Colorful for the eyes and mouth-watering taste, many black berries look. Their names are not always known to us, as well as their properties. Among the representatives of the berry kingdom there are very valuable specimens for us, but there are those whose use can be life-threatening. Let's talk about both.
Names of healthy black berries
Black currant
It is a leader in the content of vitamins and biologically active substances. This aromatic berry is used in folk medicine as a diaphoretic, antiseptic, choleretic, hemostatic, diuretic, and general strengthening remedy. It is believed that it has a positive effect on human intelligence. Scientists have found that blackcurrant prevents the formation of cancer cells. Berries are used to make tasty jams, juices, fruit drinks, preserves and wines.
Blackberry
Often, residents of the northern latitudes ask about the name of the black berry, very similar to raspberries. No wonder, because they are relatives, both belong to the family Rosaceae. And both are natural “aspirin”. Blackberry is a whole vitamin cocktail. In addition, the berries are rich in minerals and organic acids, due to which they have general strengthening and anti-sclerotic properties. Blackberries reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.
Blueberries
In addition to a huge number of vitamins, the berry is rich in polyphenol - a substance that, according to experts, can restore damaged brain cells. Blueberry extract is good for eye diseases. Boiled berry is used as an external remedy for burns and eczema. Jam, jams, blueberry sauces are truly “food of the gods”.
Chokeberry
Another name is chokeberry. Large juicy and tart berries can reduce blood pressure. They are recommended for diseases of the thyroid gland and radiation sickness. Wonderful refreshing drinks and aromatic wine are prepared from aronia.
Enumerating the names of black berries, it is appropriate to recall the mulberry.
Mulberry
The tree grows in the southern latitudes, is famous for its unusually juicy berries, from which sorbets, jams, molasses are made. In the Caucasus, delicious bread and gingerbread are baked from the pulp of berries. The fruits of the mulberry have a beneficial effect on blood formation, metabolism. They dull appetite, strengthen the general condition and increase potency.
Names of black berries to be used with caution
Nightshade
Fresh berries are not at all tasty, so they make jam or jam. Fruits of nightshade have an anthelmintic effect, are used for epilepsy, convulsions, headache, relieve overexcitation. But only ripe berries are suitable for food, as there are toxic substances in the unripened nightshade.
Elderberry black
Brushes with a scattering of small berries are widely used both in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Of them make marmalade, jelly, jam. Cough teas are brewed from dried berries, and fresh ones are used for rheumatism and arthritis. But the unripe fruits of elderberry, like other parts of the plant, are poisonous.
Names of black berries that should not be eaten
Belladonna
The insidiousness of the brilliant large berries lies in the fact that they have a sweet taste. But even a few berries eaten can cause respiratory arrest and even death. The first signs of poisoning: a burning sensation in the mouth, a strong heartbeat, darkening or "flies" in the eyes. In severe cases, convulsions may occur.
Wolfberry
They are very similar in appearance to bird cherry. But, unlike her, they ripen in September-October. Eaten berries in an hour and a half cause diarrhea, weakness, cramps, with severe poisoning, a fatal outcome is possible.
Raven eye
In the thickets of deciduous forests you can find a plant with a lonely berry of black-gray color. Appetizing in appearance, it is very poisonous. Poisoning is manifested by vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea.
Voronets
Oblong berries the size of a pea rest in a brush on long legs, are not only black, but red and white. Their juice causes inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and intestines. Even touching the skin can cause blisters on it.
In case of berry poisoning, immediate medical attention is definitely needed!