Is black currant leaf good for you? Black currant leaves - contraindications and benefits

Since ancient times, people have grown currants and used not only their wonderful fragrant berries, but also branches and leaves. The beginning of the spread of the bush dates back to the 11th century. The currant got its name from a modified and not very pleasant verb “to stink”, because next to the bush you can smell the strong smell of essential oils. While the rules for eating berries are known everywhere, not everyone knows what is beneficial in the leaves, as well as how to improve health with their help.

Compound

In Russia, the leaves of this berry bush began to be consumed in the 30s of the last century in order to prevent scurvy and vitamin C deficiency. Currant leaves contain many different substances, despite the virtual absence of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The product contains 0.1 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g protein and 0 g fat per 100 grams. The calorie content is also minimal - only 1 kilocalorie for the same weight.

Currant leaves contain a huge amount of much-needed modern world vitamin C. The maximum content is observed during the blooming and flowering of the bush. Its amount reaches 460 mg per 100 g, with the recommended daily norm consumption is 65-75 mg for an adult, and 30-35 mg for a child.

By consuming black currant leaves you can enrich your body magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. All the major macronutrients are present in these greens.

Carotene and phytoncides are another component of the vitamin list of currant leaves. The product also contains such important substances as terpene alcohol, polyphenols and their compounds.

Such substances may interfere with the conversion healthy cells into malignant ones, which makes them indispensable in the fight against cancer.

Currant leaves contain essential oils, which are capable of exerting an antimicrobial effect.

It is amazing how many different vitamins and microelements are found in the green part of the bush. Nature has taken care of the health of the planet by creating the real medicine that can be found in almost every garden.

Useful and healing properties

After parsing chemical composition currant leaves can be seen how important product to promote health they are. Currants belong to the gooseberry family. There are almost one and a half hundred in the world various types this bush. Many diseases can be avoided by taking decoctions of currant leaves internally. The list of beneficial properties for the human body is very long.

• Thanks to increased content vitamin C, currant leaves can affect the immune system. This vitamin is involved in the redox processes of the body. It helps produce phagocytes, that is, cells that attack harmful bacteria and viruses. Also, normal vitamin C content stimulates tissue regeneration and increases skin turgor. Since this vitamin does not accumulate in the cells of the body, to maintain the proper level it is necessary to consume it with food every day.
• If a person smokes, then it is better, of course, to get rid of it bad habit. When this is not possible, the natural antioxidants contained in currant leaves will help remove most toxins from the body. This will also help people working in hazardous industries or living in large polluted cities.
• Due to the high magnesium content, consuming currant leaves in one form or another helps strengthen the heart muscle, which is equally useful both for heart disease and for its prevention.

• Calcium in the product is in an easily digestible form. It is vital for strengthening bone and muscular systems person.
• The same decoction can be used as disinfectant for various cuts and abrasions.
• Possesses hypotensive effect and improves brain activity, which is a huge plus when the product is used by older people. Thanks to recent experiments, scientists have found that currant leaves can also improve a person's condition with Alzheimer's disease.
• Has the ability to cleanse blood vessels and expand them.
• Increases hemoglobin.
• For colds and after illness, it is recommended to use a decoction of currant leaves to restore the human body. It will saturate with vitamins and invigorate the patient.

• A decoction of young leaves has a special property: it kills bacteria that cause dysentery and pneumonia. Such complex diseases can be defeated by using in addition to drug treatment homeopathy.
• For diseases genitourinary system, in particular, with cystitis, pyelonephritis and kidney stones, a decoction of currant leaves is used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
• If you regularly drink a drink made from currant leaves instead of tea and coffee, you can prevent the development of cancer diseases.
• For diabetes mellitus, it is simply necessary to take a decoction from the leaves of this shrub, as it has a pronounced effect on blood sugar levels.
• For young children, bathing in currant leaves is used. This procedure eliminates skin rashes and redness without harming the baby's delicate skin. For adults, you can also wash your face, especially if you have enlarged pores and oily skin.

• For stomatitis and others inflammatory diseases oral cavity, it is recommended to carry out a course of rinsing with brewed currant leaves. This action will help get rid of pathogenic microflora and reduce unpleasant symptoms diseases.
• It is recommended to use a decoction of currant leaves for women with breastfeeding. This drink does not cause allergic reactions and increases lactation, especially after warm drink, and also nourishes those weakened after childbirth female body various useful substances.
• During pregnancy, you can also take a decoction of currant leaves to remove excess liquid from the body. After all, every second pregnant girl suffers from the problem of swelling.
• The treatment of gout using a decoction of crushed black currant leaves has received good reviews. As a result of the course of treatment, the level of uric acid in the body, pain and swelling of the joint are reduced.

Harm and contraindications

In addition to the undeniable advantages of consuming a decoction of currant leaves, they have a number of contraindications. Due to its acidity, this product is not recommended for certain stomach diseases: ulcers and gastritis. If there is some inflammation in the intestines, then you should also refrain from taking the drink.

When blood thickens and elevated platelets Ingestion of drinks from the leaves of the plant can provoke thrombosis, as the blood vessels dilate and the blood clot can break off. Another decoction can increase blood clotting. At high hemoglobin You should also avoid the aromatic drink.

You should be careful with this drink during pregnancy. You should not abuse it, even if you really want to. Any product in large quantities can provoke an allergy, and women in a special position need to treat themselves more carefully.

If you have hepatitis, you need to be careful with currant leaves. The tannins contained in them in large quantities are difficult to process by the liver.

There is also always the possibility individual intolerance product. If a person is inclined to allergic reactions, before taking it, it is better to consult a doctor or take an allergy test.

When preparing currant leaves, it is better to take them summer cottage, and not on the fields of the agricultural industry. During mass cultivation, currants can be treated with pesticides and herbicides. These substances fall on the leaves and accumulate in them. After drying harmful substances also do not disappear, then getting together with herbal tea into the human body.

Having a serious diuretic effect, currant leaves can provoke heart problems in people with a predisposition to them. For a person with heart disease, sharp drop fluid can cause surges in blood pressure and interruptions in the functioning of the main muscle. For the same reason, people with severe obesity, when taking an infusion from the leaves of this plant, should use a large number of water so as not to cause dehydration and heart problems.

How to collect and prepare?

Like any other medicinal plant, currant leaves should be collected in certain time under special conditions.

To ultimately get the most useful substances,Leaves should be collected when the first flowers appear on the bush. If it rains, you need to postpone the collection time by a day. High air humidity will interfere with proper sheet harvesting. Drying will be delayed, which can provoke the appearance of pathogenic microflora on the collected plants.

The best time to pick leaves is midday. By this time all the dew should have dried and the humidity environment will drop to a minimum daily value. If you believe in folk signs, then it is better to collect medicinal plants to the waxing moon. It is believed that at this time beneficial substances reach their maximum concentration.

Leaves must be collected whole, without branches. Sick and damaged specimens should not end up in the “herbarium”.

After collecting, the leaves are laid out on parchment paper or a clean cloth. thin layer. It is advisable not to overlap the surface of one sheet with another. You cannot use newspapers or magazines, as printing ink can be absorbed into the collected foliage and thus enter the human body. In a warm, dry place, with regular turning (this should be done twice a day), the greens will acquire the required consistency in two days.

In order to save everything beneficial features plants, dried leaves should be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, away from direct sunlight. A possible storage option is in linen fabric bags. It is most beneficial to consume leaves prepared for the winter within 1 year, but subject to the right conditions it is possible to increase the shelf life to 2-3 years.

There are very interesting way drying currant leaves for tea, called "fermentation". In order for the currant aroma to be most fully revealed during brewing, the leaves of the bush are dried in a special way.

• Place on a tray in the shade overnight.
• After partial drying, roll several pieces at a time.
• These blanks are placed in a container and covered with a clean damp cloth for 10 hours. The ambient temperature should not be lower than 25 degrees. Above that, the leaves may become moldy.
• The rolls should darken considerably, after which they need to be dried in the oven at a low temperature - about 100 degrees. The leaves themselves will indicate the readiness of the tea: when pressed, they should break.

Before drying the packages in the oven, you can perform some operations with them: cut them into large or small pieces, and also grind them in a meat grinder. These methods will allow you to prepare large- and small-leaf tea, as well as granulated tea. With this method, it is convenient to then brew the drink for one mug using special brewing containers. A large amount of tea is not always required, and batch preparation will always allow you to drink a fresh, aromatic drink.

For lovers of fresh aromatic herbs, you can use freezing. The collected currant leaves must be thoroughly washed and dried. Then place them in portions (per teapot) in freezer bags.

How to use?

Currant leaves can be used both to prepare a drink from one ingredient, and for brewing a collection based on several medicinal products. fragrant plants. Currant greens are combined with raspberry, mint, and St. John's wort leaves.

Currant tea is made according to this principle: one tablespoon of crushed leaves is brewed with a mug of boiling water. In 10-15 minutes the drink will be ready. To improve the taste, you can add sweeteners: sugar, honey, jam. You can also cool the tea and it will turn out great. vitamin remedy to quench your thirst in the summer heat.

Fresh, just picked currant leaves can also be chopped and brewed. It’s quite easy to prepare such a drink at your dacha, and its aroma will brighten up any summer evening.

There is another way to properly brew a currant drink. It will also require your favorite classic tea, which will add the necessary tartness. Place 1 tablespoon of one tea or another and the same amount of crushed dried black or red currant leaves into the brewing container. Pour boiling water in an amount of 300 ml. After 15-20 minutes, the tea leaves are ready for use.

To calm frayed nerves and nourish the body with energy, you can try making a decoction based on mint and currant leaves. To do this in equal proportions Take a handful of leaves of both plants and pour boiling water over them. The decoction is used by diluting one third of a glass with warm water. Medicinal effect will intensify when honey is added to the warm liquid.

To prepare a drink from fermented currant leaves, the recipe changes slightly. For 1 glass of drink you need 1 teaspoon of leaves. You don’t need to leave this brew for a long time. Just 5 minutes and your healthy aromatic tea is ready. Thanks to in an unusual way By drying the leaves, this decoction will be more aromatic and slightly darker in color. However, this will not affect the benefits of the product in any way.

When pickling cucumbers, zucchini, mushrooms and other vegetables in brine, currant leaves are also used. They add a tart, pleasant aroma to the finished dish.

Wonderful leaves are also used in cosmetology. If you have problems with skin rashes, you can make a face mask from fresh leaves. To do this, apply a mixture of crushed currant greens to your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water and lubricate your skin with your favorite cream.

For hair, you can also use the life-giving power of blackcurrant leaves. It will give them shine and health. Half a glass of crushed leaves must be poured with boiling water, and then placed in a thermos. After waiting three hours, you need to strain this product. After washing my hair suitable shampoo, you need to rinse your hair with the resulting decoction and rub the liquid into the scalp. It is recommended to do this procedure once a week. The result will appear within a month.

For elimination skin dermatitis, and also to prevent excessive sweating, you can take baths twice a week with an infusion of black currant leaves. To do this, you need to boil about half a kilogram of dried and crushed leaves in five liters of water for 5 minutes. After boiling, let the broth brew, and then add to warm water. The total temperature of the water in the bath should not exceed 38 degrees.

The procedure lasts approximately 20 minutes. Then you need to let the skin dry on its own, rather than drying it with a towel. If a child has diathesis, you can also bathe him in such a bath. Just reduce the time spent in it to 10 minutes.

Currant leaves are a storehouse of useful micro- and macroelements, as well as vitamins. Using them in for preventive purposes will help support the body during colds, and will also take part in the fight against other ailments. Much that is given by nature is an excellent medicine, and everything else is delicious. The fact that such a product is extremely easy to obtain certainly makes it even more attractive.

To learn how to make tea from currant leaves, watch the following video.

In order to enjoy delicious tea in winter, and one that is also so beneficial for health, in summer you need to devote very little time to collecting herbs. There is no need to go to - we will make do with what grows in the country. The first place among plants suitable for brewed medicinal teas is black currant. Its aromatic leaves not only give the drink a rich taste and fill the room with the wonderful smells of summer - they also contain a huge amount of beneficial substances! That is why currant leaf tea is so highly valued.

Benefits of the drink

Why drink tea from it? Its benefits are undeniable. A currant leaf is simply a storehouse of vitamins, macro- and microelements. The drink, which contains this plant, tones, refreshes, and gives strength. And besides, it has a very specific medical effect in the form of stabilization blood pressure, removing the stabilization of the emotional state.

Indications for use

Contents in this plant Vitamin C is simply incredible. Therefore, tea made from currant leaves is natural helper in the difficult task of recovering from colds and viral diseases. This drink also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Tea made from currant leaves is also well known to those who suffer diabetes mellitus - regular use significantly improves the condition of patients. In case of atherosclerosis, it has a strengthening effect, allowing you to quickly cope with the disease. Many oncologists note that this drink reduces the growth rate of malignant tumors and prevents benign neoplasms degenerate, and generally stops the development of all kinds of neoplasms. Western experts even took black currant leaf into development - perhaps it will soon help find a cure for cancer!

from currant leaves?

Usually in pure form currant leaf is not used. More often it is mixed with other herbs or tea leaves. Only to collect leaves you need to choose cleaner places, as far away from roads as possible. To prepare tea you need to mix dried leaf and tea leaves in equal proportions, brew in a heated kettle and leave for at least 10 minutes.

Green pharmacy in the garden

What other herbs can be supplemented with blackcurrant leaf tea? Of course, garden mint is suitable, as it refreshes the taste of the drink. Rosehip is very good, adding sweet and sour notes. Traditionally, cherries are added to currant leaves. If you combine these herbs, you can get almost a panacea for all ailments. Mint leaves perfectly strengthen the heart and blood vessels, replenish a number of vitamins and microelements. Raspberry leaf strengthens the immune system, thins the blood, and has a preventive effect against blockage of blood vessels. Rosehip, due to its diuretic effect, cleanses the kidneys and liver well, improves blood circulation, strengthens metabolic processes in organism. They also have a wonderful taste and amazing aroma! And there is no need to talk about their price - this tea will help not only preserve and increase health, but also save the family budget.

Currant leaves have a wide range of beneficial properties; they are used for external beauty and general health body. The leaves of the plant can be used for culinary preparations, preparing decoctions and medicinal infusions, V cosmetics. Official medicine confirmed the beneficial properties of currant leaves.

Useful properties of leaves

The leaves successfully combine the optimal amount of macroelements and vitamins. During flowering, they accumulate a huge amount of vitamin C, about 260 mg. Twice as much as in currant berries. This is explained by the fact that the leaves contain enzymes that do not destroy ascorbic acid. 100 g of product contains more vitamin C, necessary for a person per day.

Vitamin C is necessary for humans, without it education is impossible connective tissue and collagen. It ensures the density of dental tissue, bone density, firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Vitamin C must be supplied to the body with food, because it is not synthesized in the body. In case of improper heat treatment and mechanical damage the organic compound is easily destroyed. Therefore, you need to brew fresh leaves of the bush, pour them only with boiling water.

What else are currant leaves useful for? Organic compounds are able to regulate the process of blood clotting, reduce the permeability of vascular walls, and suppress inflammatory processes. These properties make it possible to use the plant for auxiliary treatment and prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral diseases and vascular pathologies.

The leaves of the plant are distinguished by a large number of polyphenolic compounds:

• bioflavonoids;
• proanthocyanidins;
• condensed catechins;
• free catechins;
• flavonoids.

The leaves are considered strong natural antioxidants; they suppress unstable oxygen molecules, development free radicals. Their excessive formation disrupts biochemical processes in the body, promoting the formation malignant tumor. An infusion with currant leaves is useful to introduce into the diet of people with a predisposition to cancer, in recovery period after their treatment.

The benefits of leaves are undeniable for people living in polluted cities and smoking. Natural antioxidants able to withstand toxic substances, contribute to their removal from the body.

Currant leaves contain a large number of essential macroelements:

• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium.

These substances are responsible for bone growth and strength, motor function body and muscle health.

Potassium and magnesium contained in currant leaves are beneficial for heart function. They can prevent heart attacks. Macroelements strengthen the heart muscle, restore heartbeat, regulate blood flow.

Contraindications for currant leaves

It should be remembered that the leaves can also cause harm. They cannot be used when acute gastritis, increased acidity stomach, hepatitis. At chronic pathologies that occur in the body, you should consult a doctor. Thrombophlebitis is also a contraindication; if the plant is abused, blood clotting may increase.

A decoction based on black currant leaves should not be taken for any inflammatory processes in the stomach. You can't take it in large quantities During pregnancy, lactation, an allergic reaction is possible.

Black and red currants: use of leaves

Currant leaves can be used all year round. The beneficial substances of the plant, due to the presence of phytoncides, are perfectly preserved by freezing and drying.

Useful properties of infusion and decoction

When used correctly and systematically, infusions and decoctions have a high therapeutic effect during the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• hypertension;
• colds and inflammatory pathologies;
• diabetes;
• dysentery;
• bronchopulmonary diseases;
• vascular and heart diseases;
• atherosclerosis.

Currants strengthen visual functions, immunity, regulates the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Infusions and decoctions are used to treat inflamed skin areas and systemic facial sepsis. Skin cleansing procedures are carried out daily, they will help solve acne problems.

Therapeutic baths

Currant leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect in various skin diseases. To do this, they are brewed with boiling water, infused, and then added to a warm bath. Such baths are effective for treatment:

• dermatitis;
• diathesis;
• prickly heat in children;
• radiculitis.

Skin cells are saturated with useful substances, medicinal bath- a wonderful spa treatment for women.

Currant leaf tea

What are the benefits of tea? This is an excellent general strengthening and tonic. It can replace coffee or tea, successfully complementing daily ration. Tea has diuretic properties, so it is included in complex treatment:

• urolithiasis;
• renal pathologies;
• gout;
• swelling.

This tea is recommended for older people. With age, metabolic disorders occur in the body, nervous system and blood circulation. The heart wears out, it requires a constant supply of nutrients and increased support.

This tea turns out aromatic, tasty, it is full of vitamins and macroelements, which have a gentle effect on the body without disturbing its natural functioning. Age restrictions drink does not have.

Recipes for medicinal products

The effect of currant leaves on the body and the benefits of this plant are still being studied, although treatment with leaves has been practiced for quite a long time. Many products are prepared from currant leaves according to various recipes.

Decoction. To prepare decoction, you need to take 4 tbsp. spoons of leaves, pour boiling water in the amount of one liter. Keep in a water bath for about half an hour. The broth is filtered and cooled to room temperature. Take a glass in the morning, evening and afternoon.

Infusion. 5 tbsp. Place a spoonful of leaves into a thermos and pour a liter of boiling water. Leave for two to three hours, filter, and cool. Take 100 ml four times a day. For acne inflammation, this infusion is used as a lotion. A piece of gauze is moistened with the infusion and applied to the problem area for 15 minutes.

Mask for the face. Take 150 ml of curdled milk and six crushed pieces. Stir and squeeze through cheesecloth. The resulting mixture is kept on the skin for 20 minutes. An infusion of dry raw materials can be used in the winter season. The mask makes the complexion even, has a softening effect, and lightens pigments.

Therapeutic bath. To prepare a bath, you can use whole branches of the plant. 1 kg of raw materials is poured with 10 liters of water. Boil this mixture for half an hour. The container is covered with a lid, left for an hour, then poured into the bath. It is recommended to carry out this procedure twice a week; you can stay in the bath for no more than 25 minutes.

Tea. How to cook tea drink? It is better to take fresh leaves, picking them straight from the bush. A glass of drink will require 5-6 leaves. Keep the mixture on the fire for one minute, leave for two minutes. To improve the taste of tea, you need to add a spoonful of fragrant natural honey. Tea can be brewed by adding mint leaves. The tea will have a sedative effect and relieve insomnia.

Compresses. For oily skin, on which it is often formed acne, an antiseptic compress is applied. First, prepare the infusion.

Currants (leaves) - 20 g

Chamomile (flowers) - 30 g

Sea buckthorn (fruit) - 50 g

The herbal mixture is poured with boiling water in the amount of one liter. Simmer in a water bath for about 20 minutes. A gauze cloth soaked in the infusion is applied to the inflamed skin for 10-15 minutes. The course of treatment is five days.

Currants have an extraordinary aroma, which makes them an excellent addition to marinades, preparations, salads and hot dishes. Phytoncides protect food from decay, so the leaves are used in preserving vegetables.

How to collect and store currant leaves

All the beneficial properties of the leaves are preserved only if they are prepared correctly. The leaves are collected during flowering; during this period they are saturated with the maximum amount of macroelements and vitamins. Collection is carried out on a dry day to exclude moisture from the leaves. It is better to do this in the afternoon, when the morning dew has already disappeared. Whole leaves of young shoots are torn off and dried in a dry room where the sun's rays do not reach. Dried raw materials are stored in fabric bags; tightly closed glass jars can be used. The leaves retain their properties for two to three years.

As summer approaches, refreshing fruit teas made from the leaves and berries of fruit bushes and trees are becoming increasingly popular. Black currants are one of the first to begin to turn green and bloom. From its young leaves you can prepare a very tasty, and most importantly healing tea. Having studied the benefits and harms of currant leaf tea, you can bring your body maximum positive sensations.

Currants have a strengthening effect on the body - not only the berries, but also the leaves have this property

Beneficial properties of currant leaves

Despite the fact that most people eat only its berries, it is one of those fruit bushes in which benefits can be derived from almost everything, including the leaves. In their composition one can find many necessary for the body substances, including:

• vitamin C in fairly large quantities;
• tannins;
• phytoncides, flavonoids;
• mineral salts of manganese, magnesium, copper, etc.

A large amount of vitamins, led by vitamin C, makes tea from currant leaves indispensable for combating vitamin deficiency or strengthening the immune system during colds. It is also able to speed up the recovery of the body after a serious illness, and restore vigor after prolonged fatigue. Do not forget that vitamin C is sufficient strong antioxidant, which can prevent the development of cancer, as well as premature aging body cells.

The high content of phytoncides makes decoctions and infusions of currant leaves an excellent antiseptic, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent that can act on a par with medications. Currant leaves are often used in the treatment of ulcers or gastritis, anemia or atherosclerosis, and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Tea with currant leaves will quickly eliminate coughs and help overcome colds, bronchitis, flu, whooping cough or sore throat.

Thanks to their properties, infusions and decoctions of currant leaves help maintain vigor even in old age, maintain mental clarity and excellent vision. In addition, this drink has a beneficial effect on work. of cardio-vascular system, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood pressure problems.
Tea made from currant leaves is very useful for normalizing the functioning of all organs. digestive system and improved appetite. Thanks to active components, included in their composition, the body acquires the ability to receive and absorb much more from food essential vitamins and minerals.

Indications for use

Thanks to wide range beneficial properties, currant leaves as in fresh, and in the form of tea, decoction or infusion can be used to treat the most different problems with health. They are used:

• with bleeding;
• metabolic disorders;
• for kidney disease, tendency to edema;
• for the prevention of diabetes;
• reducing blood pressure;
• improved appetite;
• for colds, flu.

Currant leaves are capable of destroying the dysentery bacillus, which is why they are often used in complex treatment, enhancing the effect of antibiotics. Also, the greens of this shrub are included in multivitamin collections from various medicinal herbs and plants.

IN Tibetan medicine tea from currant leaves is used to treat tuberculosis of the lymph glands, colds, general malaise, diseases of the genitourinary system.

Contraindications

While studying the benefits, we must not forget about possible harm tea from currant leaves. Even if it just comes down to individual intolerance. If you don’t know if you have an allergy to currants, you should start with very small portions to make sure there is no allergy.

Also, you should not abuse this drink, although side effects this has not yet been identified. However, currant tea is a medicinal drink, which means it is worth observing in moderation.

• hepatitis;
• increased blood clotting;
• thrombophlebitis;
• increased acidity.

You should also be careful when taking this tea during pregnancy, without abusing it. Also, during this period you should not brew currant juice - you cannot take it until 37 weeks, so as not to provoke a miscarriage or premature birth. The tea itself, made from currant leaves, in reasonable quantities, will help a pregnant woman cope with toxicosis, insomnia, and strengthen the immune system and the walls of the uterus.

Cooking recipes

By learning how to make tea from blackcurrant leaves, you can get one of your favorite drinks in your collection. It is easy to prepare, the taste is pleasant, and the aroma reminds of summer. To prepare tea, you can use either fresh, just picked leaves, or dried or frozen leaves. If desired, they can be crushed or brewed whole - this does not affect the taste.

Fresh leaves It is best to collect in the spring, when the currants begin to bloom. If the moment is missed, you can get raw materials for tea later – in June. They are collected in dry weather, waiting until the morning dew has left the leaves. It is important to choose intact, healthy leaves that have a rich green color.

Basic – classic – recipe

In the simplest version of preparing tea, you just need to pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves. The drink is infused for about a quarter of an hour, then filtered and drunk. If you have a habit of sweet teas, you can add a spoonful of sugar, or better yet, honey.

You can add berries and currant branches to this tea. After brewing, it is better to mash the berries with a spoon so that they give the maximum of their potential to the tea. Berries and shoots will enhance healing effect, will improve the taste and aroma of the drink.

You can also combine currant leaves with the usual black or green tea. To do this, take 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 2 tablespoons of chopped currants (fresh or dried).

Fresh leaves are washed thoroughly. Then they are crushed and placed together with tea in a teapot. The mixture is poured with boiling water and left for 15 minutes.

Tea for colds

This recipe is well suited for the autumn-winter period, when it is especially important to strengthen the immune system. It is recommended to supplement the resulting infusion with honey to enhance its antiviral effect.

To make tea you will need one teaspoon each of raspberry and currant leaves. They are poured with a glass of hot water and left for about 15-20 minutes.

Mint and currant tea

The combination of currant leaves and mint gives the tea a calming effect. This drink eliminates sleep problems and cleanses the body. And in addition, it has all the above beneficial properties of currant leaves.

Required components:

• currant leaves;
• mint;
• Melissa;
• Black tea.

All components are mixed in a ratio of 2:1:1:0.5. It is very convenient to prepare the mixture in advance, and then brew it as needed at the rate of 1 tablespoon of the mixture per glass of hot water. Tea with currants and mint is also infused for about a quarter of an hour.

Vitamin collection

Another useful source Vitamins can be obtained by combining one part of raspberry and strawberry leaves with two parts of currant leaves. Fresh leaves are washed in cool water, put in a teapot and pour hot water(about 0.5 l). This drink is also infused for about 15 minutes, after which it is drunk with honey.

Tea made from currant leaves offers complete freedom in choosing additives - you can combine currants with blackberry leaves, jasmine flowers, apples, leaves, fruits and flowers of any other fruit trees or shrubs, each time getting a new drink. Which will be equally healthy and tasty!

Black currants, growing on every second plot of land, in addition to the magnificent taste qualities boasts dozens of healing properties. Not only its fruits, but also its leaves have healing powers. Fragrant tea made from currant leaves is a real elixir of health, hitting various diseases and ailments. Let us examine in more detail the benefits and harms of currant nectar.

The power of currant leaves

Currant leaves are champions in vitamin C content. It is this element that gives them powerful healing power. Tea and decoction of black currant leaves strengthen the immune system and prevent the occurrence of oncological diseases, bring the body back to normal after severe colds.

In addition to vitamin C, the leaves contain phytoncides in abundance - substances with antimicrobial properties. Thanks to this, a drink based on them is effective against diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis and tonsillitis.

Blackcurrant tea is very beneficial for the cardiovascular and circulatory systems.

Pure currant leaves are used quite rarely. When preparing tea, they are usually mixed with other medicinal herbs and products. The result is delicious drink with versatile therapeutic effect and has no age restrictions.

But still greatest benefit wild currant leaves are beneficial for the body, as they contain a slightly higher concentration of nutrients. As for garden berries– old varieties with small fruits have extensive medicinal potential.

The benefits of currant tea

Currant tea has the following medicinal qualities:

• Serves prophylactic from Alzheimer's disease.
• Prevents cancer diseases.
• Helps with diabetes.
• Improves vision.
• He treats diseases of the kidneys and upper respiratory tract.
• Reduces the course of progressive atherosclerosis.
• Restores the body after long-term illnesses and surgical operations.
• Effective against gastritis and gout.

The benefits of currant tea for hypertension have been proven blood pressure. In addition, it provides:

• restorative;
• anti-inflammatory;
• tonic;
• diuretic;
• antirheumatic;
• cleansing effect.

For your information! The benefits of this tea for skin diseases are great. With this diagnosis, the infusion is added to baths or used for compresses.

Collection of currant leaves

To make blackcurrant tea as healthy as possible, it is important to properly collect and brew the leaves. They should be collected during the flowering period of the plant, on clear days immediately after the dew has dried. The leaves must be green, whole and undamaged.

When harvesting for the winter, currant leaves should be washed and dried in a draft. It is recommended to store them in a glass jar with a tightly closed lid.

Recipes

There are many recipes for aromatic currant drink. In summer it is prepared from green leaves, in winter - from dried leaves. All kinds of herbs and additives are added to tea (optional): mint, raspberry leaf, chamomile, milk, honey, lemon juice etc.

No. 1. Consider a recipe for delicious tea made from currants and mint.

Ingredients:

• leaves and young shoots of black currant – 8-10 pcs.;
• mint – 7-10 sprigs;
• honey – 1 teaspoon;
• tea (infusion) black or green – 1 teaspoon.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse mint and currant leaves thoroughly.
2. Mix them with traditional tea leaves, put them in a thermos and pour a liter of boiling water.
3. The drink should be infused for at least 2 hours.

Before drinking, add a slice of lemon and honey to the tea.

No. 2. Brew 2 tablespoons of dried currant leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave to steep for 10-15 minutes. Add required amount Sahara. Tea is equally useful both cold and hot.

In order for a drink made from blackcurrant leaves to bring only benefits to the body, the dosage should be strictly observed. For an adult healthy person daily norm amounts to no more than five cups.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that a decoction of black currant leaves is considered a healing agent, it has a number of contraindications that should never be ignored. Like any medicine, if consumed in moderation, tea can cause harm to the body.

• with increased acidity of gastric juice;
• for stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• for gastritis and hepatitis;
• with increased blood clotting;
• with thrombophlebitis;
• if you are allergic to a plant;
• after a heart attack.

Attention! Currant tea is allowed for pregnant women, but only in small quantities. It relieves attacks of toxicosis, strengthens uterine walls, normalizes sleep.