Kizil

It would seem that the popularity of dogwood is a thing of the past. In Europe, this culture experienced the peak of glory at the turn of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Then this plant was perceived as a synonym for elegance and luxury, they decorated the gardens of monasteries and estates of nobles, and from the fruits they made one of the most popular drinks in those days – liquor. But even in our time, when exotic fruits are available all year round, many people remember the good old dogwood. And, I must say, they are doing it right.

What is dogwood?

This shrub entered human life several thousand years ago. The appearance of the plant is usually associated with Eastern Europe and Asia Minor, from where ancient merchants delivered tasty and juicy berries to other parts of the world. Botanists say there are more than 50 types of dogwood ^[1]. More often this culture is formed into a shrub, but under certain conditions it can form into a strong tree, reaching up to 8 meters in height. This culture is especially widespread in the Crimea and the Caucasus. More often it is found in mountainous areas, but often grows on the outskirts of forests and river banks. It is also used as an ornamental crop. ^[2]

The oblong drupes resemble slightly flattened currants or cranberries with smooth skin, juicy flesh and a hard stone inside. Ripe berries are often red, but can be purple and even almost black. Sweet and sour taste and unique aroma are due to the rich content of essential oils in dogwood, which at one time made the berries one of the most popular. Today they are consumed raw, candied, canned, dried.

In our time, the number of supporters of wholesome and healthy food is only growing. People remember the healing fruits that regularly appeared in the diet of our great-grandmothers. In a new way, modern man looked at the dogwood. In recent years, this plant has been more often used as an ornamental. Its strong and dense branches are ideal for forming a lush hedge, which looks especially elegant during the flowering period of the shrub. This culture looks no less beautiful at the end of summer and autumn, when the bush is strewn with berries of all shades of red – from scarlet to deep burgundy, which also have many therapeutic properties.

Health benefits

Not only dogwood berries have healing properties, but also its flowers, leaves and bark of young branches. ^[3].

Dogwood is known in folk medicine as a means to strengthen the liver and kidneys. It is used as a diuretic, antibacterial and antifungal agent, as well as a natural preparation for lowering blood pressure. The substances contained in dogwood activate metabolic processes and the metabolism of fats, which makes the berries useful for people who want to lose weight. It is also known that a handful of red sour berries will help improve mood, as it affects the brain cells responsible for the emotional state.

The ripe fruits of the cornel are useful for the treatment of:

• scurvy;
• gout;
• anemia;
• fevers;
• influenza;
• scarlet fever;
• measles;
• arthritis;
• hemorrhoids;
• jade;
• skin diseases ^[4].

Medicinal properties of berries

The fruits are useful during colds and indigestion, including those caused by overeating. ^[5]. With antibacterial properties, dogwood is useful for treating dysentery and typhoid fever. Due to the presence of pectin, fresh and dried berries help to remove toxins and toxins from the body. The rich mineral and vitamin composition helps to normalize the work of the heart and blood supply to the brain. For this reason, berries are often recommended for people with headaches and for treating the early stages of multiple sclerosis. Fresh fruits are useful for strengthening the walls of blood vessels and preventing thrombophlebitis. Iron-rich berries are useful for increasing hemoglobin and improving oxygen transport throughout the body. Ripe dogwood is advised to women prone to heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as people suffering from insomnia and chronic fatigue. ^[6]. Recent studies have shown that fresh berries contain anthocyanins, which have antitumor properties, as well as affecting insulin secretion.

Infusion of fresh berries is useful as a means to strengthen the immune system ^[7]. It is prepared at the rate of 1 tablespoon of berries per glass of boiling water, drink one glass a day, divided into several servings.

Healing properties of leaves, bark and flowers

Dogwood leaves, which are wrapped around the affected areas, will help get rid of dermatitis, eczema and rashes of various origins. A decoction of the leaves is also used as a diuretic and choleretic agent, as a cure for ringworm. Tea is useful in acute diarrhea and elevated body temperature. By the way, tea from the flowers of the plant has similar properties. Baths of decoction of leaves and bark relieve joint pains in arthritis and rheumatism, decoction of bark (4 tablespoons per liter of water) is used as a remedy for hemorrhoids.

The healing properties of pits

Bones from dogwood berries also have healing properties. In folk medicine, a decoction of them was given to people with mental disorders, as well as a sedative.

Medicinal properties of dried fruits

Dried fruits retain almost all the valuable properties of fresh berries.

Dried dogwood is no less popular in folk medicine. This product is useful for people with diabetes, as it helps lower sugar levels. Regular consumption of dried fruits will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, and their rich vitamin complex will help in the treatment of vascular diseases. A decoction of dried berries is used as a cure for headaches and as a lotion for problem skin. The presence of rich stores of iron and other minerals makes dried fruit beneficial for pregnant women and people with anemia (or low hemoglobin). Do not forget about the anti-inflammatory properties of dried fruits. A handful of delicious berries as a snack will strengthen the immune system and protect during epidemics. And dried dogwood is an excellent source of pectin, which is indispensable for various kinds of poisoning, as it helps to quickly remove toxins from the body. ^[8]. These phytoncide-rich dried fruits are called the best helper for lead poisoning, mercury vapor or tin. ^[9]

By the way, properly dried ripe berries can retain their medicinal properties for 3 years.

The chemical composition of berries

These bright berries contain a large amount of vitamins and only 40 kcal per 100 g. Their main advantage is a rich composition of macro- and microelements, flavonoids, phytoncides, organic acids (including malic, citric, succinic), antioxidants, biostimulants, pectin, tannins. substances and sugar ^[10]. Dogwood is a good source of potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and some other minerals.

Ascorbic acid, which is more than 100 mg per 50 g of dogwood, is useful in infectious diseases. It strengthens the immune system and reduces signs of fatigue. Vitamin P is good for circulation and also works in the body as an anti-cancer and anti-allergic agent. Thanks to vitamin A, dogwood is useful for improving vision, restoring the condition of the skin, nails, hair, and vitamin E gives the berry powerful antioxidant properties (prevents early aging, protects against carcinogens and free radicals, and prevents malignant tumors and many chronic diseases) ^{[11] [12]}.

Warning

Because of the rather high concentration of acids, the berries are not recommended for people with high acidity of the stomach, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, as well as in some forms of gastritis. At the same time, it is equally undesirable to use fresh berries, dried fruits, juice, and dogwood jam.

How to use dogwood

One of the most popular recipes of the century before last is a tincture of dogwood berries. This slightly sour, coral-colored alcoholic drink retains all the beneficial properties of fresh berries. For its preparation, they took only ripe berries, sugar and alcohol (or vodka). After 6 months of exposure, the vitamin liqueur is ready for use. These berries also make delicious juices, syrups, jams, preserves. They are added to pies, cereals, various desserts.

Berries should be picked at the end of autumn. With the onset of the first cold weather, the fruits become softer, more aromatic and acquire a more pronounced taste.

Old recipe cornelian liqueur

You will need 250 g of ripe cornelian fruit, 70% alcohol (250 ml) and 250 g of sugar. Rinse the berries, pierce and crush a little, pour alcohol and leave for several weeks in a warm place. Drain the alcohol, and cover the berries with sugar, cover with gauze folded in several layers, and leave warm for several days (shake the jar with the contents from time to time). Strain through a sieve, mix the resulting syrup with alcohol tincture and leave again for at least 2 weeks. After this time, filter the liquid (it is possible through gauze) and leave the drink to infuse (the longer the better).

Dogwood Jam

For 1 kg of berries you will need 2 kg of sugar. Rinse the berries, remove the seeds from them. Boil syrup from 500 ml of water and sugar, pour over the berries and leave for 2 hours. After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and cook until the berries become translucent. Pour hot jam into jars.

Healing Tea

Pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon (with a slide) of dried fruits, cover, wrap and leave for at least 15 minutes. Drink tea to strengthen the body, improve the functioning of the digestive system, for colds.

Tincture of leaves

Mix 50 g of crushed leaves and 250 ml of alcohol. Insist 15 days. Take 10-15 drops three times a day. This medicine retains all the beneficial properties of dogwood.

How to Grow Dogwood

This leafy shrub is easy to grow from the seed.

The tree does not require special care, it is durable and retains its beautiful appearance for many years. Dogwood also belongs to plants useful for attracting pollinating insects. Gardeners love this tree for its ornamental appearance and tasty, healthy fruits.

As a rule, dogwood grows in all types of soil, including sandy, loamy and clay, but regularly requires moisture. ^[13]. This culture develops well both in direct sun and in light shade. It tolerates frost well, does not require additional feeding.

According to some sources, even 7 thousand years ago dogwood was a component of the diet of the ancient inhabitants of Europe and Asia. He was loved for his pleasant taste and healing properties. For several centuries, this culture was forgotten. But the return of man to the origins gave the dogwood a new life. Modern herbalists are increasingly recalling this amazing plant with healing bright red berries.

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