Composition of currant leaves
Currant is one of the most popular berry bushes in the garden, and its leaves contain a whole range of vitamins and nutrients. They are especially rich in vitamin C, which is even more in the leaves than in the berries. Fragrant tea from currant leaves is an elixir of health from various diseases and ailments. The benefits of this tea are due to the valuable substances contained in the leaves and fruits:
- essential oils;
- vitamins from group B, E, P, C, A, K;
- pectins;
- organic acids;
- carotene;
- tannins;
- potassium, iron, phosphorus;
- Sahara.
Herbal teas are a source of vitamins and macronutrients that can help strengthen the body’s immune system and rid it of chronic diseases. The beneficial properties of blackcurrant leaves are recognized by official medicine. They have medicinal properties.
Currant leaves are champions in the content of vitamin C. It is this element that gives them a strong healing power. The composition contains vitamins C, B, PP, carotene, trace elements, flavonoids, tannins, phytoncides. Thanks to essential oils, they have a pleasant aroma.
What are the benefits of blackcurrant leaves?
They have anti-inflammatory healing properties, and they make a healthy drink that can be an excellent general tonic and prophylactic for many diseases:
- blackcurrant leaf tea strengthens capillaries;
- restores after diseases and strengthens the immune system;
- excellent cleanser;
- has a diuretic effect;
- helps eliminate stress and anxiety;
- used externally to treat eczema and dermatitis;
- have anti-inflammatory properties;
- improves skin elasticity and firmness;
- strengthen the cardiovascular system;
- stimulates the digestive tract;
- has a tonic property.
Infusion or tea from the leaves is an excellent antiseptic that helps to destroy pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. In folk medicine, they are used as a tonic, antirheumatic, diuretic. Used as a diaphoretic for colds.
For 1 st. a spoonful of dry leaves will need 250 grams of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the collection, and leave to infuse for an hour. Then filter, and drink several times a day for half a glass, but not more than three cups a day. Excessive consumption of the drink can cause allergies. At the same time, tea is contraindicated for those who suffer from high acidity of the stomach.
Additional Information! If desired, you can add not only blackcurrant leaves to tea, but also raspberry, mint, strawberry, thyme, etc. leaves, which will help diversify the taste of the drink and increase the number of useful elements.
Collection of currant leaves
When should medicinal raw materials be collected? You can collect from early spring to mid-summer. Old leaves contain more sugars and essential oils, while young leaves contain more vitamins and organic acids. Leaves should be green, whole, intact.
The most favorable time for collection is the beginning of flowering. During this period, the highest concentration of nutrients and vitamins is observed in the plant. Harvest in dry, sunny weather.
For long-term storage, raw materials are usually dried, fermented or frozen. An important step in preparation is proper drying in natural conditions. To do this, in a ventilated room, away from direct sunlight, spread the product on a clean, dry surface, periodically turning over.
Store in linen bags or in glass jars with a closed lid. In a dry, cool and dark place. Shelf life is 2-3 years, after which they cease to be useful.
In addition to delicious tea, the leaves are also added to pickles when preparing vegetable and fruit preparations for the winter, which give them an additional aroma and taste. Fresh young leaves can be added to summer salads.
In order for the use of blackcurrant leaves to bring only benefits to the body, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage.
