increased bleeding and inflammation in the gums, for the treatment of autistic stomatitis, for the speedy recovery after surgical procedures in the oral cavity.
• Oncologists often prescribe lingonberries in complex therapy to improve the general condition against the background of the drugs taken, as well as to inhibit the growth of malignant neoplasms.
• Beauticians use lingonberry leaf for the treatment of acne skin rashes, as well as rinsing the scalp for dandruff and hair loss.

Lingonberry leaf can be used as an independent tool, but often it is added to the composition of various medicinal fees. Herbal collection with lingonberries most often used for hypertension, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, gout, as well as for the treatment of arthritis. The method of combining lingonberries with the addition of other medicinal ingredients has long been applicable since the times when healers and herbalists treated the diseases. Many recipes have come down to us and are successfully used to restore health.

Nowadays, due to the tense environmental situation, children are often allergic. Common urticaria, which affects children of all ages, can be cured very quickly if you give the child to take the tea from the leaves of lingonberries.Enuresis is also a very common childhood ailment that can disturb a child from the age of 3. Sometimes neurology may be involved in the cause of urinary incontinence.

Lingonberry treatment will help establish a clear urinary regimen and eliminate all inflammation in the kidneys and urinary system.

The beneficial properties of the cranberry leaf have been noticed by women for a long time and they are used not only in the traditional cases of the treatment of various diseases, but also for weight loss. The diuretic property of lingonberries helps rid the body of overt and hidden edema, which contributes to the loss of extra pounds. During pregnancy, women often experience problems with the kidneys - gestosis provoke the development of pyelonephritis, cystitis.

A woman cannot use traditional antibacterial drugs during this period, and then she comes to the aid of lingonberries, which reduces inflammation, reduces pain, eliminates leg swelling.

Lingonberry leaf is a part of herbal remedies for the treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland. This is a fairly common disease in men of mature age, in which the outflow of urine is disturbed and, as a result of stagnation, inflammation of the tissues of the urinary system develops. Lingonberry helps to cope with inflammatory processes, increases urine outflow from the bladder, flushes the urinary tract, thereby improving not only the local condition, but also the general well-being.

Lingonberry is considered to be a very powerful diuretic, in addition, it contains strong natural ingredients. For this reason, like any drug, cranberries have their own contraindications and side effects.

Doctors do not recommend the use of lingonberry leaf in the following cases:

• during lactation and breastfeeding, so as not to reduce the amount of milk;
• in acute renal failure, as well as in chronic diseases of the urinary system in the stage of decompensation;
• with severe cardiac arrhythmia;
• in case of ulcerative processes in the stomach or intestines, as well as in the presence of the threat of breakthrough bleeding;
• gastritis with increased secretion of hydrochloric acid;
• with a low level of blood pressure - hypotension;
• with a tendency to the formation of blood clots, clear thrombosis, varicose veins;
• individual intolerance, manifested in the form of allergic reactions.

There are opinions that it is best for children to start giving lingonberries after 12 years of age. This situation does not have any scientific arguments. Lingonberry children can take, but you need to know that The last reception should be no later than 16-17 hours of the current day. This is done so that the diuretic effect is manifested until the moment when the baby falls asleep and cannot control the urge to urinate.

The positive properties of lingonberries are invaluable. However, in order not to harm health, you need to know how to use it correctly and in what dosages. It is best to choose the dosage and frequency of administration with your doctor. The duration of treatment also plays an important role - after the course of therapy, the body needs rest and a break in taking this drug. Since lingonberries can excrete sodium ions and fluids from the body, excessive consumption of lingonberries can lead to leg cramps and dry skin.

Restoring and promoting health with the help of a lingonberry leaf will bring a real tangible effect if it is taken correctly. Instructions for use are quite simple - you just need to know and comply with:

• The collection of medicinal raw materials should be made only away from the roads and industrial enterprises - try to choose environmentally friendly places. If you purchase raw materials in finished form, make sure that the products have passed the sanitary radiological control and have the appropriate marks on it on the packaging.
• Shelf life of medicinal raw materials is two years. It is not advisable to use for the treatment of raw materials with expired shelf life - it does not cause harm, but it will be of little use.
• Store medicinal raw materials need in a dark and cool place, avoiding contact with it direct sunlight and moisture.
• Always pay attention to the quality of raw materials - correctly prepared lingonberry leaves have a uniform brownish-green color without blackening, mold stains. Properly dried raw materials should not be scattered into dust when touched to it, for the most part the leaves should be whole, well dried.
• Before use, doctors advise you to chop the sheet to approximately 5 millimeters. It is believed that in this way he will better manifest his valuable properties.

• Prepare raw materials at the rate of 1 portion of leaves to 10 portions of water - by observing this dosage, you can prepare preparations calculated for use by an adult.
• Try to take raw materials so much that the infusion or decoction will be enough for exactly one day. Fresh medicine is always preferable. If it was not possible to calculate correctly - the decoction can be stored in the refrigerator, but not more than three days.
• Before using herbal preparations, always take a test for your hypersensitivity to it. Apply the finished product in a small amount on the wrist area and observe the skin reaction for 5-10 minutes. If you do not feel itching, tingling, and the skin in this place is not red, then you can use the drug. In the event of the appearance of allergic reactions, the use of phyto-products should be abandoned and urgently take medications for allergies.

In order to maximize the concentration of phytocomponents in lingonberry leaves, their harvesting is done strictly at a certain time. You can collect the sheet twice a year. - the first time collecting is carried out in early spring, as soon as the snow cover melts and before flowering begins. The second time the leaves are harvested at the end of autumn, when the fruiting of the plant ends - this happens in October.

Grass collection can be brewed in a thermos or other container, if only it is not metal, so that the composition does not oxidize the walls of the dish, reacting with the metal. In pharmacy chains, you can purchase herbal teas, packaged for convenience in sachets. One bag can be brewed based on one cup of boiling water, like regular tea.

Here are some effective and time-tested recipes based on the use of lingonberry leaf:

• Decoction for the treatment of the urinary system - Two tablespoons of leaves of cowberry pour 400 ml of water and boil for at least 10 minutes from the moment of boiling over low heat. The broth is allowed to brew until completely cooled and filtered. Take half a glass of broth up to 4 times a day, every day. The duration of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to a month.
• Infusion for colds - Lambberry leaf, lime blossom and mother and stepmother leaf are mixed in equal proportions.A tablespoon of the mixture is brewed with boiling water in a volume of 200 milliliters and insist warm. Strained infusion take a quarter of a glass 3-5 times a day every day. Infusion in the form of heat, you can gargle, irrigate the tonsils and sinuses. Children infusion can be diluted in half with boiled water.
• Decoction for the treatment of uterine bleeding - lingonberry and nettle leaves mixed in a ratio of 1: 1, from the mixture take one tablespoon and brew with 250 milliliters of boiling water. Cook in a water bath for 5 minutes. Cool, strain and drink one tablespoon 5 times a day. Treatment continue until improvement.

• Infusion for the treatment of dandruff - 40-50 grams of lingonberry leaves poured with one liter of water and allowed to boil, after five minutes, the composition is removed from the heat and insist in a warm place. Strained infusion rinse your head after each wash. So hair follicles are strengthened, dryness and flaking of the scalp disappears.
• Decoction to improve immunity - 20 grams of leaves is poured with 250 milliliters of water and brought to a boil. Under the lid insist the composition of 1.5-2 hours, filter and in a warm infusion add a tablespoon of honey. They take warm half a glass three times a day during the off-season and with a tendency to catarrhal diseases.
• Cosmetic mask - fresh leaves of lingonberry crushed to a state of gruel and impose an even layer on the skin, leaving for 20 minutes. The composition perfectly nourishes, tones the skin and fights against signs of aging.
• Alcohol lotion - 1 part of the leaves of lingonberry and 3 parts of alcohol (can be replaced with vodka) are placed in a container with a lid and insist in a dark place for a month. Capacity is periodically shaken. After the tincture is ready, filter it and wipe the face with the resulting composition for acne.

Experienced herbalists are advised to always respect the time most favorable for collecting the leaves of lingonberries. If you harvest them during flowering or fruiting plants, the benefits of such a medicinal drug will be insignificant, and storing the collected raw materials for a long time will not work, it will quickly become worthless. Yes, and during the drying of a lot of leaf will turn black, wrinkle or moldy.

When harvesting the leaves do not tear, and cut. This is done in order not to damage the root system of the plant. From the moment you have collected the sheet to the time of drying it should not take more than 5 hours. If this period is increased, the leaves will be difficult to save, and their medicinal value will be less. Try not to collect the leaves in rainy weather.

Before you start to dry the collected raw materials, it is necessary to inspect, remove all debris and impurities. Produce drying in attics or well-ventilated verandas. If it is cold and damp outside, bring the raw materials into the house for the night, and in the afternoon, bring them to a ventilated and sun-protected place.

According to experts who have experience in herbal medicine and traditional medicine, lingonberry grass has valuable properties, along with its berries. In general, lingonberry has a positive effect on the human body, making it soft and effective. Currently, the use of lingonberry leaves is justified in obstetrics and gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, cosmetology. The action of this plant does not have a cumulative effect, but over the course of the course of therapy it significantly improves the condition of the patients and gives a positive dynamic in the healing process for diseases of the kidneys, blood vessels, joints.

Taking lingonberry herbal remedies rarely causes allergic reactions and is usually well tolerated by patients. Regular intake of this drug helps to control the course of severe chronic diseases, allowing you to significantly lengthen periods of remission.