Black currant leaves - beneficial and medicinal properties

Due to the rich composition of beneficial compounds, currant leaves are widely used as a preventive and therapeutic agent. With their help, you can protect the body from infections, resist diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver and kidneys, and cleanse the digestive tract of waste and toxins. However, the benefits and harms of currant leaves depend on the dosage and proper use. About how and in what quantity eat currant leaves read our article.

Composition of black currant leaves

Currant leaves contain a record amount of vitamin C - 260 mg per 100 g, while the daily requirement of the human body is 170 mg. They are also rich in essential oils, phytoncides, omega-3 and omega-6, pectin, and organic acids.

The plant has a wide vitamin and mineral complex:

• vitamin A;
• beta-carotene;
• B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin E;
• vitamin H;
• vitamin PP;
• macroelements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus;
• trace elements: iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese, copper, molybdenum, selenium, fluorine, zinc.

Currant leaves contain sugars (7.3 g per 100 g) in the form of fructose, glucose, sucrose, as well as various glycosides, tannins and nitrogenous substances.

Medicinal and beneficial properties of currant leaves

Black currant leaves have a diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, regenerating effect.

Currant leaves are valuable for their abundance of vitamin C. It performs a number of functions:

• regulates metabolism;
• increases the strength and elasticity of small vessels and capillaries, reducing their permeability;
• strengthens the immune system;
• accelerates tissue regeneration;
• inhibits inflammatory processes;
• has an antiallergic effect;
• restores and supports the functions of the thyroid and pancreas;
• activates collagen production, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.

Blackcurrant leaves are rich in phytoncides. These are volatile biologically active substances produced by the plant that kill or suppress the growth and development of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Possessing a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action, they protect against flu and colds, genitourinary tract infections, and respiratory organs.

Organic acids have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract:

• normalize digestion;
• stimulate the secretion of digestive juices;
• increase urine outflow;
• accelerate metabolism and the processes of breakdown of adipose tissue;
• remove accumulated waste and toxins.

The leaves have a mild laxative effect, stimulate intestinal motility, and help relieve constipation.

Due to its composition, black currant leaves are an effective preventative against cancer. Pronounced antioxidant abilities, high doses of vitamin C neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, prevent the formation and growth of cancer cells, and increase the body's resistance to external and internal irritants.

Currant leaves contain omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which determine their beneficial properties:

• reduce the concentration of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, which helps to resist the development of atherosclerosis;
• improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• normalize blood pressure;
• slow down the aging process;
• regulate lipid metabolism.

The expectorant properties of currant leaves are associated with the presence of essential oils. They dilute mucus, facilitate its removal to the outside, and relieve symptoms of inflammation in the oral cavity.

Essential oils have a calming effect on the nervous system, reduce the effects of stress, and normalize night sleep.

For women's health

The vitamin and mineral complex of currant greens slows down the aging process, supports the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system, and stabilizes a woman’s hormonal levels. Decoctions and infusions of currants alleviate the symptoms of menopause and restore the disrupted menstrual cycle.

Reference. Currant leaves are an additional source of vitamin B6. Deficiency of this substance is manifested by lack of appetite, systematic headaches, lethargy, apathy, and problem skin.

Currants directly affect the condition of hair. Regular external use of decoctions prevents brittleness, dryness and hair loss. Essential oils in combination with vitamins have a positive effect on hair:

• regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• dilate the vessels of the head, which leads to increased blood supply in this area;
• regenerate hair;
• get rid of dandruff;
• prevent the appearance of split ends.

For the male body

By regularly consuming a decoction of blackcurrant leaves, you don’t have to worry about the state of the reproductive system and men’s health. Vitamins and minerals ensure sufficient blood supply to the cavernous stelae, improve the passage of nerve impulses, and maintain the smooth muscles of the penis in tone, without which a normal erection is impossible.

Zinc and selenium are responsible for libido and sexual health. These microelements enhance the production of testosterone - the main male sex hormone, which affects potency, the development of bone and muscle tissue.

Medicinal decoctions and drinks from currants act in a long-term mode and suppress the mechanisms of development of erectile dysfunction. These are diabetes mellitus, nervous disorders, urological diseases, hormonal disorders.

What do they help with?

Medicinal products based on black currant leaves are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. Recommended for use in case of existing threat of developing diabetes mellitus and oncology. During the cold season, this is a good vitamin supplement, reduces the likelihood of colds, and increases the body's resistance to infections.

Disinfecting and regenerating abilities make it possible to use currant leaves to accelerate the healing of wounds, for skin diseases, dermatitis, eczema, other elements of skin rashes, peeling, and dryness.

Black currant leaves help with vitamin deficiency, increase endurance and performance, which is especially important for people engaged in heavy physical or mental labor. They are designed to alleviate the condition of people suffering from joint diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis.

For obesity, gout, liver and kidney diseases, black currant leaves are used to remove excess fluid from the body, salt deposits from the bladder cavity, and restore impaired metabolic processes.

Contraindications

When using black currant leaves, it is necessary to take into account not only the beneficial properties, but also contraindications. An absolute contraindication is individual intolerance to one or more components of the composition.

Side effects may occur in persons with diseases of the digestive tract such as: gastritis, pancreatitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, increased acidity of gastric juice. The fact is that the leaves contain amino acids, which have an irritating effect on damaged mucous membranes and provoke increased pain, colic, increased gas formation, bloating and heaviness in the abdomen.

Caution is recommended for persons with severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, hemophilia.

Advice. Due to the risk of developing an allergic reaction, nutritionists recommend limiting the remedy based on currant leaves to nursing and pregnant women.

How to collect and prepare leaves

The leaves are harvested after harvesting the fruits - at the end of July - mid-August, depending on the varieties, climatic conditions. Collecting leaves from the middle of the branches, carefully inspecting each one for damage by insects and larvae.

Not used for preparation yellowed, spoiled leaves, from damaged bushes, as they contain fewer useful components. Suitable leaves have a bright green color, a rich aroma, without yellowness or other defects.

The next stage is preparation. The raw materials are washed well until clear water, laid out, and allowed to dry thoroughly. Remaining moisture is removed with a paper towel. If desired, the leaves are crushed or left whole.

Dry in natural conditions in the open air or using special devices: microwave oven, oven, convection oven, electric dryer. It is possible to preserve the beneficial properties of blackcurrant leaves as much as possible by natural drying.

The process takes place in several stages:

1. The leaves are laid out in a thin layer on a wooden board or shallow metal dish and left in a well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight. Suitable temperature is 25-30⁰С.
2. The raw materials are periodically turned over so that they do not dry out and dry evenly.
3. Readiness is determined by appearance. When properly dried, the leaves retain their characteristic green color and specific aroma, while losing their elasticity, do not stain your hands, and crumble when squeezed.

Store the workpiece in an airtight glass container under a closed lid in a dark and dry place. Shelf life: 12-24 months.

Cooking recipes

Black currant leaves and its medicinal properties are in demand for the prevention of many diseases and conditions, alleviation of existing pathologies. The leaves are used in the form of a decoction, infusion or fresh as part of multivitamin preparations.

ethnoscience

Products prepared from blackcurrant leaves are used in complex therapeutic measures or for preventive purposes.They have a gentle effect on the body, alleviate the severity of symptoms, reduce the need for medications, but their effectiveness is not enough to independently resist a specific disease. For this reason, preparations based on currant leaves are used as an adjuvant to the main therapy.

Decoction

This is a universal therapeutic and prophylactic remedy for arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, colds and other infectious diseases of the respiratory system. The decoction treats scrofula, scurvy, and replenishes the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in cases of hypo- and avitaminosis.

The recipe for making the decoction is quite simple:

1. Fresh or dried currant leaves in the amount of 4 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. Place in a water bath and cook for 20-30 minutes over medium heat from the moment it boils. The broth is cooled and filtered.

Take 200 ml orally three times a day. The course of treatment and dosage may vary and depend on the severity of symptoms, the body's reaction and concomitant treatment.

Infusion

The infusion acts as a diuretic. It has proven itself especially well in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases, urolithiasis, and gout. Effectively relieves edema, reduces the load on the heart muscle, thereby alleviating hypertension. In addition, it is a natural immunostimulant and supports the normal functioning of the visual organs, sweat and sebaceous glands.

How to prepare the infusion:

1. 5 tbsp. l. currant leaves are poured into an airtight container (it is better to use a thermos, but you can use a pan with a tight-fitting lid) and 1 liter of boiling water is poured.
2. Leave at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
3. The strained infusion is taken 3-4 times a day, 100 ml.The course of treatment is discussed with a specialist in a specific case.

Tea

Tea made from currant leaves tones, calms the nervous system, normalizes night sleep, and improves digestion. It is especially useful for people over 30 years of age, when natural age-related changes occur in the body, immune defense weakens and the risk of developing many diseases and conditions increases.

Reference. By regularly drinking this tea in adulthood, you can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and hypertension.

Tea recipe:

1. 4-5 currant leaves are poured with 250 ml of hot water.
2. Let it brew for 2-3 minutes. To enhance the medicinal properties and improve the taste, honey, lemon, mint or lemon balm leaves are added to the drink if desired.

You can drink 3-4 cups of tea per day. Excessive consumption of the drink can cause the opposite effect and worsen the general condition.

Cosmetology

Black currant leaves are a proven remedy for treating a wide range of dermatological diseases: eczema, acne, dermatitis. For burns, diaper rash, and other violations of the integrity of the skin, they speed up the healing process and disinfect.

The biological components of the leaves help maintain skin health. They simultaneously reproduce several effects:

• tone;
• moisturize;
• prevent the appearance of early wrinkles;
• lighten;
• inhibit inflammatory processes;
• regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight;
• reduce the number of rashes, prevent the formation of new rash elements.

The effect of using black currant leaves is cumulative: in order to achieve the desired result, it is important to carry out the procedures systematically.

Advice. Before using a currant leaf mask on your face, check to see if there will be any unwanted reaction. To do this, apply the composition to the inside of your wrist, evaluate the reaction after 15-20 minutes. If no redness, peeling or rashes are detected, the mask can be applied to the face.

For acne

Cosmetologists recommend using black currant leaves as a compress for those with problematic, oily skin prone to rashes. The action of the product is aimed at suppressing the mechanisms of acne development: reducing sebum secretion, stopping inflammatory processes, and eliminating infection.

Main components:

• dried currant leaves - 20 g;
• chamomile inflorescences - 30 g;
• sea ​​buckthorn fruits - 50 g;
• water - 1 l.

How to prepare a compress:

1. All plant products are combined, poured with boiling water, placed in a water bath and cooked for about 20 minutes.
2. The broth is cooled and filtered. Soak gauze in it, folded in several layers, wring it out lightly, and apply it to the face for 10-15 minutes.

The course on average consists of 5-7 daily procedures. However, this is all individual and depends on the nature and severity of acne, and the characteristics of the course of the disease.

For skin whitening

The main effect of the mask is to reduce the severity of pigmentation and prevent its appearance. In addition, this product tones and soothes well, increases skin elasticity, gives the face a matte and healthy color, and improves the penetration of vitamins and minerals deep into the dermis.

How to prepare a whitening mask at home:

1. 5-10 clean currant leaves are ground in a blender or using a meat grinder.
2. Combine the pulp from the leaves and 150 ml of yogurt and mix. The mixture is transferred to gauze folded in several layers and the juice is squeezed out.
3. A thick paste is evenly applied to the face and neck area. Keep for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.

Conclusion

Due to its rich biochemical composition, blackcurrant leaves are used as a wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic, and antiallergic agent. Despite the fact that many consider them harmless, contraindications for black currant leaves still exist. Therefore, it is not recommended to prescribe them independently for the treatment and prevention of diseases. All actions must be previously agreed with the attending physician.