Cowberry Leaf: Harm and Benefit, Instructions for Use, Properties, Contraindications

For sure many of our readers are well known for cranberries. Red ripe berries are a very effective medicine in the fight against many diseases. Perhaps not everyone knows that no less valuable is a cowberry leaf. The damage and benefit of this part of the plant has been sufficiently studied to date, which makes it possible to assert: this is really an effective remedy, which is recognized by doctors and folk healers. But if in traditional medicine it is mainly used to treat the urinary system, the healers interpret the medicinal properties of the leaves much more widely and use raw materials for the treatment of various ailments.

Cowberry Leaf: Properties

The use of this part of the plant is determined by its unique chemical composition. The leaves contain:

• Hydroquinone;
• Hyperoside and arbutin;
• Ursulic, cinchona, gallic and ellagic acids;
• Tannins (tannins);
• Phytoncides and flavonoids;
• Lycoptin (antioxidant).

Tannins, as well as organic acids contained in the leaves of cowberry, have a bactericidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, increase the effectiveness of antibiotics. In addition, the cowberry leaf (reviews of patients confirm this) removes excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing swelling.

Use in medicine

In official medicine cowberry leaves are used for the manufacture of choleretic, disinfectant and diuretic drugs. It has been scientifically established that phytoncides can suppress the activity of the most dangerous bacterium - Staphylococcus aureus. Successfully used the properties of leaves in the treatment of certain diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Cowberry leaf: instructions for use

Today, preparations from cowberry leaf are issued in two forms:

• Sheet whole or crushed (cardboard packs weighing 35 to 100 g);
• Sheet, crushed into a filter bag (1.5 g).

Indications

The drug is recommended for diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys - infectious, inflammatory processes, urological pathologies.

Contraindications

It is uncontrolled not to take a cowberry leaf (instructions for use are attached to each package). Infusions, decoctions, extracts from leaves are forbidden to use for children under 12 years.

The question of the application of cranberry leaf in the treatment of pregnant and lactating women is considered in each case individually.

Contraindicated in such drugs during exacerbation of stomach ulcers, urolithiasis, with kidney disease. With caution the agent is prescribed for hypotension (low blood pressure), for hypertensive patients, the course of treatment should not exceed 14 days.

When buying a sheet of cranberries in the pharmacy, pay attention to the date of collection of raw materials. It is important to know that the useful properties of the plant persist for three years. Although the product can be purchased without a prescription, a specialist's consultation is necessary - this will help avoid complications in self-treatment.

Use in folk medicine

Traditional healers have been using cribberries for a long time. The damage and benefit of this plant (in particular, leaves) is taken into account by them in the treatment of various diseases. For example, in their opinion, cowberry leaves are indispensable in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (complex), liver problems, problems with gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, flatulence, constipation and gastroenteritis).

The anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves determine the beneficial effects of the drug in osteochondrosis, gout, arthritis, spondylosis and rheumatism. It enriches the taste and spectrum of the beneficial effect of a beverage based on cowberry mixed with other ingredients, for example, with raspberry or currant branches and leaves.

Sometimes crib sheet folk healers are included in the fee for weight loss. There is a misconception that it has fat burning properties. In fact, the reception of phytocha contributes to the fight against swelling, which are caused by an unbalanced diet or kidney problems, but not with excess fat.

As an antiseptic leaf cranberries are successfully used in the treatment of a number of diseases of the oral cavity - stomatitis, gingivitis. In some cases, in folk medicine it is used for gargling with angina. True, it is effective only in combination with traditional antibiotic treatment.

Broth of cowberry leaves shows good results during the treatment of oily seborrhea (hair rinsing), and as a cosmetic agent - against acne.

Decoctions: ways of cooking

Decoctions and infusions of cowberry leaf are really effective. This is noted by many patients, but it is important to observe the dosage, know when and how to drink. Cowberry leaf (broth) can be prepared in several ways (depending on the indications).

The first method is designed to treat diseases that are associated with a metabolic disorder. These include articular diseases, problems with the heart and blood vessels, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

To prepare a decoction of a cowberry leaf, you will need two spoons (table) leaves, which need to be poured in 500 ml of water. The mixture is brought to a boil over low heat and boiled for another fifteen minutes. Then the compound should be infused for 30 minutes, after which it must be filtered. Take 100 ml three times a day for two weeks.

With diseases of the genitourinary system, the broth is prepared differently. 3 tablespoons of dry leaves should be poured 750 ml of boiling water, boil for ten minutes on low heat. Insist an hour, filter. Take 100 ml after eating. And the first reception should be approximately in 15-16 hours, the last - for three hours prior to a dream. The duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks (depending on the patient's condition).

Making Tea

How to brew a cowberry leaf in the treatment and prevention of colds, problems with digestion, stress, chronic fatigue? Tea leaves perfectly quenches thirst, gently reduces blood pressure, strengthens the mental and physical state.

Cooking is better in a thermos. Pour into it two tablespoons of table leaves of cranberries, fill them with a liter of boiling water and let it brew for fifteen minutes. To drink tea should be warm, if desired, you can add sugar or honey to taste. Do not forget that this is a medicinal potion - you can drink it for no more than 14 days. After that, you need to take a break, at least for ten days.

This drink also has a toning and antipyretic effect. In this case, it is brewed like ordinary tea, and add to it lemon and honey.

Opinion of physicians

Many believe that if such drugs are prescribed as a diuretic even for pregnant women, then cranberry leaf is completely safe. The damage and benefit of this plant are sometimes poorly known to patients. Excessive consumption of drugs with a diuretic effect without medical indications can trigger dehydration. In the first place, they themselves expose themselves to the risk of lovers to lose excess weight with the help of plant charges and half-starved diets.

The diet itself can not always satisfy the body's need for minerals and vitamins. This creates the prerequisites for a violation of the electrolyte balance. Moreover, the systematic excretion of fluid with diuretics significantly aggravates the patient's condition. All this provokes various complications, up to severe dehydration and metabolic disorders, which can be caused by a deficiency of minerals and vitamins necessary for the body. From all that has been said, we can conclude: the use of diuretic herbs for weight loss is not recommended.

Do not forget that the fruits and leaves of cranberries are a strong allergen. In case of allergic reactions, taking medications should be stopped. Before starting treatment, consult a doctor.

Reviews

Most patients who took the medicine based on cranberry leaves to treat the genitourinary system, noted a significant improvement in well-being. The same can be said about people suffering from diseases of the joints and spine. Many people say that you should be very careful about preparations containing cranberry leaf. The harm and benefit of such treatment directly depend on the strict observance of the instructions and prescriptions of the doctor.