Strawberry leaves - medicinal properties and contraindications, benefits and harms

Berries

Wild strawberry, or forest strawberry, is one of those plants that, in alternative medicine, possesses valuable components and properties. All parts of the plant are used in therapy—the rhizome, berries, inflorescences, but most often, the leaves.

Wild strawberry leaves are a multivitamin remedy that is effectively used to relieve the symptoms of vitamin deficiency and treat metabolic disorders. Despite all the medicinal properties of strawberry leaves, before using them, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications. This herbal therapy is not beneficial for everyone, and the plant material can cause serious allergic reactions.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of strawberry leaves

The beneficial properties of wild berry leaves are determined by the plant's chemical composition. Wild berry leaves contain the following components:

vitamin A (carotenoids);
vitamins C, E, K, group B – B3 and B9 (nicotinic and folic acid);
the mineral composition is represented by iron and copper, potassium and calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, fluorine and zinc;
tannins and essential oil components;
acids of organic origin - citric, quinic and malic;
flavonoid and alkaloid compounds;
components retinol and tannin;
pectins.

Beneficial properties of strawberry leaves

Due to its composition, the plant has the following effects:

diuretic action with anti-edematous effect;
wound healing effect with anti-inflammatory properties;
hematopoietic and tonic action;
antispasmodic properties with analgesic effect.

Main contraindications and harm to the body from leaves

In addition to the benefits described above, strawberry leaves can be harmful to certain health conditions. Herbal remedies should not be used in the following cases:

If you are allergic to the plant. Failure to follow these precautions may result in an allergic skin reaction and bronchospasm. In rare cases, angioedema and anaphylactic shock may occur, which can be fatal.
In case of gastrointestinal disorders and chronic liver pathologies, it is also necessary to limit the consumption of strawberry infusions in order to avoid complications of the disease;
in case of exacerbation of ulcerative pathologies in the digestive organs and gastritis;
with appendicitis.
Also, drinking the decoction can provoke an attack of acute appendicitis.
Strawberry-based herbal remedies should not be used in pediatric practice and during lactation due to the allergenicity of plant materials;
During pregnancy, herbal remedies made from strawberry leaves should only be used as prescribed by a doctor and should not be used for self-medication, as strawberries can trigger uterine contractions, which can lead to premature termination of pregnancy (miscarriage).

Rules for the use of wild strawberry leaves

Wild strawberry leaves are used in the treatment of various pathologies:

arthrosis and gout;
arthritis of rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid genesis;
urolithiasis and pyelonephritis;
renal and hepatic colic;
pathologies of the myocardium and circulatory system;
with anemia and cholecystitis.

Good to know!

The leaves of this plant also affect the hematopoietic system, improving blood composition and increasing the hemoglobin index, which prevents the development of anemia.

Herbal remedies based on wild strawberry leaves lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which prevents the development and progression of hypertension and systemic atherosclerosis.

Procurement of raw materials

The best time to harvest strawberry leaves is before they bloom (late May - early June). During this period, the leaves contain the maximum amount of beneficial compounds. The plants don't need to be uprooted; simply snip 2-3 leaves from each bush with scissors to ensure fruiting. After harvesting, the leaves must undergo fermentation. This process consists of several stages:

Withering of foliage: the washed raw material should be scattered in the shade on a clean surface in a 5-6 cm layer for 24 hours. During this time, the foliage will wilt slightly;
the rolling process - the leaves need to be placed between the palms and rolled until the juice appears on them;
Leaf treatment
fermentation process - the raw materials must be poured onto a baking sheet in a 5 cm layer, covered with a cloth soaked in water and kept for 6-10 hours in the oven at a temperature of 26 degrees;
After fermentation, the raw material must be dried at a temperature of 100 degrees.

For gastrointestinal diseases and constipation

An infusion of fresh or dried leaves is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including colitis, bowel disorders (constipation or diarrhea), and gastritis. To prepare the infusion, follow this recipe:

2 tbsp leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
Infuse in a thermos for 8-10 hours;
filter;
Use 4-5 times a day, 70 ml, 30-40 minutes after meals.

The course continues until a stable therapeutic effect is achieved.

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For hypertension

It has been scientifically proven that strawberry infusion has a positive effect on blood flow and the myocardium, namely:

lowers the blood pressure index;
lowers the level of low molecular weight cholesterol;
slows down the heart rate;
dilates blood vessels.

To make an infusion, add 50 g of leaves to 500 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 4 hours and, after filtering, drink 150 ml three times a day.

For heavy periods

To increase the tone of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus and reduce heavy menstrual discharge, it is recommended to use strawberry infusion;

3 tbsp. chopped leaves + 400 ml boiling water;
leave for 6-8 hours and filter;
drink ½ tbsp four times a day.

For allergies

To treat seasonal allergies, you can use this recipe:

1 tbsp. l dry leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
leave for 30 minutes and filter;
drink 50 ml four times a day.

Against nervous tension and sleep disorders

An infusion to relieve nervous tension and treat insomnia. Prepare the following mixture:

1 tbsp chamomile;
1 tbsp lemon balm;
1 tbsp strawberry leaves;
1 tbsp. cuff;
1 tbsp barberry berries.

Tea — Grind and mix all ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of the mixture to 250 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink as a tea twice daily.

In case of vitamin deficiency

To relieve severe symptoms of vitamin deficiency, you can prepare the following infusion:

2 tbsp. chopped wild berry leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
leave in a thermos for 2 hours;
After the infusion has been filtered, it must be drunk throughout the day in several doses.

The standard recipe for an infusion for use in the treatment of vitamin deficiency and inflammation in internal organs is as follows:

3 tbsp leaves;
500 ml of boiling water;
keep in a thermos for 2-3 hours and filter;
drink 100 ml three times a day 30 minutes before meals.

This infusion can also be used for gastrointestinal pathologies and as an external remedy for external hemorrhoids (as a poultice).

The alcohol tincture is used to strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, and prevent and treat respiratory viral and infectious diseases:

1 tsp chopped leaves;
200 ml vodka;
leave for 7-10 days in a room without daylight;
Filter and use 25-30 drops three times a day before meals.

For cough and bronchitis

For bronchitis, as well as any type of cough, drink a decoction made from strawberry roots and leaves. Prepare the decoction according to the following recipe:

Pour 200 ml of water over 20 g of crushed raw material;
boil for 15 minutes and cool;
after the decoction has been filtered, you need to add water to the original volume;
take 1 tbsp three to four times a day.

To cleanse blood vessels

To cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol deposits, you need to use the following method:

1 tbsp dry leaves + 200 ml boiling water;
Infuse wrapped or in a thermos for 50-60 minutes and filter;
Take the infusion three to four times a day, 150-200 ml.

For cystitis and urolithiasis

To treat cystitis and kidney stones, you can use the following herbal mixture:

wild strawberry leaf – 30 g;
black currant leaf – 50 g;
mullein inflorescences – 15 g;
linden blossom – 20 g.

Tea — Mix all ingredients and to make a decoction, take 1 tbsp of the mixture per 200 ml of water.

Boil the mixture for 20-25 minutes and let it sit for a while. Filter and take 100 ml two to three times daily.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetic procedures, strawberry decoctions and infusions are used in masks to improve hair structure and cleanse the epidermis, as well as to eliminate pigmentation and freckles. To eliminate freckles:

Steam 20 g of leaves in 200 ml of boiling water;
let it brew for 30 minutes and filter the infusion;
For external use, apply compresses to the face for 20 minutes before bed. There is no need to rinse off any remaining infusion.

To strengthen hair follicles in case of baldness:

2 tbsp. l dry leaves + 250 ml boiled water;
It is necessary to leave it for 2 hours and filter the liquid;
take 1 tbsp three times a day.

Mask for dry skin on the face:

juice from fresh strawberry bush leaves – 1 tbsp;
1 tbsp each of castor and vegetable oil;
add oatmeal to get the consistency of thick sour cream;
apply to clean face for 20-25 minutes;
The mixture must be washed off with warm running water.

Acne Treatment Mask:

make a paste from fresh strawberry leaves;
mix the gruel with castor oil in a ratio of 1:4;
Apply the composition to the affected areas (apply the product pointwise).

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions are often asked about whether drinking strawberry infusions is beneficial for men. Zinc, found in the leaves, promotes the synthesis of the male hormone testosterone, which increases potency, improves sperm counts, and promotes the proper functioning of the male reproductive organs.

Are garden strawberry leaves healthy?

The leaves and berries of wild strawberries, due to their structural composition, are more effective in treating various pathologies and also have a more pronounced strawberry aroma.

How long can you store dried leaves?

Prepared raw materials should be stored in cardboard boxes or canvas bags, as well as in a glass or ceramic container with a cloth-sealed lid. Under proper conditions, the raw materials can be stored for 2-3 years without losing their therapeutic properties.

Do they sell such leaves in pharmacies?

The pharmacy chain sells wild and garden strawberry leaves in bulk in cardboard boxes and filter bags.

Is it possible to collect leaves if berries have already appeared on the plant?

Theoretically, it's possible, but such raw materials will be of little use. Strawberry leaves should be harvested for future use during the plant's flowering period, before the berries appear on the bushes. During this period, the foliage contains the maximum amount of medicinal components.

Wild strawberry leaves are a unique herbal remedy used for the prevention and treatment of various conditions. It's important to remember that uncontrolled use of herbal remedies containing this plant can be harmful. Consult your doctor before beginning treatment.

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