Medicinal properties and contraindications of teas and decoctions from lingonberry leaves

The healing properties of lingonberry leaves

The homeland of the evergreen shrub is Siberia, the Far East, the Arctic. This is an uncultivated plant, so it can only be found in forests. Lingonberries are easy to spot. It has glossy, dense oval-shaped leaves and bright scarlet small fruits.

In folk medicine, the whole plant is used. All parts have useful qualities - from roots to berries. Its medicinal properties include:

• elimination of salts and toxins from the body;
• destruction of helminths;
• removal of inflammation;
• stopping bleeding;
• prevention and treatment of gynecological diseases;
• antihistaminic properties;
• herpes treatment;
• decrease in temperature;
• increased immunity;
• antiviral properties;
• reducing the risk of malignant tumors;
• softening of stones;
• removal of edema;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• lowering blood sugar levels;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• stabilization of the central nervous system;
• relief of menopausal symptoms.

Video "Useful and dangerous properties of lingonberry"

This video tells about the features of the use of lingonberries in traditional medicine.

Potential harm

Despite the usefulness of lingonberry as a medicinal plant, it must be used very carefully. Uncontrolled use can lead to undesirable consequences. It is impossible to use lingonberry leaf infusion without consulting a doctor in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• patients with kidney pathologies;
• children under the age of 12;
• people on a weight loss diet;
• at the same time as taking antibiotics.

Hypersensitivity test

Before using lingonberries, you must carefully read the contraindications and make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the chemical composition of the plant. You can determine individual intolerance using a mini-test. To do this, the bandage is moistened in a concentrated solution, wrapped around the wrist and kept for 10 minutes. The first signs of hypersensitivity will be redness, tingling, or itching.

Side effects when taking lingonberry leaf

It is necessary to use a medicinal plant strictly according to the instructions, without increasing the dose and course of treatment. Since lingonberry is a strong diuretic, excessive use of it can lead to inflammation of the ureters and the elimination of nutrients from the body.

When purchasing dried leaves, you need to pay attention to their color. It should be dark green, free of impurities. If there is a gray coating on it, it is better to discard such raw materials immediately.

Chemical composition

Lingonberry is not in vain included in the register of medicinal herbs. Its leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial components:

1. Organic acids. They are powerful diuretics, relieve inflammation, neutralize toxins.
2. Phenolcarboxylic acids. They lower the temperature, reduce joint pains, and eliminate neuroses.
3. Arbutin. Helps fight urolithiasis and cystitis, has analgesic properties.
4. Flavonoids, tannins. They are responsible for cell regeneration, slow down the aging process.
5. Vitamins of group B, C. Promote a stable course of biochemical reactions, strengthen the immune system.
6. Micro-, macroelements. Essential for the normal functioning of the body.

Procurement rules

Lingonberries are harvested twice a season: immediately after the snow melts and at the end of fruiting. During flowering or ripening of berries, the plant loses some of its beneficial properties, therefore, it is not harvested in summer.

The collected raw materials are carefully examined and sorted out. Dry the peeled leaves on a dry surface in the shade, turning regularly. The storage area for dried raw materials should be dark, dry and well ventilated. Dry leaves retain their medicinal qualities for 2 years.

Recipes

Lingonberries are used to treat or prevent diseases in a variety of ways. It can be infused or brewed, but in all cases, the usefulness of the plant is not reduced. Below we take a look at a few of the most common recipes.

Decoction

Prepare as follows:

• 20 g of raw materials are steamed with a glass of boiling water;
• stand for 30 minutes on a steam bath;
• cool, strain and squeeze the cake;
• warm water is introduced to a volume of 250 ml.

When ingested, the broth is diluted with tea at the rate of 1: 1. Drink 125 ml once a day before meals. As a prophylaxis for renal disease, it is sufficient to halve the dose.

For external use, the broth is not diluted. Treatment of the affected areas is carried out no more than 2 times a day.

Infusion

Infusion method:

• 10 g of raw materials are poured into a thermos and steamed with half a glass of hot water;
• let it brew for 3 hours;
• strain well.

For internal use, take 40 ml every 6 hours. With rheumatism, drink 125 ml 4 times throughout the day.

Tea

Tea is often used as a preventive measure. It strengthens the immune system, relieves puffiness, and helps fight stress. The recipe is simple:

• 40 g of raw materials are steamed with 1 liter of boiling water;
• insist a quarter of an hour under a towel;
• strain well.

It is recommended to drink tea every 6 hours for 1 glass, adding honey or jam.

Vodka tincture

The tincture is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, as well as in people with gastric ulcer.

Cooking method:

• 100 g of raw materials are steamed with 2.5 liters of boiling water;
• boil for 2 hours over low heat;
• strain;
• introduce 0.2 liters of vodka;
• boil for 15 minutes, making sure that the infusion does not boil.

Alcohol tincture should be drunk 50 g before meals in the morning, afternoon and evening for six months.

Application in cosmetology

Lingonberry is very often used in cosmetology. Its biochemical composition has antibacterial, tonic, antioxidant effects on the skin and hair.Cosmetics based on lingonberry rejuvenate, cleanse, eliminate acne. Medicinal shampoos help fight dandruff, seborrhea, baldness.

Hair rinse

Lingonberry infusion can be used as a rinse aid. It is prepared as follows: 50 g of dry raw materials are steamed with 1 liter of boiling water, then allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting solution is used to rinse the hair after washing with an ordinary shampoo. After several procedures, they become shiny, strong and healthy-looking.

Anti-inflammatory face mask

To eliminate inflammation on the skin of the face, as well as to remove acne, you can prepare a special mask of lingonberry. 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves are steamed with 200 ml of boiled water, then left to cool to room temperature. The solution is regularly wiped with problem areas throughout the day. The effect of such a mask is visible on the second day.

During pregnancy and edema

Eating lingonberries during pregnancy should be very careful. Before taking, you should consult your doctor. It is prescribed for inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system, kidneys, to lower sugar levels. Also, the infusion helps to relieve puffiness. 10 g of raw materials are steamed with a glass of boiling water. Drink 50 ml every 6 hours.

During lactation

Lingonberry tea increases milk flow. Before use, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since the properties of the medicinal plant with mother's milk will be passed on to the child. Dry raw materials are ground to a powdery state and steamed with boiling water at the rate of 10 g of raw materials per teapot. Tea is infused for 30-40 minutes. It can be slightly sweetened before use.

With mastopathy

Inflammation of the mammary glands is very dangerous for women's health. Noticing the first symptoms, as well as for the prevention of the disease, you should drink a course of medicinal decoction. It is prepared as follows:

• mix dry lingonberry, calendula, knotweed, linden, corn stigma, chamomile, elderberry, horsetail;
• 10 g of the collection is steamed with a glass of boiling water;
• tormented for a quarter of an hour in a water bath;
• defend until it cools completely;
• strain, squeeze the cake.

The infusion is consumed 2 times a day, 100 ml for no more than 30 days. Add 5 ml of apple cider vinegar to each serving before taking.

Diuretic

Lingonberry is a powerful diuretic. It quickly relieves puffiness without causing bad consequences. The dosage depends on the diagnosis and can vary dramatically. So, lingonberry broth is used for cystitis, joint diseases, kidney stones, high blood pressure, prostatitis.

With cystitis

Lingonberry is rich in nutrients that effectively relieve inflammation. You can get rid of cystitis with an infusion of 20 g of raw materials, filled with a glass of hot water. The liquid is infused for an hour, then filtered and drunk 100 ml before each meal.

With rheumatism and gout

The following infusion will help relieve pain in case of joint inflammation:

• 10 g of raw materials are steamed with a glass of boiling water;
• insist a quarter of an hour;
• strain, squeeze the cake;
• drink 125 ml every 6 hours.

With arthritis

Arthritis cannot be cured with medicinal herbs alone. It is taken as an adjunct to general medical treatment. However, lingonberry broth will help quickly relieve pain and restore joint mobility. 10 g of leaves are steamed with a glass of boiling water. Insist for half an hour and drink strained before eating. Each time it is necessary to brew a new infusion.

For type 2 diabetes

Because the herb is able to stabilize blood sugar levels, it is often prescribed for type II diabetes. Lingonberry is also good for the pancreas. Thanks to its biochemical composition, it helps to regenerate the affected cells. 20 g of raw materials are poured into 250 ml of boiling water.Boil over low heat for half an hour. The ready-made broth is taken before each meal 10 minutes before meals.

For the kidneys

To remove stones or sand from the kidneys, as well as to cope with inflammation, you can use the following decoction:

• 20 g of leaves are steamed with a glass of hot water;
• insist for an hour;
• strain, squeeze the cake;
• drink 20 ml before each meal.

With bleeding

To stop bleeding of various types, take lingonberry infusion, prepared as follows:

• 40 g of raw materials are steamed with a glass of water at room temperature;
• put in a water bath and simmer for half an hour;
• strain, squeeze the cake;
• drink 70 ml before each meal.

From pressure

In order to lower high blood pressure, lingonberry broth can be prepared in two ways:

1. Mix 1 tsp. dry leaves with the same amount of crushed berries. The resulting mixture is steamed with 250 ml of hot water and drunk every day for half a month. The course is repeated after 30 days.
2. 20 g of dry raw materials are insisted in a glass of boiling water. Drink for 2 weeks daily.

With pancreatitis

Kvass from lingonberry fruits will help to relieve inflammation of the pancreas. Its preparation consists of several steps:

• 1 kg of fresh raw materials is carefully sorted out for spoiled berries and washed well;
• squeeze juice out of them;
• the remaining cake is poured into 5 liters of cold water;
• bring to a boil over medium heat, boil for 2 minutes;
• strain, squeeze the cake;
• yeast, lemon zest, sugar, honey are introduced into the cooled broth;
• leave to ferment for 15 hours.

With prostatitis

Lingonberry tincture for relieving symptoms of prostatitis is prepared as follows:

• 40 g of raw materials are steamed with a glass of hot water;
• put in a water bath and languish for a quarter of an hour;
• cool, strain, squeeze the cake;
• drink 50 ml every 6 hours.

To enhance the medicinal properties of the infusion, St. John's wort or echinacea is added to it.

Remedy for enuresis

Without consulting a doctor, it is impossible to water children with lingonberry broths. You can get rid of enuresis with an infusion of a mixture of medicinal plants. In addition to lingonberry, it includes arnica, dill, thyme, yarrow, chamomile, shepherd's purse, St. John's wort. 10 g of crushed raw materials are steamed with 250 ml of hot water and infused for half an hour. The strained infusion of room temperature is taken throughout the day, 20 ml.

With diathesis in infants

A decoction from a plant mixture during diathesis can not only drink, but also bathe a child in it. 10 g of a mixture of lingonberry leaves, nettle, plantain, St. John's wort are steamed with 250 ml of boiling water and insisted for half an hour. The filtered solution is given to the baby for ½ tsp. every 8 hours. The duration of the course is 45 days.

Lingonberry leaf for weight loss

The effect is achieved by removing excess fluid from the body, rather than burning fat. For 1 month of taking lingonberry tea, you can lose up to 3 kg of weight. The broth is made from lingonberry leaves and linden flowers at the rate of 2: 1. The mixture is steamed with 300 ml of hot water and insisted in a thermos for 6 hours. The filtered liquid is taken before each meal, 30 minutes before meals, 100 ml.

Lingonberry leaves for gastritis

Lingonberry broths and teas should not be taken by people with high acidity levels. There are many recipes for gastritis, but most often a simple infusion is prepared to treat the disease. 10 g of leaves are steamed with 250 ml of hot water, infused for half an hour and drunk 100 ml strained before each meal (20 minutes).

Lingonberry leaves for urolithiasis

It is necessary to remove stones with the help of lingonberry broth very carefully. It is best suited as a preventive measure. 20 g of leaves are steamed with 200 ml of boiling water and boiled for 20-30 minutes over low heat. Strain, squeeze the cake, add liquid to a volume of 200 ml.Take 3 tbsp before each meal. l.

Despite all the usefulness, lingonberry will not forgive an excessive passion for it. Treatment or prevention must be approached sensibly and deliberately in order to minimize the risk of complications.