Maple leaves, natural healers. The benefits and harms of maple leaves
Maple is a deciduous tree that belongs to the maple family, characterized by a dense and spreading crown. This tree lives up to 200 years, during which the maple manages to grow up to 20-30 meters. A decoction of maple leaves is rightfully considered useful. remedy, which helps with many diseases.
Description of the plant
Young trees have thin, reddish-gray bark, while older trees have thin, reddish-gray bark. gray, which is endowed with small cracks. The leaves of this representative of the maple family are large, five-lobed, reaching 18 cm in width and the same in length. The leaves are dark green on top, while the leaves below are lighter. The greenish-yellow flowers that bloom on the tree are collected in large inflorescences. The maple fruit is a flat, inconspicuous lionfish, endowed with two wings.
Places of growth
The main distribution area of the Norway maple is Eurasia, and in our country it grows everywhere: in the North Caucasus, Siberia and middle lane, preferring coniferous, mixed or broad-leaved forests, forest-steppe zones where the soil is moist, nutritious and fertile.
Important: maple grows singly or in small groups. Pure stands of this type of tree are found only on the slopes of river and lake valleys. The main neighbors of the maple are considered to be ash and oak, which can often be found next to this tree in the forests of our country.
Since maple is an unpretentious tree that can easily tolerate cold and shade, today it has become widespread in art, the name of which is garden decoration. Important: this tree is valued among gardeners for its original form leaves, a spreading and wide crown, which provides good shade in hot, summer days.
Preparation of medicinal raw materials
Harvesting of young maple leaves begins in the first weeks of summer, during the budding of the plant. When assembling, it is best to choose foliage with thin and not too juicy petioles, since these are the parts of the tree that contain greatest number useful substances. And thick leaf petioles significantly slow down the drying procedure.
It is important to collect only whole, uniform and healthy leaves that have not been “attacked” or damaged by fungi, birds or insects. After harvesting, the leaves should be dried in the sun. After this, the raw materials are dried outdoors under a shed or in the attic.
Important: leaves can be dried in an oven or electric dryer, setting the temperature on the device to 50-60 degrees. The finished raw materials are stored in linen or paper bags. The shelf life of dry sheets is 2 years at the correct temperature and humidity.
Chemical composition and properties of wood
All parts of maple contain a lot of active and beneficial substances that have a healing effect on the body.
Ascorbic acid
Positive effect ascorbic acid is to normalize the blood supply system. In addition, this substance restores the functioning of the central nervous system, removes harmful toxins and other compounds from the body, which often become the initiators of the appearance of malignant tumors.
Vitamins belonging to group B
These vitamins restore normal pressure, strengthen the immune system, normalize work blood vessels, prevent the formation in the body atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, B vitamins improve hair condition, skin and nails. Important: the vitamins included in this group normalize the functioning of blood vessels and the heart, improve the condition of the digestive, muscular, endocrine and central nervous system, and prevent the manifestation of allergies. The main thing is to implement correct technique medicine so that these improvements benefit the body.
Vitamin E
This element normalizes the condition reproductive system, accelerates the healing of burns and wounds, prevents the formation of blood clots, which leads to a reduction in the risk of developing many dangerous diseases related to the work of the heart muscle.
Carotene
The main function of this substance is to accumulate oxygen. In addition, thanks to carotene, the immune system is strengthened and the body is protected from radicals dangerous to human health, which reduces the risk of cancer.
Tannins
They normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improve digestion and eliminate inflammation in the body associated with infectious bacteria.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates help to carry out a high-quality metabolic process, which has a positive effect to work for everyone internal organs and human systems.
Cellulose
Produces B vitamins in the body, restores and improves intestinal microflora, reduces cholesterol in the blood, prevents the appearance of atherosclerosis, normalizes metabolism and health urinary tract, reduces the development of putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fatty acid
They are responsible for the energy function, since energy is generated during the decay of this component. In addition, these acids are involved in the creation of membranes that are part of the cells of the human body.
Organic acids
Data active substances provide significant benefits to the body: acids improve digestion, calm putrefactive processes in the body and strengthen blood vessels. In addition, these substances are short term remove toxins, heavy metals and toxins.
Alkaloids
Normalize blood circulation, reduce excitability nervous system, facilitate joint pain. Alkaloids act especially well on the organs and systems of older people.
Lipids
Lipids carry out the biosynthesis of hormones responsible for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system.
Medicinal properties of maple
Thanks to the beneficial substances contained in all parts of this tree, it has numerous medicinal properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- astringent;
- diuretic;
- antipyretic;
- wound healing;
- pain reliever;
- tonic;
- choleretic;
- restorative;
- antibacterial;
- antiseptic.
What diseases does a decoction of maple leaves help with?
Thanks to healing properties, Norway maple is used in the treatment of the most various diseases. A decoction and other preparations from leaves, flower fruits and maple bark will be effective in following cases:
- herpes;
- respiratory diseases;
- pneumonia;
- radiculitis;
- avitaminosis;
- kidney stone disease;
- cold;
- diarrhea;
- boils;
- wounds, cuts and abrasions;
- kidney pathologies;
- ulcers;
- inflammation of the gums;
- bronchitis;
- hepatitis;
- stomatitis;
- bleeding;
- scurvy;
- asthenia;
- heart disease;
- viral infections.
- In order to prepare a decoction for acute respiratory infections, hepatitis, kidneys and respiratory tract take 1 spoon of dry maple leaves and pour it into a glass clean water. Place on the fire and bring the mixture to a boil. As it boils, keep the broth on the fire for 30 minutes. Then we cool it and filter it, and then add water to the original volume. Take 4 times a day as recommended by your doctor.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of seeds and leaves into 250 ml of hot water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Then leave to infuse for 60 minutes. Later allotted time strain the broth and take it 5 times a day, preferably before meals.
Contraindications
Although special contraindications There are no indications for the treatment and use of maple preparations; pregnant women should be careful when taking them. This is due to the fact that maple contains alkaloids that enhance contractions of the uterine muscles.
Therefore, before starting treatment with maple preparations, you should definitely consult with your doctor.
Acer platanoides
Taxon: family Sapindaceae ( Sapindaceae)
Other names: common maple, sycamore maple
English: Norway Maple
Botanical description of Norway maple
They are widespread in deciduous forests different kinds maples. Most often found here is the Norway maple, or common maple - a tree up to 30 m tall, with gray bark. Young shoots are reddish. The maple leaves are dark green, large, opposite, on long petioles, palmate and five-lobed. The lobes are three to five notched-toothed with pointed tips. The leaf blades are pierced by numerous veins of varying thickness. Maple flowers are collected in yellowish-green bunch-shaped inflorescences, the calyx and corolla are five-parted. The maple fruit is flat with two wings and breaks into two nuts. The maple tree blooms in the spring before the leaves bloom, in April-May, and bears fruit in September.
Places of growth
Norway maple grows in deciduous forests and less often in mixed forests, and is bred in gardens and parks for landscaping. Maple is widespread in the European part of Russia and the Caucasus.
Collection and preparation
IN medicinal purposes They use maple leaves, sap and shoots. The leaves are harvested in the first half of summer, dried in the sun and dried in the attic or in a dryer. Maple fruits are harvested when ripe. Dry in a dryer or oven at a temperature of 50-60 °C. Store in bags or closed wooden containers.
Chemical composition Norway maple
It has been established that the leaves contain carbohydrates, alkaloids, aldehydes (alpha-hexene, beta-hexene), organic acids(acetic, succinic, phthalic), polyisopropenes (squalene), rubber, carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, xanthophyll epoxide, etc.), nitrogen-containing compounds (methylamine, etc.), vitamins C (up to 268 mg/%) , phenolcarboxylic acids (salicylic, gallic), tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, higher fatty acid, lipids (phytinyl linolenate) and other substances. The seeds contain cyclotols, rubber and fatty oil.
Pharmacological properties of Norway maple
An infusion or decoction of the leaves has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, wound-healing, and analgesic effects. Antibacterial properties manifest against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and viruses.
Use of maple in medicine
Preparations from maple are used for kidney stones, kidney diseases, Bladder, jaundice, as an antiemetic and tonic. And also for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, acute respiratory diseases, herpes, pneumonia and oral cavity. A decoction of the leaves is drunk after childbirth so that the baby's place comes out.
Medicines from maple
Infusion of maple leaves: pour 1 tbsp of boiling water over a glass. l. fresh or dry leaves, leave for 30 minutes in a warm place, take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.
Shredded fresh leaves maple applied to wounds and ulcers for their healing, having previously treated them with any antiseptic, steamed leaves are applied to boils. Fresh raw materials are bandaged every day. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
Sweet maple sap Drink for scurvy as a tonic drink.
After oak, birch and pine, maple is the leader among other trees in terms of its bioenergy content, which can quickly restore human energy. The energy of the maple remains constant from spring to autumn. The best time to communicate with maple is early in the morning, after sunrise. Maples feel great among birches, aspens, and oaks.
Using maple on the farm
Norway maple is widely planted in gardens, parks and along city roads. Decorative throughout the growing season. Produces abundant growth from the stump. It withstands replanting and urban conditions well, and is wind-resistant. Within its range, it is one of the main breeds for gardening and park construction in Russia. Valued for big sizes, dense crown, slender trunk, ornamental foliage. Suitable for single and alley plantings, colorful groups. The autumn outfit is especially impressive against the backdrop of coniferous trees. In garden culture since ancient times.
Maple is a honey plant. Is great importance for beekeeping as an early honey and pollen-bearing plant. Maple honey is light varieties with beautiful taste qualities. From 1 hectare of flowering Norway maple, bees extract 200 kg of honey.
The wood is used for crafts and in furniture production.
The leaves were used as dyes for wool.
A little history
There are many trees on Earth whose trunks contain sweet juices, but there is especially a lot of it in the spring. sugar maple (Acer saccharum), growing in North America. This juice contains up to 20% sugar. Long before the discovery of America, the Indians were collecting sweet juice and making sugar from it. This tree has become a kind of emblem of the country - the maple leaf adorns the coat of arms and national flag of Canada.
Photos and illustrations
The well-known maple is used not only for landscaping our cities. Its parts (bark, leaves, branches, sap, etc.) are widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. The energy of this amazing healing tree is easily transmitted to a person, having a healing effect on many of his organs.
Healing properties of maple leaves. Maple leaves contain a lot of tannins, carotene, alkaloids, and ascorbic acid. They have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, wound healing and antimicrobial actions. Maple leaves are used in folk medicine and as an antiemetic, tonic, analgesic and restorative.
Maple heals joints. With the help of maple leaves, you can “renew” joints and blood vessels, ease the course and relieve pain, arthritis, and gout. To do this, two hundred and seventy leaves of the Canadian maple are collected, strung by the petioles on a strong thread and dried. This amount of maple leaves is enough for a whole course of healing procedures. Take three dried and crushed maple leaves. They are flooded cold water(1.5 cups), bring to a boil and cool. The resulting decoction is drunk three times a month, half a glass fifteen minutes before meals. Then a week off and again a month of taking it. And so on up to three times. Same folk remedy used to reduce blood cholesterol.
External use of maple leaves. In the presence of purulent wounds Traditional medicine advises to cleanse and heal them by applying a bandage with fresh crushed maple leaves, having previously treated the ulcer or wound with any antiseptic. This bandage should be changed every day for 5-7 days.
Treatment of internal organs. If a person experiences painful sensations in the area of the spleen or liver, herbalists recommend making a poultice from maple leaves and young shoots boiled with vinegar.
Decoction of maple leaves or their water infusion used for kidney stones, scurvy, jaundice. Maple leaves are also used in the treatment of kidney diseases, acute respiratory infections, upper respiratory tract, herpes. A tablespoon of dried young maple leaves is poured into a glass of boiling water. After cooling, drink a quarter glass 3 times a day. An infusion of young maple leaves will help remove sand from the buds and even dissolve small pebbles.
Maple and psychology. In weakened and sick people, the biofield is usually torn. Light Energy maple penetrates into various parts of the body of a sick person, heals his damaged biofield, gives a person strength and perseverance, relieves impatience and haste, and saturates every cell with its life-giving energy. beautiful and useful tree– maple. It has served man for a long time and faithfully guards his health.
Widely used in complex therapy maple leaves for treating joints. Maple has pronounced healing effects. Maple sap heals wounds and cures ulcers. To treat joint pathologies, leaves are used, which relieve pain, relieve swelling and regenerate damaged articular tissues thanks to healing substances contained in them.
How are they useful?
Thanks to scientific research Vitamins and chemical elements, promoting nutrition cartilage tissue, removal toxic substances and pain relief.
Among the components included in the structure of the plant the following have been identified:
- Organic acids. Substances that participate in the formation of acid-base balance in the body prevent the development of alkalosis, which provokes the accumulation of salt deposits in joint tissues.
- Vitamins C and A. These substances prevent destruction cell membranes toxins, which helps restore joints at the molecular level.
- Tannins. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and analgesic effect.
The rich composition of the product strengthens the immune system. Products made from maple leaves have:
- Diuretic property - removes excess liquid from the body, reducing swelling of the joints;
- Antimicrobial effect, reducing inflammation in the joint area;
- Antipyretic effect, helping to relieve pain in bone joints;
- Immunostimulating properties;
- Catalytic effect in the synthesis of protein in connective and tendon tissue, accelerating regeneration processes.
Collection rules
To folk recipes, using maple leaves, have really brought benefits, it is necessary to properly prepare the raw materials for their preparation. It is recommended to collect maple leaves for the treatment of joints during two periods - at the beginning of summer and at the end of autumn. In the warm season, juicy emerald specimens with thin petioles are selected. In autumn - fallen sunny yellow. The collected leaves are dried in well-ventilated areas, out of direct sunlight. Dried raw materials are stored in dry, dark places, suspended by cuttings.
How to use?
The syrup has anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists recommend using maple leaves to treat joints in the form of teas, infusions, tinctures, applications and compresses. Herbal remedies based on maple leaves help in the complex therapy of arthritis, arthrosis and gout. Contraindications for use herbal remedy maple-based materials do not exist. Despite the harmlessness of the drug, women should take it with caution during pregnancy and lactation. It is necessary to consult a doctor if the patient suffers allergic reactions. Some patients may be allergic to vitamins and tannins contained in maple leaves.
Treatment of joints with maple leaves is long-lasting and should be combined with drug therapy, phototherapy, balneological procedures. You should drink tea, decoctions or tinctures for a month. Then they take a two-week break and repeat taking maple leaf-based products again. A course of herbal medicine from 4 months.
Leaf tea
The drink has antirheumatic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Healing actions are characteristic only of young leaves, so they must be collected in the spring. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to properly prepare the raw materials. To do this in the summer, select juicy bright green leaves, pour boiling water over them and dry on paper. After drying, roll each maple leaf into a tube and place vertically in a glass bowl. Cover the top of the vessel with a wet linen cloth, which must be rinsed every day for better fermentation. After 2 weeks, the leaves will acquire a brownish tint and a characteristic tea smell. At the end of the fermentation process, dry the resulting mass in an open oven. The resulting tea raw materials are stored in enamel containers. Recipe:
- Rinse the teapot with boiling water.
- Put 2 tbsp. l. crushed leaves.
- Leave for a quarter of an hour.
- Serve warm.
Healing infusion
Like tea, maple leaf extract is also useful for treating joints. To prepare, take a porcelain, glass or enamel container. Put 4 tbsp in it. l. crushed raw materials, pour 1 liter of boiling water. You need to insist for half an hour. Then strain the solution. Drink half a glass three times a day. The product can be moistened with gauze and used as a compress on a sore joint.
Recipes from maple leaves for the treatment of joints
Healthy drinks for the treatment of joints are prepared using only maple leaves or in combination with the seeds of the plant, or in combination with the leaves of cherries, cherries, and oaks. To prepare the assortment, dried and crushed ingredients are taken in equal proportions. The method of preparing decoctions is the same for all cases. Pour 2 tbsp. l. raw materials with a glass of hot water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for no more than 10 minutes. Leave to steam for 1 hour. Strain the solution and take before meals 5 times a day.
Since ancient times, wild plants have been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. Maple leaves have medicinal properties, which are famous for their anti-inflammatory effects. Therapeutic effect achieved due to a unique biochemical composition: the high content of antioxidants and vitamins in maple leaves has been clinically confirmed.
To this day, recipes based on maple sap are used in folk medicine for colds, but a decoction of the leaves is more effective for joint pain. In this article we will tell you in detail how to prepare your own healing maple drink for joint health.
The maple leaf has an amazing biochemical composition, which in its effect on the human body it can only compete with linden and oak.
Thanks to high content tannins, maple sap has an astringent taste and fights excessively rapid digestion and pathogenic intestinal microflora, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
This plant is considered a leader in the content of ascorbic acid and carotenoids.(vitamins C, A), which are potent antioxidants, due to which the use of maple prevents the destructive effects of free radicals on the body's cells.
Various organic acids that make up the plant help maintain a normal pH (acid-base level) of the blood and prevent the formation of tumor tumors, the deposition of salts in the joints, and the formation of cholesterol plaques.
Maple leaves have a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect on the body, diuretic, bactericidal, antipyretic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, restorative.
Contraindications
Treatment with maple leaves has no contraindications. Even children can use infusions, decoctions, and teas based on this plant.
Carefully pregnant women should take the plant into account, as tannins can significantly slow down the passage of food through digestive tract, as well as for allergy sufferers and diabetics.
Collection and preparation of herbarium
The leaves are collected in the fall, when the leaves have fallen on their own.
It is worth collecting spiky bright yellow or orange leaves, without obvious signs of pest damage, without spots or mold.
Young leaves (green with thin veins) are harvested from June to July. They have a bright green color and are also suitable for treatment.
Important! Raw materials must be collected exclusively in environmentally friendly areas, away from roads and industrial enterprises.
To prepare a concentrated tincture stock up on bark shoots and maple branches.
After collection, the leaves and twigs are inspected and dried away from sunlight, in a ventilated area. To do this, the collected herbarium is laid out in an even layer on paper or hung on a rope by the handle.
In order for the sheet to retain its properties longer, store it in a dark place, hanging. The preservation of properties in this case will last about two years.
If it is not possible to hang the sheets by the cuttings in a dark place, fold them in an even layer in a wooden or cardboard box, having dried it thoroughly beforehand. Such raw materials will last you one winter season.
Treatment of joints
In order for maple leaves to help with joint pain, you must follow the rules for their preparation and intake.
Therapy continues with courses according to the following scheme: 30 days of admission natural medicine, 15 days of rest.
Method of administration: a tablespoon of tincture or half a glass of decoction half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day. Leaf tea can be used as a substitute for regular tea.
Indications for use maple sap are degenerative processes in the joints (arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis), deposition of salts in cartilage (gout), colds, ARVI, stomatitis and mouth ulcers, elevated temperature body, decreased immunity, inflammatory process, toxicosis.
Decoction
To prepare a maple decoction, you will need three large sheets. Grind them like this, then pour in 350 ml of hot water.
Do not use water heated to 100 degrees, otherwise everything will beneficial features will be lost!
Give the broth time to cool, take half a glass twice a day before meals. It is best to always use freshly prepared decoction. When prepared for future use, it gradually loses its properties.
Tincture
This medicine contains increased concentration useful substances.
For oral administration for medicinal purposes, you will need a smaller amount of tincture than decoction or tea. This is an undoubted advantage of maple tincture.
How to cook it? Take 100 grams of bark shoots or branches, pour 500 ml of ethyl alcohol. The infusion is aged for two weeks in a dark room.
Take a tablespoon orally three times a day. Also, the tincture can be used for external influence, rubbing the skin.
Tea
The recipe for maple leaf tea is known to all mothers whose children have often been exposed to colds and viral diseases.
This tea is easy to prepare: pour 30 grams of leaves (1-2 pieces) with a glass of hot water and leave for 5 minutes.
Maple tea is a great help for coughs, colds, flu, inflammatory processes genitourinary system.
To enhance the immunomodulatory effect, add a slice of lemon and a few cranberries to your tea.
Syrup
Maple balsam or syrup is revered in America and Canada, just as Altai honey is in Russia. It is not by chance that honors are given to maple syrup: in addition to its unique taste, it has a strong healing effect.
Syrup is more difficult to prepare— you will need to collect maple sap in a tree trunk (about 30 liters), then evaporate the liquid from the sap over a fire.
Once the liquid is removed, you will be left with a sticky, gooey, caramelized substance at the bottom of the pan. Thus it turns out natural syrup.
Advice! You can always purchase ready-made natural maple syrup at a pharmacy or health food store.
It can be used as a topping for dessert, porridge, pancakes, sauce for meat and fish dishes, and salad dressing. For medicinal purposes, take a spoonful before meals, dissolving in the mouth.
Conclusion
Maple has a whole range of beneficial substances. But, ensure effective therapeutic effect The plant is capable of affecting the human body only if all the rules have been followed when preparing decoctions, tinctures, and syrups from it.
The plant is used in folk medicine to increase effectiveness traditional therapy. Do not neglect the advice of a doctor when dealing with pathologies of the joints, lungs, genitourinary system, infectious diseases, pinning hopes on complete healing with herbs alone.