Barberry fruit properties and uses. Useful properties and contraindications for the use of barberry. Barberry for diet

Barberry is rarely found in personal plots and in gardens today. Gardeners are not particularly eager to deal with thorny shrubs and do it completely in vain. Barberry, its beneficial properties and contraindications have been known to mankind for a long time. Among its advantages (without detracting from other qualities - decorative, melliferous, gustatory, etc.) in the first place are the healing abilities of the barberry or, as it is also called, "northern lemon".

Did you know? There are several versions of where the name of the barberry comes from. One by one - from the Greek word "berberi" - a kind of shell (the shape of the leaves, the petals of the yellow barberry flowers resemble this shell). Another explains what barberry is, associating the name of the plant with the Berbers (ancient inhabitants of North Africa), who brought the plant to Europe. Barberry takes root well in the temperate and subtropical latitudes of Eurasia, Africa and America.

The chemical composition of barberry

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is often also called "sour thorn", "sour", "sour", etc. All organs of the plant have a unique chemical composition and, accordingly, medicinal properties. They contain:

about 11 alkaloids. Barberry produces a high content of berberine (this is its main characteristic), as well as palmitine, berberrubine, columbanin, berbamine, etc .;
flavonoids;
essential oils;
tannins;
lutein;
coumarin;
fatty oils of barberry (in seeds - 15%);
yellow pigment (dye);
pectin;
vitamins (P, E, B1, C, BB, B2, carotene, etc.);
acids (ascorbic, tartaric, citric, malic);
fructose, glucose.

Energy value is 29.6 kcal per 100 g.

Did you know? The alkaloid berberine found in rhizomes and other parts of barberry is similar in properties to quinine, which made it possible to use it in the treatment of malaria. In 1977, D. Koshtyalova discovered that still is able to treat barberry: the alkaloid glaucine contained in the stems and leaves of the shrub has a bronchodilator and antitussive effect.

Why barberry is useful: medicinal properties

Barberry has unique medicinal properties due to its unique combinations of chemical elements.

Among the most valuable properties:

sedative (has a mild sedative effect on the body);
diuretic, diaphoretic (effectively helps with colds);
biliary;
anti-inflammatory (effectively treats disorders of the genitourinary system);
antioxidant (helps with poisoning, toxins, relieves toxins);
bactericidal;
fortifying and immunosupportive;
anti-leukemic and anti-cancer;

Did you know? The medicinal properties of barberry were used by priests and healers in Ancient Egypt, India, Babylon. Ancient Assyrian clay tablets preserved information about how blood was purified with barberry 2500 years ago. Avicenna recommended using barberry to heal ulcers, remove bile. In the Middle Ages, hepatitis, vitamin deficiency, scurvy were treated with this plant. Since the 16th century, barberry has been purposefully cultivated in England, France, Sweden, Italy.

Is barberry used in official medicine

The healing abilities of barberry have been adopted by doctors in many countries. Barberry is popular: preparations with it are widely produced in Italy (treatment of stomach, spleen tumors), India (for diseases spread by mosquitoes), Japan (antineoplastic drugs), Great Britain, China and the USA (for internal hemorrhages, hemorrhoids, etc.).

In our pharmacies you can find:

a medicine made from barberry bark - "Berberine bisulfate" (package contains 50 tablets). This time-tested and affordable biliary agent is used to treat hepatitis, cholecystitis, etc.;
"Choleletin" 1, 2 (48% tinctures containing barberry extracts) - help with gallstone disease;
barberry tinctures (20%, 5%) - made from plant leaves. Helps stop internal bleeding, regulates blood pressure, improves liver and heart muscle function;
collection of Zdrenko (for the treatment of papillomas of the genitourinary system);
homeopathic medicines (granules "Hole-Gran", "Uro-Gran", "Psoriser").

The use of barberry in traditional medicine

The barberry plant itself and medicinal drugs made on its basis are widely used in folk medicine. The use of natural remedies without artificial chemical additives makes it possible to provide effective assistance harmless to the body.

Important! Barberry is a carrier of rust spores (Russinia graminus Pers.) To agricultural crops (mainly cereals and fodder). It is not worth exaggerating the danger - the threat of infection is relevant only if crops are close to the shrub.

Decoction of barberry leaves for peptic ulcers and nausea

The product is prepared from dry leaves. A glass of water will require 20 g of raw materials. Chop the leaves, place in a container. Cover with cold water. When it boils, you should reduce the heat and cook the broth for another 15 minutes. Insist for at least 40 minutes. During cooking, some of the water will evaporate, so you can add boiled water. Take a tablespoon three times a day.

A decoction of barberry fruits as an antipyretic

For 200 ml of broth, 40 g of dry berries will be required (before brewing the barberry, it should be chopped), boil and cook for half an hour. Strain and add boiling water (bringing the volume to 200 ml). Drink 50 ml of medicine before meals.

Decoction of barberry roots for hepatitis

For the broth, you need half a teaspoon of dried crushed raw materials. Boil the roots in water (200 ml) and cook for half an hour. Take one teaspoon three times daily.

Did you know? In ancient Greece, barberry was grown in gardens - people believed that the shrub brings happiness to the house. Arabs add grated barberry to lovers' dishes - this was supposed to increase passion and attraction. In 2008, scientists in Italy were able to prepare a drug from a plant that is not inferior to Viagra in action.

Decoction of roots for gum disease

Barberry root well eliminates inflammation in the oral cavity - treatment is carried out by rinsing with a decoction. For the best effect, rinse alternately with decoctions of roots and bark. Cooking them is the same. It is necessary to pre-grind the raw material (1/2 teaspoon per 200 ml), boil. Boil for 30 minutes, add water (instead of evaporated) and drain. Rinse your mouth several times a day.

Tincture of barberry leaves for diseases of the kidneys and liver

Chop the dried leaves (10 g), pour a glass of boiling water, close hermetically, keep in the bath for 20 minutes.

Cool down gradually (about an hour). Strain, top up with boiled water if necessary. Drink the medicine four times a day, 50 ml.

Infusion of the bark for gout

Place one and a half tablespoons of bark in an opaque glass container, pour in 100 ml of alcohol, cork and put in the dark for 14 days. Strain. Store in a cool place, protect from light. The drug should be taken for a month and a half, 20-30 drops three times a day.It is necessary to carry out two courses of treatment per year (with a break between them).

Important! All medicinal preparations from barberry must be made only in enamel, glass or ceramic dishes.

How barberry is used in cosmetology

Speaking about what else barberry is needed for, it must be added that natural barberry products allow you to effectively care for skin, hair, etc. This thorny bush is often used by cosmetologists for the production of cosmetics (tonics, creams, shampoos, etc.). In folk cosmetology, decoctions are made from barberry for procedures:

anti-dandruff. Boil two tablespoons of dried fruits in 200 ml of water. After straining and cooling, use after washing your hair with a regular shampoo - rub into the scalp;
conditioner for rinsing hair. A decoction of leaves and fruits is perfect for the care of dry hair and dry scalp (prevents scalp fragility, irritation and inflammation, relieves itching). Dried or fresh berries and barberry leaves will do. In an enamel bowl, boil the raw materials with boiling water and leave for 40 minutes. Duration of treatment - a month (with regular rinsing of hair after shampooing);
for cosmetic ice. Daily rubbing with a cube of frozen broth rejuvenates and tones the skin, cleanses it from acne, brightens age spots, smoothes wrinkles;
for skin whitening and removal of freckles on the face and hands. Lotions are made from the broth, baths are made for hands.

Barberry masks have proven themselves well:

Barberry offers safe weight loss product- a special tincture of young leaves (20 g) for alcohol.

The leaves are poured with 120 ml of alcohol and placed in the dark and cool for two weeks (until they acquire a brown hue and acid).

The course of administration is 30 drops after meals (three weeks).

The use of barberry in cooking

Barberry is widely used as food, and its use in cooking has a long tradition. Caucasian and Central Asian cuisine is made from its berries and leaves a traditional seasoning for pilaf and shurpa - the cooking process is accelerated, the dishes acquire a pleasant aftertaste. Barberry has found wide application in the manufacture of confectionery products (syrups, jelly, sweets, pastilles, etc.). The following are prepared from barberry berries:

Did you know? In the 19th and early 20th centuries, in late autumn in Moscow, the famous barberry kvass, strong vinegar (diluted with water and drunk) was prepared from barberry. Pickled barberry was especially appreciated as a good seasoning for food - the berries were poured with sugar-salt syrup with vinegar and spices.

Barberry and its yellow flowers (with a very peculiar and not quite pleasant smell) are valued as a wonderful honey plant. Barberry honey has a golden color, rich taste and delicate aroma. In addition, many medicinal properties of barberry are preserved in it, and this honey is rightfully known as medicinal.

Procurement and storage of raw materials

Correct collection and storage of raw materials is of great importance. Barberry is a rather thorny shrub, so before harvesting, you need to properly equip yourself - tight gloves, closed clothes with long sleeves, and more. The timing of harvesting for different parts of the plant is different:

Blank roots held in April or November (during the rest period). The volume of the dug roots should not exceed one third of all the roots of the plant (re-harvesting of the roots of the same plant is possible in at least five years). The roots are cleared of soil, rotten or blackened areas. It is categorically impossible to wash - berberine will be washed out.

Fruit harvested in September-November. Only ripe fruits of barberry are subject to collection - they have the most pronounced beneficial properties (immature or greenish berries contain many alkaloids).
Bark harvested in April-May. In spring, it is easily removed from the shoots (using longitudinal and transverse cuts).
Leaves (whole, not damaged by diseases or pests) are harvested by hand (tearing, as a rule, young tops with leaves) in May - June.

The collected raw materials are dried: they are laid out in one layer under a canopy (or in dryers) with good air ventilation. A sign of fruit readiness is the non-stickiness of berries, if you take a handful with your hand. Correctly dried roots have a lemon color at the fracture, a barely noticeable smell and a bitter taste. Dry raw materials are stored in cardboard boxes, paper or linen bags for no more than two years (roots - three years).

Contraindications and harm from barberry

Wrong reception of barberry can lead to serious and even irreparable consequences - its useful and dangerous properties are often interrelated. So, the ability of the plant to stimulate muscle activity is very useful for women in the postpartum period (they increase the contractions of the uterus), but it can lead to miscarriage if you take barberry during pregnancy.

Flowers appear by the beginning of autumn. The rather pleasant taste of the berries of this plant allows you to prepare compotes and fruit drinks from them. Barberry berry extract is used in confectionery. Probably not to meet such a person who would not remember the taste of "barberries" from childhood. If the fruits are dried and chopped, you get a delicious seasoning that goes well with rice. These berries have many medicinal properties. Barberry is used in the treatment of a number of diseases, as well as as a weight loss aid.

Barberry composition

The healing properties of the plant are due to its chemical composition. So, berries are rich in vitamin C, carbohydrates, organic acids, beta-carotene, alkaloids. They also include macro- and microelements.As the berries ripen, the concentration of chemicals changes significantly. The longer the fruits are on the bush, the healthier they are. In September-October, after the first cold weather, the fructose content is maximum. It is at this time that it is customary to pick berries. Barberry is a very useful berry for health, therefore, those people who find it useful to grow plants in their backyards are trying to stock up on them for the winter and properly improve their health.

Valuable properties

The fruits of the plant have properties that allow them to be used not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine. Berries accelerate peristalsis, normalize digestion processes in the body, and have a choleretic effect. Barberry contains substances that help relieve pain of spastic origin. The plant also helps to normalize blood pressure, although its effect in this case is not so pronounced and against the background of hypertension may not be noticed. The tannins contained in barberry fruits help with constipation. Barberry drink helps to lower body temperature and reduce fever. In addition to those listed above, the berries contain other components that have a positive effect on the body, but they are no less pronounced. Berries, leaves and bark of barberry are part of some preparations and tinctures.

Application in traditional medicine

The berries of which leave no doubt are actively used in traditional medicine. Barberry contains the alkaloid berberine, which is localized not in the fruit, but in other parts of the plant. This substance has an effective and powerful choleretic effect. The bark of the plant is used to prepare tinctures used in the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases. Also, tinctures help in the treatment of jaundice.

Barberry has an excellent hemostatic effect, which is why it is used for bleeding of various kinds. Berries help improve appetite. Traditional medicine recognizes the fruit of the barberry as a natural antibiotic, an assistant with a weakened immune system. Barberry infused with water relieves rheumatic pains. The minimum amount of sugar it contains makes it beneficial for diabetics. Bright red berries are great for fighting colds and viral diseases. They help with bronchitis, sore throat, cough.

A decoction of the leaves helps with diseases of the pancreas and liver. It is also effective for inflammation, indigestion, stomach ulcers, dysentery, chronic diarrhea. Tincture of bark and leaves helps with pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, pneumonia. Rinse your mouth with broth for gum disease. The broth is used for douching to relieve female pain.

Fresh berries have a characteristic sourness, so they are sometimes marinated with added sugar. By eating berries, you can improve your condition with hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcers and stomach. Berries have a positive effect on strengthening the body's defense mechanisms.

Barberry in weight loss

Almost all vegetables, fruits and berries in one way or another are endowed with the properties of a fat burner and an aid in losing weight. Among these berries was barberry. Several facts do indicate that the fruit of the barberry is very suitable for consumption in the diet. The berry is used on the basis of its low calorie content, because the energy value of the product per 100 grams is only 35 kcal. When losing weight, it is very important to establish metabolic processes, which will also help this plant. Some caution in the use of fruits is still needed, because by increasing the secretion of the digestive glands, they increase the appetite. Sometimes goji berries and barberry berries are mistakenly placed in the same row. Customer reviews are filled with indignation about the popularity of the former and the underestimation of the latter.

Since all berries are satisfying and low in calories, barberry berries, in addition to their beneficial effect on human health, can also help in the issue of losing weight. But to get a visible result, you need to follow several recommendations. Firstly, you should not use the berries for a "snack", especially in cases where the nearest meal is still far away, and hunger is already quite noticeable. The nutrients of barberry berries are easily digestible carbohydrates, which are consumed by the body very quickly. The feeling of fullness will last up to an hour, even if you eat a large portion of berries. Secondly, when losing weight, you do not need to use barberry in the form of a seasoning, because when dried, it stimulates appetite many times more. The best way to use barberry for weight loss is to prepare compote from berries without adding sugar. A minimum of calories, a full stomach and a wonderful aroma - this is the result of drinking a barberry drink.

Berry drink

An effective barberry drink can be made very easily at home. You will need 50 grams of dried berries, a little granulated sugar, a pinch of vanilla for this. We wash the fruits and fill them with boiling water. Then we put on the stove, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After the drink is ready, let it stand for another 3 hours. Then strain the drink, add sugar and vanilla (or vanilla sugar) and you can enjoy its pleasant taste and aroma. It is worth remembering that this drink has a pronounced choleretic and diuretic effect.

Seasoning

Not only in folk medicine, but also in cooking, barberry berries are used. The beneficial properties are perfectly combined with excellent taste. Syrups, juices, compotes, jellies, preserves, sauces are prepared from the fruits of the shrub. Residents of the Caucasus use barberry in the preparation of meat dishes. Slightly unripe fruits can be served with various dishes, having previously salted or pickled. Barberry is often used in cooking as a seasoning, especially for pilaf. The spice slightly changes the color of the dish and gives it an exquisite aroma.

For the preparation of spices, barberry berries are preferably used. The recipes are presented in many variations. The most common is the following: the fruits, washed and poured overnight, must first be boiled until softened. Then rub them through a sieve and cover with sugar. You can add chopped cloves, ginger, cinnamon and boil again over low heat. The finished seasoning is poured into jars and rolled up. This spice is very suitable for meat and fish dishes.

Blanks

For blanks, roots, leaves, bark of a shrub, and not just berries are suitable. Barberry begins to be harvested at the beginning of May, when sap separation takes place. At the same time, the bark is dried in dryers and well ventilated. When the bush is just starting to bloom, the leaves are harvested and also dried. Barberry berries, the photos of which you can see in the article, are used to make jams, jams, medicinal tinctures for the winter. In spring or autumn, the roots of the bush are dug. Prepared parts are stored in rooms protected from moisture. Barberry retains its useful properties for up to three years.

Berries: barberry and goji

In appearance, these fruits are very similar to each other. This similarity gave rise to the opinion that the goji berry is a barberry. Some fans of miracle weight loss drugs began to get frustrated. Another factor that ignited interest in this issue is the fact that the people began to call them the Chinese barberry. The question arises of what is the difference between a foreign plant and a domestic one, that the first one has gained such untold popularity, and is the goji berry really a barberry?

Looking at the roots, it is obvious that only the taste and appearance of the fruits are somewhat similar. Botany clearly indicates that these plants belong to different families: goji - to Solanaceae, and barberry - to Barberry. We can talk about the similarity of goji berries to a greater extent with tomatoes than with barberry. The chemical composition of plants is also quite different. This suggests that goji berries and barberry berries are completely different products with different properties.

Contraindications

Despite all the beneficial properties of barberry berries, they are still not without contraindications, they must be used carefully, observing the dosage.

With prolonged use of barberry fruits and the preparations in which they are included, constipation (constipation) may gradually develop. You should not take barberry to patients in a pre-infarction state, suffering from high acidity of the stomach and thrombophlebitis. Barberry is contraindicated in obstetric and gynecological bleeding, as well as bleeding during menopause. It is not recommended to use barberry tinctures during pregnancy, with cirrhosis of the liver, with arterial hypertension, as well as for persons under 12 years of age.

Barberry is a unique plant, all parts of which are used in medical therapy. About what barberry is useful and what harm it can do to a person, it was well known to our ancestors. Today, even official medicine recognizes this plant as a medicinal one, and preparations made on its basis are a real magic wand in the fight against many ailments.

Barberry composition

Barberry berries are impressive in their composition:

tannins and pectin substances;
carotenoids;
ash;
organic acids;
vitamins C, E, K;
macro and microelements;
vitamin C.

Quite a lot of substances useful for human health are located in the roots and leaves of the shrub. They contain about 11 alkaloids, among them berberine, which has medicinal value, prevails. They also contain malic, citric, tartaric acids. The berries of a miracle shrub can boast of a scanty amount of carbohydrates, no more than 7%. Coumarin is present in the bark of the roots, not deprived of healing qualities.

Medicinal properties of the product

In addition to its pleasant appearance, the beneficial properties of barberry are highly valued.

Even the ancient Greeks used this product as a blood purifier.
The fruits of the bush are irreplaceable in the fight against colds.
A decoction of the bark is effective in treating gum disease.
Berry broth is an excellent means of combating vitamin deficiency.
Its bactericidal, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory qualities are highly valued.
With stagnation of bile, berries are used as a choleretic agent.
The tool normalizes the activity of the pancreas.
It has a pronounced diuretic and diaphoretic effect, therefore it is recommended to drink tea based on it with fever and heat.
It is used for liver pathologies.
Fruit tea is indispensable for strengthening the walls of the capillaries.
The drug is able to lower blood pressure.
A decoction of the fruit is effective for diarrhea and poisoning.
Means prepared on the basis of bush leaves are effective for diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Decoctions from the bark contribute to the treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.

Important! Barberry retains many of its medicinal properties even after heat treatment, which is an important aspect.

How to properly prepare barberry

For any medicinal plant, it is important to properly collect and prepare it. Barberry is no exception.

Fruits should be picked in late autumn. Only fully ripe berries are suitable for assembly, in which the maximum amount of vitamins and useful components is presented. The collected product is laid out in a thin layer on a baking sheet and placed in the oven. Drying should be started at a minimum temperature of 45 0 Celsius, gradually increasing to 60 0. To determine if the fruit is dry, you need to take a handful of them in your hand. Non-sticky berries are an indicator of their readiness. It is recommended to store dried barberry in a cardboard box in a dry place. For 2 years, all the beneficial qualities of the berries are preserved.

Harvesting the roots of this plant should be done in late autumn. For drying, they are laid out in a thin layer on cardboard or fabric, placed in the attic or in a dryer.

Dried barberry is popular not only in our folk medicine, but also in cooking.

The use of barberry

Any part of this unique shrub, be it leaves, root, or berries, has certain medicinal qualities. Its fruits are distinguished by a pronounced sour taste. They make excellent compotes, jelly, liqueurs, syrups and even sweets. Pickled barberry, which has a slightly sour taste, goes well with fried vegetables.

The bush leaves are rich in vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and mineral salts. Tea is brewed from them or a decoction is prepared. Effective as a hemostatic and choleretic agent.

The bark and roots of the plant are used to prepare broths, which are an excellent medicinal drug for various ailments. The roots are dried and added to the tea. You can use both fresh and dried barberry.

Fruit decoction

Application: effective for bronchitis, cough, pneumonia, colds. Excellent choleretic, diaphoretic and diuretic.

Preparation: 2 large tablespoons of barberry fruits are poured into 0.5 liters. water, put on a slow fire and boil for about 20 minutes. The broth is filtered and boiled water is brought to its original volume. It is recommended to take 50 ml. three times a day.

Decoction of leaves

Application: remedy relieves an attack of nausea, is used for diarrhea, cramps in the stomach and intestines.

Preparation: plant leaves in the amount of 15 grams are poured with a glass of water, put on fire and boiled for about 10 minutes. The resulting broth is filtered and boiled water is added to it so that the original amount returns. Take one spoonful of tablespoon four times a day.

Root decoction

Application: in cases of gum inflammation, it is used to rinse the mouth. Effective as an analgesic and antispasmodic agent. Lotions from a decoction of the root relieve spasms of the muscles of the legs with radiculitis and arthritis.

Preparation: a tablespoon of ground barberry root is added to water (400 ml) and put on fire. After the broth has boiled for two minutes, remove it and let it brew for about half an hour. Take the strained broth one tablespoon every hour for diarrhea and intestinal spasms.

Barberry - means for weight loss

Barberry berries are classified as low-calorie and dietary products. They can boast of a low calorie content: 100 grams of raw materials contain only 9.6 kcal. Therefore, barberry for weight loss has become widespread in recent years.

There are many recipes based on these berries and helping to get rid of extra pounds. Their use requires a preliminary study of what harm medicinal berries can cause to the body. Among all the options stand out:

Barberry for weight loss, tincture recipe.

20 grams of leaves of this plant are filled with 100 grams of vodka. The resulting mass should be removed for 2 weeks in a dark, cool place. As soon as the allotted time has expired, strain the infusion, remove the leaves. Take a miracle infusion of 25 drops in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening. Continue for 2 weeks.

Tea made from the fruit or root of the plant.

Barberry for weight loss is effective if consumed as a tea. Preparing such a tool is simple. 1 teaspoon of crushed dry berries or plant roots is poured into a glass of boiled water. After 10 minutes of infusion, the drink is divided into three parts and drunk during the day after meals.

Barberry for weight loss can be prepared as compote. In this case, instead of sugar, you can add a slice of lemon, which will add spice to the drink. The body will receive a low-calorie, but at the same time, nutrient-rich product.

Contraindications for the use of barberry

The benefits of barberry are beyond doubt. However, in a number of cases, this product should be taken with caution so as not to harm the body. Contraindications to the use of barberry can be noted in the following situations:

During pregnancy, it is better to refrain from using this remedy. Irreparable harm can cause the expectant mother to the ability of barberry to stimulate muscle activity. As a result, there is a threat of miscarriage. You should also not eat barberry while breastfeeding.
Contraindications to the use of the product can be noted in patients using sedatives. This is because barberry has a powerful sedative effect.
Significant harm is expressed when overeating berries or in case of an overdose of drugs prepared on the basis of this plant. Dizziness, nausea, seizures, epistaxis, kidney failure, etc. may result.
Barberry can cause significant harm to human health by its ability to lower blood sugar levels, so you need to be careful with diabetes.
The product is not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age.
Unripe berries can also cause considerable harm to the body. They contain poisonous compounds that can cause intoxication, expressed by vomiting, diarrhea.
Contraindications to use are people suffering from complex forms of hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cirrhosis of the liver.

Important! When treating with barberry (especially with a decoction from the bark), one should take into account the specific toxicity of berberine, especially in relation to liver cells. Therefore, when carrying out treatment, it is imperative to coordinate all your steps with the doctor.

In any case, before starting such treatment, it is necessary to measure the possible harm and benefit to the body, find out what contraindications exist and only then make a decision.

Knowing the medicinal properties and contraindications of barberry, you can start therapy. However, it should be remembered that large doses are dangerous to the human body, and treatment should not last more than one month.

Some symptoms of the appearance:

excessive sweating;
weakening of the immune system, frequent colds;
weakness, fatigue;
nervous state, depression;
headaches and migraines;
alternating diarrhea and constipation;
want sweet and sour;
bad breath;
frequent feeling of hunger;
weight loss problems;
decreased appetite;
night grinding of teeth, drooling;
pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
cough does not go away;
acne on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or are in doubt about the causes of the ailments, you need to cleanse your body as soon as possible. How to do it .

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.

In Russia, a wonderful shrub grows, which is popular among gardeners for planting in their garden plots - barberry. There are over 500 varieties of this plant in the world, of which 12 species are in the Russian Federation. It grows mainly on stony slopes and talus, in forests located on the mountain surface and along the edges of the North Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia, and the Far East.

The most common is the use of common barberry - an ornamental plant that is very useful for human health. The berries are 1 cm long, with seeds, rich red or yellow-red color, sweet-sour taste with a stunning alluring aroma. Berries are eaten both fresh and processed.

Barberry useful properties

Berries fight thirst, increase appetite and are a good remedy for constipation. In the root system and in the leaves there are 11 alkaloids, including such a substance as berberine up to 1%, in the leaves - vitamin C, carotene and organic acids. The fruits contain substances that prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and the formation of blood clots in the vessels.

In addition to its wonderful appearance, barberry is a very useful plant, it is used to treat many diseases, as well as in cooking, cosmetology! Its uniqueness is that the berber contained in barberry effectively fights intestinal infections, stimulates digestion, prevents diabetes mellitus, supports the immune system ...

It has many advantages, but it must be treated with caution, since it lowers blood sugar levels and people with a diagnosis of diabetes need to be extremely careful, as well as due to the high acidity of berries it is not advisable to consume, stomach and intestinal diseases, and also with cirrhosis of the liver.

The use of barberry

Freezing of berries for the winter is widespread; such berries are very useful during a period of vitamin deficiency. Marshmallows, juices, preserves, jam, seasonings for various meat dishes are prepared from barberry berries. In order to preserve the berries for a long time, they need to be covered with sugar and kept in a cool place. Unripe berries are poisonous, but after ripening they lose these properties.

Barberry is used in the manufacture of confectionery products for the appearance of a sour-sweetish taste and fragrant aroma.
For the treatment of the stomach, for colds as a means of lowering the temperature, for diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, the roots of the plant are used, for diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder - the bark of the roots.
In gynecology and liver diseases, leaves are widely used.
A decoction of flowers is used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
The fruits are also used for antibacterial and bactericidal effects on the body.

Contraindications for barberry

Barberry should not be consumed by people who are prone to allergies to the components contained in berries. Since barberry is able to lower blood pressure, lower heart rate and dilate blood vessels, they should not be eaten by pregnant women (the risk of fainting increases), children under twelve years of age, and women who suffer from bleeding after childbirth and menopause.

Barberry for weight loss: what is useful

The uniqueness of barberry lies in the fact that it is used for weight loss. In its fruits there are no proteins and fats, at the same time there is a high content of vitamins A, E, K, micro and macro elements, which strengthens the body and improves the general condition. 100 grams of the product contains a fairly small amount of kcal - only 30.

Berries perfectly improve digestion, cleanse toxins and speed up metabolic processes. For weight loss, it is worth taking only ripe berries in any form: fresh, in the form of decoctions, compotes and tinctures.

Barberry tea. Healing properties

To treat diseases and prevent health, you can brew barberry. Brew two tablespoons of fruits and leaves, dried and crushed before, in one glass of water. Brewing takes place for at least thirty minutes. Next, filter through a sieve or cheesecloth and take a tablespoon three times a day before meals, decoction of leaves or 1/3 tablespoon of decoction of berries.

For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the liver and respiratory tract, a decoction from the roots of a bush is used, crushing and drying the roots before that. To brew the crushed roots, take half a teaspoon in one glass of water, infuse the brew for half an hour and filter. Drink a teaspoon three times a day. The leaves of the shrub are dried in the open air during the flowering period of barberry, and the berries are dried in the oven at temperatures up to 45 degrees.

Barberry tea is very beneficial for human health. It is made from leaves or fruits: one teaspoon per glass of boiling water. Tea has a healing effect, you need to drink it for two weeks three times a day, then take a short break and you can repeat the cycle of healing and rejuvenating the body. A ready-made mixture of leaves and fruits of the plant can also be purchased at the pharmacy.

How to properly brew barberry for a cold

Consisting of:
1.40 grams of barberry fruit
2.0.5 liters of water
3.10 milliliters of real honey
Add 40 grams of barberry berries to 0.5 liters of water. Then we add honey. Boil on a low heat for 1/3 hour. Wait for the broth to cool. Filter the broth from impurities and dilute to a volume of 0.5 liters, dilute with water. Consume three times in twenty-four hours, fifty milliliters each.

How to brew barberry to treat gum inflammation

Consisting of:
1.30 grams of barberry root
2.630 milliliters of water
Add the root to the water, boil on a low heat level, for 16 minutes. Wait four hours. Filter the broth from impurities. And add 230 ml of water. Rinse your mouth about twice during the day.

Diuretic from barberry

Consisting of:
1.55 grams of dried barberry
2.65 grams of sugar
3.2 grams of vanilla powder
Barberry Wash the barberry thoroughly. The washed barberry is poured with boiling water of 1 liter. Simmer for about 10 minutes on a low heat. Withstand the broth for 2 hours. Filter the broth from impurities. Dissolve sugar and vanilla powder in boiling water and pour into the infusion. Used as needed.

Pain reliever and antispasmodic from barberry

Consisting of:
1.20 grams of barberry root
2.400 milliliters of water
In 20 grams of barberry root, pour 400 milliliters of water. Simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes. After it is necessary to withstand the broth for 1/2 hour. And filter the infusion from impurities. They are also used to treat constipation. They also make lotions for muscle spasm. Helps with sciatica and arthritis.

How to brew barberry for liver pathology

Consisting of:
1.40 grams of dried barberry leaves
2.200 milliliters of water.
Bring the water to a boil. Fill the dried leaves with boiling water. We insist sixty-five minutes. It is consumed a day 4-5 times, 20 milliliters. It also helps with gallbladder diseases.

How to brew barberry for bleeding and inflammation

Consisting of:
1.85 grams dried barberry leaves
2.425 milliliters of vodka
Soaked in vodka for two weeks. Consume about 25-30 drops about three times a day. After that, you need to take a ten-day break. If there are no problems, it is drunk again.

How to brew barberry with rose hips

To brew barberry with rose hips, we certainly need the fruits themselves, boiling water and not a lot of patience! We wash the berries under cold water, pour them into a container, fill them with boiling water and let them brew, then filter through a sieve and the broth is ready! Drink for health!

How to brew the branches and leaves of barberry

A decoction is made from the branches of the barberry, which serves as a lotion for fractures, muscle stretching. For this we need 1 tablespoon of the mixture in 200 ml of water, boil for 5 minutes and apply a compress

An infusion of barberry leaves is used as an anti-inflammatory and choleretic, for this we dry the leaves, insist in boiling water for an hour, filter and apply.

How to brew and take barberry root

A teaspoon of dried roots, pour 400 ml of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes, cool and rinse. Drink 100 ml 3 times a day in order to avoid rheumatism, pleurisy and tuberculosis. Also used for inflammation of the gums for rinsing the mouth. ...

The root of barberry is used to treat colds, used as a sedative. It helps to treat a lot of skin diseases, even such as psoriasis, but it also has a lot of pluses and minuses, for example, in case of an overdose, there is loss of consciousness, diarrhea, vomiting, pregnant women and children are strictly forbidden to use the infusion.
Since the roots of this plant constrict blood vessels and the blood begins to clot faster, they cannot be used for heart pathologies.

How to brew barberry berries in gynecology

The berries of barberry, with the correct preparation of the infusion, serve to stop uterine bleeding, in the period after childbirth, during the inflammatory process, accelerate blood clotting, and reduce blood pressure. To prepare the infusion, you need 20 g of barberry leaves, pour the contents of 70% alcohol and leave for 10 days

Barberry berries for children

There are no children who have not tried barberry as a child. This sweet and sour taste of sweets is remembered for a lifetime. Barberry itself is unique; not only candies for children are made from it, but also jam, as well as vitamins C, E, mineral salts. For children diagnosed with diabetes, this berry will serve as a medicine that lowers blood glucose.

Barberry root application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, barberry root is also used, its decoction is used as skin whitening, elimination of some defects, wrinkles, strengthening of the hair follicle. Thanks to the infusion, the hair becomes soft and silky, eliminates dandruff. For many freckles are a highlight of a person, and someone has to hide from sun, a decoction of lotions whitens even the most persistent freckles.

Barberry oil brightens the skin of the face, evens out tone, reduces inflammation, promotes healing, tones and strengthens.

Barberry is used not only for food purposes, its roots are capable of staining the skin, tissue yellow, and fruits purple. When making crafts and decorative works, I widely use barberry wood. In cosmetology, the skin of the face is rubbed with decoctions of barberry to eliminate fine wrinkles, the skin becomes velvety and elastic. The barberry mask helps to get rid of dandruff, the treatment lasts up to two months.

Video about the benefits and use of barberry

It has many useful properties, and its berries contain many vitamins and deserve a special mention.

Barberry berries can be red and black

Appearance

Externally, barberry berries are oblong oval and purple or bright red. They are up to 1 cm long and have a pronounced sour taste. One berry can contain several seeds half a centimeter long. They flatten slightly towards the center and taper towards the top.

Features:

Unripe green berries of barberry are poisonous, therefore, in no case should they be consumed. Harvesting is carried out during the period of full maturation. In pure form, barberry berries are eaten only pickled or boiled, as they are sour.

Are barberries and goji berries the same?

No, these are different plants. Goji berries are common dereza (barbaric) or berber dereza. Goji berries contribute to very rapid weight loss.

Characteristics

Barberry berries have the following characteristics:

have a rich vitamin composition;
used as a dye for fabrics and leather.

The berries contain a sufficient amount of organic acids, including malic, citric, tartaric and others, as well as pectin-containing substances. Due to the high content of vitamins C and K, as well as carotene, barberry berries are invaluable.

Beneficial features

Barberry berries have the following beneficial properties:

remove toxic substances due to pectin;
have a sedative effect;
produce a rejuvenating effect;
often used in medicine in decoctions and infusions.

Harm

Only unripe barberry berries are harmful, which contain a huge amount of berberine and alkaloids and cause poisoning.

Application

In cooking

Due to their sour taste, barberry berries add spice to dishes and find their use in cooking as follows:

added to compotes, syrups and jelly;
jam is made from them;
jelly, candies, marshmallows are produced from them;
participate in the production of strong liqueurs;
pickled, served with stews of vegetables;
in dried form it is used as a seasoning;
added to oriental cuisine;
in dried form an obligatory ingredient of pilaf.

Morse

Teas and fruit drinks are made from barberry berries, as well as juice. To make fruit drink from berries, you should:

pour dried berries with hot water and boil for 10 minutes on low heat;
the broth is insisted for one and a half hours and filtered;
sugar and vanilla powder pre-mixed in a small amount of water are added to it;
everything is mixed together.

In medicine

Barberry berries are used in medicine in the following cases:

to improve appetite;
to strengthen the heart and blood vessels;
as a choleretic agent;
to normalize hormonal levels and the thyroid gland;
as a hemostatic agent;
for the treatment of liver and bladder diseases;
to relieve fever and fever.

Tea

To strengthen the general condition and improve the work of the heart, it is recommended to drink barberry tea.To do this, take a spoonful of dried berries, which are poured over 200 ml of boiling water. You can add sugar to taste. The tea is infused for about 10 minutes, after which it can be filtered. It is recommended to warm this tea before drinking and drink it half an hour after eating.

You can find out more information about the beneficial properties of barberry from the program "1001 Scheherazade spices"

In cosmetology

A striking effect on the skin of the face is provided by a barberry mask prepared according to the following recipe:

several tablespoons of oatmeal is brewed with hot milk, after which the mixture is allowed to cool;
200 g of milled barberry berries are mixed with swollen oatmeal;
an egg and a spoonful of honey are added to the mask.

Keep the mask on the skin for up to 20 minutes. It is especially useful for aging skin, as it makes it more elastic.

When losing weight

Barberry berries are low in calories. 100 grams of berries contain less than 30 kcal. While losing weight, it is extremely useful to drink vitamin barberry drinks, which will improve metabolism and provide the body with the necessary substances.