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Raspberries. Beneficial features. Video
Surprisingly tasty and juicy, raspberries are one of the most popular berries in the world. In folk medicine, both berries and leaves of this plant were traditionally used, fighting various diseases. Modern scientists confirm that this berry is not only nutritious, but also healing.
Raspberries. Beneficial features
How raspberries were used in folk medicine
Archaeological finds confirm that the red raspberry has been known since ancient Rome. Since then, berries and other parts of the plant have been used not only for food, but also in the treatment of various diseases. Medieval healers were very fond of prescribing to the sick a decoction of dried raspberry flowers. They treated them acne, hemorrhoids, malaria, put compresses soaked in this medicinal agent on their sore eyes, gave patients with fever a drink from dried leaves and raspberry flowers. Raspberry vinegar was used to treat sore throat and cough, while the berries themselves were considered a laxative and diaphoretic. Raspberry juice was given to children for fever and cystitis. In Russia, herbalists treated with raspberry anemia, gum disease, and abdominal pain. Raspberries were considered useful for drunkards, it was assumed that she was able to turn them away from the bad habit.
Raspberry leaves were widely used by midwives
It was believed that they could help a woman get pregnant. An infusion of them was given to pregnant women in order to prevent miscarriages and fight morning sickness. After giving birth, raspberry leaves were used to prevent uterine bleeding.
In traditional Chinese medicine, raspberry juice was considered beneficial for treating kidney stones. Daily consumption of fresh berries, according to Chinese healers, cleansed the blood and liver. In addition, unripe raspberries were suggested to be taken by men suffering from impotence or premature ejaculation.
Raspberries were widely used in the treatment of various diseases by the American Indians. The Cherokee gnawed raspberry root for toothache and brewed it for coughing. The Iroquois made tea from young shoots of the plant and used it to purify the blood, they brewed the leaves for those who complain of pain in the kidneys, and the berries were considered useful for women during menstruation.
There are many varieties of raspberries, berries can be not only red-pink, but also black, purple, orange, yellow and white
The content of nutrients in raspberries
Raspberries are rich in various vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. This explains its healing properties.
The fruits contain:
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- B group vitamins
- niacin
- pantothenic acid
- calcium
- iron
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
- sodium
The most vitamin C is found in fresh raspberries. The content of ascorbic acid in dried, thermally processed, frozen berries is several times lower
Raspberries are rich in phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Raspberry leaves contain a large amount of tannins.
Raspberry in the treatment of various diseases
Raspberries are effective in treating obesity. Berries contain the digestive enzyme ketone, which promotes fat burning, and also participates in the formation of adinopectins, which control metabolic processes. Just like a fat burner in raspberries, manganese “works”, and dietary fiber, which the berry is rich in, contributes to good digestion.
The phenolic compounds in raspberries protect against cardiovascular disease, as well as salicylic acid, potassium, which regulates heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Raspberries can help treat atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Raspberry leaves contain astringent tannins. A decoction of them is gargled with sore throat, tea can help in the treatment of acute diarrhea, tonsillitis and stomatitis. Raspberry leaves have calming, antispasmodic and uterine-relaxant effects, a decoction of them is used to treat menstrual cramps, and raspberry juice has the same properties. The astringent properties of raspberry leaves and the healing properties of the ascorbic acid contained in them, as well as benzoic and caffeic acids, promote better scarring, and also help treat eczema, dermatitis, and acne. For these purposes, a decoction of 5 tablespoons of dried leaves is prepared and applied to the affected areas. The same broth is used to treat hemorrhoids, putting an enema with it.
With a cold, raspberries – berries or jam, contribute to increased sweating, with sweat, toxins are removed from the body
That is why doctors recommend drinking tea with raspberries during illness. Fruit drinks, juices, teas with raspberries reduce the temperature, a mixture of fresh juice and a few teaspoons of honey is especially effective. Raspberries are also useful for treating upper respiratory ailments, especially those in which watery mucus is secreted from the lungs. Raspberry tea treats sinus infections and hay fever.
Raspberries are recommended for irregular periods, excessive menstrual bleeding or mid-cycle spotting, uterine bleeding, and can be used to relieve PMS and menopause symptoms. These berries are also thought to be beneficial for increased anxiety, emotional sensitivity, depression, and mood swings.