Mountain ash is widely known throughout the world. From ancient times, it was considered a symbol of the feminine, the birth of a new life and family well-being. Mountain ash is able to protect from the evil eye, witchcraft magic and deter disease. In a house decorated with lush clusters, peace, prosperity and happiness will certainly reign. Branches of mountain ash, reverently embroidered by the hands of needlewomen, laid a bizarre ornament on shirts and rushnyks, decorating household utensils and walls of the house with her image.
The mountain ash was always given a place of honor in the rites, songs and fairy tales were composed about her, as often as possible they tried to plant a green beauty near her house so that she would protect the family from troubles and misfortunes. Our great-grandfathers knew very well that red mountain ash would be a great helper in the treatment of many diseases. The benefits and harms of the fruits of this wonderful tree have been well known for many centuries, they have been carefully studied and passed from old to small, but today they have successfully reached us.
Mountain ash today
Although in the modern world the latest technologies and medicine are striding by leaps and bounds, the red mountain ash has not lost its well-deserved recognition by many people. The benefits and harms of a wonderful plant have been studied as much as possible, often the composition of today's medicines includes extracts from red berries. Cosmetology also did not stand aside, mountain ash can be part of cosmetic creams and lotions.
And, of course, to this day red mountain ash is popular in cooking. Recipes allow you to cook almost anything from it. This is a sweet marmalade and pastille, toppings for desserts. Aromatic wine and liquors, side dishes and sauces for meat dishes are prepared from it - mountain ash is good in everything. A photo of red berry jam can conquer any sweet tooth. By the way, there was one more application for rowan trees - they began to make beautiful furniture and decor items from strong and solid wood.
Disinfectant and antifungal
The beneficial properties of red mountain ash are successfully used in the treatment of many diseases. In folk medicine, ripe berries are used in different ways. Sometimes they are collected and simply frozen, jam is made from them or tinctures are prepared. But more often it is dried rowan (red) that is used, it is also used to prepare tinctures, decoctions or added to compotes. The taste of fresh berries is not to everyone's liking, mountain ash is bitter due to the sorbic acid contained in it. But it is easily destroyed under the influence of cold, so it is after such processing that the mountain ash becomes really tasty.
You should know that sorbic acid is a natural preservative, because freshly grated berries are used to combat fungi and to stop bleeding. Due to its composition, even such a fierce enemy as staphylococcus or salmonellosis can resist red mountain ash. The benefits and harms of such a wonderful plant do not end there.
Raises immunity and normalizes metabolism
Rowan has a high content of vitamin C, because it is used in the treatment of scurvy. And ascorbic acid is an indispensable element for the normal functioning of our main protector - immunity. In folk medicine, mountain ash is used as a diuretic and diaphoretic. The vitamins and phytoncides contained in the berries will quickly put on your feet if you have a cold. And they also contain nicotinic acid, it helps our nervous system to function normally, is able to reduce irritability, fatigue after a hard day and help to fall asleep.
Useful for diabetes, lower cholesterol
The fruits contain xylitol and carotene, that is, mountain ash can serve as a substitute for sugar. It is also useful for cores, relieves swelling, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries, helps with anemia. With high blood pressure it is recommended to eat some berries, but do not overdo it, otherwise the effect will be exactly the opposite.
For kidney or digestive problems
A decoction of berries will help cleanse the liver and kidneys, has a choleretic and diuretic effect. Rowan fruits have an astringent and mild laxative property. Red mountain ash is also useful for asthenia, gout, hemorrhoids and cancer. The benefits and harms of berries are due to the right treatment. If you are experiencing an exacerbation of the disease, be sure to consult a doctor, because mountain ash also has contraindications.
Nutrients and calories
Bunches of mountain ash contain: carbohydrates and proteins, organic acids and fats, pectin, fiber, ash, manganese, zinc, iron and copper. Berries are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. The fruits contain B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B9), ascorbic acid, retinol, E, PP and P. But not only the generosity of useful elements will please elastic berries, the calories of mountain ash per 100 grams are a little more than 40 kcal. Therefore, it can be safely attributed to dietary products, which means that it can become a favorite among those who follow their figure.
Limitations
It is worth remembering that mountain ash has contraindications. Caution should be exercised for people with coronary heart disease who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, those who have increased blood coagulation. Hypertensive patients and people with high acidity should not overeat mountain ash, otherwise it will harm. Also remember that almost all products can provoke individual intolerance. And this also applies to mountain ash.