Useful Properties Of Black Currant

Black currant is a useful and tasty berry. Find out what unique properties it has.

Black currant is a useful and tasty berry. Find out what unique properties it has.

Currant got its name from the Old Russian word "smorod", which meant "strong smell". And indeed, compared to its "relatives", it is black currant that has the most pronounced aroma of fruits, leaves and even kidneys.

It is not only a useful food product, but also a valuable therapeutic agent. The list of medicinal properties of black currant was presented as early as the 18th century by Abbot de Baillie Montaran, from the monastery of Dijon. The abbot emphasized its wonderful tonic properties and called it the elixir of youth.

Currant is a fruit-bearing shrub that was brought from Tibet and has been cultivated in Europe for many centuries. Currant fruits are used as a food product, leaves and currant seeds are used as a healing agent.

Useful properties of black currant

Blackcurrant contains tannins, potassium salts, vitamin C and essential oil, is a good diuretic, anti-sclerotic, chest, diaphoretic, gastric, hypotensive and anti-rheumatic agent.

Blackcurrant fruits, leaves and buds are used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Due to the high content of vitamin C, the berry is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, prevention of heart failure and vascular collapse, helps to strengthen capillary walls, and reduces arterial hypertension. In addition, currant strengthens weak peripheral blood circulation caused by menopause, cleanses the blood of toxins and cholesterol.

Consumption of black currant is useful for arthritis, rheumatism and gout. The plant stimulates digestion, work of the pancreas, liver, kidneys and spleen. Due to its diuretic properties, the plant is useful for people suffering from oliguria. Due to its astringent properties, this berry is useful for diarrhea and dysentery.

Phytoncides contained in black currants provide significant benefits in the fight against pathogens of diphtheria, dysentery, staphylococcus aureus and microscopic fungi.

Black currant is recommended by doctors as a systemic anti-inflammatory agent. When applied externally, mixtures of blackcurrant fruits are used to treat abscesses, dermatoses, eczema, and insect bites. Currant kidney tinctures are used for urticaria.

Oil is prepared from blackcurrant seeds, which is highly valued in cosmetology. It is used to restore irritated, peeling skin and improve its protective (barrier) function. The oil is used for hormone-dependent skin problems.

Refined blackcurrant seed oil is also recommended for ingestion as a source of natural fatty acids.

Healing drinks from blackcurrant fruits and leaves

Black tea from black currant leaves is prepared as follows: cut 2 teaspoons of leaves into small pieces, pour 250 ml of boiled water. It is recommended to drink tea three times a day between meals.

Natural juice from 400 g of black currant is diluted in 200-500 ml of water and taken 3-4 times a day. Such juice has a beneficial effect against inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and febrile conditions. The juice can also be gargled several times a day to treat inflamed tonsils and sore throat.

To prepare a healing decoction of black currant, you will need a teaspoon of dried berries and 250 ml of cold water. The composition is boiled, stirring slightly, infused for 30 minutes, then filtered, after which the entire content is consumed three or four times during the day.

A decoction of fresh or dried leaves is prepared in the following proportion: 30 g of leaves per liter of cold water. The composition is boiled over low heat, then infused for 10 minutes and consumed 3-4 times a day.

An infusion of blackcurrant leaves is prepared in the proportion of 10 grams of crushed leaves per liter of boiled water, consumed three times a day, between meals and before bedtime.

An infusion of blackcurrant berries is prepared in the following proportion: 8 tbsp. a spoonful of black currants, 1 tbsp. spoon of sugar, 1 liter of water. The composition is boiled for 10 minutes, infused for 4-5 hours, then filtered and sugar is added as desired. Such an infusion increases the activity of antimicrobial antibiotics several times.

Currant syrup is obtained by cold pressing of berries. Syrup is taken 4-6 tablespoons with an interval of 2 hours. This tool provides general strengthening of the body, especially useful for children, the elderly and during the recovery period after illness.

Dangerous properties of black currant

Currant fruits are contraindicated in hyperacidity, stomach and duodenal ulcers, thrombophlebitis, and hyperacid gastritis.

Despite the fact that blackcurrant juice and fresh berries are allowed for liver problems, they cannot be taken for hepatitis.

Important: long-term and unlimited consumption of black currants can lead to increased blood clotting.