Useful properties of quince leaves (henomeles) and contraindications

The medicinal properties of quince leaves and contraindications are associated with the chemical composition of the plant. It contains vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds. Therefore, the leaves are used to normalize blood pressure, cleanse blood vessels, as an additional tool in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. The decoction is also used for cosmetic purposes – in the form of a foot bath and a hair rinse.

What does a quince leaf look like

Quince is a tree that can be found in Our Country in the Krasnodar Territory, in the regions of the North Caucasus and in the Crimea. It is valued for the fruits that are used in cooking.

Quince leaves have healing properties

Externally, the sheet plates have a rather interesting shape. They are oval, ovoid, not too narrow. They reach a length of 11–12 cm, and a width of 6–7,5 cm. The tops of the leaves can be both pointed and blunt. The color is rich dark green, which indicates readiness for collection and harvesting. The underside is slightly greyish.

Chemical composition

The benefits of quince leaves are determined by their rich chemical composition, which includes the following substances:

• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6);
• provitamin A;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin P;
• carbohydrates (fructose, glucose);
• pectin substances;
• organic acids (tartronic, citric, malic);
• tannin components;
• mineral compounds (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, copper).

The special value of quince leaves is that it contains such a rare compound as amygdalin glycoside (vitamin B17). This is a biologically active substance that strengthens blood vessels and the heart, and also helps to normalize metabolism. Therefore, it is believed that in terms of vitamin and mineral composition, quince leaves are even more useful than apple fruits.

Another valuable substance is tartronic acid. It promotes weight loss because it prevents the deposition of fat. This is due to the fact that the substance prevents the conversion of carbohydrates from food into fat molecules. Therefore, quince leaves can be regularly used to make tea for those people who want to lose weight and maintain a healthy shape.

What are the benefits of quince leaves for the human body

Due to the rich chemical composition, quince leaves have a beneficial effect on the body:

• anti-inflammatory;
• astringent;
• expectorant;
• antimicrobial;
• enveloping;
• hemostatic;
• diuretic;
• immunostimulating.

Tea from quince raw materials strengthens the immune system, cleanses blood vessels and helps to normalize blood pressure.

Benefits of quince leaf tea

The drink is used as one of the means of preventing and treating diseases:

• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• liver disorders;
• pathology of the kidneys, ureter;
• asthma, bronchitis, cough;
• ARVI;
• digestive disorders;
• poisoning;
• malaise, weakness;
• anemia;
• inflammatory processes in the pancreas;
• weight correction.

If the patient has chronic diseases, the main course of treatment should be followed. The use of quince leaves must be agreed with the doctor.

Methods of preparation and use

Foliage can be collected independently or purchased at the pharmacy ready-made dry raw materials. This is quite convenient – the drug is available, and it can be stored for 1–1,5 years without loss of medicinal properties. On the basis of crushed raw materials, an infusion, tea and alcohol tincture are prepared.

Tincture

It is better to prepare alcohol tincture with medical alcohol, but if it is not available, you can also take vodka.

The proportions are as follows:

• crushed raw materials – half a glass;
• vodka – 200 ml.

Instructions for cooking:

1. You need to take the raw materials, put in a small container.
2. Fill with alcohol.
3. Close the lid and put in a dark place.
4. Infuse for 10 days, stirring occasionally.
5. Strain and take as medicine.

Such a tincture can be stored for a long time in the refrigerator – alcohol retains all medicinal components well.

Infusion

Along with alcohol infusion, you can also prepare water. In this case, you need to act like this:

1. Take 100 g of chopped leaves.
2. Pour 1 liter of warm water (you can 80 degrees).
3. Close with a ceramic lid and let stand for an hour.
4. When the infusion has cooled, it is filtered.

You can also store it in the refrigerator, but only for 7-10 days.

Water infusion is prepared in small quantities that can be used several times.

Tea

The benefits and harms of quince leaf tea are related to its chemical composition. This is a vitamin drink that can be prepared every day and used instead of regular tea or coffee.

To prepare a tea drink, it is enough to take one spoonful of dried quince leaves.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. crushed foliage.
2. Put in a glass of boiling water.
3. Close with a ceramic lid.
4. Let it brew for 40 minutes.
5. Strain and divide into 3-4 portions (can be diluted with boiling water).
6. Drink preferably during the day.

Decoction in a water bath

To obtain a more saturated extract of nutrients, it is recommended to prepare an aqueous decoction:

1. Take one tablespoon of raw materials.
2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
3. Put in a water bath and soak for 15 minutes on low heat.
4. Then close the lid and let stand for another hour until completely cooled.
5. Strain.

The decoction should be consumed within 1-2 days.

Vitamin salad

Well crushed fresh leaves can be mixed with honey, lemon and walnut. It is enough to eat one tablespoon of this salad every day to fill the need for B vitamins, as well as valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Application in folk medicine

In folk medicine, all the described recipes are used – tea, decoction, infusion. In most cases, they are taken internally, although external use is also allowed for the treatment of wounds and strengthening hair. The standard course of treatment lasts one month, after which you can take a break for a week and repeat the cycle. As a rule, side effects are not observed. But if the state of health has worsened, the treatment should be stopped and consult a doctor.

quince leaves for diarrhea

A simple recipe will help with diarrhea. They take a tablespoon of raw materials and pour boiling water over it, and then heat it in a water bath for 15 minutes, insist another hour. The remedy is taken three times a day, two tablespoons of decoction (always after meals).

Quince leaves help to quickly cope with diarrhea

Quince leaves for pressure

To normalize high blood pressure, alcohol tincture is used. To do this, mix 20 drops of herbal composition and 50 ml of water (a quarter cup). This mixture is taken twice a day for 20-30 minutes before lunch.

For the treatment of bronchitis and asthma

For the treatment of bronchitis and asthma, a decoction of the leaves in a water bath is used. Take it four times a day in between meals (2 tablespoons each). The effect is noticeable already in the first 1-2 weeks. Patients note that attacks of painful coughing become much less.

To strengthen hair

To strengthen the hair, an aqueous infusion is used, which must be prepared for at least an hour (until it cools completely). They rinse their hair after a shower. Used three times a week. Thanks to this, hair follicles are strengthened, dandruff disappears. In the reviews, people note that the infusion is able to paint over gray hair.

Foot bath

Another option for external use is a foot bath. For its preparation, several components are taken in equal quantities:

• quince leaves – 2 tbsp. l.;
• nettle – 2 tbsp. l.;
• sage – 2 tbsp. l.

They are brewed with boiling water (1 l) and insisted for an hour. Then filter and add 3 tbsp. l. sea ​​salt, add a liter of warm water and make a foot bath for 20-30 minutes. The procedure is repeated every day (preferably at bedtime).

Противопоказания

Along with the beneficial properties of quince leaves, there are contraindications to their use:

• pleurisy;
• chronic constipation (especially in the elderly);
• inflammation of the vocal cords;
• use together with antibiotics;
• pregnancy and lactation (as agreed with the doctor);
• children up to 3 years.

Before using a folk remedy, it is necessary to test it in small doses. If no allergic reaction has followed, the composition can be used.

Collection and Procurement

Quince leaves are harvested throughout the warm period. It is advisable to do this in the summer and early autumn. It is better to collect in dry weather, when there is not even short-term rains. The leaves are cut off by hand, spread in one layer on a flat surface and dried in a ventilated room or in the open air. At the same time, direct sunlight should be avoided.

It is necessary to collect quince leaves in dry and warm weather.

Another way is to spread on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at a temperature of no more than 50 degrees. Then the foliage is crushed and stored in paper, cloth bags or in a well-closed jar. The conditions are standard – room temperature, low humidity (up to 70%), dark place. Raw materials can be kept without loss of medicinal properties during the year.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties of quince leaves and contraindications have been studied quite well. Means based on dry raw materials (in the form of an aqueous decoction or alcohol tincture) practically do not give side effects. Therefore, they can be used both internally and externally.