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Useful properties of elderberry black are known all over the world. Therefore, the plant has found its application not only in the food industry, but also in medicine. The culture is valued for the content of a large number of biologically active substances. The percentage of vitamins and trace elements, which is found in leaves and berries, depends on the planting site and climate. Is it possible to eat the fruits of elderberry in its pure form, and other interesting information is indicated below.
What is the chemical composition of berries and leaves?
The plant belongs to shade-tolerant crops. For the bush to be healthy and well-bred, it is necessary to provide fertile soils to it. Many people ask themselves the question: "What benefit and harm can be caused by elder?" In fact, this is a unique plant. With its berries you can prepare jams, jams, jellies. Since ancient times, it was with this culture that they made wines that were famous for their medicinal properties. But, despite all its advantages, you can only eat ripe berries and in limited quantities. Especially it concerns those who suffer from allergic reactions.
Useful properties of elderberry flowers are lost if they are dried in the sun.
The chemical composition of blackberry:
- tannins;
- paraffin compounds;
- various acids;
- fructose;
- glucose;
- amino acids;
- tannin;
- essential oils.
In addition, the fruits have a large amount of vitamin A, B, E, which are simply necessary for the proper functioning of all body functions.
According to the studies, it was proved that not only black berries, but also other parts of the plant are useful. Especially it should be noted the leaves. In fresh plates, calcium, iron, sodium, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium are present. Also there is a lot of phosphorus and potassium.
In 100 grams of fresh berries there are about 73 kcal. This once again proves that this plant will be useful for everyone, including those who are on a diet.
Healing properties of elderberry black
In nature, there are two main species of this plant. Between themselves, they, in the first place, differ in the shade of berries. In addition to black, no less useful is red elderberry, but with its use should be extremely accurate, as in the composition there are many toxic substances.
Black elder and its medicinal properties are known all over the world. With the right reception, you can relieve the patient's condition in a short time.
Its main effect on the human body:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- antipyretic;
- expectorant.
In addition to the above abilities, the medicinal properties of plants called elder, are a laxative and diuretic effect. Thanks to such characteristics, many pharmacological companies in the world use a culture to create drugs that fight with constipation.
Due attention should be paid to the root system. It is in this part that there is a huge amount of saponins that have expectorant capabilities. This micronutrient helps in a short time to dilute sputum and painlessly remove them from the lungs.
In folk medicine elderberry is used to treat:
- colds;
- urogenital system;
- liver;
- anemia;
- atherosclerosis;
- eczema;
- psoriasis.
Broth from elderberry removes headache and toothache of different strength.
Also, berries are used to restore visual acuity and treat hemorrhoids.Increasingly, juice and fruits are used to fight tumors of different categories. Also elderly well helps with excess weight. Microelements, which are in it, contribute to the recovery of metabolism.
What is the danger of a plant?
Before you start treatment with elderberries, you should know about the dangers. Particular attention should be given to the quality of raw materials. The freshness of the berries depends not only on the effect, but also on the health of the person. Inadequate raw materials can even lead to death. This is due to the fact that in a ripe fruit there is a certain percentage of such a substance as sambunigrin. It is a highly toxic compound that releases cyanide during the decomposition process. It is he who negatively affects the work of the central nervous system.
If the reception is incorrect, you can observe:
- nausea;
- increase in the amount of sugar in the blood;
- pressure reduction;
- change in the biochemical blood test;
- dyspnea.
Also it is forbidden to use elderberry and preparations on its basis to young mothers who breastfeed. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of children under the age of 12 years. Reception of infusions in this case should be strictly controlled, and it is better to consult with the doctor before their reception.
When you use berries in fresh form, you may experience vomiting.
It is not necessary to eat fruits and drink broths for those diagnosed with stomach ulcers. Also elderberry is dangerous to people with diabetes.
Despite all the medicinal properties of elderberry, it must be applied in certain doses. Only in this way can you achieve the desired and not exacerbate the condition.
Procurement of plants for the preparation of decoctions and infusions
In order to prevent the medicinal properties of black elderberry, you should know how to prepare it properly. Depending on the part of the bush, it is necessary to conduct a similar procedure in different periods of the year.
Bark
It is necessary to prepare it only in the spring. If the sap flow has started in the plant, the procedure should be postponed for the next year. The elderberry cortex has good medicinal properties, which has been fulfilled for two years. First it needs to be cleaned of the glands and remove the top layer. This plant has a gray tint. After the bark detach from the core. Dry it should be in the oven. It should be ensured that the temperature in the furnace is in the range of 65-700 ° C. You can store it for three years. During this time, the crust will not lose its qualities and it can be used to prepare broths and infusions.
Flowers
This part of the plant must begin to collect during the bud blossoming. Useful properties of elderberry flowers are not in the peduncle, but in the petals. Therefore, the roots on which florets are kept must be removed. Dry them at a temperature of 300 C to 350 C. The best place is a dark room with good ventilation. Spread the workpieces on a cotton cloth or on a paper towel with a thin layer. If this is not done, then the flowers can begin to rot or be covered with a fungus, which is very dangerous. Dry buds can both be grinded through a sieve, and grind in a coffee grinder.
Fruit
The best time for harvesting elderberries is from August to September. Grapes need to be removed entirely. Before drying, you will need to tie them a little. It is best to do this in the sun. Dry berries should be at a temperature of not higher than 650 C. It will be good to prepare elder with the help of an oven or a dryer. After the fruit is reduced in size, you can begin to detach the stems. Keep them should be in bags of natural cloth. The room in which the blanks will be stored should be well ventilated. If the room is damp, the berries will lose their properties, as they are saturated with moisture and covered with mold.
Roots
They begin to collect them in the last month of autumn. For the preparation of mixtures, any part of the root system can be used. Separate areas should be rinsed well in running water. It is important to ensure that no sand and dirt remain on the surface. Then dry the roots. This period depends on the thickness. Once they decrease in size and become firm, you can start grinding them with a blender or a coffee grinder. The resulting powder will be suitable for use for 5 years.
Leaves
This is one of the most sought-after parts of the bush. To prepare leaves of elderberry with good medicinal properties, it is necessary to collect plates only in the spring. Dry them only in the fresh air in the shade. The storage period of the workpiece is 12 months.
Popular recipes with elderberry
With the right preparation, the berries remain very tasty and aromatic. In order for the dessert to turn out, it will take a little time and a minimum of ingredients.
The most delicious recipe for jam with black elderberry
Berries, prepared by this method, can strengthen immunity. To protect yourself from the development of various diseases in the winter, you will need to add one dessert spoonful of this dainty to a cup of tea. Ebony jam is very useful and not harmful to health.
To cook it is necessary:
- one kilogram of ripe elderberries;
- kilogram of white sugar (can be replaced by brown);
- deep capacity.
The fruit of the plant is detached from the pedicels. Berries are well washed in water and dried using a paper towel.
Put the elderberry in a saucepan or a metal bowl. Top with a kilogram of sugar. Leave this for 60 minutes. Keep the saucepan at room temperature. This time will be enough to make the juice appear.
Transfer the capacity to a small fire. Tear for 30 minutes. To ensure that the berries do not burn with sugar, the mixture should be stirred occasionally. Do it best with a wooden spatula.
After half an hour, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Prepared jam pour into clean jars and close tightly with a lid. Keep the sweetness of elderberry only in a cold place. Better, of course, if it is a refrigerator, but you can place cans in the cellar.
Many who are treated with this jam apply another method. For this, the berries must be rubbed together with sugar. The resulting mixture is put in a jar and put also in the refrigerator. Raw jam, as it is also called, retains more vitamins and trace elements, something that is amenable to heat treatment.
Syrup with elderberries
This recipe is often used to treat cough and clear bronchial tubes. This is a unique remedy that has good expectorant properties. A syrup of black elderberry is also used for dry cough.
To do this, you need to wash the berries well and pass them through the juicer. Add the same amount of clean, cold water to the received liquid and put it on the fire.
In the future syrup put sugar. The pan should be kept on fire until the crystals completely dissolve. Once the sugar is not felt on the bottom of the container, the syrup can be removed from the plate. The liquid should be cooled at room temperature, then poured over glass bottles. Take this drug should be one teaspoon after a meal.
Knowing about the medicinal properties of black elderberry, you can get rid of many diseases. Correct reception of means on the basis of berries and other parts of the bush will give the desired result for the shortest period of time.
