This small tree (or bush) can often be found in summer cottages, in gardens, in the territories of country houses. Most often it is used as an ornamental plant and, as a rule, not ripened tart berries are used. But folk healers from ancient times have known the unique healing properties of bird cherry. In their practice, they successfully use berries, and shoots, and bark, and leaves.
Nutrients in the composition of bird cherry
Bird cherry - a plant rich in vitamins A, C, group B. Niacin, nicotinic acid (vitamins P and PP) give it special value. Vitamin P is a bioflavonoid that has the same effect on the human body as vitamin C. Its main function is to reduce the permeability of blood vessels and strengthen their walls. This helps to avoid hemorrhages of any origin. In addition, vitamin P stimulates the adrenal glands.
Niacin is an active substance needed during exercise. It processes carbohydrates and fats into useful energy, normalizes the work of the stomach and pancreas.
The medicinal properties of bird cherry are repeatedly enhanced by microelements included in its composition:
- copper;
- cobalt;
- iron;
- zinc;
- magnesium;
- manganese.
In the process of hematopoiesis, one of the key substances is cobalt. This is one of the components of vitamin B 12 , which is necessary for the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates. In the process of hematopoiesis, it turns iron acquired by the body into hemoglobin of red blood cells, and is actively involved in DNA synthesis.
Copper enhances the healing properties of bird cherry. It normalizes ATP and iron metabolism. Copper allows impulses to pass through the nervous system, and also stimulates the work of the respiratory organs.
The biologically active substances of this plant include pectins, antioxidants, flavonoids, natural sugars, organic acids. Phytoncides effectively fight against pathogenic flora. For this reason, bird cherry is recognized as an effective antiseptic. Experts believe that the air around the tree (or bush) is disinfected, it is almost sterile.
Bird cherry in traditional medicine
The healing properties of bird cherry ordinary can hardly be overestimated. A large number of vitamins and general strengthening properties of the plant allow its use in the treatment of scurvy.
For the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases in complex therapy, decoctions, infusions, and also bird cherry flour are used. The active substances of this plant cleanse the vessels of the so-called bad cholesterol.
The use of drugs based on bird cherry will help strengthen the heart muscle. Bird cherry is an excellent prophylactic for heart muscle dystrophy and the threat of heart attack.
Cold treatment
The medicinal properties of bird cherry in folk medicine are also used to treat infectious and colds. In this case, water and alcohol infusions of flowers and berries of bird cherry are used. They are buried in the nose, gargled, taken orally. These drugs cleanse the pathogenic flora, restore the mucous membranes.
Eye diseases
To treat eye diseases, warm compresses from water extracts of cherry flowers are used. In addition, they relieve fatigue from the eyes. Such an infusion is effective in conjunctivitis. In this case, two drops are instilled into his eyes for seven days.
The healing properties of cherry flowers
Bird cherry blooms, usually in May. It blooms with very fragrant white flowers, with an unusual smell of amygdalin. It is enhanced by rubbing the flowers that are collected in the inflorescence - a small drooping brush, 10-15 cm in size. There are a lot of them during the flowering period, and it seems that the tree is literally strewn with them.
The flower has a five-petalled nimbus with five sepals. Inside each corolla are twenty stamens and one pestle. The healing properties of cherry flowers are due to their chemical composition. They contain a huge amount of volatile, which are harmful to microbes. There is a popular belief that it is enough to stand for several minutes under the blossoming bird cherry, and the nascent disease recedes without further development.
The healing properties of cherry flowers are used to make infusions, which greatly facilitate the condition of a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, infusions and decoctions can be used to wash wounds, bedsores, ulcers, abrasions.
The healing properties of bird cherry flowers can be used for preparation by distillation using steam and bird cherry water. This is an excellent treatment for eye diseases. Use it in the form of lotions.
Bark
Very valuable raw materials are bird cherry bark. Its medicinal properties are used as a diuretic, anti-febrile, antipyretic and diaphoretic. The bird cherry bark contains substances that have a tonic and sedative effect. These properties of the plant allow the use of infusions and decoctions from its bark as an additional therapeutic agent in the treatment of heart diseases and relieve headaches.
Leaves
The leaves of bird cherry are painted in bright green color, alternately located, with a short petiole. The upper part of the leaf plate is dull, slightly wrinkled, and the lower part is bluish. The leaves in shape resemble an elongated ellipse, ranging in size from 8 to 15 centimeters. They have a pointed tip and serrated edges, brownish-red glands are visible at the tips.
In folk medicine, cherry leaves are also used. Their medicinal properties are used for the manufacture of decoctions, alcohol tinctures and infusions. They are recommended for the same indications as the bark of the plant. A decoction of leaves perfectly cleanses the skin of boils, purulent acne is used as an expectorant and to rinse sore throat, as well as for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease in the initial stages.
Fruit
Shiny black drupes (fruits) of bird cherry are a unique healing remedy. Like the leaves, flowers and bark of bird cherry, they contain flavonoids. In addition, cherry berries are valuable due to the presence of acids in them: citric, chloragenic, malic. They found vitamin C, carotene, carbohydrates (pectin and sugar).
Traditional healers say that the amygdalin contained in the berries of the bird cherry helps to fight cancer. True, there is no scientific confirmation of this yet.
Berry use
The fruits of bird cherry have a tart taste, which is explained by the content of a large number of astringents that are necessary for the digestive system. In addition, bird cherry has a mild choleretic effect. This property of the plant allows you to cope with stagnation of bile in the bile ducts and bladder.
The healing properties of bird cherry have been successfully used to stimulate the pancreas. A decoction of bird cherry or compote with its berries stops diarrhea. Pectins allow you to gently remove toxins from the intestines, without causing spasms and constipation. The anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties of the plant are used in the treatment of many diseases of the urinary system.
For the treatment of cystitis, decoctions of flowers and berries are recommended. Very effective infusions of bird cherry with pyelonephritis. They not only expel sand from the kidneys, but also heal the damaged shell of the canals and do not allow the development of pathogenic microflora.
Juice of fresh cherry fruits, mixed with honey, is used for metabolic disorders. To do this, you need to dilute a spoonful of honey in half a glass of juice. This composition is taken three times a day before meals.
The use of bird cherry in cosmetology
And in cosmetology found the use of bird cherry. The medicinal properties and contraindications of this plant are well studied today, therefore it is used in many areas. Valuable substances contained in bird cherry stimulate collagen production. Cosmetic masks with the juice of this plant smooth small wrinkles, tighten sagging skin.
The combination of vitamin C and the firming properties of the plant can deeply cleanse and narrow the pores. To get rid of furunculosis and acne, it is necessary to lubricate the affected areas with the juice of bird cherry fruit. It should dry on the face, and then a warm compress of a decoction of flowers is applied on top. Such procedures rejuvenate the skin, cleanse sebum, and relieve inflammation.
Great for removing makeup lotions based on the infusion and juice of bird cherry. Organic acids contained in the plant perfectly cleanse the skin and relieve irritations caused by the use of cosmetics. With the juice of the fruits of this plant, acid peels of the skin of the face can be performed. It is applied in several layers. Acids exfoliate dead cells, cleanse the skin well, nourishing it with minerals and vitamins.
The ground bark of bird cherry is a very soft scrub that can be used daily.
Medication Recipes
This is the oldest and very popular folk remedy - bird cherry. The healing properties, prescriptions of drugs based on it were passed down from generation to generation of healers and herbalists. We suggest you familiarize yourself with some of them.
Infusion of flowers
Pour 500 ml of boiling water 20 grams of cherry flowers. Close the container with a lid and let the composition brew for a quarter of an hour. After this, the composition can be cooled and filtered. The infusion is effective for the treatment of diseases of the lungs and bronchi, diarrhea in children, as well as for external use in acne, furunculosis.
Flask of Bark
Two tablespoons of dry raw materials (tablespoons) must be poured with boiling water (750 ml) in glass or enameled dishes. Wrap the container well and let it brew for seven hours. Then the infusion should be filtered and you can take it half a glass before meals three times a day. Infusion is a powerful diuretic.
Decoction of leaves
Pour 250 ml of water 25 grams of bird cherry leaves. Bring the composition to a boil and let it simmer for five minutes. Let it brew for three hours and then strain. Take a quarter cup before meals three times a day. A decoction is recommended for colic and gastritis.
Fruit infusion
Pour 20 grams of bird cherry fruit in a thermos with boiling water (500 ml). Allow to brew for at least 12 hours. Use infusion to treat diarrhea, gastritis and colitis, a third of a glass three times a day.
Contraindications
Today bird cherry is widely used by traditional healers. The medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of drugs based on this plant should be taken into account when prescribing treatment. Contraindications include:
- Eating fruits with seeds. They (stones) contain a large amount of hydrocyanic acid, which causes severe poisoning.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Diabetes mellitus (too high sugar content).
- Allergic reactions. Substances contained in pollen of flowers can cause swelling of the respiratory tract.
Reviews
Bird cherry is a truly unique plant that can be useful in treating a wide variety of diseases. It can be diseases of the skin, genitourinary or digestive systems. Patients note that cherry-based preparations are mild and effective. Many are satisfied with the result of using this plant for cosmetic purposes. The main thing is not to violate the dosage and timing of the use of drugs. And of course, you need to consult with a specialist before starting treatment.