Useful properties and contraindications of lingonberries, use for medicinal purposes

Many people are interested in the beneficial properties and contraindications of lingonberries. This product contains a large number of valuable components that have a beneficial effect on human health. The berries and leaves of the plant are used for various conditions, significantly improving health. However, contraindications for their use should also be considered.

Chemical composition of lingonberries

Lingonberries are 86% water. They also contain many valuable components, including:

• vitamins – A, B group, C, PP, E;
• manganese and iron;
• flavonoids – prevent sclerotic vascular lesions;
• organic acids;
• lycopene – produces a pronounced antioxidant effect;
• glycoside vaccinin is an antiseptic component that helps treat urinary tract pathologies;
• tanning components;
• Zeaxanthin – improves the functioning of the visual organ.

Beneficial properties for the human body

Lingonberry has a healing effect on the body. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Regular consumption of lingonberries stimulates intestinal function and improves appetite. This effect is due to the high content of organic acids in the product. Once ingested, these acids stimulate the synthesis of digestive enzymes and lead to increased saliva production. This helps digest and assimilate food more quickly.

Lingonberry skins contain pectin. This component helps cleanse the intestines of toxins, radionuclides, and cholesterol.

For vision

Ripe berries contain components that supply blood to the eyes. Stimulating blood circulation helps improve visual acuity. Therefore, many doctors recommend regularly consuming lingonberry syrup and jam.

In addition, the fruits contain beta-carotene, an important component that helps improve visual function. This vitamin helps improve vision in the evening and at night.

Removing parasites from the body

People often need to deworm their bodies. To combat this problem, it's helpful to prepare a healthy drink from lingonberries. The effectiveness of this remedy is due to the high content of ascorbic acid in lingonberries. This substance normalizes immune function and protects the body from the harmful effects of parasites.

For the circulatory system

Lingonberries contain potassium. This component helps strengthen blood vessel walls and normalize heart rate. Daily consumption of the fruit improves circulation and stabilizes blood pressure.

The plant contains a lot of iron. This substance normalizes hemoglobin synthesis. This improves blood oxygenation, making a person more alert and active.

For diabetes

This medicinal plant helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used for type 2 diabetes. It also helps improve pancreatic function.

The unique composition of lingonberries promotes the restoration of damaged cells. To do this, pour 20 grams of lingonberries into a glass of boiling water and simmer for half an hour over low heat. Consume the prepared mixture 10 minutes before meals.

For immunity

The berries contain a large amount of vitamin C. Thanks to this component, lingonberries are excellent for strengthening the immune system.

It is especially useful to use it during periods of viral infection epidemics.

To avoid infection, simply eat delicious jam or drink fruit juice. It's easy to make from frozen berries.

For hypertension

To reduce high blood pressure, use a lingonberry decoction. It is recommended to take one small spoonful of dried leaves and mix them with an equal amount of crushed berries. Pour the resulting mixture into a glass of hot water and drink it daily for one month. Repeat the treatment after 30 days.

You can also use another recipe. It's recommended to take 20 grams of the dried herb and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Drink the resulting drink daily for two weeks.

For kidney disease

Cranberries are also beneficial for kidney conditions. The plant's leaves help cleanse the kidneys of stones and sand. They also help combat inflammation.

To do this, take 20 grams of leaves and pour 250 milliliters of boiling water over them. Let it steep for 1 hour, then squeeze out the pulp. Take 20 milliliters of the resulting mixture. This is recommended before each meal.

Against liver diseases

Lingonberry is also highly effective in treating liver conditions. It has a cleansing effect on the body. Drinking lingonberry tea is recommended to improve liver function. This product also helps with gallbladder problems.

How are lingonberries useful in weight loss diets?

100 grams of berries contain only 46 kilocalories. They contain only slow carbohydrates. Therefore, they are suitable for people trying to lose weight.

A small amount of lingonberry helps curb hunger without adding too many calories to your diet. Furthermore, decoctions of lingonberry leaves improve digestion and have a positive impact on your health.

Lingonberries promote weight loss, so they're often included in various diets. They can even be consumed during fasting days. Don't expect lingonberries to have a fat-burning effect. However, they do have beneficial effects on the body:

1. Lingonberries contain tannin, a substance that normalizes digestive function. When gastrointestinal problems occur, weight loss may plateau or decrease very slowly. To avoid such problems, regularly consume lingonberries.
2. The plant's leaves are used to make decoctions that help relieve constipation. These remedies cleanse the body of excess fluid, which often causes edema.
3. Lingonberry berries and decoctions improve metabolic processes and also help strengthen the immune system.

Doctors claim that lingonberries are beneficial for the body during weight loss. Therefore, they are often recommended for people trying to manage obesity. Lingonberry leaf infusions are used to combat bowel problems and eliminate digestive disorders.

The nuances of using lingonberries

To ensure that lingonberries bring only benefits to the body, it is recommended to take into account some of the features of their consumption.

During pregnancy and lactation

This product should not be consumed without consulting a doctor. This is especially important in late pregnancy. Otherwise, there is a risk of allergies in the baby. If your blood sugar levels rise, you should avoid fruit drinks and preserves.

If there is a risk of premature termination of pregnancy, the product should be completely excluded.

In other cases, lingonberries are beneficial for pregnant women. They can be used to prevent morning sickness. During the first trimester, they can help prevent viral infections. Consuming lingonberries in late pregnancy will help detoxify the body. This will help prevent kidney problems and swelling.

Cranberry juice is considered optimal for pregnant women. However, doctors recommend no more than two glasses of the drink per day. This amount is sufficient for a noticeable diuretic effect.

In childhood

Lingonberries are safe to eat at any age. Children are given them to prevent viral infections and colds. The product is excellent for vitamin deficiencies, anemia, weakened immunity, and gum problems.

Using lingonberries to prepare various dishes helps replenish nutrients in the body.

Decoctions made from the plant's leaves can help combat inflammation and infections. Candied berries can be a healthy alternative to candy and are suitable for all ages.

Traditional medicine recipes based on lingonberries

To ensure that the plant benefits the body, it is necessary to use effective folk recipes.

Lingonberry juice

To make a fragrant drink, take 500 grams of berries and pour 3 liters of warm water over them. Let sit for half an hour, then run through a juicer. Place the resulting pulp on the stove and simmer for 30 minutes. Let the mixture steep for 1-2 hours. Strain the mixture and add 50-80 milliliters of cranberry juice.

Lingonberry tea

To make a healthy lingonberry tea, take 1 small spoon of crushed leaves and add 250 milliliters of boiling water. Let it steep for 30 minutes.

It is recommended to drink the resulting mixture half an hour before meals, three times a day. Consume 50-100 milliliters of the drink at a time. It helps manage chronic gastritis. The product's beneficial properties are due to the high content of tannins.

Infusion of leaves

This drink is quite easy to make. Take 4 small spoons of crushed leaves and mix them with 500 milliliters of boiling water. Place in a double boiler for 15 minutes. It is recommended to prepare the mixture in an enamel bowl.

Cool the mixture for 45 minutes, then filter through cheesecloth. Add boiled water to bring the original volume up to 50 milliliters. Drink daily before meals. A single dose is 50 milliliters.

Infusion of fruits

To make this remedy, take 200 grams of lingonberries and rinse them with boiling water. Then add 400 milliliters of cold water and let sit for 6 hours. Drink half a glass before meals, 4 times a day. This remedy helps with liver and kidney diseases. It is used to treat gastritis and colitis.

Decoction of leaves

This remedy is effective against urolithiasis. To prepare the medicinal mixture, take 2 tablespoons of leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Place the ingredients in an enamel bowl and cover with a lid.

Place in a steam bath for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes, and strain. Strain the finished mixture. Add 200 milliliters of boiled water to the infusion. Store the mixture for a maximum of 2 days. Store in a cool place. Drink the mixture 2-3 times a day, 60-80 milliliters per serving.

Application in cosmetology

Lingonberries have a unique composition, making them suitable for use in cosmetology. They are used to create effective homemade products that help achieve the following results:

• restore hair structure, cope with dandruff, fungus, seborrhea;
• cleanse the skin and improve complexion;
• increase the tone of the dermis;
• cope with dermatological disorders – acne, rashes, inflammation.

The lingonberry-based composition has a pronounced antibacterial effect. This helps prevent inflammation and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissue.

Are there any contraindications to eating berries?

In some cases, lingonberries can be harmful. Key contraindications include bleeding and hemorrhoids. The product significantly thins the blood and can aggravate bleeding.

Cranberry juice and berries should not be consumed by those with high gastric acidity. Other contraindications include ulcer recurrence and hypotension. Anyone with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor before consuming lingonberries.

Lingonberry is a beneficial plant with therapeutic benefits. It can be used to improve digestive function, strengthen the immune system, and treat kidney and liver diseases. However, caution should be exercised and the recommended dosage should not be exceeded.