Irga: useful medicinal properties and contraindications

How, without resorting to the help of doctors, slow down the aging of the body, and at the same time cure the disease? How can men regain their lost strength, and women can get rid of early wrinkles? Helmets can help in solving these and many other problems, whose useful properties and contraindications to the use of which will be discussed in this material.

Irga: useful and healing properties

Canadian irga or cinnamon, as it is often called - a small tree or shrub, you can recognize it by clusters of blue-black berries that resemble small apples. Few people know that berry berries are edible, sugary-sweet with a slight pleasant sourness. They are eaten fresh, and also dried, dried and frozen.

It is interesting that cinnamon fruits contain neither proteins nor fats, but carbohydrates contain as much as 12%, so diabetics or people with excessive body weight should use them with great care. Despite the high sugar content, the calorie content of berry berries is not high: only 100 kcal is in 100 g.

In addition, in irga there are such useful substances:

• carotene - an antioxidant that reduces the effect on the body of negative external factors, including radiation;
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the amount of which is greater than in apples and grapes;
• rutin (vitamin P), which increases the elasticity of blood vessels, which is important to prevent the development of strokes and heart attacks;
• B vitamins, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive and other body systems;
• pectins that have a positive effect on metabolism;
• flavonoids with antibacterial and antimicrobial effects;
• organic malic acid, which improves metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the state of the epidermis;
• tannins that suppress the activity of pathogens in the intestines.

Among the minerals that make up the cinnamon berries, the largest percentage belongs to cobalt, copper and iron, which stimulate the synthesis of hemoglobin and contribute to the process of hematopoiesis.

An impressive list of useful substances allows you to widely use irgi for the treatment of many diseases.

The most common applications are as follows:

• with colitis, enterocolitis and other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as an astringent;
• to increase the elasticity of blood vessels with varicose veins;
• with hemorrhoids to prevent blood loss and relieve inflammation;
• to reduce cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis;
• as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent for diseases of the oral cavity and larynx - stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis;
• to lower blood pressure with hypertension and other pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• as a sedative and mild sedative for nervous excitement and sleep disturbances;
• in the treatment of burns, frostbite, boils and other skin lesions as a bactericidal and antiseptic.

In addition, irgi as a source of vitamins is indicated for general strengthening of the body and increase immunity in case of hypovitaminosis, as well as after prolonged illnesses or surgical operations. There is evidence of a positive effect of berry berries on the suspension of the development of malignant neoplasms.

Some properties of the plant allow us to recommend it for specific treatment of men and women.

For men

Over the years, men are increasingly faced with problems of the genitourinary system. Prostatitis, urethritis, adenoma - these diagnoses are familiar to many, whose age is over 50. As a result - a decrease in sexual activity, and often complete impotence. For many, this causes depression and nervous breakdowns.

One of the symptoms causing "male problems" is excessive thinning of the walls of blood vessels and their loss of elasticity. Due to the high concentration of vitamin P in cinnamon berries, it helps to strengthen veins and capillaries, helping not only to return to an active intimate life, but also preventing the development of heart diseases.

The use of fresh berry berries or in the form of juice and other drinks, soothes the shaken nervous system, contributes to the overall strengthening and improvement of the body.

For women

As a powerful antioxidant, Irgha is used not only for medical, but also for cosmetic purposes. The introduction of fresh or frozen berries in the composition of masks, creams and lotions helps to saturate the skin with vitamins and other useful substances, prevents the appearance of early wrinkles. Daily washing with a decoction of berries and leaves of the plant increases the elasticity of the skin, returns it to a healthy color.

Irgi's ability to prevent bleeding can be used by women suffering from heavy menstruation. Berries not only reduce blood loss, but also relieve pain, improve the general condition.

During pregnancy, irgi will help prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, which often accompany women in this condition. In addition, the future mother can eat berries of Irgi at night to improve sleep, without resorting to pharmacy pills and medicines.

For children

Irgi berries or dishes from it can be included in the child’s diet starting from the age of 5, since there is a high probability of allergic symptoms. You need to enter them into the menu gradually, in small doses, carefully observing the reaction of the body.

In pediatrics, irgi are used for the following purposes:

• with digestive upset and diarrhea, infusion of tree bark is used;
• to get rid of the symptoms of stomatitis, sore throat and other inflammations of the oral cavity, rinse with the juice of the irgi;
• to improve sleep, with excessive nervousness give juice or compote of berries;
• with abrasions, scratches, wounds and other injuries, the plant is decontaminated with juice.

Stewed fruit, jelly, fruit drinks and other drinks from the berry jelly will saturate the child's body with the necessary vitamins, which is especially important during intense study at school or after an illness.

The use of irgi in traditional medicine

It is noteworthy that few people know about Irga and its beneficial properties, although this plant can often be seen in parks, squares or in personal plots. It is known that cinnamon has been used in folk medicine since the middle of the seventeenth century. Moreover, in recipes, many of which are relevant today, it is recommended to use not only berries, but leaves, flowers and even bark.

Healthy and tasty berries

Berry berries are harvested in late August - early September, when they acquire a dark blue, almost black color. This is usually done in 2-3 stages, since not all “apples” ripen at the same time.

Fresh berries can be stored for only a few days, so they are processed.

The main methods are as follows:

1. Freezing The berries are washed and laid out in a thin layer on paper towels for complete drying. Then placed on small pallets and frozen. After that, pour into plastic containers and store in a freezer.
2. Drying. The berries are picked, separating the crumpled and rotten, then laid on trellised pallets in one layer and covered with gauze. Pallets are placed in a darkened well-ventilated area for 10-15 days. Dried berries should be stored in glass or ceramic containers. You can also dry your berry in electric dryers, following the instructions in the instructions for the device.
3. Drying. The berries are washed, dried and laid out on baking sheets, which are placed in the oven. The temperature should be no more than 50-600C, the procedure time - 6-10 hours. The finished product is stored in tightly closed containers.

Fresh or processed berry berries are used to prepare decoctions and tinctures according to the following recipes:

• 4 tablespoons of berries put in a thermos and add 0.5 liters of boiling water. Soak for 3 hours, then strain and drink half a cup 2 times a day with dyspepsia and other intestinal problems;
• Pour 0.5 kg of cinnamon fruit into a glass jar with a capacity of 1 liter and add vodka or medical alcohol to the brim. To sustain in the dark place 30-35 days, shaking from time to time. Filter the finished tincture, bottle and store at room temperature. Take 1 tablespoon before meals for vascular disease, as well as a prophylactic for atherosclerosis.

With sore throat, stomatitis, gingivitis and other inflammatory processes in the mouth and throat, rinse the juice of the berry, which is prepared as follows:

• freshly picked berries are laid out on pallets and taken out into a dark room for 5-7 days. Then crush and squeeze the juice using a press or juicer. The juice is filtered, removing the remaining pulp and brought to a boil, after which it is poured into prepared jars and hermetically sealed. If desired, sugar, honey, or mix it with the juice of other fruits - apples, currants, cherries, can be added to the juice of the berry.

Juice from berry berries is useful to drink with hypovitaminosis, diseases of the cardiovascular system, weakened immunity. The usual dose for an adult is half a cup 2 times a day half an hour before meals.

Leaf recipes

Leaves of berry can be used both fresh and dried for future use.

In the recipes of traditional healers, they are used as follows:

• with intestinal inflammation and diarrhea, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped leaves are poured with 400 ml of boiling water and kept in a water bath for half an hour. The broth is cooled and drunk 3-4 tablespoons 20 minutes before meals 3 times a day;
• for external treatment of damage to the skin, an infusion of 100 g of leaves and 1 cup of boiling water is prepared, keeping in a thermos for 3-3.5 hours. The affected areas are treated with chilled liquid and apply a compress of crushed fresh leaves of the berry;
• A few leaves of the plant added to the evening tea will help with insomnia and nervous tension. It is recommended to drink this drink daily for 2 months. If desired, you can add a few fresh or frozen berries to the tea, or a tablespoon of cinnamon juice.

It is best to collect leaves for drying in the spring, when they contain the most useful substances. They are torn off together with small twigs, tied in bunches and hung on a rope away from sunlight. Then crushed and stored in wooden or cardboard boxes.

Healing bark

It is in the cortex of the irgi that contains the most tannins, which have an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect.

It is used in the treatment of the following diseases:

• with colitis, enterocolitis and other intestinal diseases, a decoction helps. For its preparation, 2 tablespoons of crushed bark powder is poured into 400 ml of boiling water and kept in a water bath for 1 hour. A cooled broth should be drunk 3-4 tablespoons 3 times a day half an hour before a meal;
• with hemorrhoids, a decoction is done in the same way, but 4 tablespoons of bark are used in 2 cups of water. With internal hemorrhoids, enemas are given 1-2 times a day, and with external hemorrhoids, compresses are applied to inflamed cones;
• to reduce toothache, 1 tablespoon of the cortex is filled with 200 ml of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 1.5 hours. Then used to rinse several times a day.

Shredded and steamed bark of boiling water, irgi is applied to frostbite, burns, ulcers and other skin lesions. Thanks to bactericidal and regenerative properties, it prevents the penetration of infection and accelerates healing.

How are iergi flowers used?

At the end of spring, the tree or bush of the irgi resembles a large white-pink cloud, covered with beautiful pleasantly smelling flowers collected in brushes. Flowering lasts only 10-12 days, so you need to have time to prepare the raw materials before the petals fall.

Torn brushes are dried in the shade, hung on a rope or laid out on pallets. Store in plastic or wooden containers at room temperature.

You can use flowers in such recipes:

• with hypertension, a decoction made from 1 tablespoon of flowers and 1 cup of boiling water helps to lower blood pressure. You need to drink it half a glass in the morning and in the evening shortly before eating;
• with catarrhal diseases, flowers of blackberry, elderberry and linden are mixed in an equal ratio. 2 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with 2 glasses of boiling water and kept on low heat for half an hour. The patient is given 1/3 cup 3 times a day, after which they wrap well. The infusion has an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect;
• Vitamin tea from the flowers of berry, mint leaves and lemon balm helps with insomnia and nervous excitement. It is brewed at the rate of 2 tablespoons of raw materials in 2 cups of boiling water and drunk before bedtime in small sips.

You can make tincture of fresh flowers of irgi. To do this, they are tightly packed in a liter jar, filled into 2/3 of the volume, and then filled with vodka and kept in a dark place for 2 weeks. They drink the infusion for hypertension, vascular diseases, and as a prophylactic, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals, washed down with water.

Irga in cooking

Possessing a pleasant peculiar taste, berry berries are widely used in cooking in the preparation of various dishes. Fresh, dry or dried, they are added to sweet cereals and casseroles, pies and cookies. It is not for nothing that the irga is often called the “northern raisins”; in taste it is in no way inferior to its southern counterpart.

Berry berries make aromatic jams, jams, marmalade, pastille and jam. Compotes, jelly and fruit drinks are cooked from it, they make jelly, souffle and other desserts.Wine from the fruit of the berryi has a unique tart taste and a pleasant aftertaste.

Jam

For cooking you will need:

• berry berries - 1 kg;
• sugar - 1.3 kg;
• water - 200 ml;
• citric acid - 0.5 tsp

Berries need to be sorted out, removing the unripened and damaged ones and washed in running water. After that, they are blanched for 3-5 minutes in boiling water, cooled and poured into a basin for jam.

A syrup is prepared separately, for which sugar is poured with water and kept on fire until completely dissolved, without bringing to a boil. Prepared syrup pour berries.

Jam is cooked in three stages, each time bringing to a boil and maintaining in this state for 15 minutes, and then cooling. Citric acid is added for the last time.

Ready jam is poured into glass jars and covered with lids.

Wine

Required Products:

• juice of irgi - 1 liter;
• sugar - 0.5 kg;
• water - 0.5 liters.

Sugar is dissolved in water and mixed with juice. Poured into glass jars, on the neck of which they put on rubber medical gloves. Banks are put in a warm place for 1-2 months until the fermentation process is over. The resulting drink is filtered through several layers of gauze and bottled.

Confiture

To prepare you need to take:

• berry berries - 1 kg;
• water - ½ cup;
• sugar - 0.7 kg;
• citric acid - 0.5 tsp

Washed berries are poured with water and put on fire. Bring to a boil and keep on low heat until soft, stirring constantly. The resulting mass is wiped through a sieve, sugar is added and boiled until thick. Hot jam is poured into cans and hermetically sealed.

After heat treatment, almost all the useful properties of the berry berry are preserved. Therefore, all dishes prepared from it can also be used as a medicine.

In cosmetology

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of Irgi makes it possible to successfully use it not only for culinary and medical, but also for cosmetic purposes.

Homemade masks, creams and lotions, which include iragha, increase skin elasticity, smooth wrinkles, improve complexion and prevent premature wilting.

Experts recommend using the following recipes:

1. Mask. Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of berry juice and the same amount of honey. Apply to clean, dry skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off using a decoction of flowers of irgi.
2. Lotion. 1 tablespoon of flowers pour ½ cup boiling water and insist half an hour. Strain, pour in 50 ml of glycerin and 50 ml of berry juice. Wipe your face in the morning and evening, then apply a nourishing cream.
3. Cream. Mix the yolk of one egg, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of berry juice and 100 g of melted goose fat or petroleum jelly. To smear on the person for the night, in 15 minutes to wet the remains with a napkin. Store cream in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days.

In summer, you can apply gruel from crushed berries of a berry on your face or mix them with strawberries, currants, raspberries. After 20-30 minutes, the mask needs to be washed off, and a moisturizer is applied to the face.

Contraindications

Despite a solid list of useful properties, a berry can bring harm.

This is especially true for young children and people prone to allergic diseases, in which even a small number of berries can provoke such symptoms:

• redness of the skin;
• rash and blisters;
• itching and burning;
• cough;
• runny nose.

Therefore, you need to start consuming berries, juice or other products from the berry in small portions, carefully observing the body's reaction.

Do not use cinnamon as a remedy in such cases:

• with low blood pressure, after all, irgi is a product that hypertensives take;
• with a tendency to constipation, given that the berries are used as a fastener for diarrhea;
• with hemophilia, since berries can exacerbate problems with blood coagulation;
• when driving a car or other vehicle, because the berries have a sedative property and reduce concentration.

Of course, in all these cases, we are not talking about a few berries, but about full servings or glasses of the drink. Given that there are a large amount of carbohydrates in the irga, this berry should not be abused by people who are prone to obesity, and also include it in the composition of unloading diets.

Nevertheless, we can safely say that Canadian irga is a unique plant that in every flower, leaf, piece of bark or berry brings people health, beauty, pleasant taste and delicate aroma.