Healing properties of bird cherry: application features, recipes and reviews. Medicinal properties of bird cherry flowers. Bird cherry - useful properties and contraindications

Instructions for use:

Common bird cherry is a shrub up to 15 meters high.

The trunk of bird cherry is distinguished by cracking black-gray bark. The branches of the plant are quite thin, so they always sag towards the bottom. In winter, bird cherry buds are covered with peculiar cilia. They are round and spherical. Bird cherry leaves are bright green, oblong, elongated. Bird cherry flowers are known to many of us for their bright, unique aroma. A brush with white flowers is the bird cherry inflorescence.

Bird cherry blooms from April to June. Bird cherry loves the sun, therefore it does not develop well in the shade. Bird cherry grows in nature along the banks of rivers, on forest edges, in thickets of shrubs.

The most common folk names for bird cherry are the following:

Cheremshin;
Glotiha;
The bell.

Composition and useful properties of bird cherry

Bird cherry has long been recognized by many, thanks to its medicinal properties. Almost all parts of this shrub are used in traditional medicine, as the list of beneficial properties of bird cherry is extremely wide. Thus, bird cherry is rightfully considered a pantry of beneficial properties for human health.

The main value of bird cherry is the components that make up its composition:

vitamins;
Tannins;
organic acids;
glycosides;
acids;
Anthocyanins;
saccharides;
Rutin;
Oils;
Flavonoids;
Phytoncides.

In addition, quite rare substances in bird cherry are free hydrocyanic acid and benzoic aldehyde.
Due to such a rich composition, bird cherry has numerous properties used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases:

diaphoretic;
Diuretic;
Anti-inflammatory;
Antiscorbutic;
Contraceptive;
sedative;
Tonic;
Hemostatic.

The use of bird cherry

All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. But the fruits of the bird cherry are considered the most valuable and most of all used.

In traditional medicine, the fruits of bird cherry are used as a remedy that has the following effect:

general strengthening;
Astringent;
bactericidal;
Anti-inflammatory;
fixing;
Normalizing.

The fixing and normalizing properties of bird cherry are especially relevant for pathologies of the stomach and intestines.

Bird cherry bark also has considerable benefits. So, this part of the plant is often used for the manufacture of drugs belonging to the following pharmacological groups:

Diuretic;
diaphoretic;
Antipyretic.

Preparations based on bird cherry are excellent for colds, flu, sore throats. In addition, an infusion of bird cherry fruits will help strengthen the immune system and resist infections in the autumn-winter period.

Bird cherry leaves have a powerful fixing property. A decoction of bird cherry leaves is used for diarrhea, intoxication, disorders and digestive disorders.

Bird cherry flowers are extremely useful for all kinds of inflammations, especially those associated with cuts, wounds or burns. Common bird cherry is quite capable of helping a person with vitamin deficiency, loss of strength and a decrease in the body's defenses.

The list of diseases in which the beneficial properties of bird cherry effectively help is extremely wide:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
Decreased sexual function;
Bronchitis;
Pneumonia;
Radiculitis;
Conjunctivitis;
Fever;
Anemia;
Gout;
Pulmonary tuberculosis;
Venereal diseases.

Regular consumption of bird cherry can increase potency in men, normalize bowel activity, and quickly cure any cold. The excellent anti-inflammatory property of bird cherry is due to the presence of phytoncides in its composition. These substances actively fight against harmful microorganisms:

Microbes;
bacteria;
Fungi;
Mold
Insects.

The use of bird cherry inside and outside (on the skin) leads to the fact that insects (flies, mosquitoes) stop biting a person. The same method of prevention can be used against ticks.

A decoction of twigs and leaves of bird cherry helps to get rid of rheumatic pains. To do this, you need to drink it regularly and adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle. This remedy is suitable for both articular and muscular rheumatism.

Skin problems such as furunculosis, dermatitis, ulcers on the body are treated with an infusion of the stems and leaves of bird cherry. This infusion should be regularly washed with the affected areas of the skin.

Common bird cherry has a valuable property to have a beneficial effect on the state of human vision. So, with a strong load on the eyes, for example, when working at a computer for a long time, you need to make lotions from a decoction of bird cherry. To prevent eye diseases and relieve stress, you can do this procedure once a week. But in the treatment of an existing disease or deterioration of vision, of course, treatment should take place much more often. Prevention of vision problems with the help of such lotions and ingestion of the infusion of bird cherry fruits, its leaves and flowers will allow you to maintain excellent vision for life.

The beneficial effect of bird cherry on human skin is also manifested in its ability to cleanse acne. So, regularly using a decoction of bird cherry twigs and bark as a lotion, you can get rid of rosacea, dermatosis. In addition, masks of bird cherry fruits and ingestion of a decoction provide a rejuvenating effect. Thus, the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging can be avoided.

Common bird cherry is used not only in pharmaceuticals, but also in cosmetology, food industry, and perfumery.

Traditional medicine has many recipes using bird cherry. Doctors focus their patients on compliance with the dosage of such a medicine.

Contraindications and harm from bird cherry

When carrying out treatment with drugs based on bird cherry, its decoctions and infusions, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the attending physician. You need to be especially careful with doses of medications containing seeds, bark and leaves of the plant. The fact is that these parts of bird cherry contain amygdalin glycoside. This substance has the property of decomposing as a result of a chemical reaction that occurs in the human body into hydrocyanic acid and glucose. Glucose is necessary for a person and is beneficial, but hydrocyanic acid is considered poisonous. Therefore, its excessive formation in the body can lead to poisoning (intoxication).

Some danger may be a combination of active ingredients in the composition of bird cherry with other drugs that a person uses. Therefore, before using it for treatment, you need to consult a doctor. An absolute contraindication for taking preparations from bird cherry is pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).

A white cloud of bird cherry flowers, collected in large brushes, looks quite attractive. And the heady bitter aroma during flowering adds to the spring mood. Ordinary, white or red - all these types of bird cherry are very decorative. They can be a wonderful decoration of the site both during flowering and during fruit ripening. But this tree is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its healing properties for the human body. All parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Composition and useful properties

Grows as a tree or large shrub. The most widespread in our country is bird cherry of 2 types:

ordinary - with black fruits and astringent astringent taste;
virgin or red - with dark red berries, sweeter in taste.

Virgin bird cherry

Both of these species are medicinal. Healing fruits and other parts of the plant - flowers, leaves, bark. They are used fresh, they are also dried, harvesting for future use. They make decoctions, infusions and simply brew like tea. But the most popular are the fruits of the plant. They are consumed fresh and dried for the winter. They make jam, compotes, jelly from them, add to tea for taste and aroma.

All parts of the plant are a real storehouse of useful elements. The composition of bird cherry is rich:

fructose, glucose;
malic and citric acid;
essential oils, antioxidants;
flavonoids, phytoncides;
tanning and coloring components.

All parts of the plant have beneficial properties for humans.

Due to this valuable composition, bird cherry is widely used for medicinal purposes. It has the following effects on the body:

anti-inflammatory;
bactericidal;
astringent;
hemostatic;
diaphoretic;
sedative;
restorative.

Attention! The seeds of the fruit contain amygdalin - a toxic substance, during its decay, hydrocyanic acid is formed. Eating berries with a bone or biting them is not recommended, because it is quite dangerous for health.

Health benefits of bird cherry

Bird cherry is used not only in traditional medicine, it is also quite in demand in traditional medicine. Drugs prepared from it strengthen the immune system, increase the body's defenses, help to cope with various infections, and have an antipyretic and diaphoretic effect. Bird cherry fruits and decoctions of them are great for colds, relieve the condition during a sore throat or flu.

The astringent and stool-strengthening properties of bird cherry are widely used for diarrhea and other digestive disorders. For these purposes, fresh berries are consumed or a healing decoction is prepared from the fruits, leaves or bark of the plant.

Bird cherry flowers can also be used to make a decoction or infusion, which is used to wash wounds, including purulent ones. Such medicinal drugs have anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effects, help cleanse the wound surface from pus and speed up healing.

Bird cherry blanks can be made independently or purchased ready-made raw materials in a pharmacy

The healing effect of bird cherry is not limited to this. It also has other healing effects:

cleanses the blood of harmful toxins;
strengthens the walls of capillaries;
normalizes the work of the intestines and stomach;
helps to alleviate the condition with rheumatism, arthritis, gout;
relieves fatigue and inflammation of the eyes;
removes salts of heavy metals from the body.

Dried cherry berries

Contraindications to the use of bird cherry

Like any herbal remedy used in treatment, bird cherry has some contraindications for use.

pregnancy and lactation;
children's age up to 2 years;
chronic constipation and the presence of hemorrhoids.

Advice. When using bird cherry fruits, a certain measure must be observed. Too many berries consumed at one time can cause constipation in a healthy person.

Bird cherry is a real pantry of useful substances. It perfectly helps in the fight against various ailments, and in general strengthening of the body. But in order not to harm yourself, it is necessary to observe a certain measure when using it, then the healing power of this plant will bring only good to the body.

The benefits of bird cherry: video

Bird cherry properties: photo

Very few trees are known in our horticultural practice, the fruits and leaves of which would not be used otherwise as medicines. Indeed, most fruits are grown and eaten precisely because of their wonderful gastronomic properties. And only then think about their health-improving effect.

But there are also trees and shrubs that are grown exclusively as medicinal plants. And the berry is one of them. Maybe trees carry its decorative function, but the medicinal properties of bird cherry are in the first place.

What is useful bird cherry for the body

The use of fruits and leaves of bird cherry for the manufacture of various medicinal preparations began a very long time ago. In folk medicine, decoctions and tinctures are prepared on bird cherry, lotions and aerosols from it, using the berry for a wide variety of diseases.

At the same time, many medicinal properties of bird cherry have received scientific justification today, when the chemical composition of its berries and leaves has been studied in sufficient detail. Therefore, the knowledge that existed from ancient times about certain properties can be associated with certain components of it.

For example, it is known that bird cherry has the following healing properties:

1. It has a fixing and astringent effect on the digestive organs.

These beneficial properties of bird cherry are primarily due to the large amount of tannins in the composition of the fruit. Which, by the way, do not disappear anywhere after the preparation of berries in any way.

2. Normalizes bowel function.

In addition to the tannins mentioned, the chemical composition of bird cherry includes pectin, an analogue of the coarser one, which is rich in cereals and various vegetables. Useful properties of pectin: it stimulates the intestines and the activity of its smooth muscles. So food is more fully absorbed here and there are practically no chances for the survival of putrefactive bacteria.

3. Improves the condition of the walls of the stomach.

These medicinal properties of bird cherry are possible due to some bitterness. By the way, cultivars of bird cherry have not so bitter fruits, and their effect on the stomach is not so pronounced.

4. Possesses persistent bactericidal properties.

The chemical composition of bird cherry owes this to phytoncides - volatile substances, the presence of which guarantees the death of many microbes. By the way, insects are also very sensitive to bird cherry phytoncides, which made it possible to use it for treating premises in order to combat flies and mosquitoes.

5. Strengthens capillary walls.

This healing property of bird cherry is provided by potassium and vitamin P.

6. Purifies the blood.

In many ways, this benefit of bird cherry is associated with, in many respects, due to the same pectin, which prevents the absorption of cholesterol into the blood. The same components of the composition contribute to the binding and elimination of numerous harmful toxins from the body.

7. Has general strengthening properties.

It was not without ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and flavonoids. This complex is useful in that it stimulates the body's immune system and has pronounced anti-cancer properties.

8. Is a good diuretic.

Due to this, the composition of bird cherry contributes to the improvement of the organs of the urinary system and is indicated for various nephritis. Potassium, bitterness and some essential oils have a beneficial effect on the kidneys. By the way, not only fruits are very useful for the kidneys, but also a decoction of the bark and leaves of bird cherry.

9. Removes inflammation, and not only external, but also internal.

This is due to the complex action of phytoncides, vitamins and. For example, calcium and potassium favor rapid tissue regeneration, and phytoncides have a disinfecting effect. This is famous for the red bird cherry, which is often used for sore throat and bronchitis.

10. Has pronounced diaphoretic properties.

Both biologically active substances and the same potassium, which helps to remove water from the body, are involved here.

11. Bird cherry can be used as a contraceptive.

Here the experts have no answer. Although the evidence that the composition of the bird cherry was used in this way is repeated, it is still not worth relying on it seriously at such a crucial moment.

12. Promotes healthy joints and removes salts of heavy metals from the body

Somewhere - due to mineral components, somewhere - thanks to the action of vitamins, useful decoctions and tinctures of bird cherry flowers are recommended for use in gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

Bird cherry contraindications for use

This is contraindicated in pregnancy. This is the only contraindication of bird cherry due to the fact that its composition contains hydrocyanic acid in free form, which is for humans. And although the concentration of this acid is not dangerous for adults, it can have a harmful effect on the development of the fetus.

As you can see, a tree with wonderful white catkins is a real garden clinic, which you can turn to for help almost all year round. And even when the trees are without leaves, covered with snow, everyone can use the beneficial properties of bird cherry in the form of a decoction of its dried leaves and bird cherry flowers to support their body in the fight against various ailments.

Bird cherry is a deciduous, fast-growing tree from the rose family, which can reach 8-15 m in height. Flowering in May, fruiting from July to August. Bird cherry berries are small (the size of a pea), as a rule, astringent-sweet. An inedible bitter stone is hidden inside each fruit. But not only is it bitter, it also has toxic properties.

This tree is very common in Europe, North Asia and North Africa. Within Europe, bird cherry grows from the northern part of Scandinavia, from the shores of the Arctic Ocean, and up to Italy, Spain and Portugal. Although, it must be said, in the coastal region of the Mediterranean and in the west of France, it is most likely impossible to see bird cherry. But this tree with a delicate aroma pleases the inhabitants of Ireland, England, Croatia, Bulgaria, the northern part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia and even the Himalayas. This culture is also found in North America, in particular in Alaska and in some northeastern regions of the United States, in eastern Canada. Bird cherry's favorite places are the banks of streams, moist forests, as a rule, with alkaline soil, although often the culture can also be seen on acidic soils of mountainous regions.

And although the most famous is bird cherry, there are many other varieties of this culture, each of which also has certain advantages. For example, white bird cherry is an excellent "raw material" for. By the way, this type of honey is known as an excellent source, and. Fragrant bird cherry in folk medicine is used to treat the respiratory system. No less useful is the red bird cherry, which has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. The berries of this variety are considered useful for the treatment of digestive organs, as well as for bronchitis.

Beneficial features

The results of scientific studies indicate that the dark berries of the bird cherry are rich in powerful, which makes the fruits incredibly beneficial to humans. It is known that bird cherry berries contain a huge amount, the concentration of which even exceeds the content of these substances in cranberries. Phytoncides contained in the plant give it antimicrobial, diuretic and choleretic properties.

Fruits and leaves contain, in particular, glycosides, tannins, vitamins E, C and P, essential oils. A high concentration has been found in the bark of the tree, making it useful for making medicinal decoctions and tinctures against inflammation. By the way, herbalists use a decoction of the bark to treat conjunctivitis, and alcoholic tinctures to treat sciatica. The bark and leaves of the plant also contain hydrocyanic acid and benzoic aldehyde.

And one more interesting fact. The rich composition of organic acids in different parts of bird cherry makes this culture useful for restoring the correct acid-base balance in the human body.

Research indicates that bird cherry:

has astringent properties;
regulates the work of the intestine;
improves the functionality of the stomach;
reduces in the blood;
has anti-inflammatory properties;
strengthens capillaries;
stimulates the immune system;
has bactericidal properties;
is a diuretic and diaphoretic;
removes metal salts from the body;
prevents gout, arthritis, rheumatism.

Use in traditional medicine

Bird cherry has been used since ancient times in different countries as a medicine. For example, the North American Indian tribes used it to treat the respiratory system. The bark of the plant has been used to improve appetite, as an astringent, to speed up blood circulation, and as a sedative. In folk medicine, bird cherry tinctures were used to treat fever, coughs, and colds, and decoctions from the roots of the tree were used to wash ulcers, wounds, and burns. Bird cherry berries and bark in herbal medicine are known for their ability to relieve abdominal pain, reduce bleeding, including after childbirth. Decoctions from different parts of bird cherry are useful for heavy and painful menstruation, diseases of the liver and eyes.

Folk and traditional medicine resorts to preparations based on bird cherry to achieve a sedative and tonic effect, for diseases of the stomach, pancreas, intestines, as well as pain in the heart.

The benefits of berries

Tincture of bird cherry berries has pronounced antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for the treatment of tonsillitis, stomatitis, caries. The benefits of the berries of this culture are also noticeable in the treatment of inflammatory processes, including in the organs of the female reproductive system. And douching with a decoction is useful for genital infections.

The benefits of berries for the digestive system are also known. A decoction of the fruit, rich in ascorbic acid, certain minerals and organic acids, is an effective remedy for diarrhea, intestinal infections and indigestion. Also, some herbalists advise drinking sweet cherry berries as a sedative and as a stimulant of male potency. In addition, bird cherry berries have analgesic properties. And this ability has made them a popular remedy for toothache. It is enough to attach a few berries to the tooth to relieve pain.

Since ancient times, folk healers advised taking fresh juice of bird cherry berries with honey (a teaspoon per half a glass of juice) to strengthen immunity and normalize metabolism. An unsweetened decoction of berries was used to treat infections in the gastrointestinal tract, scurvy.

Benefits of leaves and bark

Everyone knows that it is necessary to apply to the place of injury. But few people know that bird cherry leaves have a similar effect - they relieve pain and reduce swelling. Bird cherry leaves can also be used to treat respiratory diseases, with some disorders of the cardiovascular system. This part of the bird cherry contains rich reserves that have a beneficial effect on the capillaries, and therefore on the entire circulatory system. The greens of this tree are suitable for making infusions and decoctions.

A decoction of the bark has a powerful diuretic effect, which makes it useful for various disorders of the urinary system, with nephritis. But excessive passion for decoctions or infusions of bird cherry bark can provoke diarrhea and pain in the digestive organs.

Bird cherry bark has analgesic, diuretic, antipyretic and sedative properties. Infusions from it are used to treat colds and fever. In addition, our ancestors used decoctions of bird cherry as a remedy for pediculosis.

In folk medicine, teas and alcohol tinctures from young branches of bird cherry are used to treat rheumatism, dermatosis, furunculosis, gout, diarrhea, periodontal disease, caries.

Bird cherry color: dangerous and useful properties

White bird cherry flowers, oddly enough, can both benefit and harm at the same time. Blossoming bird cherry is a source of some essential oils that act on humans as sedatives. But at the same time, during the flowering period, the bird cherry secretes amygdalin, which splits into small particles in the air, including hydrocyanic acid, which in large portions can cause serious poisoning. It should also be remembered that a large amount of phytoncides contained in flowers can provoke dizziness or an allergy to the aroma of bird cherry.

In addition, a healing decoction of fragrant flowers in ancient times was used as one of the most effective means for washing and healing wounds and ulcers. This remedy was used to treat conjunctivitis and, they say, even stopped the development of gangrene.

And bird cherry flowers are useful for normalizing metabolism. To improve metabolism, it is advised to prepare a remedy from dried flowers. To do this, 1 tablespoon of dried flowers should be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for half an hour. After that, strain and take three times a day before meals for a tablespoon.

How to prepare

As it is already clear, different parts of the tree are used as a remedy: flowers, leaves, berries and even bark. But in order for the raw material to retain its healing properties, one must be able to harvest it correctly. Bark, for example, is most useful to harvest in early spring (the main thing is to have time to collect the bark before the tree begins to bloom, at this time it contains the maximum possible amount of useful substances), flowers - as soon as they open, the berries are only suitable for fully ripe, and the leaves are harvested in June. Herbalists advise harvesting bird cherry only in dry weather, moreover, either in the early morning or late afternoon. But only bird cherry is suitable as a medicinal raw material, growing in ecologically clean regions, away from industrial zones and roads.

Flowers, bark and leaves are dried in the open air, but in a place protected from direct sun. Fruits begin to dry no later than 4 hours after harvest, until they begin to deteriorate. And the best thing for this purpose is an electric dryer or an oven (but the temperature should not exceed 50 degrees). Well-dried berries and bark can be stored for up to 5 years, flowers and leaves - a year.

How to prepare a medicinal decoction and tincture

A decoction of berries, leaves or bark of bird cherry preserves almost all the healing properties of this culture. To prepare a decoction, you can use a mixture of different parts of the plant or take them separately.

Berries for medicinal use are harvested during July-August. A decoction of them is prepared in a ratio of 1:10. For each glass of fresh berries take 10 glasses of boiling water. Prepare a decoction over low heat for no longer than 20 minutes, then insist for at least another 2 hours.

To prepare an alcohol tincture, you will need 50 g of bird cherry bark and a glass. After infusion for 2-3 weeks, the product can be used to disinfect wounds and to rub diseased joints and backs. For the treatment of gastric disorders, it is good to drink tincture of bird cherry berries. This medicine is prepared from 150 g of berries and 500 ml of vodka, insist 2 weeks. The finished product is taken for digestive disorders, 5 drops three times a day before meals.

Warning

Bird cherry seeds and leaves contain hydrocyanic acid, which is a strong poison in large quantities. It is this substance that gives the plant a bitter taste. But the use of berries in an adequate amount will not harm a person, since hydrocyanic acid in fruits is present in a small amount. In addition, this substance in microdoses is considered useful for digestion and improving the functioning of the respiratory system. There are also suggestions (not scientifically proven) that hydrocyanic acid may be useful in the treatment of cancer. But it is important to know that the line between the allowed dose and an overdose of hydrocyanic acid is very blurry. An excess of the substance can lead to impaired respiratory function and even death.

But still, it is precisely because of the presence of hydrocyanic acid that bird cherry is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, since under the influence of this substance, developmental disorders of the fetus are possible.

What else is useful

Black bird cherry berries are used to make wines, juices, jams, syrups, jelly, fillings for baking. And berries are prepared from carefully dried and ground into flour (the drink is brewed in the same way as regular coffee, they are drunk with and). But in any case, it is strictly forbidden to use berries with seeds.

Leaves, bark and berries of this tree are also used for the production of natural dyes. Green paint is obtained from leaves and bark, and dark gray or brown-red from ripe fruits. And carpentry masters appreciate bird cherry for its wood - hard, heavy, durable, which is easy to work with.

Among the people, bird cherry is known as a forest phytosanitary, and all because the phytoncides contained in the plant drive away pests. This plant is extremely useful for human health. Many call it a universal medicine. And drugs, as you know, should not be abused. And we should not forget about this when brewing tea from bird cherry.

The bird cherry is a primordially Russian original symbol of the Slavic people, which is valued for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and delicious healthy fruits. The bark of the tree also has powerful healing properties; it is removed in the spring, when sap flow begins, dried and ground into powder. Bird cherry berries are also dried and used as a medicine. The benefits of bird cherry for human health are enormous and should not be underestimated.

What is useful bird cherry

Nature has not been stingy, endowing bird cherry with useful substances. The composition of the berries includes: organic acids (malic, citric, phenylcarbolic), pectins and tannins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, sugars, resins, gum, essential oil and phytoncides. Glycoside, which is found in all parts of the bird cherry, when ingested, it can break down to hydrocyanic acid, which, if consumed excessively, is fraught with poisoning. Of the mineral salts, bird cherry also contains a lot of necessary and useful ones: zinc, copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, magnesium.

A decoction of bird cherry bark has an antispasmodic effect and relieves spasms in the digestive tract. Also, the decoction has diuretic, diaphoretic and antipyretic properties, it is used in the treatment of colds, diseases of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

An infusion of bird cherry leaves is used in the treatment of gout, anemia, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

The juice of fresh bird cherry berries is used to treat skin lesions (wounds, ulcers) accompanied by suppuration or inflammation.