Black currants today do not surprise anyone; berry bushes can be found on every plot of any summer resident.

Have long been studied beneficial features fruits, they have been actively used in home and official medicine since ancient times.

But for some reason, due attention was not paid to currant leaves, which are no less saturated than berries useful substances and can cure many diseases.

What substances give currant leaves medicinal properties?

Leaves black currant can be called a real storehouse of vitamins and various substances; they are very beneficial for health. The aromatic leaves are suitable for the treatment of various diseases, carrying their healing properties. Currant leaf is a truly universal plant that is used not only in Food Industry, but also in the alcoholic beverage, pharmaceutical, canning and even cosmetic industries.

What causes the medicinal properties of currant leaves to appear?

1. Essential oils, thanks to which you can get rid of rheumatic inflammations, skin diseases, and strengthen the immune system. Essential oils are very effective in cosmetology.

2. Tannins can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, are a good antiseptic and are suitable for treating colds, infections, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and tones the body.

3. Antioxidants slow down the aging process in the body, increasing defenses and immunity.

4. Phytoncides have a calming and bactericidal effect. Thanks to these substances, tension is relieved, stress goes away, blood pressure is normalized, and diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract are effectively eliminated.

5. Sulfur is a substance that takes an active part in the construction bone tissue and cartilaginous, as well as in strengthening nerve cells. Its functions include stabilization of work nervous system, as well as normalization of blood sugar levels.

6. Manganese also takes part in the normalization of the nervous system; in addition, it improves brain function, metabolism in the body and prevents the appearance and development of rheumatism, arthrosis, and cataracts.

7. In addition to enhancing immunity, silver has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Thanks to silver, development is slowed down and the appearance of cancerous tumors.

8. Copper takes part in the majority metabolic processes occurring in the body. Thanks to copper, diseases such as anemia, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, liver disease, gastrointestinal tract, and rickets can be prevented.

9. Magnesium improves immunity, relieves stress, is an anti-toxic element, relieves inflammation and allergic reactions. It is especially important for heart disease, nervous system disorders and ailments such as constipation and poisoning.

Also, blackcurrant leaves are very rich in vitamin C, which they contain much more than berries. The shrub is also rich in other vitamins, for example, E, D, A, K group B, PP. In addition to the listed substances, plant leaves contain zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, boron, fluorine, sodium, cobalt, calcium, iron, organic acids such as citric, salicylic, tartaric, malic, succinic, flavonoids and pectins. It is thanks to the latter that toxins, radionuclides and heavy metal salts are actively removed from the body, which has a positive effect on health. Thanks to such a naturally rich composition, currant leaves can easily compete with any artificially created vitamin complex.

Currant leaves: medicinal properties of the plant

The medicinal properties of the plant are manifested in the treatment of a number of diseases:

1. As a vitamin remedy that strengthens the body, currant leaf can treat asthenia, vitamin deficiency, and anemia.

2. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antiseptic qualities are appropriate in the treatment of diseases of the stomach or intestines. The leaf is capable of killing pathogenic microflora that has settled and spreads in digestive tract.

3. Masks, teas, compresses, baths based on currant leaves are effective for skin diseases.

4. The beneficial properties of the leaves remove uric acid during the treatment of rheumatism or gout.

5. The diuretic effect has a positive effect on cystitis, urolithiasis, and pyelonephritis.

6. Currant leaf actively fights viruses during viral epidemics and colds, strengthens the body's immunity.

7. Phytoncide in the leaves helps relieve the symptoms of tuberculosis, treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, tonsillitis and bronchitis.

8. All the beneficial properties of currants are revealed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, eye problems, and liver problems.

9. The leaf is also useful for older people, especially in the form of tinctures. It strengthens the circulatory system, heart, blood vessels, prevents the development of sclerosis and maintains mental sobriety.

Powerful anti-inflammatory effect;

Cleansing and diuretic effect;

Diaphoretic and mild laxative;

Excellent antiseptic and tonic effect.

Black currant leaves: contraindications for use

Like any medications, blackcurrant leaves also have contraindications. You should not use the leaves in the following cases:

For thrombophlebitis, since regular use of medications based on currant leaf leads to increased blood clotting;

If there is increased gastric acidity, the leaf decoction will be contraindicated; it should not be used to treat peptic ulcers and inflammation of the duodenum;

Concentrated leaves in any form are contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid allergic reactions and other side effects;

If you have an individual intolerance or allergy to the berry bush, it is better to consult your doctor first.

How to brew tea from blackcurrant leaves. Drink Recipes

Black currant leaves, which are part of teas, infusions, and decoctions, bring many benefits. In such drinks, not only all the properties of the plant are revealed to the maximum, but they are also preserved for a long time.

To brew leaf tea Black currant can be used both as a fresh plant and as prepared dry raw materials. To do this, you need to thoroughly chop the leaves and a portion of 1 tbsp. Pour boiling water over spoons. After this, the currants can be brewed with 0.5 liters of boiling water, and then drunk as is. regular tea. It will perfectly help you come to your senses with stomach disorders, intestinal disorders, problems with bladder, kidneys, rheumatism.

An alternative to tea is a decoction, which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. To get it, you need 2 tbsp. Bring tablespoons of crushed currant leaves with 200 ml of water in an enamel bowl to a boil, and then leave to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. When the mixture has cooled, it must be strained - and the decoction is ready. It is suitable for normalizing blood pressure, improving performance of cardio-vascular system, for viruses and infections. To do this, you need to drink it in small sips. In the form of lotions, such a decoction saves from skin diseases, rashes, and excess fat.

Possible from currant leaves make an infusion, but it will require other herbs and berries that will complement and enhance useful qualities currants You can take rowan berries, viburnum, rose hips, dried raspberries, casting lingonberries and strawberries and others. Depending on the included ingredients, each infusion will have its own purpose to eliminate certain ailments.

Leaf baths are very useful for the skin, they eliminate problems on it, give it firmness, elasticity, give a healthy glow, reduce sweating and fight unpleasant smell. For one bath you will need 500 g of dried leaves, pour 5 liters of boiling water over them and let them boil for 30 minutes. Ready decoction should sit for 12–15 minutes, and then only it can be poured into the bathroom. The optimal regimen for taking such baths is once every 2 days for 15 minutes. Baths with currants will help restore impaired metabolism, eliminate eye diseases and dermatitis.

Black currant - healing properties

Black currant Ribes nigrum L. Some scientists attribute it to the saxifrage family- Saxifragaceae. Name from the Latinized Arabic “ribas”- sour to taste; Latin niger- black.

Black currant got its name from the word “currant”, which in ancient Russian meant “ strong smell“And indeed, of all types of currants, it is black currants that have the most pronounced aroma of fruits, leaves, and even branches and buds.

Perennial shrub up to 1.5 m high, with drooping yellowish-gray shoots, brownish by the end of summer. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, three-, five-lobed, glabrous above, below - with golden glands along the veins, with aromatic specific smell, up to 12 cm wide. Flowers 7-9 mm long, lilac or pinkish-gray, five-membered, collected 5-10 in drooping racemes 3-8 cm long. Fruit- multi-seeded black or dark purple fragrant round shiny berry with a diameter of 7-10 mm. Blooms in May- June, fruits ripen in July- August. Distributed in the European part of Russia.

Black currant- high-yielding crop. Under favorable weather conditions and proper care It bears fruit annually and abundantly. There are cases when up to 25 kg of berries were obtained from 1 m2. Blackcurrant is very beneficial for the health of the body, has a great taste and is one of the most favorite berries and is quite easy to grow.

Since ancient times, Slavic peoples knew black currants as food and medicinal plant. It began to be cultivated back in the 11th century, first in monastery gardens, and from the 18th century- already everywhere, in many countries of the world. We value black currants for their high content of vitamins and biologically active substances.

It is rich in sugars, organic acids and various elements: iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese. In terms of the content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), black currant ranks one of the first places, second only to citrus fruits and rose hips. It is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hypochromic anemia, with cardiac arrhythmias, heart defects, atherosclerosis, cardioneurosis, colds, infectious diseases, hemorrhagic vasculitis, periodontal disease, glomerulonephritis.

Composition of black currant

Black currant is considered a storehouse of useful substances and vitamins, since its berries contain vitamins B, P, E, carotene (vitamin A), pectins, sugars, phosphoric acid, tannins, essential oil, vitamin K, phosphorus salts, iron and potassium

In addition to vitamin C, black currant leaves contain phytoncides, magnesium, manganese, silver, copper, lead, sulfur, and essential oil. Black currants are so high in vitamin C that in order to provide daily requirement For the body to contain ascorbic acid, it is enough to eat only 20 berries daily.

100 g of berries contains:

Water, 85 g

Proteins, 1 g

Fat, 0.2 g

Carbohydrates, 11.5 g

Mono- and disaccharides, 6.7 g

Fiber, 3 g

Starch, g 0.6 g

Pectin, 1.1 g

Organic acids, 2.5 g

Ash, 0.9 g

Potassium, 350 mg

Calcium, 36 mg

Magnesium, 31 mg

Sodium, 32 mg

Phosphorus, 33 mg

Iron, 1300 mcg

Iodine, 1 mcg

Cobalt, 4 mcg

Manganese, 180 mcg

Copper, 130 mcg

Molybdenum, 24 mcg

Fluoride, 17 mcg

Zinc, 130 mcg

Vitamin B-carotene, 0.1 mg

Vitamin E (tocopherol), 0.72 mg

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 200 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine), 0.03 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 0.04 mg

Vitamin B9 ( folic acid), 5 mcg

Vitamin PP (niacin), 0.3 mg

Calorie content, 38 kcal

Healing properties of currants

For its healing properties, black currants are often called " home doctor". Our ancestors also appreciated this in it. In Russian herbalists and medical books of the 15th-16th centuries, black currant is mentioned as medicinal plant, healing many ailments, prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system and cancer.

The use of black currant for medicinal purposes is associated with the presence of vitamins, iron, potassium, pectin, tannins, and organic acids.

Used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypoxic, tonic. Removal of nitrogen metabolism products. It also improves mental abilities in a person.

Vitamin C is found not only in berries, but also in leaves, buds, buds, flowers, where it is almost as much as in fruits. In addition to ascorbic acid, berries contain many other vitamins: provitamin A (carotene), B vitamins - B1, B2, B6, B9, as well as vitamins E (tocopherol), K (phylloquinone), PP (nicotinic acid), P (citrine ).

The antiseptic properties of black currant are so great that gargling with its juice diluted with water a short time helps get rid of sore throat.

Currant juice is also effective for severe coughs.

Dried currants are necessary all year round, since it is an antipyretic, diaphoretic and antidiarrheal agent (20 berries per glass heel, cook over low heat for 30 minutes, cool, take a tablespoon 3 times a day).

Black currant improves hematopoiesis, blood circulation and is one of the the best means for the treatment of anemia.

It perfectly improves appetite and has a laxative effect (for constipation).

Blackcurrant has been found to have the ability to prevent the occurrence of cancer diseases and Alzheimer's disease, protect against heart and vascular diseases and diabetes and maintain visual acuity for a long time.

A decoction of the roots is used as an astringent.

Infusion, tincture, extract of roots, branches, branch bark, buds, leaves, fruits is used as a diuretic for kidney diseases, urinary tract. Diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory respiratory infections, bronchitis, whooping cough.

An infusion of branches, fruits and fruit juice are used for headaches. A decoction, tincture of branches, buds, leaves is used externally (baths, lotions). For scrofulosis, dermatitis, exudative diathesis, venereal and eye diseases.

A decoction of buds and leaves is used as a hemostatic.

Currant berries are rich in many vitamins, contain vitamins B, P, provitamin A, pectin substances, essential oil, sugar, phosphoric acid, contain iron and phosphorus salts, etc.

Black currant berries have the ability to prevent diabetes. This means that currants have a strengthening and healing function for humans when various diseases. This berry also removes radionuclides that have already penetrated into it from the body.

The berries are good for processing; they are used to make jam, jellies, compotes, juices, fruit drinks, jam, marmalade, and wine. In home canned black currants, almost all vitamins are preserved.

The juice from the berries is drunk with honey or sugar for a severe cough.

Perhaps not a single housewife can do without it. fragrant leaves during salting and fermentation. In addition, the presence of phytoncides in them ensures better storage of canned products.

Doctors recommend fresh fruits for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and hypertension, and Fresh Juice - with anacid gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Both berries and blackcurrant leaves are indispensable for genitourinary system. This is also an excellent diuretic: pour 20 fresh or dry berries into 0.6 cups of boiling water. It's better to do this in a thermos. Leave for 4 to 8 hours. Take 1 tablespoon warm 5-6 times a day, regardless of meals. Under the influence of pectins, diuresis increases, sleep improves, and blood pressure decreases.

Pectins are adsorbed in the intestines and bound into insoluble salt complexes heavy metals(mercury, lead, cobalt, strontium), radioactive elements, as well as cholesterol, then these complexes are eliminated from the body. Pectins also bind toxic substances formed during putrefactive processes, normalize the intestinal microflora, and improve digestion.

For best use pectin, wash ripe blackcurrant berries, let the water drain, place in an enamel bowl, add 200 ml of water per 1 kg of berries, heat to 70°C, rub through a sieve, add 600 g of sugar, cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Pour into dishes while hot.

Currant berry decoction

Decoctions of black currant berries help with anemia, hypertension, bleeding gums, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and gastritis. An infusion of leaves helps rid the body of excess uric and puric acids. Therefore, it is useful for bladder diseases, as well as gout and rheumatism.

To prepare a decoction of currant berries: 2 tbsp. l. dry raw materials pour 1 cup hot water, boil for 10 minutes, leave for 30 minutes and filter. Take 2 tablespoons 4 times a day before meals. A course of treatment- 3 weeks.

Currant berries mixed with sugar in a 1:2 ratio are useful for preventing atherosclerosis and reducing blood pressure with hypertension.

If it hurts coughing, then take a mixture of blackcurrant juice, honey and sugar.

Black currant leaves

In addition to the fact that adding black currant leaves produces a wonderful tea that has restorative effect, the leaves have healing properties thanks to the biologically active and tannin substances they contain, essential oils, vitamins and phytoncides.

Black currant leaves contain more vitamin C than berries, which is why they are used as a tonic and antiseptic. IN folk medicine they are used as a diuretic for urolithiasis, cystitis, as well as rheumatism, gout and colds. They contain sulfur, silver, lead, copper and essential oil and of course vitamin C, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, phytoncides. The leaves, buds and flowers contain vitamins C and P, iridoids, catechins, phytoncides, cyanogenic compounds, tannins and dyes, organic acids, phytoncides.

In France and Poland, an infusion of currant leaves is used for rheumatism, kidney diseases, bladder diseases, and kidney stones - 500 ml per day.

The leaves can also be used to make fruit vinegar.

Just put fresh leaves in a jar and pour cold boiled water with sugar (per liter - 100 g), cover with gauze, ferment the leaves for 2 months, then strain and bottle.

From young leaves in spring and early summer you can prepare a strengthening vitamin drink, if you mix boiled water with any sour juice and pour this mixture over blackcurrant leaves, then leave for a day, then strain and, if desired, adding sugar, drink half a glass a day.

For edema of renal origin, stones in bladder, urinary retention (even if it is associated with prostatitis), take an infusion of black currant leaves: 10-12 pieces per 1.5 cups of boiling water. Best done in a thermos (5-8 hours). Drink 0.5 glasses 4-5 times a day between meals.

An infusion of leaves is used as a diaphoretic, mild laxative, for bleeding and metabolic disorders.

Baths from a decoction of currant leaves are used for various rashes and skin diseases, suffering from dermatitis, eczema, furunculosis.

Black currant leaves are used for diseases of the liver and respiratory tract, as an antidiarrheal agent.

An infusion or decoction of the leaves is taken for dropsy, joint pain, rheumatism, gout, for bladder stones, used as a diaphoretic for colds, as an external anti-inflammatory for scrofula and as a vitamin remedy.

The leaves and leaf buds contain carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, rutin, phytosterol), organic acids, mineral salts, tannins and dyes, iridoid asperulin, cyanogenic compounds, catechins, phytoncides, essential oil, phenolcarboxylic and other carboxylic acids and derivatives: caffeic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, p-coumaric, o-coumaric, protocatechuic, quinic.

Infusion of currant leaves

To prepare an infusion of currant leaves, pour 5 tablespoons of crushed raw materials into 0.5 liters of hot water, boil for 2-3 minutes and leave for 2-4 hours.

Take 0.5-1 glass 4-5 times a day before or during meals.

For gastritis, take an ancient remedy:

Infusion: 20 fresh currant leaves, pour 1 liter of white wine and leave for 2 weeks. Take 100 g before meals.

As a general tonic after a serious illness, the following collection is recommended:

Infusion: currant leaves, blueberry and birch leaves in equal parts. Brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 glass of boiling water. Drink 1 glass of tea in the morning and evening.

Drink made from blackcurrant leaves

Water - 350 ml, berry juice - 2 tbsp. spoons, black currant leaves - 50 g, sugar. Black currant leaves are washed, crushed, placed in a glass jar, and poured with cold boiled water diluted with berry juice.

The jar is placed in a warm place for 24 hours to infuse. The finished drink is filtered, sugar is added, cooled, and poured into cups.

An infusion of currant leaves mixed with tricolor violet leaves is used to treat tuberculosis and colds in children.

A decoction of branches, buds and leaves is used for baths and lotions for dermatitis, exudative diathesis and eye diseases. To prepare it, pour 50 g of the mixture into 1 liter of hot water and boil for 10 minutes.

Currant leaves are used as a spice when pickling cucumbers, tomatoes and cabbage (due to the content of phytoncides, the leaves protect vegetables from spoilage and preserve their vitamin value).

Currant buds

The kidneys are removed in winter. They contain essential oil. A decoction of currant branches, buds and leaves is used for baths and lotions for dermatitis, exudative diathesis and eye diseases. To prepare it, pour 50 g of the mixture into 1 liter of hot water and boil for 10 minutes. Use for one bath.

Currant juice

Currant juice is used to treat sore throat, as well as when the body is weakened, for example, after surgical intervention. Black currant berries help with hypertension, bleeding gums, stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastritis.

The medicinal raw materials are fruits, leaves and buds.

The fruits are collected in dry weather as they ripen. When collecting, avoid damaging the bark and breaking branches, as this facilitates the penetration of pathogens into the plant.

The berries are sorted, cleaned of impurities and dried in the attic, spread in a thin layer on mats or frames covered with gauze.

They practice drying the berries in a stove or oven for 4-6 hours at a temperature of 35...40°C, then 55...60°C, making sure that they do not burn or stick together into lumps. Leaves are harvested from the beginning of the plant's flowering until leaf fall. Air dry in the shade.

Buds, berries and leaves are stored in bags or wooden container. Kidneys are preserved with vodka. The shelf life of raw materials is 1 year.

Currant fruits contain vitamins C, P, B1, B2, carotene, sugars, tannins, essential oil, pigments, flavonoids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and sodium salts.

During leaf fall, the leaves contain as much vitamin C as the fruits.

Preparations from the fruits, leaves and buds of currants have a diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiarterosclerotic and mild laxative effect.

An infusion of branches, buds, leaves and fruits is used as a diuretic, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory agent for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, whooping cough, inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract, headaches and gout.

To prepare a decoction of the fruit, pour 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials into 1 glass of hot water, boil for 10 minutes, leave for 30 minutes and filter. Take 2 tablespoons 4 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

Currant fruits mixed with sugar in a 1:2 ratio are beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerosis and lowering blood pressure in hypertension.

The fruits in the form of an infusion are used as a multivitamin and dietary agent for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis, anemia, bronchitis and anacid gastritis.

At peptic ulcer drink fresh juice (gastric and duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, low acidity gastric juice), metabolic disorders, liver diseases, high content uric acid and purine bases in the body. Treats gastritis with low acidity. Drink 0.3 glasses of juice 5-7 times a day 20-25 minutes before meals.

Currants for colds

Currant berries have a positive effect on colds and infectious diseases.

For tonsillitis, pharyngitis 1 tbsp. crush currant berries, pour 1 cup boiled water, strain, take 0.5 cups 3-4 times a day.

For adenoids, tea is prepared from black currant leaves; take 0.3 cups 3-4 times a day for a month; Rinse the nasopharynx with this infusion 1-2 times a day for 10 days.

The full daily requirement for vitamins C and P is covered by consuming 50 g of berries per day or properly prepared jam, marmalade, etc. Currant berries are eaten as a valuable multivitamin product.

In folk medicine, currants are used as a multivitamin, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, for anemia, diseases of the cardiovascular system, against cough, as a means of increasing the body's resistance.

In addition, black currant is an excellent preventive remedy for radiation sickness.

Blackcurrant juice is still one of the best remedies for the treatment of scrofula for children - an infusion of black currant leaves. Make baths, lubricate the body with juice from fresh leaves and after 3-5 minutes wash in water to which string and lovage have been added.

At very running forms make compresses from the leaves. Effective treatment of rheumatism and gout infusion of black currant leaves: 10-12 pieces per 0.5 liter of boiling water. Leave until cool. Don't strain! Drink 0.5 cups 4-6 times a day. Excess uric and oxalic acid is removed from the body, which determines successful treatment.

One of the most unique properties black currant can be called stimulation of the adrenal cortex(adrenal dysfunction, Addison's disease).

Decoction of stems and infusion of leaves (can be dried for the entire period of treatment): 20 g per 2 cups of boiling water. Leave until cool. Drink 0.3 glasses 5-6 times a day 30-40 minutes after meals.

Ascorbic acid is well preserved in frozen currants. When in contact with metal, some of the vitamins are lost, therefore, when preparing blackcurrants, you need to use enamel dishes and a wooden pestle.

Blackcurrant oil is used to restore dry, flaky, irritated skin, restore the skin barrier function, and has excellent restorative, moisturizing and smoothing properties.

Use for hormone-dependent skin problems ah, such as acne, and also for dry skin. The oil is obtained from the seeds by pressing. The pressed oil has an intense yellow and the smell typical for this species. Through subsequent careful filtration and refining, the oil becomes distinctly lighter, the intensity of the odor is reduced, and the concentration of foreign substances removed from the oil by refining is significantly reduced.

Refined blackcurrant seed oil highly valued in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries due to the high content of gamma-linolenic acid, also called GLA, and also in dermatological formulations (through GLA the formation of eczema is prevented). Recommended for oral administration as a source of natural fatty acids.

Contraindications to the consumption of black currants

The high content of vitamin K and phenolic compounds in blackcurrant makes this berry contraindicated for thrombophlebitis, and its prolonged and unlimited consumption can lead to increased blood clotting.

Black currant is contraindicated when increased acidity stomach, gastric and duodenal ulcers, with hyperacid gastritis. Although fresh berries and blackcurrant juice are allowed for liver problems; they should not be taken for hepatitis.

Black currant juice is not beneficial after previous heart attacks and strokes, as well as at the risk of developing thrombosis.

100% blackcurrant juice can cause an allergic reaction, especially in children, although in reasonable doses it helps increase hemoglobin in the blood.

Some experts believe that during pregnancy it is better to avoid using currant juice for medicinal purposes.

Egorov I. V., Candidate of Biological Sciences

Currant is a berry bush from the Gooseberry family. Distributed in Eurasia and North America. Some species are found in South America along the Andes. Their berries are eaten in fresh, preserves, jams, compotes, marmalade, syrup and even wine are made from them. The leaves are also used in cooking. Based on them, aromatic teas and decoctions are prepared and used as a flavoring agent for meat and fish dishes. The plant also has medicinal benefits. We'll talk about it in the article.

Chemical composition

Currant foliage contains:

• (average 245 mg%);
• carotene;
• phytoncides;
• essential oils;
• terpene alcohol;
• phenols;
• flavonols (average 697 mg%);
• hydroxycinnamic acids (average 147 mg%);
• (average 4319 mg%);
• flavones (free cakhetins, proanthocyanidins, condensed cakhetins);
• phenolic acids (salicylic, tannic, gallic, caffeic, ferulic, paracoumaric);
• anthocyanins;
• (327 mg%);
• (7.5 mg%);
• (370 mg%);
• (158 mg%);
• (2 mg%);
• (0.5 mg%);
• (0.75 mg%);

• (0.75 mg%);
• (1.5 mg%);
• (0.0005 mg%);
• (0.005 mg%).

Composition data is given for black currant foliage, one of the most common species.

Important! The mg% (milligram percent) value is intended to measure concentration. Its approximate value: the number of milligrams of a certain substance in 100 grams of the test substance.

Medicinal properties

• The essential oils contained in the leaves act as antibiotics. They kill bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract.
• Vitamin C, together with some flavonoids, strengthens blood vessels, makes them less permeable, increases the body’s resistance to viruses.
• Phytoncides inhibit microorganisms that cause dysentery and diphtheria.

• Thanks to ascorbic acid, currant leaf is an excellent tonic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and cleansing agent.
• The bactericidal properties of the foliage help in the treatment of dermatitis, scrofula (exudative diathesis).
• Currant leaf along with raspberry and lingonberry leaves is used as a vitamin collection during vitamin deficiency and illnesses circulatory system, for atherosclerosis, for colds.

Application

Currant is a food, vitamin, essential oil, medicinal, melliferous and phytoncidal plant.

In cosmetology

Using currant leaf in cosmetology, you can:

• nourish and moisturize the skin;
• activate tissue restoration processes;
• narrow pores and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• remove irritation and inflammatory processes from the skin;
• even out facial tone and get rid of age spots;
• strengthen hair and nails;
• saturate skin and hair with vitamins;
• improve collagen production;
• rejuvenate the skin;
• withdraw excess liquid from the body.

• Mask for the face. Fresh leaves Wash the currants and chop them finely. In 150 ml sour milk pour in one and a half tablespoons of foliage. Mix everything well. Before use, squeeze out the mixture using gauze and apply to the face, lightly massaging the skin. Leave for 20 minutes and wash off. This mask evens out the complexion.

• Product for hair growth and strengthening. Take two tablespoons of currant leaves and brew in five glasses of boiling water. Let it sit overnight and in the morning start drinking 0.2 ml four times a day.

In medicine

Decoctions and infusions from currant leaves improve the functioning of the adrenal cortex. Also used to treat gastritis and ulcers in chronic form with low acidity, some diseases of the cardiovascular system. They are a diuretic and choleretic agent. Baths with a decoction of currant leaves help cope with the symptoms of diathesis in early childhood.

The plant is also applicable in complex treatment for liver diseases, respiratory system, urolithiasis.

Harm and contraindications

When drinking teas as a diuretic and diaphoretic for colds, there is a possibility of dehydration. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the amount of water you drink.

The leaves can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the components of the plant.

Harvesting currant leaves

Currant leaves are harvested when the plant has bloomed but has not yet begun to bear fruit. This is approximately the month of June. Medium leaves are suitable for preparation. The upper and lower ones are not used. They are picked by hand, then dried on cloth or paper in the shade. The finished leaves should break easily in your hands. Store them in a fabric bag in a dry, ventilated place.

Important! If you plan to independently procure raw materials, then it is advisable to do this on your own plots or where you are sure that the plant has not been treated with pesticides.

Drinks made from currant leaves

We have already talked about the purposes for which currant decoction is used. Now let's say a few words about other drinks and give a few recipes.

Currant leaf tea

These teas help with:

• kidney problems;
• urolithiasis;
• gout;
• swelling.

Vitamin tea tones and cleanses the body, quenches thirst.

A simple recipe: brew a handful of leaves in a teapot and leave for five minutes. You can add sugar and regular tea leaves.

Decoction of currant leaves

The decoction helps with:

• bronchopulmonary diseases;
• colds and inflammatory processes;
• high blood pressure;
• cardiovascular problems;
• rheumatism;
• bladder problems;
• dysentery;
• atherosclerosis.

Simple recipe: A glass of currant leaves is poured with three glasses of boiling water and boiled for 20 minutes. Cool and drink half a glass three times a day.

Infusion of currant leaves

The infusion is used for the same diseases as the decoction.

Did you know?Until the 60s of the 20th century, there was one type of blackcurrant - European. During these years, American powdery mildew spread in Europe ( fungal disease) and destroyed many plants, since the disease is difficult to combat. Breeders were forced to develop new genetically stable varieties. They appeared at the dawn of the 21st century.

A simple recipe for solving skin problems: crush 1 tbsp. l. currant leaves and pour two glasses of boiling water. Infuse for six hours and drink 0.25 cups four times a day.

Alcohol tincture

Alcohol tincture helps well with gastritis with greatly reduced acidity. To prepare it, you need to pour 20 g of fresh currant leaves into 1000 ml of white wine. The mixture is sealed and infused for three weeks. Drink half a glass before meals.

Leaves with similar properties

A few words about no less useful plants than currants.

Raspberry leaves

Raspberry foliage strengthens the immune system, normalizes heart function, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. Decoctions and infusions from it are used as expectorants and antipyretics for colds and infectious diseases. Vitamin teas help you lose weight overweight, normalize appetite.

Strawberry leaves

Z Strawberry foliage is a good tonic and diuretic. Rich vitamin composition The plant helps with anemia. Teas and decoctions are beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. May be allergens.

Sea buckthorn leaves

Sea buckthorn foliage It calms well and stabilizes the nervous system. Has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Suitable for joint diseases. It has virtually no contraindications.

Lingonberry leaves

Useful properties of lingonberries:

• removes toxins;
• has an antipyretic effect;
• strengthens protective function body;
• has choleretic and diuretic effects;
• normalizes protein metabolism;
• lowers blood pressure;
• has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Due to the tannin content, it is not recommended to drink decoctions and infusions from the plant for people with kidney problems. Due to their ability to lower blood pressure, they are not suitable for hypotensive patients. May cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to plant components.

blackberry leaves

Blackberry foliage can remove worms from the body. If you have problems with your immune system, it is recommended to drink teas and decoctions from the plant. Also, these drinks help remove excess fluid and phlegm from the body and suppress the inflammatory process.

Despite the presence of a large number of useful properties, currant leaf is not as valued in medicine and cosmetology as the berry. We hope that you have no doubts about medicinal properties ah plants and, using these tips, you will improve your health.

" Currant

Currant leaves are a gift from nature, possessing a wide range of beneficial properties for the internal health of the body and external beauty. This is an accessible raw material for cooking medicinal infusions and decoctions, culinary preparations And cosmetics. Recognizes the beneficial properties of blackcurrant leaves official medicine, and extracts are used by beauty concerns to prepare expensive funds care

The beneficial properties of each product for the human body are determined by the substances predominant in their composition, the combination of vitamins and macroelements.

During the flowering of the bush, a record amount of vitamin C accumulates in currant leaves (260 mg%). This is 1.5-2 times more than in the fruits of the crop, which is achieved due to the low content of enzymes that destroy ascorbic acid. Vitamin C contained in 100 g of product significantly exceeds the daily requirement of the human body (90 mg).

Without the participation of vitamin C, the formation of collagen and connective tissue. It ensures the density of bone and dental tissue, elasticity and firmness of the skin. Therefore, the external beauty of our body partly depends on vitamin C.

An organic compound regulates the process of blood clotting and reduces permeability vascular walls and suppresses the development of inflammatory processes. These properties are excellent for prevention and auxiliary treatment atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascular pathologies and viral diseases.

Vitamin C is not synthesized in the body, so it must be supplied steadily through food. The organic compound is easily destroyed when exposed to mechanical damage and improper heat treatment. Therefore, fresh currant leaves are used whole and placed only in boiling water.

Currant leaves differ in the content of polyphenolic compounds that is significant for the human body:

• flavonols 2700 mg%;
• free catechins 941 mg%;
• condensed catechins 4414 mg%;
• proanthocyanidins 2174 mg%;
• bioflavonoids 7365 mg%.

These are strong natural antioxidants that suppress the development free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that oxidize and destroy healthy cells. Excessive formation of free radicals disrupts all biochemical processes in the body, promotes malignant transformation of connective tissue. Therefore, currant leaves are useful for people’s diet after treatment. oncological diseases or with a hereditary predisposition to them.

The benefits of currant leaves for people who smoke, live in areas with a predominance of background radiation and in cities with polluted air are undeniable. Natural antioxidants resist toxic substances and contribute to their removal from the body.

Currant leaves contain an impressive amount of essential macronutrients:

• magnesium 370 mg%;
• calcium 327 mg%;
• potassium 178 mg%;
• phosphorus 7.5 mg%;
• sodium 2 mg%.

These minerals are responsible for the strength and growth of bones, health muscle mass and motor function of the body.

The predominance of magnesium and potassium in currant leaves is especially useful for heart function and the prevention of heart attack. These macroelements strengthen the myocardium (heart muscle), regulate blood flow and restore heart rhythm.

In addition to the benefits, currant leaves can also cause harm to the body. The herbal component cannot be used if the body is highly acidic, acute gastritis and stomach ulcers, hepatitis. If you have chronic pathologies, it is important to consult a doctor before use.

A contraindication to the use of currants in any form is thrombophlebitis. Blackcurrant leaves should not be overused, because of them, blood clotting may increase.

You should not take a decoction based on black currant leaves if you have an elevated stomach acidity, with peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory process in duodenum. IN large quantities medications should not be taken during pregnancy, breastfeeding, they lead to side effects and various allergic reactions.

Application of black and red currant leaves

Currant leaves can be used all year round. Thanks to the phytoncides in their composition, the beneficial substances of the plant are preserved almost in natural form when dried and frozen.

Decoctions and infusions - benefits and harms

In addition to the undoubted medicinal properties, decoctions and infusions of currant leaves have a wonderful aroma.

When used systematically and correctly, they are characterized by high therapeutic effect during prevention and treatment:

• bronchopulmonary diseases;
• inflammatory and cold pathologies;
• hypertension;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• atherosclerosis;
• dysentery;
• diabetes

The herbal component strengthens the immune system, visual functions, regulates the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Decoctions and infusions are used for daily cleansing of the skin, and lotions are applied to problem areas.. Such procedures suppress inflammatory processes in skin cells, a common cause acne and systemic facial sepsis.

Therapeutic baths

The anti-inflammatory properties of currant leaves significantly alleviate the manifestation of dermatitis and other skin diseases.

Currant leaf baths are used to treat:

• all types of dermatitis;
• prickly heat in children;
• diathesis;
• radiculitis.

A bath of currant leaves is an excellent way to nourish the cells of the skin, nails and hair with beneficial substances. It is a good alternative for many spa treatments for women.

Healthy tea

Currant leaf tea is a good addition to your daily diet.. The drink has tonic and restorative properties. This worthy replacement for more aggressive drinks tea and coffee.

The diuretic properties of tea complement complex treatment:

• renal pathologies (cystitis, pyelonephritis)
• urolithiasis;
• gout (removal of uric acids);
• swelling.

Tea is especially beneficial for older people. At this time, significant disturbances in metabolism, blood circulation and the functioning of the nervous system occur in the body. The structures of the heart wear out and require increased support from nutrients supplied with food.

Tea made from currant leaves is a source of significant macroelements and vitamins, the mild effect of which does not disrupt the natural functioning of the body. The drink does not have age restrictions, will be useful for children and adults.

Recipes for medicinal and cosmetic products

Treatment with currant leaves has been practiced for a long time, except that's coming constant study of the beneficial properties of the plant component. Therefore today we can use the best recipes for medicinal and cosmetic products from currant leaves.

Popular recipes:

• Decoction. To prepare the remedy, dry and crushed leaves (4 tbsp) are placed in boiling water (1 l) and kept in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain and cool. Take 200 ml 3 times a day.
• Infusion. Dry raw materials (5 tbsp) are poured into a thermos and poured with boiling water (1 l). Leave for 2-3 hours, filter and cool. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day. Using the infusion, lotions are made during acne inflammation. To do this in medicinal product moisten a piece of gauze and apply to problem areas for 15 minutes.
• Therapeutic bath. You can also use plant branches to prepare a bath. To do this, 1 kg of raw material is poured with 10 liters of water and boiled for 30 minutes. After this, cover the dishes with a lid and leave for 1 hour, filter and add to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 25 minutes, the recommended frequency is 2 times a week.
• Tea. In summer, it is better to brew tea from fresh currant or raspberry leaves. To do this, leaves (5-6 pieces) are placed in boiling water (250 ml), kept on fire for 1 minute and left for 2-3 minutes. To improve the taste, add a spoonful of honey. Tea can be brewed with the addition of mint, in which case it will turn out good sedative which promotes healthy sleep.

• Antiseptic compress. The treatment procedure is recommended for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Dried leaves currants (20 g), chamomile flowers (30 g), sea buckthorn fruits (50 g) are poured with boiling water (1 l) and exposed to a water bath for 20 minutes. Cool and filter. A gauze cloth soaked in the broth is applied to the face for 10-15 minutes. The recommended course of treatment is 5 days.
• Mask for the face. Chopped fresh leaves (6 pcs.) and curdled milk (150 ml) are thoroughly mixed and squeezed through gauze. The nourishing mixture is applied to the face and left for 20 minutes. In winter, an infusion of dry raw materials can be used as a component. The mask lightens pigments, evens out complexion, and has a softening effect.

Currant leaves are used not only for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Their extraordinary aroma makes them an excellent addition to salads and hot dishes. The leaves are also indispensable for preserving vegetables. The high content of phytoncides in their composition protects products from decay during long-term storage.

Collection and storage

Currant leaves will be useful only if properly prepared. The leaves are collected during currant flowering, when the content of vitamins and macroelements reaches its maximum. Collection is carried out at minimal ambient humidity.

To do this, choose a day without precipitation, a period between 10-12 hours, when morning dew dries out. Pluck off whole leaves of young shoots without signs of disease. Dry on the surface of the fabric in a dry and ventilated area without exposure to sunlight..

Store the product in tight fabric bags or glass jars, closed with a lid. The beneficial properties of raw materials are preserved for 2-3 years.

Despite the huge potential of healing and beneficial properties for the human body, currant leaves are unfairly pushed aside. This can be explained by the easy availability of raw materials and the lack of complete information about an amazing plant component. Therefore, it is important to take a closer look at the modest plants around us, the names of which are often mentioned in the composition of expensive creams and medicines.

As summer approaches, refreshing fruit teas made from the leaves and berries of fruit bushes and trees are becoming increasingly popular. Black currants are one of the first to begin to turn green and bloom. From its young leaves you can prepare a very tasty, and most importantly healing tea. Having studied the benefits and harms of currant leaf tea, you can bring your body maximum positive sensations.

Beneficial properties of currant leaves

Despite the fact that most people eat only its berries, it is one of those fruit bushes in which benefits can be derived from almost everything, including the leaves. In their composition you can find many substances necessary for the body, including:

• vitamin C in fairly large quantities;
• tannins;
• phytoncides, flavonoids;
• mineral salts of manganese, magnesium, copper, etc.

A large amount of vitamins, led by vitamin C, makes currant leaf tea indispensable for combating vitamin deficiency or strengthening the immune system during colds. It is also able to speed up the recovery of the body after a serious illness, and restore vigor after prolonged fatigue. Do not forget that vitamin C is a fairly strong antioxidant that can prevent the development of cancer, as well as premature aging body cells.

The high content of phytoncides makes decoctions and infusions of currant leaves an excellent antiseptic, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent that can act on a par with medications. Currant leaves are often used in the treatment of ulcers or gastritis, anemia or atherosclerosis, and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Tea with currant leaves will quickly eliminate coughs and help overcome colds, bronchitis, flu, whooping cough or sore throat.

Thanks to their properties, infusions and decoctions of currant leaves help maintain vigor even in old age, maintain clarity of mind and excellent vision. In addition, this drink has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood pressure problems.
Tea made from currant leaves is very useful for normalizing the functioning of all organs. digestive system and improved appetite. Thanks to active components, included in their composition, the body gains the ability to obtain from food and absorb much more essential vitamins and minerals.

Indications for use

Thanks to wide range beneficial properties, currant leaves, both fresh and in the form of tea, decoction or infusion, can be used to treat the most different problems with health. They are used:

• with bleeding;
• metabolic disorders;
• for kidney disease, tendency to edema;
• for the prevention of diabetes;
• reducing blood pressure;
• improved appetite;
• for colds, flu.

Currant leaves can destroy the dysentery bacillus, which is why they are often used in complex treatment, enhancing the effect of antibiotics. Also, the greens of this shrub are included in multivitamin collections from various medicinal herbs and plants.

IN Tibetan medicine Currant leaf tea is used to treat tuberculosis lymph glands, colds, general malaise, diseases of the genitourinary system.

Contraindications

While studying the benefits, we must not forget about possible harm tea from currant leaves. Even if it just comes down to individual intolerance. If you don’t know if you have an allergy to currants, you should start with very small portions to make sure there is no allergy.

Also, you should not abuse this drink, although no side effects have been identified so far. However, currant tea is a medicinal drink, which means it is worth observing in moderation.

• hepatitis;
• increased blood clotting;
• thrombophlebitis;
• increased acidity.

You should also be careful when taking this tea during pregnancy, without abusing it. Also, during this period you should not brew currant juice - you cannot take it until 37 weeks, so as not to provoke a miscarriage or premature birth. The tea itself, made from currant leaves, in reasonable quantities, will help a pregnant woman cope with toxicosis, insomnia, and strengthen the immune system and the walls of the uterus.

Cooking recipes

By learning how to make tea from blackcurrant leaves, you can get one of your favorite drinks in your collection. It is easy to prepare, the taste is pleasant, and the aroma reminds of summer. To prepare tea, you can use either fresh, just picked leaves, or dried or frozen leaves. If desired, they can be crushed or brewed whole - this does not affect the taste.

It is better to collect fresh leaves in the spring, when the currants begin to bloom. If the moment is missed, you can get raw materials for tea later – in June. They are collected in dry weather, waiting until the morning dew has left the leaves. It is important to choose intact, healthy leaves that have a rich green color.

Basic – classic – recipe

In the simplest version of preparing tea, you just need to pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves. The drink is infused for about a quarter of an hour, then filtered and drunk. If you have a habit of sweet teas, you can add a spoonful of sugar, or better yet, honey.

You can add berries and currant branches to this tea. After brewing, it is better to mash the berries with a spoon so that they give the maximum of their potential to the tea. Berries and shoots will enhance the healing effect and improve the taste and aroma of the drink.

You can also combine currant leaves with the usual black or green tea. To do this, take 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 2 tablespoons of chopped currants (fresh or dried).

Fresh leaves are washed thoroughly. Then they are crushed and placed together with tea in a teapot. The mixture is poured with boiling water and left for 15 minutes.

Tea for colds

This recipe is well suited for the autumn-winter period, when it is especially important to strengthen the immune system. It is recommended to supplement the resulting infusion with honey to enhance its antiviral effect.

To make tea you will need one teaspoon each of raspberry and currant leaves. They are poured with a glass of hot water and left for about 15-20 minutes.

Mint and currant tea

The combination of currant leaves and mint gives the tea a calming effect. This drink eliminates sleep problems and cleanses the body. And in addition, it has all the above beneficial properties of currant leaves.

Required components:

• currant leaves;
• mint;
• Melissa;
• Black tea.

All components are mixed in a ratio of 2:1:1:0.5. It is very convenient to prepare the mixture in advance, and then brew it as needed at the rate of 1 tablespoon of the mixture per glass of hot water. Tea with currants and mint is also infused for about a quarter of an hour.

Vitamin collection

Another useful source of vitamins can be obtained by combining one part each of raspberry and strawberry leaves with two parts of currant leaves. Fresh leaves are washed in cool water, put in a teapot and fill with hot water (about 0.5 l). This drink is also infused for about 15 minutes, after which it is drunk with honey.

Tea made from currant leaves offers complete freedom in choosing additives - you can combine currants with blackberry leaves, jasmine flowers, apples, leaves, fruits and flowers of any other fruit trees or shrubs, each time getting a new drink. Which will be equally healthy and tasty!