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Useful properties and contraindications of sea buckthorn leaves are not known to everyone. Everyone knows about the healing power of the berries of this wonderful plant. It is necessary to fill this gap, since in their usefulness the leaves are to some extent not inferior to the fruits, but they have much fewer contraindications.
Useful properties of sea buckthorn leaves
The properties of any plant are determined primarily by its composition. And sea buckthorn is no exception. Until recently, the chemical composition of leaves was poorly understood. But scientists from America corrected this omission and determined that, in terms of chemical composition, they are almost richer in minerals and vitamins than fruits.
The chemical composition and value of sea buckthorn leaves
So, the composition of sea buckthorn leaves includes the following vitamins:
- A (or retinol from the group of carotenoids) – has antioxidant properties, has a beneficial effect on vision, and regulates normal metabolism.
- Group B – have a complex beneficial effect on the body.
- C (ascorbic acid content up to 370 mg /%) – is responsible for immunity, treats cold symptoms.
- E (tocopherol) – performs a protective function – fights free radicals.
- H (biotin) – helps the absorption of protein and carbohydrates in the body. Regulates sugar levels and accelerates the process of decomposition of fatty acids.
- PP (nicotinamide or nicotinic acid) – normalizes the activity of the hormonal structure and endocrine glands.
As well as such macroelements and microelements as: boron, iron, copper, zinc, calcium, potassium, manganese and others.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, sea buckthorn leaves are rich in:
- tannin (its content reaches 10%) – characterized by anti-inflammatory and astringent properties;
- pectin – lowers cholesterol, removes toxins from the body;
- tanides (tannins) – have antiseptic and disinfectant effects;
- serotonin (hypofein) – normalizes the state of the nervous system, its lack can lead to hormonal imbalance;
- triterpene acids – with their help, the process of cell restoration takes place;
- coumarins – prevent the formation of blood clots in the vessels;
- flavonoids:
- phytoncides.
All these components determine the versatile therapeutic effect of sea buckthorn leaves, the beneficial properties of which are not surprising.
What are the benefits of sea buckthorn leaves
Sea buckthorn leaves have the following beneficial properties:
- wound healing – they can be used by directly applying to wounds, like plantain leaves;
- regenerating – restore various cells of the body;
- anti-inflammatory – block and reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes in various organs;
- antiviral;
- increase immunity;
- fight against beriberi;
- biostimulating – prevent and eliminate the symptoms of physical fatigue;
- hepatoprotective – protect and restore liver cells;
- antioxidant – contribute to the removal of toxins from the body;
- fixing – normalize the chair;
- astringents;
- Glypoglycemic – normalize blood sugar levels;
- antitumor – there is evidence that sea buckthorn leaves can slow down the development of malignant neoplasms;
- antispasmodic – relieve pain, have a relaxing effect.
It should be noted:
- Sea buckthorn leaves successfully fight all kinds of colds and respiratory infections.
- They help stabilize blood pressure by strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving heart function.
- Joint diseases and gout recede under the influence of infusions from sea buckthorn leaves.
- These inconspicuous leaves do a good job with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea.
- In the treatment of skin diseases, taking baths with infusions of sea buckthorn leaves helps. Lotions and poultices are also effective.
- Actively used for the treatment of stomatitis and periodontitis.
- Sea buckthorn leaves improve the functioning of the organs of vision.
- They are also quite effective in radiation damage.
As you can see, the scope of sea buckthorn leaves is quite extensive, and there is practically no ailment that they would not try to cope with.
The use of sea buckthorn leaves in folk medicine
In traditional medicine, sea buckthorn leaves are not yet used to their full potential. More recently, an antiviral drug called Hyporamine has been released, which is used to treat influenza and other viral diseases.
But in folk medicine they have been used for a long time and fruitfully. Basically, infusions, decoctions, teas and tinctures are made from them.
Recipes for healing tinctures
Leaf tincture is very easy to make. Mix 1000 ml of boiling water and 4 tablespoons of dried sea buckthorn leaves. You can also use fresh leaves, but in this case they need to be slightly crushed and take a slightly larger amount – 5 tablespoons. Then the mixture is infused in a warm place under the lid for half an hour to an hour.
Then the mixture is filtered through several layers of gauze or a fabric filter. The resulting infusion is usually taken three times a day, 50 ml each. The infusion is stored for a short time, about two to four days in a cool and dark place. It is better to prepare a new tincture every day.
It is very effective in diseases associated with metabolism and joint damage: rheumatism, osteochondrosis, gout, salt deposition, as well as diabetes. The infusion can also be used during a period of increased threat of viral infections.
It is also used externally – to take baths for some dermatological diseases.
Decoction of sea buckthorn leaves
The broth is prepared a little longer in time, but this process cannot be called complicated at all. Moreover, the decoction surpasses all other drugs in terms of useful properties. In the same way, take 4 tablespoons of dry leaves per 1 liter of boiling water and heat everything over very low heat under a lid or even better in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Then insist the mixture for another 30-50 minutes, filter and cool. The decoction is also stored for a very short time – a maximum of 5 days.
The decoction is taken as an anti-inflammatory agent for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, in the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus, liver disease, arterial hypertension.
In these cases, take a decoction 3-4 times a day, 50-100 ml at a time for quite a long time. The decoction is also used for gargling with pharyngitis, tonsillitis and SARS and oral cavity with stomatitis, gingivitis and other dental diseases.
Healthy sea buckthorn leaf tea
Perhaps the tea made from sea buckthorn leaves is the most popular. Since it is prepared in the traditional way, they usually drink it with the addition of honey, sugar, ginger or lemon.
It is enough to pour one tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes and strain through a strainer. Honey and other ingredients are added to taste.
This drink is an indispensable means of preventing colds and viral diseases. Also, with its help, you can stop the inflammatory process in any part of the body. It is also useful for any kind of poisoning.
You can drink sea buckthorn tea 2-3 times a day, preferably warm.
Alcoholic leaf tincture
Some healers consider alcohol tincture to be the most useful preparation from sea buckthorn leaves. In many ways, they are right, because in this case, the medicinal properties are preserved for a long time, and there is no need for daily preparation of medicinal preparations. In addition, serotonin, one of the most valuable components of sea buckthorn leaves, dissolves much better in alcohol than in water.
To prepare the tincture, pour 2 tablespoons of dry or 5 tablespoons of fresh leaves into 100 ml of vodka or 40-degree alcohol. Leave for 2 weeks in a dark place to infuse, stirring the contents from time to time. Take tincture, depending on the severity of the disease, from half to a whole teaspoon at a time 2-3 times a day. Let’s dilute it in water.
The tincture is used to cure any of the aforementioned diseases.
The use of sea buckthorn leaves in cosmetology
Sea buckthorn leaves can be used as an excellent cosmetic product.
For example, they do an excellent job with hair loss and dandruff. To do this, prepare a decoction of 5-6 tbsp. spoons per liter of water, which is boiled for 10-15 minutes. Cool, strain and rinse your hair with it or rub it into the scalp.
To get rid of acne or pimples on the skin of the face, lotions will help. To do this, put an equal amount of sea buckthorn leaves and chamomile flowers in a gauze bag and boil them in boiling water until softened. Cool and apply to sore spots for 15 minutes, covered with a towel on top. After the end of the procedure, wipe your face with a piece of ice from a frozen infusion of sea buckthorn leaves.
If you have swollen eyelids or bags under your eyes, then brew 1 tbsp. a spoonful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. Insist until cool, strain. Soak cotton pads in the resulting infusion and apply them for a while on the eyelids and eyes.
For bathing, it is good to mix sea buckthorn leaves with other herbs, flowers and sprigs: chamomile, sage, oak bark and prepare an infusion. It, after filtering, is poured into the prepared bath. Such procedures have a sedative, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect.
Preparation and storage of sea buckthorn leaves
Sea buckthorn leaves are relatively rare to find in ordinary pharmacies, so it makes sense to harvest them yourself. Moreover, it will not be difficult, especially if sea buckthorn is grown in your or a neighboring area.
When and where to collect sea buckthorn leaves
Leaves should be collected away from highways, high-voltage lines, airports and industrial enterprises.
The most favorable time for collecting leaves is May-June. But it is quite possible to do this in August-September, during the harvest of berries.
It is better to choose a day that is not hot and not necessarily rainy. It is better not to separate the leaves from the shoots, but to cut them directly with the branches, especially since the branches also have healing properties.
How to dry sea buckthorn leaves
Sea buckthorn leaves are usually dried in the attic or in a dryer. In the dryer, it is enough just to set the desired temperature (no more than 40-45 °) and in a few hours they will reach the desired condition.
If you have chosen the natural method of drying in the shade, then the process can continue for several days, during which the sea buckthorn leaves, laid out on paper or a towel, must be turned over several times.
If the leaves are dried correctly, they have a greenish tint, bend, break, but almost do not crumble.
Terms and conditions of storage of dried sea buckthorn leaves
Store dried sea buckthorn leaves in cardboard boxes or linen bags to provide ventilation. For them, if possible, choose places with low humidity and lack of light. The shelf life of plant raw materials on average does not exceed one, maximum two years.
Contraindications for use
The benefits and harms of sea buckthorn leaves are incommensurable. Very rare, but individual intolerance occurs. Otherwise, all the products described above, without alcohol, have no contraindications. They can be used during pregnancy, for the treatment of children and various chronic diseases.
Receiving the same tincture of alcohol is not indicated for pregnant women, breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age and everyone else suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis and many diseases in an acute form.
Conclusion
Useful properties and contraindications of sea buckthorn leaves allow, if desired, to cope with almost any disease without harming the body. Use the recipes described above for the benefit of your own health.
