Currant leaves are a natural product with a wide range of medicinal properties. Even official medicine recognizes the benefits of leaves.
This plant is native to Asia and Central Europe. Back in the 11th century, currant bushes were grown near monasteries, the fruits were eaten, and the leaves were used to prepare healing decoctions.
In ancient Russia, this plant was not cultivated for a long time. It grew exclusively in the wild, and the bush got its name from the word “stink”. Due to the unpleasant odor, the fruits were considered poisonous for a long time.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | one |
| Protein in 100 g, (g): | 0.1 |
| Fats in 100 g, (g): | 0.0 |
| Carbohydrates in 100 g, (g): | 0.1 |
| Glycemic index: | 0 |
Composition and calorie content of currant leaves, vitamins and minerals
Due to the high content of vitamin C, the leaves of the shrub are widely used in the treatment of colds and to strengthen the immune system. In addition, they contain essential oils, carotene and phytoncides. There are many flavonoids, catechins, protanthocyanidins in the leaves . These substances are famous for their antioxidant properties, which can even prevent the formation of cancer cells. For this reason, leaves are often recommended for use in oncology and genetic predisposition to this disease.
Currant leaves contain an increased amount of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and sodium. In turn, minerals help strengthen bone mass and help build muscle.
Due to the complete absence of fat in the leaves and the minimum amount of carbohydrates and protein, the calorie content is only 1 unit.
What are useful currant leaves
In addition to using the leaves as a remedy for colds, they help to cope with the negative effects of medical drugs on the body. Decoctions are used for external disinfection of wounds and other skin lesions. Broth gargle with sore throat and bronchitis.
Leaves improve visual acuity and improve heart function. Improve brain activity and cleanse blood vessels. Due to the ability to expand blood vessels, the leaves normalize blood pressure.
The leaves have been scientifically proven to be effective in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For this, leaf tea can be used not only as a separate drink, but also mixed with green tea.
The leaves have a positive effect on the skin, relieving irritation, eliminating prickly heat and dermatological diseases.
The use of currant leaves
Leaves can be used at any time of the year, they are easy to harvest, dry and freeze.
Currant leaf tea
Tea is recommended to supplement the daily diet. It perfectly tones, has a general strengthening effect. The drink can act as a substitute for coffee and black tea.
Tea has a diuretic effect, therefore it is recommended in the presence of kidney pathologies, even as a means for removing stones and uric acid.
Tea is especially beneficial for the elderly. It stimulates metabolic processes and supports the heart muscle.
In the summer, it is recommended to add some raspberry leaves to currant tea to enhance the tonic effect. It is better to use honey as a sweetener, regardless of the season.
Decoctions and infusions of currant leaves
Tinctures and decoctions are used primarily for the treatment of colds and pulmonary diseases. These drinks help with:
- bronchitis;
- cough;
- with inflammatory processes;
- atherosclerosis;
- dysentery.
Leaves are used in the presence of cardiovascular diseases and as a general tonic.
Currant tinctures are used as a lotion.
To prepare a decoction in one liter, boil 4 tablespoons of leaves in a water bath for about 30 minutes. After cooling, use three times in equal parts throughout the day.
Tinctures are usually prepared in a thermos. A liter thermos will require 5 tablespoons of raw materials. Insist from 2 to 3 hours. After filter, drink 3-4 times a day, half a glass. With the same setting, you can wipe your face or treat wounds to speed up the healing process.
Therapeutic bath of currant leaves
Baths with the addition of a decoction of currant leaves are taken in the presence of dermatitis and other problems with the epidermis. This method of treatment helps to cope with diathesis, prickly heat and sciatica.
Baths with currant leaves are a great way to improve the structure of hair and nails.
For a therapeutic bath, not only leaves are used, but also shrub branches. For 10 liters of water, 1 kg of branches and leaves of the plant will be required, all this is boiled for 30 minutes, insisted for about 1 hour, filtered. After that, fill the bathroom with the decoction, mix with warm water if necessary and take a bath for 25 minutes.
The benefits of currant leaves for women
For a woman, currant leaves are very useful during menopause, as they allow you to cope with symptoms and even out hormonal levels. For these purposes, you can drink tea, make decoctions.
Shrub leaves effectively cope with puffiness, stabilize blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.
Currant leaves are very useful for improving the structure of the skin. To do this, they not only wash themselves with tea, but also drink it.
Magnesium contained in the leaves normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and stimulates the brain. Helps to cope with insomnia and eliminate feelings of anxiety.
Rutin contained in the plant reduces the manifestations of varicose veins.
The benefits of currant leaves for men
For the male body, drinks from currant leaves are very useful for improving the functioning of the stomach. Tea prevents diarrhea and has anthelmintic properties.
Currant will help men cope with diseases of the urogenital area. Prevent the appearance of edema by removing excess fluid from the body. Leaves are also used to remove kidney stones.
Due to the presence of Omega-3 in the leaves, drinks remove “bad” cholesterol and prevent the onset of heart attack and stroke.
Leaf tea is an effective prophylactic against the development of osteoporosis and other diseases of the bones and joints.
Currant leaves during pregnancy and breastfeeding
There are no contraindications to the use of drinks from currant leaves, before and after childbirth.
Is it possible to currant leaves for children
For children, currant leaf tea will be very useful as an immunostimulating, natural remedy. Extracts from the leaves are widely used to heal wounds and eliminate inflammation on the skin.
They treat colds, sore throats and bronchitis with leaves.
Are currant leaves good for weight loss?
Tea from the leaves of the bush will be useful during weight loss, it has a slight laxative effect, removes excess water, cholesterol.
Currant leaves for diabetes
There are no contraindications to the use of teas and infusions from currant leaves, in the presence of sugar disease. Drinks will not only strengthen the immune system, but also prevent the development of many concomitant diseases. Petioles, which can be harvested in June and July, are also suitable for making teas in this case.
The use of currant leaves in cosmetology
Currant leaves are used to prepare decoctions for hair, washing. Washing helps to cope with many skin diseases, including those that have arisen on the background of hormonal disorders.
Currant leaves harm and contraindications
There are no special contraindications to the use of shrub leaves. Naturally, you will have to abandon the use in the presence of individual intolerance. They are administered with caution in case of allergies to plant pollen.
You should not drink teas from the leaves if you have acidity or stomach ulcers.
If a person has high blood clotting or thrombophlebitis is diagnosed, then tea should be drunk in limited quantities.
How to collect, dry and store currant leaves
The collection of leaves is carried out only after the leaves have fully blossomed on the bush. Collection is best done in the morning, on a dry day, so that the bushes and leaves are dry.
You can collect leaves at any time of the year, but the maximum amount of useful substances in them is in June-July, when the leaves have a bright green color.
Leaves can be dried outdoors, in the oven, in special apparatus and in attics. After drying, the leaves are stored in a glass container in the dark at room temperature. Leaves can be stored for 2-3 years.