Useful properties and contraindications of dogwood for women

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Cornelian cherry (lat. Cornus mas) is a plant whose medicinal properties have been valued for centuries. Modern herbal medicine recommends using its fruits also for stomach problems.

Useful properties for women and contraindications to the use of dogwood deserve special attention. It is used in folk medicine as a means of preventing and treating anemia, including in pregnant and lactating women.

Botanical description

Depending on the variety, the dogwood can have leaves and fruits of different colors. It belongs to the Cornaceae family. Reaches 3-8 meters in height and can live up to 100 years!

It has large red fruits with a slightly tart taste and large bones inside. It is best to collect them at the turn of autumn and winter. It is very frost-resistant, so it feels great in the Russian climate.

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Wood from the Caucasus

Excavations show that the Caucasus is the birthplace of the dogwood. This is evidenced by archaeological finds, which are about 7000 years old. Dogwood is the most widely known and widespread plant in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. He was highly regarded by the Persians. They made jams and salty snacks from the fruit of the plant.

The Byzantines also actively used dogwood in cooking. In the United States, it is known primarily as an ornamental plant. Here you can see only its inedible varieties.

The Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa) is found in China and Japan. It is smaller than its Russian counterpart, and its fruits resemble lychees in appearance. Today edible berries are used in Iranian, Caucasian, Georgian cuisines.

Luxury symbol

In the past, the dogwood was considered a symbol of sophistication and luxury. After all, red was a symbol of rulers in many countries. He was planted in the gardens of monasteries and in the imperial courts. In our country, there are wild-growing plant species, but there are also decorative ones. They are grown in nurseries.

Beneficial features

In folk medicine, dogwood fruits have been used, which contain many mineral elements, primarily iron, as well as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese. It contains beta-carotene, flavonoids, organic acids (malic and cinchona), pectins, tannins and sugars (about 10-13%).

Berries are also a rich source of vitamin C (an average of 100-200 mg per 100 g), as well as P and A. Red dogwood fruits are a rich source of anthocyanins (antioxidants from the flavonoid group), the content of which can exceed 900 mg / 100 g. their skin contains 4, 5 times more than in the pulp.

Dogwood for anemia

Knowing what useful properties and contraindications the dogwood has for women, you can effectively use it to solve various problems. Its fruits contain a lot of iron, so they are recommended for pregnant women.

This trace element is a component of hemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells. Their task is to transport oxygen to all cells of the body.

In the case of iron deficiency, the oxygenation process does not proceed properly and symptoms of anemia appear. These include:

• weakness;
• pallor of the skin;
• brittle hair;
• seizures in the corners of the mouth;
• headache;
• insomnia.

The useful properties of dogwood for women and its contraindications are the subject of active discussions today. Few know that it can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of anemia. It is also recommended for women who have menses with a lot of blood loss.

For stomach problems

In folk medicine, cornelian cherry, due to the content of organic acids, phytoncides and other active compounds, is used for stomach problems, since it has an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect.

In addition, due to its tannin content, it is used in the form of a decoction or fresh juice for diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It is useful for metabolic disorders, therefore it is especially recommended for women struggling with overweight and obesity.

With kidney disease

Cornel is a diuretic. It increases the amount of fluid and sodium excreted by the body in the urine, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. For this reason, modern herbalists recommend using the fruits of the plant as an adjuvant in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. They are appointed for the purpose of improving their functioning.

With cystitis, dogwood berries are also effectively used. The useful properties of the plant for women and contraindications to its use are generally quite extensive.

Where it grows and when to pick berries

Dogwood grows in forests as a shrub or small tree. Small white flowers bloom in late February and early March. Red, elongated fruits have a tart taste. It feels like a cross between cranberries and cherries. The berries can be harvested from July to October.

Keep in mind, however, that dogwood fruits have large seeds and little pulp, so peeling them can be problematic. The best way is to cut the fruit a little and just squeeze a bone out of it.

Other beneficial properties

In folk medicine, tincture of cornelian berries or flowers has found application as an effective antipyretic agent for colds. It helps to strengthen the immune system.

The useful properties and contraindications of dogwood for women also relate to the neurological sphere. In alternative medicine, fruit-based forehead compresses are used to relieve migraines.

Bathing in a bath with the addition of a decoction of the bark and leaves of the plant relieves pain in rheumatism and arthritis. Modern scientific research has also proven that the anthocyanins contained in dogwood fruits have anti-cancer effects, and also effectively prevent the development of inflammation in the body. They have also been found to increase insulin secretion. The list of contraindications for taking dogwood is small: gastritis with high acidity, ulcers, allergy to plant fruits.

Cooking use

The useful properties of dogwood for women and contraindications to its intake cannot be studied without considering the question of its correct preparation. After freezing, the fruits of the plant can be eaten raw or used for sauces, jams, preserves, syrups, juices, liqueurs and tinctures. Also, a filling for sweets is made from dogwood.

Dogwood jam

To make dogwood jam, you will need:

• 1 kg of ripe dogwood;
• 2 kg of sugar.

The fruits must be washed and pitted. If jam will be an addition to tea, they can be left. Next, boil the syrup: mix sugar and 1/2 liter of water, bring to a boil. Then you need to add the berries, leave for 24 hours. After this time, put the container with fruits on high heat. When the syrup begins to boil, reduce the heat and continue cooking until the dogwood is transparent. After that, it remains to pour the hot jam into the jars.

Dogwood tea

Dogwood tea is very useful for women who have undergone difficult childbirth or gynecological operations. It strengthens the body, helps to recuperate faster, supports the digestive tract and boosts immunity. It is also recommended for colds.

It is necessary to pour a teaspoon of dried dogwood fruits with a slide into a glass, pour boiling water and let stand under the lid for 15 minutes. Unlike other herbal teas, dogwood tea can be drunk without any restrictions.

Berry juice

This juice is ideal for women to improve overall health in case of anemia and as a source of vitamins during pregnancy. It is better for nursing mothers to avoid it, as it can cause allergic reactions in the baby. They are advised to opt for weak cornelian cherry tea. What you need to make juice:

• 1 kg of berries;
• 0.5 kg of sugar;
• 3 liters of water.

Preparation:

1. Wash the fruits thoroughly, pour 3 liters of boiling water.
2. Set aside for 24 hours.
3. Drain the water into a separate bowl and put on fire.
4. Boil the juice in this way, pour the berries over them again and leave for 2 days.
5. Repeat the procedure on the third day.
6. After 4 days, strain the juice, add sugar and cook.
7. Remove the resulting foam and bottle the resulting drink. The juice rich in vitamins is ready!

Bonus

If we briefly list the points considered, then we can draw the following conclusion:

1. Cornel is used in folk medicine to treat anemia, stomach and kidney problems.
2. Berries can be included on the menu as a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.
3. The fruits of the plant are especially useful for pregnant and lactating women due to the presence in the composition of all the substances most important for the body.