Bird cherry berries: benefits and harms

The health benefits and harms of bird cherry have long been known to many nations. It is hard to imagine a simple estate without this beautiful tree. It is not only amazingly decorative, but all its parts have healing beneficial properties that are widely used in folk and official medicine. Flowers, leaves, bark, berries of the plant are used as medicines. Thanks to the beauty of bird cherry and the unique aroma of its flowers, the tree serves as a decoration for park areas and the basis of other landscape compositions.

It is necessary to get acquainted in more detail with what benefits a plant can provide for the body, how medicinal raw materials are prepared and what are the contraindications for its use.

Nutritional value and composition of black cherry berries

The tree blooms in May or June, after which white fragrant flowers turn into round black fruits that ripen in July or August. Their diameter is about 1 cm.

Bird cherry berries can be eaten, their chemical composition is very rich, it includes:

• essential oils;
• polysaccharides;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• organic acids;
• glycosides;
• endorphins;
• antioxidants.

The benefits of black bird cherry are due to the high concentration in the composition of vitamins C and P. Among the macro- and microelements:

• manganese – 1 mg;
• magnesium – 0,9 mg;
• zinc – 0,3 mg;
• iron – 0,2 mg;
• cobalt – 10000 mcg.

In addition to the above elements, the composition of the berries includes alkaloids, the content of which is maximum in the bones. In case of an overdose, they can cause not good, but harm to the body, so there are contraindications for use.

Calorie bird cherry

The energy value of 100 g of fresh bird cherry berries is only 46 kcal. The product contains:

• carbohydrates – 10 g;
• organic acids – 2 g;
• water – 76 g.

There are no fats and proteins in fresh fruits. When drying the bird cherry berries, the calorie content increases to 100 kcal per 100 g of the product. The nutritional value also changes: the amount of carbohydrates rises to 16,8 g, 8,4 g of proteins appear, but there are no fats in dry berries.

Why bird cherry knits

The astringent or tart taste of berries is due to the presence of tannins (tannin) in the chemical composition. Persimmon, quince, turn, pear have the same property.

After tannin enters the oral mucosa, it interacts with cellular protein, a protective film is formed that creates an astringent sensation. Most tannin in unripe berries. As it matures, its amount decreases somewhat.

There are several ways to reduce the astringent properties of bird cherry – blanch, freeze or use the berry in a dish with proteins, where part of the tannins are neutralized and the astringency is reduced.

The benefit of the tartness of the berries is to protect the plant, since the taste is not liked by the animals, and the fruits remain intact until fully ripe.

Useful properties of bird cherry

Our ancestors were well aware of the benefits of bird cherry and its harm to the human body in case of non-compliance with the dosage or use by those for whom drugs are contraindicated. Its main medicinal properties include:

• astringent and fixing action – due to the presence of tannins and pectins;
• normalization of the intestines;
• disinfection – thanks to phytoncides;
• strengthening the walls of small blood vessels;
• cleansing the blood of toxins;
• strengthening immunity;
• the presence of a diuretic and diaphoretic effect;
• destruction of foci of inflammation in the body;
• restoration of joints – due to the purification of salts of heavy metals;
• antioxidant properties;
• antibacterial action.

What is useful bird cherry for the human body

The properties of the plant make it possible to use it for medicinal purposes, to benefit in the prevention of diseases:

• gastroenteritis in chronic or acute forms;
• dysbacteriosis;
• dysentery;
• enterocolitis;
• headache;
• colds;
• fevers;
• rheumatic pains.

Forms of medicinal raw materials are different. So, for the treatment of diarrhea in children, not only dried berries are used, but also their infusions. With acne, the benefits of lotions from the leaves are obvious. The juice of the berries acts as an antiemetic in case of intoxication.

For men, the plant is the strongest aphrodisiac, the benefits of which are to increase potency with regular consumption of berries or their infusion.

The menstrual cycle in women can be adjusted as a result of the use of bird cherry fruits, douching is beneficial for infections of the genital organs. The use of berries for cosmetic purposes gives healing to the skin and hair.

At the same time, the benefits of external use are obvious as lotions for blepharitis, conjunctivitis or compresses during bouts of sciatica.

How cherry helps with diarrhea

Due to the presence of tannins in the composition of the bird cherry, its benefit lies in its antidiarrheal properties. After use, the patient’s condition improves very quickly, not only the symptoms are eliminated, but also the causes of the disease. Most often, the berries and bark of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. It is necessary to properly prepare the medicine from bird cherry for diarrhea and correctly use its dosage in order to bring only benefit to the body.

To prepare an infusion of the bark, take 1 tbsp. l. dry medicinal raw materials and pour boiling water over it (300 ml). The container with the mixture is placed in a water bath and heated, covered with a lid, for 30 minutes, infused for 40 minutes and filtered. Apply three times a day, 100 ml.

For an infusion of bird cherry fruits, you need to take berries and water in a ratio of 1 to 10 and cook it according to the plan:

1. Crush the berries in an enamel bowl.
2. Fill the mass with water.
3. Place the mixture in a water bath and heat for 30 minutes.
4. Insist 20 minutes.
5. Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth in several layers.

To get a tangible benefit, the prepared medicine is drunk for 2 days, 120 ml, three times a day.

It is recommended to use such infusions and decoctions of bird cherry against diarrhea for adults, since for children the ratio of parts in the drug should be different.

If diarrhea caught in nature, where there is no way to prepare a remedy, you should not refuse to use whole raw berries (about a handful), removing the seeds. The tool is not as powerful as infusions, but the action is quick, the benefits are undeniable.

How to brew bird cherry for diarrhea for children

Brewing bird cherry berries for diarrhea for children aged 7 years and older should be about the same as for adults. The difference lies in the fact that 12 parts of water are taken for one part of crushed fruits, obtaining a weaker concentration of infusion. Reception is carried out three times a day for 100 ml.

From the age of three, children are recommended to brew 2 tbsp. l. dry crushed berries with three glasses of water. Give an infusion 5-6 times a day, 10 ml.

Many have noted the benefits of using bird cherry, twisted with a meat grinder, for diarrhea. Previously, the seeds are removed from the berries. After processing, they are stored in the refrigerator and taken three times a day for a tablespoon until the symptoms disappear.

The use of bird cherry in folk medicine

To create medicinal preparations, all parts of the bird cherry are used.

The fruits are beneficial in many ways:

• in the treatment of diarrhea;
• with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• during beriberi;
• in the form of tea to normalize the intestinal flora and treat gastric diseases;
• to cleanse purulent wounds.

The benefits of bird cherry bark are in a number of medicinal properties:

• diaphoretic;
• diuretic;
• antipyretic;
• antirheumatic.

Bird cherry leaves have been used:

• in the fight against diarrhea;
• strengthening the body – thanks to vitamin C;
• getting rid of cough;
• relief of symptoms of tuberculosis and bronchitis;
• treatment of furunculosis;
• prevention of stomatitis and caries.

A number of medicinal actions of bird cherry flowers are known:

• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• antimicrobial;
• painkiller.

The bark, leaves and young shoots of the plant are widely used in homeopathy as a sedative and tonic. It brings relief and benefits for headaches, diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract.

Healing properties of bird cherry flowers

Flowers are collected in May from bird cherry trees and shrubs located in summer cottages, away from gassed highways, only in this case they are beneficial. Flowers are dried under a canopy, in the shade.

After full readiness, an infusion is made from them, which is used orally for trophic ulcers on the legs:

1. In 250 ml of boiling water pour 1 tbsp. l. dry flowers.
2. Insist 30 min.
3. Filter.
4. Take three times a day before meals, 1 tbsp. l.

The benefits of bird cherry infusion are obvious for conjunctivitis, purulent wounds, burns, bedsores, abrasions – in the form of lotions, as well as for tonsillitis, stomatitis – for gargling and mouth cavity.

Tincture on flowers is used to normalize heart rate, prevent heart disease.

For its preparation it is necessary:

1. One glass of dry inflorescences pour 0,5 liters of medical alcohol.
2. Put the container in a dark place.
3. Shake the mixture periodically for two weeks.
4. Strain.
5. Remove to a cool dark place.

Take 20 drops three times a day, diluting them in a small amount of water or with a teaspoon of sugar.

Healing properties of bird cherry bark

Bird cherry bark is of great benefit if it is harvested in early spring – before the leaves have blossomed. It is dried in the sun, and then placed in the oven and dried at a temperature of about 70 oC. You can store finished medicinal raw materials for about 5 years in a closed container. During this time, its benefits are not lost.

With digestive disorders, the medicinal properties of bird cherry in the form of a tincture of the roots are used as an antimicrobial agent. For its preparation it is necessary:

1. Dry chopped bark (1/2 cup) pour vodka (0,5 l).
2. Shake the mixture.
3. Insist in a dark place for 2 weeks.
4. Strain.

Use the tincture in a teaspoon twice a day. Its benefits for rubbing diseased joints are palpable.

An infusion of the bark is used externally for douching in gynecological diseases and internally to support the work of the heart. To prepare the remedy, you must:

1. A tablespoon of dry and crushed bark is poured into a glass of water.
2. Bring to a boil and boil for about half an hour.
3. Cool down.
4. Filter.
5. Bring to the original volume with boiled water.

Take orally a third of a glass, before or after meals.

Does bird cherry bark treat cancer?

In folk medicine, a recipe based on the bark is used to treat cancer:

1. Two tablespoons of dry bark and bird cherry flowers are placed in enameled dishes.
2. The mixture is poured with boiling water (750 ml).
3. Wrap and infuse for about 10 hours, until the infusion acquires the color of red wine.
4. Filter.
5. Store no more than two days in a cool place.

Take an infusion of 100 ml three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Useful properties of bird cherry leaves

Bird cherry leaves are used for the same indications as bark and flowers. From them prepare infusions, decoctions, tinctures. The benefit of fresh leaves, especially mashed ones, is that they are able to release a large amount of phytoncides that have a detrimental effect on pathogens.

The benefit of the infusion is to cleanse the skin of boils, prevent periodontal disease, stomatitis. For cooking you need:

1. Put 30 g of dry leaves in an enamel pan.
2. Pour in a glass of water.
3. Boil.
4. Keep on low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Leave for about 2 hours.
6. Strain.

Drink 50 ml three times a day, before meals.

Medicinal properties of bird cherry root

Along with fruits, flowers, leaves and bark, the stems and roots of bird cherry bring benefits to the body. Of these, decoctions, infusions, tinctures are prepared for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases:

• joint pain;
• colds;
• barley, blepharitis.

To prepare the tincture, it is necessary to pour a spoonful of crushed roots with a glass of alcohol and, after infusion, apply for three weeks to rub the joints.

What is useful bird cherry honey

Bird cherry is an early honey plant. It is not so often that bees collect honey from this plant, because during its flowering period the weather deteriorates, insects fail to collect pollen and nectar, and in good weather, its collection does not last long. The bribe ends in a week, its volumes are small, only about 20 kg per 1 ha.

Bird cherry honey has healing properties. It surpasses many other species in terms of its benefits to the body and its qualities. It contains vitamins that help compensate for their winter deficiency for the body.

Malic acid and rutin, included in honey, help strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation and bowel function.

The benefits of drinking bird cherry honey is to normalize the condition of the mucosa, speed up metabolism, which is useful for those who follow the figure.

How to prepare a decoction of bird cherry

For the preparation of decoctions, the coarse parts of the plant are most often used – bark, roots, fruits, branches. The solids concentration in the water should be 1 in 10 or 1 in 30.

Decoctions are absorbed in the body more slowly than infusions, but they also last longer. During preparation, the drug is boiled, and some of the beneficial substances may evaporate or collapse.

It is necessary to prepare a decoction of bird cherry in an enamel bowl with a lid. For this, the required amount of crushed raw materials is measured, placed in an infunder, poured with the required amount of water and placed in a water bath for 30 minutes. After cooling, the decoction is filtered and used.

Decoction of bird cherry fruits

Decoctions from dry and fresh berries are used for indigestion, accompanied by diarrhea.

For cooking, you need to pour 100 g of dried bird cherry fruits into 250 ml of water, put on fire, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 15 minutes. After readiness, the broth is removed from the heat, cooled, filtered and taken 0,5 cups twice a day.

In folk medicine, the benefits of a decoction of bird cherry berries for the treatment of acute respiratory infections and sore throats are noted. To prepare it, a teaspoon of dried berries is poured into 500 ml of boiling water and infused for up to 8 hours. After straining, the throat is rinsed with liquid up to 4 times a day.

With the help of a decoction of bird cherry fruits for type 2 diabetes, it is really possible to lower blood sugar to normal. It is necessary to take the drug for a month, three times a day. Six months later, the course should be repeated.

Is it possible to decoction of bird cherry for babies

Despite the unconditional benefits of bird cherry, preparations based on it should not be used by pregnant and lactating women, children under three years of age. The plant can cause an allergic reaction during breastfeeding and lead to negative unpredictable consequences.

A decoction of bird cherry branches

With furunculosis, dermatitis, ulcers, lotions are applied to the surface of the body and rinses are made based on bird cherry. For this purpose, a decoction is prepared from the branches of the plant:

1. Dry shoots (10 g) are crushed.
2. Mix them with green leaves (10 g).
3. Put in an enamel bowl and pour water (250 ml).
4. Put on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Cool and strain the decoction.

Decoction of bird cherry bark

For stomach cramps, a decoction of bird cherry bark is prepared:

1. Pour dry chopped bark (10 g) with 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Keep in a water bath for 40 minutes.
3. Filter.
4. Bring the volume of the broth with boiled water to the original.

Take 100 ml three times a day before meals.

The decoction helps to treat colds with coughs. In this case, the dosage should be reduced to 60 ml, and the frequency of administration should be left the same.

Benefits of cherry tea

Herbal tea can be called a decoction of bird cherry. An unusual taste will be obtained if the berries or leaves are mixed with ordinary black tea.

The simplest recipe for brewing is as follows:

1. Take 3 tbsp. l. dried berries, leaves or flowers of bird cherry.
2. Pour in one liter of boiling water.
3. Leave for a few minutes.

Bird cherry goes well with raspberries, rose hips, mint. In combination with these ingredients and black tea, the drink has a tonic effect.

When honey is added, it acquires an even more tart taste.

Traditional healers advise using this tea for skin diseases, rheumatism as a diuretic.

If the bird cherry drink is fresh, just brewed, it has a pink color. At this point, the benefit is maximum, it is taken no more than two glasses a day. Later, the tea becomes dark, its taste deteriorates, it resembles wood.

The use of bird cherry in cosmetology

Astringent, soothing, tonic properties of bird cherry, its healing and anti-edematous effect are valued in cosmetology and are widely used.

Extracts of the bark, berries are used in cosmetic preparations for many indications:

• to cleanse the skin, making it soft;
• rejuvenation and toning;
• softening inflammation after sunburn;
• with redness of the eyelids;
• to strengthen hair.

Despite the safety and non-toxicity of bird cherry preparations, they are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance.

Extract from fruits, roots is added to lotions, gels, emulsions in a ratio of not more than 10% of the total volume.

In cosmetology, bird cherry preparations are used to combat skin diseases:

• acne – rub the skin with the juice of berries;
• dermatitis – a decoction of the bark in an amount of 60 ml is taken orally one hour before meals;
• dry skin, sunburn, wrinkles – wipe with a tincture of flowers.

Restrictions and contraindications to taking bird cherry

Like any drug, the fruits of bird cherry, in addition to useful properties, also have contraindications. They are explained by the presence of hydrocyanic acid in small amounts in the composition of the plant. For this reason, it is worth refraining from using drugs for pregnant, lactating women, children under three years of age. The seeds inside the berries are considered a source of hydrocyanic acid, the fruit itself is safe and beneficial.

Excessive amounts of berries can lead to constipation, so anyone who uses them in treatment should observe moderation when using them.

Due to the aroma of bird cherry flowers, a severe headache can occur, the cause of which is the volatile substances and essential oils secreted by the plant. To avoid this, you should refrain from being near the blooming bird cherry, do not bring bouquets of fragrant flowers into the house.

Conclusion

The health benefits and harms of bird cherry are determined by the dosage, indications and contraindications for use. Subject to safety rules and methods of use, the effect is always positive. But it must be remembered that before using any traditional medicine, you should consult with your doctor.