Lingonberry leaves – medicinal properties and contraindications, what they help with, reviews, and how to take them?

Berries

Lingonberry is a beneficial and widely known plant. In folk medicine, not only its berries but also its leaves and even roots are used. Lingonberry leaves have numerous medicinal properties and are suitable for many patients, as they have very few contraindications. Lingonberry leaves are comparable in therapeutic effectiveness to many herbal remedies and medications.

The leaves contain vitamins and minerals, flavonoids, acids, and tannins, so infusions and teas made from this herbal extract are used both as a general tonic and as a remedy for various ailments. However, although herbal remedies are considered safe, it's important to learn the proper usage guidelines to avoid harm.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of lingonberry leaves

Lingonberry fruits and leaves contain a huge number of components valuable to the human body, which determine its beneficial properties and contraindications for use:

Arbutin. Due to its high arbutin content, lingonberry leaves are considered one of the most effective herbal remedies for treating inflammation and infections of the genitourinary system. The plant components have an antiseptic effect, affecting both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Lingonberry-based decoctions effectively treat staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.
Vitamins in lingonberry leaves
Flavonoid compounds are responsible for the color and pigmentation of the plant's fruits and leaves, but they also enhance the body's defenses against viral infections and allergens, and prevent the accumulation of carcinogens and toxic elements in organs. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids protect cells from oxidation and the effects of free radicals.
Lycopene and vaccinin are antioxidants that protect cells from damage and death. These pigments are carotenoids, a deficiency of which can contribute to the development of diabetes and malignant tumors.
acids of organic origin – citric and malic, tartaric and quinic, salicylic and benzoic.
A deficiency of organic acids in the body causes damage to the skin, hair structure, and nails, as well as disruptions to the digestive system.
Tannins have wound-healing and antiseptic properties, cleanse the respiratory organs and urethral canals of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing inflammation, and accelerate the process of regeneration of mucous cells;
vitamin complex – A, C, E, K, B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9;
mineral complex – potassium and calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium, fluorine, copper and zinc.

What do lingonberry leaves help with?

To use the plant correctly, you need to know exactly what it helps with and how to prepare medicines with it. Lingonberry leaves are used to treat the following conditions:

as part of complex therapy for inflammation in the genitourinary organs - pyelonephritis, infectious inflammation in the bladder (cystitis), the formation of stones in the urinary organs, nephropathy in pregnant women, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis);
in the treatment of dental infections – stomatitis, infectious periodontosis, ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa;
in the treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases – infectious tonsillitis, tonsillitis;
as a therapy and prevention of pathologies of the myocardium and circulatory system - hypertension, disturbance of the rhythm of the myocardium, weakness and fragility of blood vessels;
Healing properties of leaves
for pathologies of the digestive and respiratory organs (gastritis, intestinal microflora disorders, bronchitis, tonsillitis, acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections);
in the treatment of viral diseases, including chickenpox and herpes;
For metabolic disorders, to regulate metabolic processes and restore lipid, carbohydrate, and protein balance. Prescribed for the treatment of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis.

Application for women

For women during menopause, lingonberry helps manage severe symptoms such as intense hot flashes and nervousness, as well as reduce excessive sweating and blood congestion. Leaf infusions are also used for painful urination or urinary retention.

Good to know!

Infusions of the leaves are also useful during pregnancy – they significantly reduce swelling and prevent the development of anemia in both the mother and the developing fetus.

Benefits for men

Prostatitis is one of the most common conditions in men over 40. This condition not only causes discomfort and pain in the pelvic organs but also contributes to impotence. Prostatitis develops due to sexually transmitted and urethral infections, as well as weakened immunity, frequent exposure to colds, prolonged abstinence, and unhealthy habits.

Lingonberry leaves can help relieve a man's prostatitis symptoms thanks to the following properties:

diuretic action with disinfectant effect;
anti-inflammatory action and immunostimulating effect.

Drink lingonberry tea twice a day: add 12 g of crushed lingonberry leaves to 200 ml of boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Organic honey or sugar can be added.

Despite the medicinal properties of lingonberries, there are also contraindications for men to consume them:

low blood pressure;
kidney and bladder stones.

Main contraindications and harm to the body

To ensure lingonberry leaves benefit the body and do not cause harm, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions for use and contraindications. Do not take lingonberry leaves if:

hypotension (leaves lower blood pressure);
allergies to components of this plant;
increased acidity of gastric juice;
kidney dysfunction.

There are no categorical contraindications to using the leaves of this plant for treatment of low blood pressure and high acidity, but treatment should be taken in courses of 1-2 weeks with a month-long break. It is also important to monitor your health; if any adverse symptoms occur while taking the remedy, discontinue treatment and consult a doctor.

How to take lingonberry leaves for swelling

To eliminate swelling, lingonberry infusions and concentrated decoctions are most often used:

1 teaspoon of leaves + 200 ml of boiling water;
leave for 30 minutes and filter;
drink 50 ml four times a day, or 100 ml twice a day.

Pharmacies sell ready-made tea bags to reduce swelling. Steep two tea bags in 100 ml of boiling water for 30 minutes. After steeping, squeeze the tea bags and add 100 ml of boiling water. Take 2 tablespoons four times daily.

As a diuretic

The most powerful herbal diuretic is the lingonberry leaf. Concentrated infusions have a pronounced diuretic effect. Add 20-25 g of leaves to 200 ml of boiling water and steep in a thermos for 6-8 hours. The dosage and frequency of administration are determined by a doctor based on the condition and its progression.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, swelling can occur in all three trimesters. It's especially common in the later stages of pregnancy. An infusion of lingonberry leaves for swelling during pregnancy is prepared as follows:

1 tsp. dry leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
Let it brew for 20-30 minutes and filter.

Attention!

Take no more than 200 ml per day, divided into 4 doses of 50 ml each.

In addition to swelling during pregnancy, other pathologies also appear, for which it is necessary to take an infusion of lingonberry leaf plates:

with an increase in the glucose index in the blood;
to strengthen the immune system and for viral pathologies;
for the treatment and prevention of colds;
in hyperthermic syndrome.

Reviews from doctors and patients about the use of edema treatment during pregnancy

Reviews of lingonberry leaves are mixed. Some pregnant patients were literally saved by this remedy, while others noted the herbal remedy's low effectiveness and increased allergenicity:

Angelica, 23 years old: "Cranberry didn't help me at all, neither in treating cystitis nor in reducing swelling. I treated swelling in the third trimester of pregnancy with Canephron. It helped."

Maria, 29 years old: "Tea with lingonberry leaves helped me in all trimesters, and now, at the first symptoms of cystitis or swelling, I drink 200 ml of lingonberry tea three times a day."

Anna, 30 years old: "I have constant swelling; by the end of the day, I can barely fit into my shoes. Lingonberry infusions don't help at all, so I try to treat the swelling with cranberry juice."

Victoria, 33 years old: "I had terrible swelling during all three of my pregnancies. During my first pregnancy, I took Canephron, and during my second and third, I resorted to lingonberry infusions. They not only reduce swelling but also replenish the body with healing components."

Natalia Sokolova, obstetrician-gynecologist: "Using lingonberry-based herbal remedies during pregnancy should be done with caution to avoid developing allergies, which most often develop in pregnant women."

Rules for the use of lingonberry leaves for various diseases

Rules for using herbal remedies based on lingonberry leaves for various pathologies:

therapy with medicinal infusions or decoctions is carried out in courses;
For adjuvant treatment of inflammation in the respiratory organs, inhalations with concentrated decoctions can be performed;
For urogenital pathologies, it is recommended to use lingonberry infusions for douching;
Cranberry juice lowers blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on the epidermis, which is why it is added to masks for facial skin treatment;
Decoctions of dry leaves are used to treat dandruff and strengthen hair follicles;
Tea made from lingonberry leaves and berries is recommended to be drunk daily for weight loss;
Dried leaves can be added to dishes as seasoning.

For high blood pressure

50 g of lingonberry leaves and flowers + 500 ml of water. Simmer over very low heat for 20-25 minutes. Let steep for 5 hours and strain. Take 100 ml three times daily.

For gout

100 g of dried leaves + 2500 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 2 hours in a thermos. After filtering, add 200 ml of vodka and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Drink 100 ml three times daily, 20-30 minutes before meals.

For kidney diseases

To treat kidney conditions, you can use this infusion: 10 g of lingonberry leaves + 100 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 2 hours and then filter. Drink 1-2 tablespoons three to four times daily.

For cystitis

For bladder inflammation, add 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves to 200 ml of boiling water. Let steep for 60 minutes and strain. Drink 100 ml twice daily, 20-30 minutes before meals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg9VD_kf2cs

For cholelithiasis

For gallstones or cholecystitis, you need to prepare the following decoction:

2 tbsp leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
boil in a steam bath for 30 minutes and leave for 60 minutes;
filter and consume 70-100 ml two to three times a day.

For rheumatism

Using lingonberry leaves helps remove uric acid, which is the cause of almost all joint problems. Here's the recipe for the decoction:

1 tbsp. chopped dry leaves;
500 ml of water;
it is necessary to cook on low heat for 15 minutes;
let it brew for 3-4 hours and filter;
drink 100 ml 5 times a day.

For uterine bleeding

To reduce uterine bleeding, you can use this recipe:

3 tbsp. chopped leaves + 500 ml water;
simmer over low heat for 10 minutes and let the broth cool;
After cooling, filter the liquid;
Divide the dose into 6-8 doses. The therapeutic course is 3 days.

Reviews

Reviews of the use of lingonberry leaves for edema are positive, and many other conditions, according to patients, also respond well to this treatment:

Alexander, 53 years old: "I have kidney problems and prostatitis, so swelling in my lower extremities is not uncommon. I used to take diuretics, but they negatively impact the heart and deplete minerals. I've been taking lingonberry infusion for a year. It's just as effective as medication, but the benefits are greater, and there are no side effects."

Varvara, 31 years old: "During both my first and second pregnancies, I used herbal remedies to relieve swelling. During my first pregnancy, I drank lingonberry tea, which immediately reduced the swelling, but during my second pregnancy, the tea didn't help. In the later stages, I had to give up lingonberry tea and switch to lingonberry and cranberry juice. The swelling went away."

Frequently Asked Questions

What can lingonberry leaves be mixed with to enhance the diuretic effect?

To enhance the diuretic effect, the leaves can be mixed with lingonberries, rose hips, hawthorn, cranberries and rowan berries.

When to collect leaves?

The leaves should be harvested after the harvest—in late autumn. Avoid harvesting leaves at other times of the year, as they are unsuitable for therapeutic use—their concentration of beneficial components is reduced.

How long can you drink lingonberry tea if you don't have any health problems?

The drink can be used as part of herbal and plant infusions. These vitamin-rich infusions can be drunk daily, especially in winter, but limit consumption to 1-2 cups per day.

How can an allergy to a product manifest itself?

Allergic reactions to lingonberries can manifest as skin rashes and itching, as well as gastrointestinal upset with diarrhea, abdominal and epigastric pain, and heartburn. Urinary disturbances are also common.

Lingonberry leaves are a herbal diuretic widely used in alternative medicine for swelling, inflammation, and infections. However, it's important to be aware of any contraindications and not use this remedy without consulting a doctor.