White mulberry description
White mulberry is a plant belonging to the mulberry family. Originates from India, Japan and China. Currently cultivated in Europe, North America and Africa. It grows in countries with mild temperate or subtropical climates. Prefers loamy soils with average moisture and pH in the range of 6.0-7.5. In its natural environment, white mulberry can be found in coastal areas, valleys and ravines. It is planted in public places (parks, squares, alleys), and is also used to form spectacular hedges.
It is a fast-growing shrub or deciduous tree of medium height, reaching 3-6 m in height. The bark covering the straight mulberry trunk is gray or grayish-brown, rough, and finely furrowed. Mulberry leaves have different shapes: ovate, heart-shaped and up to three-lobed. Their edges are usually jagged.
Blooms in May, small flowers are greenish or white. White mulberry is a dioecious species because it produces male and female flowers. The tree also has ducts that contain milky sap. The fruits can be seen in July – they are creamy white or slightly pink. White mulberries have a sweet and mild flavor and are somewhat reminiscent of blackberries.
Growing white mulberry
Growing is not the most difficult thing. The plant is resistant to drought, low temperatures and even pollution. Prefers loamy soils with average moisture and pH in the range of 6.0-7.5.
It can be planted in the garden even on sandy soil, but preferably in a sunny or partial shade location. White mulberry does not require fertilization and is insensitive to diseases and pests.
White mulberry: properties, composition
Mulberries are grown mainly for their valuable fruits, which are an excellent source of B vitamins and vitamin C. They also contain numerous mineral salts necessary for the proper functioning of our body. These include calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.
Note! White mulberry leaves also have medicinal properties: diuretic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antibacterial and antifungal effects. Antioxidant properties, when consumed regularly, can slow down the aging process of cells.
Health benefits of white mulberry
White mulberry is a rich source of biologically active compounds, useful for the prevention of many diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease. Today this plant is becoming increasingly popular, due to its properties it can help diabetics. Despite the positive research results, white mulberry can be used not as a cure for diabetes, but as an additional therapy to treat the disease.
To prepare an infusion (1 tablespoon per glass of water) or add to food. These supplements provide best results when taken before meals. In addition, the plant has the following properties:
- reduces blood cholesterol levels;
- reduces the number of free radicals that cause aging of body cells;
- supports the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections;
- cleanses the body of parasites;
- bactericidal effect;
- provides the body with vitamins B and C, as well as important minerals;
- blocks the formation of a protein that causes the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the most important property of white mulberry is the reduction of glucose and cholesterol levels, while regulating blood sugar levels. Due to this, mulberry is recommended for the prevention of atherosclerosis, prevents the oxidation of lipoproteins, as a result of which cholesterol levels are maintained at the correct level. The active substances have a diastolic effect on the muscles of the intestines and respiratory system,
Traditional Chinese medicine considers mulberry to be a remedy for dizziness and tinnitus, and helps with constipation, urinary incontinence and urinary tract inflammation.
White mulberry for weight loss
These properties will be appreciated by people looking for natural ways to lose weight and will appreciate the effect of white mulberry in slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.
Additional information1 Eating white mulberry reduces the feeling of hunger, so this plant is recommended for people struggling with excess weight or obesity. This helps in reducing body fat. Thanks to it, less sugars are absorbed in the intestines and less of them enter the blood.
Use of mulberry in cosmetics
Due to its properties, white mulberry is also used in cosmetics. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect makes this ingredient beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. For irritated skin, you can also prepare a soothing mulberry mask at home. Mix tbsp. spoon dried leaves with natural yoghurt and apply to skin for about 15 minutes.
The extract of this plant can be found in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cosmetics and helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration. People struggling with visible capillaries and discoloration will appreciate the brightening properties of this ingredient.
Plant extracts are added to creams and tonics that correct skin color and whiten age spots. The active substances contained in white mulberry have whitening properties that can suppress the synthesis of melanin, which is responsible for the appearance of pigmentary changes in the skin. Mulberry extract is added to eye preparations (gels, creams) that mask dark circles and puffiness. Cosmetics reduce sebum production, nourish hair roots and soothe redness and irritation of the scalp.
White mulberry is part of dietary supplements that affect the condition of the skin, intended, for example, to combat cellulite.
Use in the kitchen
The fruits of the white mulberry can be eaten raw, straight from the tree, and used to prepare tasty and healthy canned food, ideal for the winter. Medicinal infusions are prepared from the leaves, which are collected in mid-May
How to prepare an infusion? Pour about 2 g of white mulberry leaves into 200 ml of hot water (about 98°C) and leave for about 5 minutes.
Their use should be agreed with your doctor.
Contraindications and side effects
Pharmacies offer a large selection of preparations with white mulberry. They are intended for various ailments and differ in additives and dosage.
As for the side effects caused by the use of white mulberry, they may be associated with excessive use of the drug or hypersensitivity to this ingredient. Side effects affect the gastrointestinal tract and include flatulence, constipation and diarrhea.
Caution should be exercised when using hypoglycemic drugs and white mulberry simultaneously. There may be a drop in glucose levels and the need to change the dosage of medications.
White mulberry has gained a good reputation among people who care about health and beauty.
