Many people know that lingonberries are a very healthy berry. It is collected and stored for the winter not only as a tasty and healthy product, but also as a medicine. An evergreen shrub grows in forests or tundra.
The round red berries and other parts of the plant are collected in late summer and early autumn. They are clearly visible against the background of the leaves.
The question of whether lingonberries help with blood pressure has been of interest to people for a long time. In Finland, scientists are conducting research to scientifically substantiate the benefits of this berry.
It has already been scientifically proven that the polyphenols and flavonoids contained in the fruit have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and are successfully used to normalize blood pressure.
In what form and when is lingonberry useful?
Traditional medicine uses not only berries, but also branches, stems, leaves and even seeds for medicinal purposes. All this is used to improve the health of the body.
The ripening of lingonberries, which are beneficial for health, occurs twice a year. The first berry picking is recommended to be done at the end of summer. A second trip to the forest can be planned in late autumn (late October - early November), when the second wave of fruiting of the plant begins.
It is not recommended to harvest lingonberries after frost, as their skin becomes softer. This berry can only be used in canning. A characteristic feature of lingonberries is that the berry does not lose its beneficial properties even in processed form.
Lingonberries for hypertension are used in the form of:
- Cheese (it’s very healthy to just eat berries).
- Frozen (lingonberries are stored well in the freezer and retain their beneficial properties all winter).
- Berry decoctions.
- Infusions prepared from leaves.
The most popular use is fresh, just picked berries. To prevent high blood pressure, it is recommended to eat at least 20 pieces. Frozen berries can also be consumed without any pre-treatment. It is enough to warm them to room temperature.
Baking with lingonberries is popular, as is jam. The main thing is to remember that the amount of sugar should be limited.
Useful properties and contraindications of lingonberries for blood pressure
Lingonberry is a natural healer that can cope with many diseases. The leaves tone, relieve inflammation, disinfect and heal wounds, relieve fever, and have choleretic and diuretic properties.
Lingonberries strengthen the heart, restore the functioning of the digestive, endocrine and nervous systems.
Important! To prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions, fresh, frozen and dried fruits, leaves and flowers are used.
In folk medicine, lingonberries are taken:
- in the treatment of genitourinary diseases;
- to normalize blood sugar;
- with vitamin deficiency and weakened immunity;
- for the prevention of heart diseases;
- for hypertension;
- for the treatment of gastrointestinal, viral, colds and bacterial diseases.
An infusion of berries gives and restores strength, relieves headaches, irritation and fatigue.
Lingonberries are also used as follows:
- Lingonberry water and dried berries help with gastritis and pancreatitis.
- Fresh fruits improve vision.
- Berry decoction is recommended for rheumatism, diabetes, internal bleeding and vitamin deficiency.
- A decoction of dry berries stops uterine bleeding.
- Thanks to the rapid removal of waste, toxins and harmful breakdown products, lingonberries reduce weight and give positive results during a diet.
Important! Lingonberries in any form should not be taken with low blood pressure or consumed in minimal doses only after consulting a doctor.
Lingonberries have found wide application in cosmetology. The decoction is used as a rinse, as the plant restores the hair follicle, eliminates dandruff and solves the problem of hair loss. Face masks are made from fresh berries. They nourish, tone and restore skin structure. They also prevent the appearance of age-related wrinkles and crow’s feet, improve the color and elasticity of the face, relieve inflammation and get rid of acne.
Composition and beneficial properties
To understand how lingonberries can affect blood pressure. you should know what useful elements and substances are in its composition:
- Organic acids (citric, malic, acetic, oxalic and others).
- Minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron).
- Vitamins A, C, E, there is a high content of B vitamins, PP and beta-carotene are present.
- Glycosides (arbutin and vaccinin).
- Other substances (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, tannin, pectin).
The leaves and stems of lingonberries also have a rich composition.
Due to the composition of the fruits and leaves, lingonberry affects human organs and systems, namely:
- improves the overall tone of the body;
- reduces inflammatory processes;
- has bactericidal properties;
- promotes faster healing of wounds;
- can be used as an antipyretic;
- a diuretic and choleretic effect is observed.
Due to its complex positive effect on the human body, lingonberries also help normalize blood pressure.
How does lingonberry affect blood pressure?
Many people are interested in the question of how lingonberries affect blood pressure? Considering the high concentration of biologically active components, the fruits have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increase the elasticity and strength of blood vessels and capillaries, which leads to normalization and reduction of blood pressure. Polyphenols and flavonoids contained in sufficient quantities in lingonberry fruits strengthen and tone the heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and prevent the risk of developing heart diseases. Lingonberry is an excellent anti-atherosclerotic herbal remedy.
Important! Juice from fresh lingonberries is useful in the early stages of hypertension. According to research results, it was found that regular consumption of lingonberry decoctions for six months allows you to completely get rid of attacks of hypertension. In other words, lingonberries reduce high blood pressure.
The effect of lingonberries on blood pressure: increases or decreases
Many people wonder whether lingonberries really lower blood pressure or whether they actually increase it. Finnish scientists analyzed its properties and scientifically proved that yes, it does indeed contain substances that affect blood pressure.
In addition, the diuretic properties of lingonberries, which reduce blood pressure, have become known.
Does it help with high
Many people wonder whether lingonberries increase or decrease blood pressure. Not only raw berries, but also products prepared from them help to successfully combat high blood pressure. So, compotes, decoctions, preserves and other products made from lingonberries are no less effective.
People suffering from hypertension should know:
Lingonberries have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity (while reducing tissue fragility);
- the berry reduces the percentage of cholesterol;
- its properties help maintain the tone of the heart muscle;
- The volume of circulating blood decreases, thereby reducing the load on the walls of blood vessels.
It has been established that if patients consume lingonberries three times a day with high blood pressure for at least six months, their blood pressure levels are normalized. Therefore, regular consumption of lingonberries helps against hypertension.
How effective is it at reduced
Many patients (suffering from low blood pressure) are worried whether lingonberries significantly reduce blood pressure, and whether there are other contraindications. The berry has many other beneficial properties for the body.
Indeed, there is reason for concern, and it is significant. Lingonberries can indeed lower blood pressure. To prevent a decrease in blood pressure, it is recommended to drink enough water to compensate for the diuretic effect.
However, doctors still recommend that people with hypotension refrain from taking products made from berries and leaves, since the blood pressure-lowering effect is too great.
Recipes for cooking lingonberries to normalize hell
It is absolutely unimportant in what form lingonberries enter the human body. That is why there are a large number of delicious and varied dishes and drinks made from this plant.
The properties of the plant have been known since ancient times, and there are many folk remedies that help improve well-being and normalize blood pressure.
Below are the most popular lingonberry recipes.
Juice
Lingonberry juice effectively helps normalize blood pressure. It is slightly sour and has a pleasant taste. For preparation you will need 200 g of fresh lingonberries.
First of all, they are placed in the oven and cooked until soft. Juice is squeezed out of the same number of berries. The baked berries are pureed until mushy. Then both parts are combined, adding 1 tbsp. l. vodka and honey. To maintain normal blood pressure, drink the resulting lingonberry drink 100 ml twice a day. The course of treatment is a month.
Decoctions
Lingonberry decoctions are prepared mainly from stems and leaves with the addition of berries. This will require 3 tbsp. l. chopped green shoots and 100 g of fruits. All this must be poured with 500 g of hot water and heated over low heat for about half an hour. It is important to ensure that the broth does not boil. Then remove from heat and cool.
It is recommended to take the decoction three times a day in the amount of 70-100 ml.
Fruit drinks
Lingonberry juice tastes good. To prepare it you will need 0.5 kg of fresh berries. It is also acceptable to use frozen fruits. You need to squeeze the juice out of the berries and pour it into a saucepan. Add 3 liters of water and sugar to taste. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Cool and strain.
Grinded with honey
A very tasty and healthy dessert. Fresh berries must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed under running water. Then one part of the fruit must be placed in the oven and simmered there until soft. And squeeze out the juice from the other part. Remove the berries from the oven and pour in the resulting juice, adding honey and vodka. For 1 liter of juice, 1 tbsp is required. l. vodka and the same amount of honey. To improve the taste, you can add a little sugar (instead of honey).
A three-time dose is recommended.
Tinctures
Berry tinctures are popular for treating blood pressure. It is necessary to grind 500 g of berries and add a little alcohol or vodka to the resulting puree. You can add honey to improve the taste.
Before use, lingonberry tincture must be kept in a dark place for at least a month.
Teas and fees
The simplest and most affordable way to control blood pressure using lingonberries is to use teas and infusions. Hypertensive patients can brew either dried berries or leaves with stems, or add fresh berries to ready-made tea.
Usually a tablespoon of berries or leaves is added to 200 ml of tea.
The drink has a mild diuretic effect, thereby contributing to a gradual decrease in blood pressure.
Proper use of lingonberries to lower blood pressure
Lingonberry leaves are also used to reduce blood pressure. Pour approximately 100 grams of fresh or about 50 grams of dried leaves into 2 cups of hot water and let steep for about 20 minutes. It is better not to cut fresh leaves, but rather to tear them so that the juice from the leaves does not come into contact with the metal of the knife. You should also use enamel or glass dishes. For greater effect, the decoction should not be infused, but placed in a water bath or heated on the stove at the lowest temperature. People with hypertension take half a glass of infusion 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals. The decoction normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the heart and blood vessels. An infusion of lingonberry leaves will reduce swelling and improve a person’s physical condition.
Important information: Cinnamon increases or decreases blood pressure
But lingonberries help most effectively with high blood pressure. One of the options for using lingonberries as a means to reduce blood pressure is lingonberry tincture. To do this, chop approximately 1-2 kilograms of washed and dried berries and grind them with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Then you need to pour vodka (about 1.5-2 liters), mix and put in a dark place for a month. The mixture needs to be shaken every few days. Afterwards, you need to strain the mixture until the sediment at the bottom separates from the main mass and that’s it, the lingonberry tincture is ready. To reduce blood pressure, add about 15 drops of tincture to a glass of water and take half an hour before meals. It is worth noting that if drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited for a person with hypertension, then this option will not work.
Those who don’t want to wait a long time for lingonberry tincture to be prepared will do well with lingonberry juice. To make it, you need a handful of fresh and washed berries, about 100 grams, crushed and squeezed out the juice, then pour in 2 cups of boiled water, leave for a little and strain. If desired, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the finished fruit drink.
And this is a completely lazy recipe – it’s just pureed berries along with sugar or honey. This mixture should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed 1 tablespoon when the pressure rises.
Tea made from lingonberry leaves, jam and jam from the berries of this bush, as well as syrup also have health benefits. Fresh berries perfectly complement cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt. Berry sauce goes well with meat and is also healthy.
Berry-based preparations for hypertensive patients
Lingonberry is a good remedy that helps lower blood pressure. Based on it, various drugs with similar effects have been created. One of the most popular is “Brusniver”.
It should also be noted that pharmacies sell ready-made preparations. Simply brew them and take them according to the instructions.
"Brusniver"
“Brusniver” is a combined type herbal medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and bactericidal effects.
The composition of the medicine includes:
- series;
- St. John's wort;
- lingonberry (leaves);
- rosehip berries.
In terms of its composition, it is a collection of dried herbs intended for brewing. The rich composition ensures the high effectiveness of the drug.
Both internal and external use of the drug is possible (in the form of decoctions and infusions).
Indications for use and harm during pregnancy.
"Brusniver" is a drug that is used not only for the treatment of hypertension. Its scope of application is quite wide.
"Brusniver" is used in the following capacities:
1. For the treatment of proctological diseases.
2. Treatment of colitis.
3. In the field of gynecology.
4. Treatment of diseases of the genitourinary tract.
During pregnancy, taking the medicine is permissible only in agreement with the attending physician and under supervision.
Dried leaves and berries
It is recommended to harvest lingonberries in late summer or autumn during the first or second fruiting period. The collected leaves and berries must be dried as soon as possible. If you delay this, after 5 hours the lingonberries will begin to wither and lose their appearance.
It is important to know that not only fruits are dried, but also leaves. All of them, when used correctly, have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Before the drying process, it is necessary to sort out the product, separating it from debris. The leaves are laid out on paper or fabric. Drying must be done in a dry, warm and well-ventilated area.
At home, you can dry lingonberries in the oven (the temperature should not exceed 40°C). The oven door is not closed tightly.
Recipes
Recipes for preparing medicines based on lingonberries are very easy and inexpensive. Most often, the product is used in the form of a decoction or tincture.
With berries
In order to prevent hypertension or during the period of remission of the disease, you can undergo a course of treatment with lingonberry juice. You need to make fruit juice from ripe fruits, of which you will need 300 g. They are ground to a pasty state and filtered through cheesecloth or a sieve. The resulting juice in an amount of 20 ml can be diluted with 100 ml of boiled water and taken 3 times a day before meals.
The drink can also be consumed undiluted, 15 g 3 times a day. The course of treatment in both cases should last at least 3 weeks. For hypertension, it is useful to consume ground fruits with sugar.
To prepare you will need:
- 500 g lingonberries;
- 200 g sugar.
Grind the fruits into a paste and mix with sugar. Place the mixture in a glass jar and refrigerate. For a month, take 30 g in the morning and evening, with tea or other drink.
With leaves/leaves and berries
To prevent hypertension, you need to drink a decoction made from:
- 40 g dry leaf;
- 100 g of fresh berries;
- 800 ml water.
Bring the liquid to a boil and pour all the ingredients into it. Boil for 15 minutes, wait until it cools completely and strain. To feel the effect of the medicine, you must undergo a course of treatment for 21 days, taking a drink of 50 g in the morning and evening.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that lingonberries are a natural product, their use is limited by a number of contraindications.
Therefore, before using it for medical purposes, you need to carefully study all possible negative consequences and risks.
The use of lingonberries for medicinal purposes is not recommended:
- Hypotonics.
- Persons suffering from increased secretion in the stomach.
- Patients with liver problems.
Doctors recommend refraining from taking lingonberries during the menstrual cycle.
In case of individual intolerance, the use of the plant is prohibited.
conclusions
Lingonberry is a healthy berry that lowers blood pressure. It is recommended for people with high blood pressure.
The effect of the berries is mild: with constant use for several weeks, a person’s well-being gradually returns to normal.
But remember: you must follow the recommendations for use and take into account all contraindications. Despite the fact that lingonberries are a plant product, careless use for medicinal purposes (without a doctor’s recommendation) can cause irreparable harm to health.
