Medicinal properties of lingonberry leaves

Lingonberry leaves are useful no less than berries. They contain many vitamins, microelements, biologically active substances, and in a fairly strong concentration. This makes lingonberry leaves more of a medicinal or prophylactic agent than a pleasant and healthy addition to tea. Eating them uncontrollably, moreover, in unlimited quantities can be dangerous to health.

From a biological point of view, lingonberry is a shrub – a woody plant, characterized by low, often creeping, strongly branching shoots without a main trunk. Scourges up to 100 cm long rise 15-25 cm above the ground and live from 5-7 (wild species) to 10-15 (cultivars) seasons, while the age of the rhizome can reach two hundred years.

Description of lingonberry leaves

Under natural conditions, lingonberries prefer to grow in coniferous forests and on dried peat bogs, often next to blueberries and blueberries. But berries are well adapted to life in the tundra, the arctic zone, highlands, mixed forests, along the edges of swamps. In the 60s of the XX century, lingonberry plantations began to be planted, where varietal plants with larger berries, but containing somewhat fewer nutrients, were planted.

Small leathery leaves from 0,5 to 3 cm long, not more than 1,5 cm wide are arranged in the next order, on short petioles, densely dotted with flexible shoots. Oval-shaped, dense, rigid, with curved edges, they are dark green in color, do not fall off in autumn, hibernate under snow. Young leaves are lighter in color. The reverse side is pale, dotted with small black or dark brown pits, in which special cells are located that collect moisture.

When is lingonberry leaf harvested for treatment

Regarding the timing of the collection of lingonberry leaves, there is no consensus even among herbalists, certified biologists and herbalists. The only thing they agree on is that harvesting cannot be carried out during the flowering and fruiting of the crop.

Without going into details, lingonberry leaves are harvested:

1. Right after the snow melted.
2. In spring, before buds appear (April – mid-May) or in autumn, after picking berries.

In fact, lingonberry leaves have useful properties all year round. Only during flowering and fruiting, all the forces of the plant are directed to the formation of ovaries. Lingonberries draw up resources for the ripening of berries, devastating the “pantries” of other vegetative organs. After all, fruiting for a plant is the same as procreation for animal organisms.

Sometimes it is advised to cut off the tops of the shoots, and then remove the leaves from them, but it should be remembered that lingonberries are not a herbaceous plant. Its branches grow slowly. If you cut off the shoots completely, the berries in this place will not appear soon.

When collecting leaves for your own use, it is better to cut only them. You should hold the shrub with your hand so as not to pull the whole plant out of the ground, because the root system does not lie deep. Mass collection is not possible. In this case, it is better to cut the shoots selectively.

The collection of raw materials is carried out in sunny, dry weather after the dew has dried. This should not be done near highways, airports, high-voltage lines, factories, and in areas contaminated with radiation, heavy metals. In order for the lingonberry leaf to heal, and not to cripple, you should take it in an ecologically clean area.

How to dry lingonberry leaf at home

In addition to the fact that the healing effect of lingonberry leaves collected during flowering and fruiting is much lower than those harvested in the autumn-spring period, it is almost impossible to dry them properly. They will still turn black and lose all medicinal properties.

It is easiest to dry the leaves collected from under the snow or in the spring. They are laid out in a thin layer in a warm, well-ventilated place where direct sunlight does not fall. During drying, the raw material must be turned over frequently.

Properly dried lingonberry leaves retain their green color. They are stored in linen bags, cardboard boxes with holes or wooden boxes lined with paper. Lingonberry leaves lose their medicinal properties after 3 years.

On sale, especially in regions where lingonberries do not grow, shoots of an incomprehensible color are often found in bunches. You should think carefully before using them for treatment – they are clearly dried incorrectly.

It is undesirable to use the oven for the preparation of medicinal raw materials – even if you set the lowest temperature, the loss of useful substances will be great. Special dryers are much better, but still, it is better to give lingonberry leaves time to wither and dry naturally.

What are the benefits of lingonberry leaves for the body

The use of lingonberry leaves can alleviate the condition in many diseases. Their useful properties are due to the composition. Lingonberry leaves contain:

1. B vitamins – B1, B3, B6, B9, B12.
2. Cowberry greens contain more ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than other marsh berries.
3. Microelements such as manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium.
4. Fresh lingonberry leaves contain up to 9% arbutin glycoside (vaccinin), dried leaves – 5-7%. This substance has a disinfectant and antimicrobial effect.
5. Acids: quinic, tartaric, ellagic, gallic, nicotinic (vitamin PP, B3). Of particular note are benzoic, which is a strong antimicrobial and antifungal agent, and ursulic, which is involved in cholesterol metabolism.
6. Tannins.
7. Antioxidants.
8. Phytoncides that can destroy Staphylococcus aureus.
9. Phenolic compounds such as tannin.

Lingonberry leaves are a medicinal product recognized not only by non-traditional, but also by official medicine. They are included in the composition of medical and cosmetic products, food supplements.

Medicinal properties of lingonberry leaves for women

Of course, women take a decoction of lingonberry leaves in the same way as men, for general strengthening of the body and treatment of diseases. But there are specific states that are inherent only to the beautiful half of humanity.

The first is pregnancy. Expectant mothers can be prescribed lingonberry leaves:

• for general strengthening of the body;
• as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent for edema and other problems with the genitourinary system;
• to reduce blood pressure and strengthen blood vessels;
• with anemia;
• to reduce nervous tension;
• as an antiviral and antipyretic agent.

And although with edema, the action of the decoction is considered safer than taking many drugs, you should definitely consult a doctor. In some cases, lingonberries can harm the fetus.

During feeding, the beneficial properties of lingonberry tea are questionable. Together with mother’s milk, substances that have a diuretic effect enter the child’s body. Do newborns need them? Here you need to consult a doctor.

Lingonberry leaves relieve the condition of women during menopause. They can:

• reduce sweating;
• help to cope with neuroses;
• prevent venous congestion.

In addition, decoctions and infusions are often prescribed to women:

• those who want to lose extra pounds;
• with meager monthly or uterine bleeding (only as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor who prescribes the method of preparation of the drug and dosage);
• suffering from nervous exhaustion;
• strong hot infusions are taken with painful menstruation;
• with inflammation of the appendages.

Medicinal properties of lingonberry leaves for men

With age, many men develop prostatitis. This disease brings a lot of physical and moral suffering to the stronger sex, and ordinary lingonberry tea can alleviate the condition. Properly brewed, it normalizes the outflow of urine, relieves inflammation, and improves the general condition.

You can not be treated with lingonberry leaves for men:

• with low pressure;
• with urolithiasis.

Is it possible to lingonberry leaf for children

Opinions about at what age children can take infusions and decoctions, which include lingonberry leaf, differ. Some healers go to extremes, and believe that the child should be 12. But more often there are tips when lingonberry leaves are advised to be taken by children from the age of three. Perhaps this is also extreme – at such a young age there must be good reasons to give a child such a strong remedy.

In any case, children are different, and lingonberry greens can be a harmless alternative to a drug that has serious side effects. When to start drinking decoctions, and which prescription should be used, the doctor should say.

Usually lingonberry leaves are prescribed for children:

1. As a diuretic. The decoction should be drunk no later than 16-17 hours to avoid nighttime involuntary urination.
2. Against allergies. But first you need to make sure that the child reacts normally to lingonberries. 100% hypoallergenic foods and herbs do not exist. Intolerance can be very strong and not immediately manifest.
3. As an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
4. As part of vitamin and tonic collections.
5. To lower blood sugar.

There are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Children often have low blood pressure. They do not suffer from this, and over time they simply “outgrow”. But lingonberries can still lower the already low pressure, and this will already be dangerous.
2. For children, decoctions and infusions are given at a concentration lower than for adults.
3. Since lingonberry leaf enhances the effect of antibiotics, it should be used with particular care in conjunction with drugs.

Recipe for lingonberry leaf tea for children

For 1 liter of boiling water take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry lingonberry leaves, insist 5 minutes, filter. Sugar or honey is added to improve the taste. Drink warm, hot and cold, but no later than 17-00.

How to brew lingonberry leaf

There are many ways to brew lingonberry leaves.

Broths

Decoctions prepared from lingonberry leaves have the strongest effect. The dosage and ratio of raw materials and water should be calculated by a specialist, taking into account the weight of the patient, for what purposes the decoction is intended, concomitant diseases.

General cooking rules:

• leaves are crushed or left whole;
• filled with boiling water;
• put on fire or a water bath for the period specified in the recipe;
• insist;
• filtered;
• diluted with water;
• taken before meals as directed by the physician.

Infusions

Lingonberry leaves are poured with hot water and infused for no more than 6 hours. The proportions of raw materials and liquid, as well as the cooking time may be different. Often infusions consist of several components, they use fruits, flowers, leaves and shoots of various plants.

Teas

To prepare tea, lingonberry leaves or their mixture with other plant materials is poured with boiling water, infused for 5-10 minutes or drunk immediately. Proportion – 1 dessert or tablespoon per 1 liter of boiling water. You can add sugar or honey to improve the taste.

Tea balms

The same as the previous drink, only black or green tea is added to the plant material.

How to drink lingonberry leaf

Usually brewed lingonberry leaf is drunk before meals. How long to take infusions or decoctions, the doctor will tell. Teas and balms are consumed like a regular hot drink, but not immediately after a meal.

You can not drink lingonberry decoctions, infusions, even teas or balms all the time. Usually they are used in courses – short (10-14 days) or long (3-4 weeks). The break should be at least a month.

In any case, it is better to consult a doctor about taking infusions and decoctions. Teas and balms without consulting a doctor are drunk in short courses.

It should be remembered that teas and balms should be used during the day. Infusions and decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, but it is better to take the time to prepare a fresh drink.

Lingonberry leaf: useful properties and contraindications

An extensive range of therapeutic effects has earned lingonberries, and in the first place – its leaves, the glory of a healer plant. Collected in time in an environmentally friendly place, they have:

• antiseptic properties;
• relieve inflammation, in particular, relieve conditions in diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• act as a diuretic;
• contribute to the separation of bile;
• lower the temperature;
• used as an immunomodulator;
• help heal wounds
• have astringent properties;
• enhance the effect of antibiotics;
• depending on the temperature of the drink, the time and method of administration, as well as the use in collections with other plants, they can have a tonic or sedative effect;
• used in the complex therapy of diseases of the genitourinary system in men and women;
• are used for the prevention of urolithiasis;
• used for rinsing in diseases of the mouth and throat;
• help with beriberi;
• reduce sugar levels;
• have antioxidant properties;
• help lower blood pressure;
• are included in cosmetics as a rejuvenating component;
• alleviate the condition of food and alcohol poisoning.

What lingonberry leaves help from is understandable. But do they have contraindications? Absolutely harmless agents do not exist. Even aspirin in some diseases can cause death. Contraindications for taking lingonberry leaves:

• idiosyncrasy;
• low pressure;
• stones in the kidneys;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, aggravated by high acidity, especially during an exacerbation;
• lactation period, if lingonberry leaves are not included in the complex of therapy prescribed by the doctor;
• kidney failure;
• the postoperative period lingonberries are contraindicated in any form.

Lingonberry leaves for cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. The sooner treatment is started, the easier it is to defeat the disease. In the instructions for the use of lingonberry leaves sold in pharmacies, it is most often described the treatment of cystitis, one-component, or together with drugs.

Relief is due to:

• vitamin C, which relieves inflammation and strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• natural antiseptic arbutin, which acts as a diuretic;
• benzoic acid (anti-inflammatory).

Thanks to the lingonberry leaf, the amount of urine increases. If you take it from the first days of the disease, the bacteria and microorganisms that provoke an exacerbation are simply washed out of the genitourinary system.

Recipe for cystitis

A good result is the collection of lingonberry leaves and St. John’s wort. They are taken for 4 tbsp. spoons, pour 1 liter of boiling water, put on fire. As soon as the mixture boils, it is wrapped in a warm blanket and allowed to brew for 2 hours. Then filter and drink for a day.

Lingonberry leaf from edema

Cowberry leaves have a diuretic effect. Simultaneously with urine, salts are excreted, which cause fluid retention in the body.

Prescription for edema

Crushed lingonberry leaves (1 teaspoon) pour a glass of boiling water. Insist 30 minutes, drink 50 ml four times a day.

Lingonberry leaves for kidneys

This item should immediately begin with a warning – the self-administration of lingonberry leaves for the treatment of kidney disease can be life-threatening! This should only be done by a nephrologist!

Yes, lingonberry leaves heal the kidneys. This is the next most important field of application of this herbal raw material after cystitis as a medicine. But in order to determine the possibility of therapy, dosage and method of administration, you need to be not just a doctor, but a specialized specialist.

Cowberry has a pronounced antiseptic and diuretic effect, it activates the kidneys, cleanses them of salts and toxins. And this can cause not only a therapeutic effect, but also lead to an exacerbation, become life-threatening. A patient with pyelonephritis who takes lingonberry leaves may not know that the disease has developed into kidney failure, in which this plant is strictly contraindicated!

With glomerulonephritis or stones in this organ, lingonberry preparations can also be dangerous. Only a nephrologist can prescribe them.

Lingonberry leaf for prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland is one of the most common reasons for middle-aged and older men to seek medical help. This unpleasant disease is divided into two large groups:

• stagnant, or non-infectious, due to low immunity, hypothermia, excessive sexual activity or abstinence, low physical activity, bad habits;
• infectious, arising not only as a result of the development of sexually transmitted diseases, but also in chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, renal pathologies.

Contribute to the emergence and development of prostatitis injury, circulatory disorders and hormonal levels.

Cowberry leaf will help get rid of or alleviate the course of the disease due to the following properties:

• diuretic and disinfectant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• the ability to increase immunity and activate the body’s own defenses.

It is not worth treating prostatitis on your own – it can go into a chronic stage, which is difficult and long to deal with. Everything should be done under the supervision of a doctor, besides, the use of lingonberry leaves is not as harmless as it might seem. But prophylactic tea will not hurt those who have no contraindications.

Lingonberry tea for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis

Often, a decrease in immunity and mood is “attached” to prostatitis. A tea drink can alleviate the condition, for the preparation of which lingonberry leaf, rose hips and mountain ash are mixed in equal proportions. One tablespoon of the collection is poured with boiling water, insisted for 7 minutes and drunk like regular tea.

Lingonberry leaf for arthritis

It is impossible to treat already developed arthritis only with lingonberry leaves. It will perfectly complement medications, but as an independent remedy it can be taken only if it is prescribed by a doctor.

Limited mobility, joint pain, their deformity can be caused not only by arthritis. Lingonberry leaves for gout will also help, besides, they are taken in the same way. It is impossible to cure these diseases completely, but it is possible to alleviate the condition.

The therapeutic effect is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lingonberries. Independently infusions, teas and decoctions are taken during remission and for prevention. In the acute period, you should consult a doctor.

Prescription for the treatment of joints

Half a glass of boiling water is poured over a teaspoon of dried lingonberry leaves, insisted for 30 minutes, filtered, taken before meals three times a day. It is recommended to make a fresh infusion every time.

Lingonberry leaf for weight loss

The effectiveness of the use of lingonberry leaves for weight loss is due to the content of glycosides, which have pronounced diuretic properties. They do not burn fat, but only remove excess fluid from the body. Taking fees, you can easily lose 2-3 kg in a month (and this is the maximum period that you can drink decoctions and infusions at a time).

At the same time, one should not forget about contraindications and the fact that along with urine, salts, trace elements and other useful substances are washed out of the body. Along with diuretics, you need to take a mineral-vitamin complex.

Recipe for weight loss

Lingonberry leaf (2 tablespoons) and linden flowers (1 tablespoon) pour 300 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 6 hours. After that, the infusion is filtered and drunk 100 ml 30 minutes before lunch and dinner.

Lingonberry leaves for gastritis

With gastritis, lingonberry water or berries are more often taken. But due to the presence of tannins in the leaves, decoctions, teas and infusions are also included in the complex therapy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Prescription for the treatment of gastritis with normal or low acidity

A teaspoon of dried lingonberry leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water. Insist for half an hour, filter. 20 minutes before meals take 100 ml of drink.

Lingonberry leaves for urolithiasis

Nephrologists recommend lingonberry leaves only for the prevention of stone formation, but not for treatment. The claim that some part of the plant contributes to the dissolution of pre-existing deposits is not confirmed. But there are cases when, under the influence of the diuretic effect of a decoction or infusion of lingonberry leaves, a large stone moved and blocked the ureter.

Restriction and contraindications for use

Lingonberry leaves are considered a herbal medicine recognized by official medicine. They can bring the body both benefit with skillful use, and harm if they are used uncontrollably and without thinking about the consequences.

But it is impossible to limit yourself to the list of medicinal properties and contraindications of lingonberry leaves before taking infusions and teas. There is also individual intolerance.

Hypersensitivity test

Before using brewed lingonberry leaves inside, you need to make a concentrated infusion, moisten a clean cloth with it and loosely tie it around your wrist for 10 minutes. The bandage is removed and an antihistamine is taken at the slightest sign of allergy or discomfort, namely:

• redness;
• tingling;
• itching;
• urticaria.

To test the sensitivity of children, the infusion is made less concentrated.

Diseases in which treatment will harm the body are listed in the paragraph “Cowberry leaf: useful properties and contraindications.”

Restrictions on the use, when it is necessary to consult with your doctor, are the following factors:

• pregnancy;
• kidney disease;
• age of 12 years;
• diets for weight loss;
• taking antibiotics (lingonberry enhances their effect).

These are just the cases where the lingonberry leaf can act as a healer when taken correctly, and a destroyer, if, due to ignorance or thoughtlessness, concomitant diseases are not taken into account or the dosage is incorrectly calculated.

Side effects when taking lingonberry leaf

If all factors are taken into account and the intake of decoctions and infusions is carried out after consultation with the doctor, a hypersensitivity test was carried out, there should not be any side effects. But! Where is the raw material collected? How was it dried? Was it kept?

If it is difficult to check the place of collection and the method of storage, then gray, and not dark green leaves should serve as a signal that they cannot be brewed. It is better to lose money (not so much) than health and throw away bad medicine.

And with prolonged use of lingonberry leaves as a diuretic, the necessary salts and other useful substances are washed out of the body.

Conclusion

Lingonberry leaves have a lot of useful properties, they are used in complex therapy in the treatment of many diseases. Teas and balms from them are simply delicious! But they can be used only if there are no contraindications or hypersensitivity. Better – under the supervision of a doctor.