Wild strawberry medicinal properties and contraindications

Description

The places where strawberries (Fragaria vesca) grow are not limited to forests. It is found in sunny pastures, along forest roads, and meadows. Its relative is a similar tasty berry - strawberry (Fragaria viridis).

This forest natural delicacy blooms and bears fruit from May to September. The plant prefers dense, slightly moist soil and brighter places.

This is a perennial plant with a branched root from which leaves grow. Flower stems grow from the leaves, ending in a green inflorescence. The flowers have 5 petals and are white. The fruit is a red berry, reaching a length of up to 2 cm, easily separated from the calyx.

Collection and drying

Ripe berries, leaves, roots are collected. Fruit picking is best done in the morning or early evening. They are best consumed fresh, but can be prepared in the form of compotes, marmalades, syrups, frozen, or dried.

Leaves with a petiole or even a flower are carefully collected during flowering, without damaging the whole plant. Dry them in a thin layer in a ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight or in an artificial dryer at temperatures up to 50°C.

Properly dried raw materials will remain green. The leaves have a bitter taste and no odor. After collection, the roots are washed well and dried in the same way as the leaves. To store leaves and roots, place them in closed jars, protected from moisture and light.

It's not just vitamins

In folk medicine, red berries are valued for their content of many important vitamins. Strawberries contain vitamin C in maximum concentration, a powerful antioxidant and immune stimulant. The vitamin C content in fruits is comparable to citrus fruits.

Noteworthy is the presence of folic acid and β-carotene, the basis for the synthesis of vitamin A, another antioxidant that protects vision, ensures healthy skin color, and promotes the regeneration of mucous membranes. To a lesser extent, the natural delicacy includes some B vitamins and vitamin E.

Among the microelements, the gift of nature contains manganese, an element necessary for hematopoiesis, healthy tissue, nutrition of the brain and nerves, for the beauty and health of skin and hair, stimulation and support of sexual activity.

Strawberries also contain fluorine, phosphorus, and calcium. Another beneficial mineral is potassium, which helps remove water from the body, prevents excess water retention in the body (edema), and stimulates detoxification.

Potassium regulates blood pressure, and increased intake is recommended to reduce hypertension.

However, the largest representative of the vitamin series in the fruit is vitamin C. 100 g of wild berries per day covers up to 125% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C for an adult. Nutritional value (100 g):

kJ – 124;
kcal – 32;
proteins – 0.7 g;
carbohydrates – 7.5 g;
fats – 0.3 g;
fiber – 2 g;
calcium – 16 mg;
glycemic index – 70.

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Vitamins and minerals (100 g):

vitamin C – 79 mg;
vitamin E – 0.3 mg;
vitamin B6 – 0.1 mg;
potassium – 150 mg;
magnesium – 14 mg;
sodium – 1 mg;
iron – 0.4 mg;
phosphorus – 25 mg;
manganese – 0.39 mg;
copper – 0.05 mg.

Chemical composition

Strawberries contain many useful vitamins and microelements. It contains vitamins C and B, as well as organic acids. Strawberries are filled with fiber and various substances, including: nitrogenous, tannic and pectin.

It also contains ascorbic and folic acid. In addition, strawberries are rich in phosphorus, calcium, manganese and iron. The leaves of the fruit have no less useful composition.

Diseases and disorders for which the plant will help

What are the health benefits of wild strawberries? Why is she so valuable? The main healing properties of the berry are represented by the following effects:

Improving short-term memory (antioxidants).
Dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Reducing the manifestations of rheumatism, gout, arthritis, atherosclerosis.
Elimination of digestive disorders, flatulence, degradation of harmful substances in the intestines, elimination of diarrhea.
Regulation of bile formation.
Diuretic action.
Limiting the formation of kidney, gallstones, and urinary stones.
Disinfection of wounds, abrasions, treatment of eczema, hemorrhoids (compresses).
Treatment of migraine and headaches of other etiologies.
Treatment of gynecological diseases.
Strengthening the muscles of the cervix.

Traditional medicine recommends the use of strawberries in home cosmetics:

A face mask prevents the formation of wrinkles and strengthens the skin.
Leaf rinses eliminate bad breath.
A decoction of herbs and roots (1:1) improves hair quality.
All parts of the plant are effective for weight loss.

Useful and medicinal properties of strawberries

Strawberries are rightfully considered one of the most useful plants, which is used as a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, tonic and strengthening agent. A large amount of folic acid in the composition compensates for its deficiency during pregnancy in women.

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List of beneficial properties of strawberries:

improving the functioning of the digestive system and restoring appetite;
obtaining a healing effect by the body, preventing premature aging processes;
preventing the development of cancer processes in the body;
saturating the body with necessary substances and minerals;
providing a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
cleansing the body of unnecessary toxins and waste;
rejuvenating effect during various cosmetic procedures.

Beneficial properties of plant roots:

A decoction of strawberry roots cleanses the body well of toxins and waste;
products made from a decoction of roots,
eliminates inflammation of the stomach and intestines well and has a positive effect on kidney function;
tincture from the roots has a thickening, restorative effect for the hematopoietic organs, so the product is used for various gynecological diseases, uterine fibroids, and heavy bleeding.

Beneficial properties of the plant's berries:

ripe berries improve digestion, increase appetite and quench thirst;
with regular consumption of tea or compote, it has a positive effect on kidney function, as it has a natural diuretic effect;
strawberry juice lowers blood sugar levels and has a low glycemic index;
the acid in the berries has a positive effect on tooth enamel and is a preventive agent for caries, eliminates bad breath;
Face masks with strawberries are good for whitening, moisturizing and eliminating inflammation and age spots.

Preparation of medicines

You can use the benefits of nature's red gift in several forms. Let's look at a few recipes for preparing medicinal products.

Tea for regular drinking

This tea is suitable for supporters of a healthy lifestyle who prefer everything natural. Add 1 tsp. dried herbs in 250 ml of boiling water. After 15 minutes of infusion, strain. The drink can be sweetened with honey and lemon.

Healing decoction

3 tbsp. fresh or 2 tbsp. dried herbs, pour 1/2 liter of boiling water, heat for 20 minutes in a water bath. Drink the decoction throughout the day.

Blood purification mixture

Mix equal parts of the following herbs:

leaves of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry;
strawberry root (or 1 more part of leaves).

1 tsp pour 250 ml of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 15 minutes. You can add dried berries. Drink before bed.

Decoction for compresses and rinses

To treat inflamed wounds and bleeding hemorrhoids, prepare a decoction. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 2 tbsp. greens, cook for 10 minutes, drain.

For compresses, soak a clean cloth in warm liquid, apply to the affected area, and secure with a bandage.
For rinsing, pour the broth into a bowl and rinse the lesion.

Tea made from fermented leaves
Leave wild strawberry leaves to wither in the shade for 1 day. The next day, wet a towel, place the greens on it, and roll the towel up like a roll. Place in a warm place for 2 days to ferment.

Unwrap, chop, dry again in the shade. Use as you would regular black tea – add 1 tsp. raw materials with a glass of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes under the lid.

Essential oil

Strawberry essential oil is a product that you are unlikely to be able to prepare yourself. Therefore, it is recommended to buy it ready-made. The product is used mainly in cosmetology. Has the following qualities:

Rejuvenation.
Lightening.
Hydration.
Healing.
Strengthening.
Elimination of inflammation.

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Wild strawberry essential oil is added to many cosmetic products. In addition to external influences, wild strawberry essential oil has a beneficial effect on the state of mind - calms and relaxes.

Using wild strawberries to treat diseases

Recently, people are increasingly turning to traditional methods of treatment. Among them, strawberry recipes occupy an important place. Here are just a few of them that can be used during the treatment of various diseases.

If you have stones in the gall bladder or urinary tract in the morning before meals, you should take fresh strawberry juice in the amount of 6-8 tablespoons.
For bronchial asthma, brew 2 cups of boiling water with 2 tbsp. l. strawberry leaves, infuse and take 1 spoon several times a day. The duration of the course can be discussed with your doctor.
A decoction of the roots of the plant will help treat hemorrhoids. Take 100 ml 3 times a day. It is recommended to use it for enemas.
Strawberries mashed into puree will also help with chronic eczema. This composition should be applied to the sore spots and covered with a napkin on top. This method is excellent for treating skin rashes, lichen and various minor wounds.
If there is anemia or frequent uterine bleeding, then it is necessary to prepare a decoction, as for bronchial asthma. After it has infused for 2 hours, you can use 100 ml for internal use on an empty stomach.
Treatment of fibroids can be carried out with a complex mixture, which includes strawberry leaves. To prepare it you will need: 50 grams of strawberry leaves, St. John's wort, motherwort, buckthorn bark, calendula flowers, 20 g of chamomile flowers, 10 g of nettle and the same amount of yarrow. You need to prepare a mixture of these components, and make a decoction from it. It is necessary to consume a healing infusion of 100 ml 2 times a day for 2-3 months.

These are not all strawberry recipes that can help treat diseases. In collections of folk advice you can find recommendations for the treatment of almost all diseases.

Benefits for women

For women, a positive effect on the urinary system and female genital organs plays an important role. The fruits and leaves have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect, therefore they are used to treat urinary tract diseases. At the same time, the natural medicine strengthens the muscles of the cervix, making it suitable for the treatment of gynecological diseases.

Infusion for the treatment of urinary tract and gynecological diseases

1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over chopped roots or leaves. Leave for 5-10 minutes. Drink as needed until the disease (inflammation) is completely cured.

This infusion is also suitable for external use, such as a soothing bath or wound treatment.

The use of strawberries in folk medicine

People have been using the medicinal properties of strawberries for many centuries, not only as a healing agent, but also for preventive purposes. The uniqueness of the berry is that it can be used in therapy for both adults and children.

Teenagers often suffer from acne on their face. Tea made from strawberry leaves, which you should drink throughout the day, will help get rid of this problem.
Traditional healers recommend treating liver problems with an infusion of the dried fruits of the plant. 2 tablespoons should be poured into half a liter of boiling water, leave for 3 hours and drink half a glass 3-4 times a day before meals.
As soon as the sun begins to warm up, many freckles appear on their faces. For those who are not happy about such beauty, we can recommend preparing a decoction of 2 tbsp. l. strawberry leaves and a glass of boiling water, then soak a napkin in it and apply to your face for 20-30 minutes before bed.
Gastritis is a frequent companion nowadays. You can alleviate your condition with a decoction of the roots of the plant. To do this you need to take 1 tbsp. l. and pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 8 hours. Take 100 ml 3 times a day before meals. The course of such therapy is 1 month.
Strawberries will even help you fight the flu. It is necessary to take strawberry leaves and berries in equal proportions, then 1 tbsp. l. pour cold water over the raw materials and bring to a boil, but do not boil. This medication should be taken 200 ml 3 times a day.
Strawberries, if eaten 300-500 g per day, will help cope with constipation and intestinal atony.
If you prepare an infusion of 2 tbsp. l. berries and a glass of boiling water and drink 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, you can slow down baldness.
For gum inflammation, it is useful to rinse your mouth with an infusion of leaves for 5 minutes after each meal and before bed.
Even strawberries can cope with bad cholesterol. For this you need 1 tbsp. l. leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave and drink 2 glasses a day. This product contains silicon, which is good at cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.
Many people have sweaty feet, and pharmaceutical products do not always help cope with this problem. Strawberries can come to the rescue again. You need to take 200 g of herb, add 2-3 liters of water, boil for 10 minutes, then cool to 37 degrees, and then you can take foot baths.

Even if you don’t prepare various decoctions, but simply eat fresh berries, the health benefits will be enormous. Strawberries contain vitamins in large quantities, so a surge of strength and energy is guaranteed. You just need to take into account the presence of contraindications and make sure that you are not allergic to the berries.

Benefits for men

The anti-inflammatory effect of this natural gift is also important for men. This action suggests therapeutic effects on inflammatory prostate diseases. In addition, we are talking about a good aphrodisiac (for both sexes).

You can use any of the above mentioned remedies. A tincture is suitable as a “sexual activator”.

Strawberry tincture

You need:

equal parts sugar and berries;
vodka or alcohol (40%).

Sort the fruits, rinse, dry, and grind with sugar. Place in a glass jar (bottle), fill with vodka or alcohol. Leave to infuse for 1 week. Then strain and pour into clean bottles. Store in the refrigerator.

Benefits for pregnant and lactating women

What are the benefits of wild berries for pregnant women? Can I use it while breastfeeding?

The benefit is to provide the body with important substances necessary both during pregnancy and lactation. However, keep in mind that it is advisable for women expecting a child to consume only fruits; greens, due to the activation of the uterine muscles, can be harmful (cause premature birth and even miscarriage!). During breastfeeding, you can use all parts, but with caution - start with small quantities (doses), following the baby's reaction.

Indications for use

Wild strawberries have a fairly wide range of uses. In folk medicine, strawberry preparations are used to detect diseases and conditions such as:

rheumatism;
gout;
arthritis and arthrosis;
haemorrhoids;
bleeding from the uterus (including too heavy periods);
sand and kidney stones;
atherosclerosis;
high blood pressure;
heart disease;
cholecystitis;
pancreatitis;
diabetes;
asthmatic condition;
anemia;
fatigue and fatigue;
insomnia;
anxiety;
depression, etc.

Strengthening the immune system

Strawberry tea is an excellent disinfectant that helps strengthen the body. The drink is suitable for daily consumption as an alternative to black tea. The beneficial liquid dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

Strawberry root is a remedy against edema and jaundice.

Fresh berries are recommended against sclerosis, high blood pressure, kidney stones, gout, and rheumatism. Many medicinal properties are preserved in the form of jam and juice. By the way, fresh juice is used as a natural lotion to cleanse the skin.

Tea for strengthening the body

Mix in equal parts:

strawberry, raspberry leaves;
St. John's wort;
peppermint;
lemon balm;
oregano;
horsetail;
common agrimony;
common mullein flowers.

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1 tsp pour 250 ml of boiling water over the mixture, strain after 15 minutes. A cup of herbal drink, sweetened with honey if desired, will strengthen the body's defenses.

Use of leaves in folk recipes

The beneficial properties of strawberries lie not only in their berries, but also in their leaves. They contain essential oils and a lot of ascorbic acid.

Even in ancient times, people applied the leaves to wounds, cuts and abrasions, and also used them to treat external hemorrhoids.

Dried raw materials make excellent and healthy strawberry tea or medicinal decoction. It is necessary to take into account that an infusion of leaves reduces blood pressure and heart rate, dilates blood vessels and makes heart contractions stronger.

If you have no contraindications for use, then you can prepare an infusion and use it profitably. To do this you need:

Take 50 grams of leaves.
Pour in half a liter of boiling water.
Leave for 4 hours.
You can take 100-150 ml 3 times a day before meals.

An infusion from the leaves of this plant has the following beneficial qualities:

brings frayed nerves to a calm state;
dilates blood vessels;
strengthens the entire body;
is an antisclerotic agent;
helps cope with increased sweating;
relieves diarrhea.

Considering all these properties, a decoction of strawberry leaves is indicated for the following conditions:

diabetes;
bladder problems;
urolithiasis disease;
bronchial asthma;
gastritis;
scurvy;
metabolic disease;
recovery period after surgery.

Before using this natural remedy, you should consult your doctor about the combination with those medications that are already used to treat the disease.