Dried dogwood. Beneficial properties of dogwood for humans

The benefits of dogwood have been known for a long time, but fresh berries can only be found in season, so many lovers often prepare it for future use on their own by drying it. This is not surprising, because dried dogwood retains its beneficial properties (as well as contraindications) to the maximum extent, moreover, its taste only gets better because the sourness almost disappears from it, and the pulp itself gets a softer structure.

If this unique shrub grows in your garden, be sure to try making yourself vitamin reserves for the winter. Of course, if you wish, you can buy ready-made dried dogwood in the store, but homemade preparations are always high-quality, natural and harmless, which cannot be said about purchased products. What are the beneficial properties of dried dogwood, and what contraindications does it have? We’ll talk about that today.

What are the benefits of dried dogwood?

As already mentioned, in dried form, dogwood retains all its beneficial properties and does not lose its medicinal effect. Why is this happening? The thing is that the berries are dried at a low temperature, excluding heat treatment, and hence the loss of vitamins. Small wrinkled berries provide great assistance to the body, helping it fight various diseases, and also serve as a preventive measure for their occurrence.

What are the benefits of dried dogwood? Its rich vitamin composition allows it to have a beneficial effect on human health, namely:

• strengthen immunity;
• increase appetite;
• ease the course of colds and speed up recovery;
• remove toxins in case of poisoning;
• prevent the occurrence of anemia;
• relieve heartburn;
• compensate for the lack of potassium and other trace elements;
• strengthen blood vessels and normalize blood pressure.

Dogwood helps food to be better absorbed and prevents the oxidation of fats obtained from other foods, thereby regulating fat metabolism and making it easy to monitor weight.

Dried sugar has invaluable benefits for diabetics: while serving as a natural source of glucose, it itself helps to lower its level in the blood. Thus, by feasting on sweet berries, people with this disease can afford to eat sweets (and without the use of artificial substitutes), and even without negative consequences.

Features of calorie content of fresh and dried berries

Undoubtedly, dogwood is a healthy dietary product, as it contains absolutely no fat. However, it is worth noting that the calorie content of dried dogwood is several times higher than that of fresh berries. However, this does not play a special role, since its indicators are still insignificant “for the figure”, namely: a little more than 200 kcal for dried dogwood versus 44 kcal for fresh fruits (per 100 g of weight).

But diabetics should limit the consumption of dried dogwood, despite its benefits, because 100 g of dried berries contain almost 50 g of carbohydrates, while fresh ones have only 10 g. The protein ratio does not change significantly: about 5 g versus 1 g.

When should you not eat dogwood?

Despite its benefits, dried dogwood can also cause harm, especially if you do not take into account existing health problems. So, it is better to refuse tasty berries and decoctions or tinctures based on them if there are such violations:

• in the stomach area (gastritis, ulcers, increased acidity);
• increased excitability of the nervous system;
• tendency to constipation;
• exacerbation of chronic kidney diseases.

If you have the above problems, including dogwood in your diet will only aggravate their course: for example, vitamin C will have a negative effect on digestion, and the tonic effect will harm the nervous system and cause insomnia. Do not forget about individual intolerance - this also happens and instead of benefit from dogwood there will only be harm.

Dried dogwood should also be given to small children with caution. For one-year-old babies, a couple of berries are enough, and for preschoolers (in the absence of a negative reaction), 200 g is enough.

How to prepare dogwood?

To dry berries for the winter, it is better to start collecting them at the beginning of autumn - at this time the entire crop will already ripen and accumulate a maximum of useful substances. You need to select only whole and not overripe berries so that they can be stored longer.

The easiest way to wilt dogwood is to simply pour it onto a baking sheet in a single layer and leave it for two weeks in a well-ventilated room. Periodically you need to turn the berries. “Dried dogwood” should be stored in fabric or paper bags to allow the dogwood to “breathe” for no more than three years.

If you decide to buy ready-made dried dogwood, you need to know how to distinguish it from a fake. There are often cases when, instead of berries, people bring home vegetables, namely sweetened sun-dried small tomatoes (cherry tomatoes).

You need to ask the seller for one berry “to try” and break it in half: if there is a seed inside, you are not being deceived and it is a real dogwood, but if there are small seeds there, it is a cherry.

How to use dried dogwood?

The dried dogwood shown in the photo is good in any form. You can enjoy it instead of sweets, carefully gnawing the tasty pulp around the seed, or prepare vitamin decoctions by pouring 1 tbsp. l. berries with a glass of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. This concentrated drink should be drunk a day (fresh, not stored), dividing it into three doses.

The jelly made from dried dogwood is very aromatic. To prepare it, the amount of product must be increased three times by the same volume of water. You don’t have to add sugar, the jelly will still be moderately sweet. Those with a sweet tooth will prefer rich dogwood compote made from the following number of products:

• 500 g dried berries;
• 1.5 liters of water:
• 100 g sugar.

The dogwood needs to be washed, filled with water, and after boiling, add sugar. After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the stove and let it sit until the compote has cooled.

Dried dogwood, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we have become familiar with, is undoubtedly of great value for the human body. In addition, red dried berries are also very tasty and even children will like them. Harvest healthy fruits, enjoy their taste and don’t get sick!

Drying dogwood - video

And berries, what could be healthier? They contain many vitamins and other beneficial substances that have a beneficial effect on the body. Many people think so and eat a lot of dried fruits and dried berries. But sometimes this can lead to serious consequences. Not all foods can be consumed in large quantities, especially for people with chronic diseases. Dried dogwood, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we will consider in this article, is also useful in moderation.

What kind of plant is this

Dogwood belongs to the family of the same name, which has about 50 species. In nature, it occurs as a shrub with several trunks. It grows wild mainly in the Crimea, Transcarpathia, the Caucasus and Moldova. Cultivated plants that are grown in personal plots are formed at their discretion in the form of a bush or tree.

Dogwood blossoms begin in late March - early April. This occurs during a period when the air temperature warms up to 5-11 degrees. Dogwood has small yellow flowers that are collected in an inflorescence. Then fruits of oblong shape and small size are formed on the bushes. They have shades from light red to almost black. Juicy sweet and sour pulp covers an elongated inedible bone. The fruits are used to make jams, preserves, compotes, jellies, fruit drinks, and syrups. They are consumed raw, processed and dried.

Dried dogwood

Scientists have proven that 100 grams of dogwood contain about 85 grams of water, a lot of monosaccharides and disaccharides (about 9 grams), 0.9 grams of protein, 1.6 grams of fiber. In addition, the berries are rich in citric, succinic, tartaric, gallic acid, vitamin C, micro- and macroelements. Dried dogwood, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which everyone should know, retains all its positive qualities in maximum quantities.

This is explained by the fact that the berries do not undergo heat treatment. Their sour taste becomes sweeter and softer. This is why it is recommended to harvest dogwood. The beneficial properties of dried and fresh berries are almost identical. Therefore, stock up on vitamins for future use. Dried dogwood can be recommended even to children as an alternative to candies and sweets. There will be much more benefits from it.

The benefits of dried dogwood

The presence of a large amount of vitamins makes this berry irreplaceable in cold times, when the body lacks nutrients and the cold season begins. Dried dogwood, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we will discuss in this article, has an immunostimulating, restorative and tonic effect. It contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is especially important during the cold season. According to these characteristics, he even surpassed rowan and lemon. Eating dogwood berries helps improve digestion, improve appetite, eliminate metabolic disorders and heartburn. Phytoncides, which are present in the berries, have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

That is why consuming dogwood in any form helps fight developing infections. Pectins help remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. They play the role of antioxidants. Berries regulate fat metabolism and are effective in the fight against excess weight. Dried dogwood, whose beneficial properties and indications are very diverse, is used for anemia and some diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Dried dogwood for diabetes

Particularly noteworthy is the benefit that comes from consuming dogwood for diabetes. It has the ability to normalize blood sugar levels. Berries may well compensate for the lack of sweets, the consumption of which diabetics are forced to limit themselves to. They will also replace artificial sweeteners, which are not always beneficial for the body.

Many doctors recommend partially compensating for the lack of sweets with dogwood, and not completely switching to artificial additives. It should be noted that any dogwood is useful for people suffering from this disease. The beneficial properties of fresh and dried fruits are very similar. They contain fructose, glucose, acids, tannins and dyes, flavonoids and essential oils, which reduce the amount of glucose in the blood and enhance the functions of the pancreas. That is why this berry is included in the list of medicines for diabetics.

Contraindications

Is it possible to cause harm to the body by consuming dogwood? You should definitely know the beneficial properties and contraindications when using products of natural origin. Unfortunately, dogwood also has several features that make it impossible for some categories of people to consume it. For example, a large amount of berries can aggravate stomach ulcers. Due to its high acid content, it is not recommended for people with high acidity of gastric juice. The constipating effect that dogwood has will have negative effects on people who suffer from constipation.

Berries have a tonic effect. Therefore, those who have increased excitability should not consume them in large quantities. Otherwise, there is a risk of emotional overexcitation and insomnia. These are the only negative aspects of the fruit. Dried dogwood (the beneficial properties of the healing berry have been known for a very long time) is very useful in the absence of contraindications.

Dosage forms of dogwood

The fruits, leaves, bark and roots of the plant are used as raw materials for the preparation of medicine. Raw materials are harvested from spring to autumn. It is best to collect the roots in the spring or fall, the bark in the spring, and the leaves in the summer months. The berries are collected as they ripen. This is August or September. It is better if the fruits are fully ripened on the branches, then they will accumulate a maximum of useful substances.

To harvest berries, a special dryer is required. The raw materials must be thoroughly dried. Dried dogwood, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which must be carefully studied before use, can be stored for three years. But given the properties of this product, it will not last long. These delicious berries are very popular with children and adults.

How to dry dogwood

To prepare tinctures and decoctions in the cold season, dried dogwood is needed. Its beneficial properties and contraindications must be studied before use. Only the best berries are used for drying, without damage. If there is no special dryer, then you can prepare dogwood in another way. We cover the baking sheets with paper and scatter the fruits on them. Place the dogwood on a shelf with good air circulation. It must be turned over every six hours to ensure even drying. After complete readiness (after two weeks), the dried berries are transferred to paper bags and linen bags. If a dryer is used, then the mode chosen is the same as for apples.

Dogwood calorie content

Those who watch their weight and adhere to strict diets are, of course, concerned about the calorie content of this product. It should be noted that these indicators for dogwood are more than favorable. Overweight people can consume the fruits without fear of gaining extra pounds. There is a minimal amount of calories in this product. Per 100 grams of fresh berries there are only 44 kcal, 1 gram of protein, 10.5 grams of carbohydrates and a complete absence of fat.

In dried dogwood these figures are slightly higher. So, 100 grams of this product contains 209 kcal, 46.26 grams of carbohydrates and 4.6 grams of proteins. Dried dogwood does not contain fat. Judging by these data, you can eat large quantities of fruits without worrying about your weight. But you should always remember about contraindications, so as not to harm the body.

Several recipes

How to use dogwood? The beneficial properties and contraindications, benefits and harms of this product, discussed in this article, must be taken into account when choosing this delicacy. But since the berries are healing, use them to prepare various dishes. This is, first of all, a useful infusion. To prepare it, you need to take 10 grams of dried berries and pour a glass of boiling water over them. Then let them sit for 30 minutes. After this, strain the broth and use it as needed. This drink is especially useful for diabetes, since this method of preparation preserves the maximum amount of nutrients. Take it instead of tea, 250 milliliters in between meals. To prepare the decoction, add 200 milliliters of water to a tablespoon of berries and boil. After this, let the broth brew for 2 hours, and consume 50-100 milliliters three times a day before meals. It should be noted that the longer the heat treatment lasts, the less beneficial properties the prepared drink retains. Tincture of dogwood fruits and leaves is good for stomach upsets. To do this, take two tablespoons of berries and leaves of the plant and boil for 10 minutes in 250 milliliters of water. Then 9 hours and take 100 milliliters 3 times a day. The contraindications that dried dogwood berries have are very minor. If you take into account all the features of this product, you can safely saturate your body with healthy vitamins all year round.

The medicinal properties of dogwood have been known for a long time and are used in traditional medicine in various directions. Dogwood medicine can be not only healing, but also tasty if it is aromatic jam or rich sweet and sour compote.

Chemical composition and calorie content of dogwood

Dogwood fruits contain vitamins (C, PP, A), sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose), pectin, carotenoids, tannins, tannins, coloring pigments (anthocyanins), organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric, succinic), phenolcarboxylic acids (gallic, glyoxalic, salicylic), macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus), microelements (iron, zinc, manganese, iodine), essential oils, phytoncides, catechins.

Energy value of 100 g of berries:

• protein - 1 g;
• carbohydrates - 9 g,
• organic acids - 2 g,
• dietary fiber - 1.5 g,
• water - 85 g,
• ash - 0.8 g.

Important! Dogwood contains more vitamin C than citrus fruits, strawberries and gooseberries - 50 mg per 100 g of berries.

Dogwood has many beneficial properties.

It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system: improves appetite, enhances gastric secretion, helps with intestinal upset, providing an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes metabolism, helps with weight loss. Useful for diseases of the blood (anemia) and circulatory system: strengthens the walls of blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure, increases hemoglobin. Has an antipyretic effect.

The high content of phytoncides in berries helps fight infectious diseases, and pectins cleanse the body of metabolic products and heavy metals. Dogwood is used as a preventive measure when there is a risk of poisoning with toxic substances (lead and mercury vapors).

Fresh berries and products made from them are good for toning and strengthening the body.

The leaves have hypoglycemic, bile- and diuretic effects, and the bark has antifever and antipyretic properties. Tinctures from the leaves or bark treat skin diseases (eczema, skin infections).

The medicinal properties of dogwood root are very valuable: its decoction is taken for malaria. Dogwood seeds have astringent and vasoconstrictor properties, which is important in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Did you know? There is evidence that the first American settlers used dogwood to clean their teeth, and American natives made arrows from the wood.

How to prepare and store medicinal dogwood raw materials

Dogwood fruits are harvested after ripening (in September) and in dry weather. Fresh berries can be processed into preparations (jam, compote) or dried. When dried, more nutrients are retained. The fruits need to be spread out in a thin layer, dried in the sun and dried in a dryer, oven or naturally. Dried berries taste sweeter.

When dried, the berries can be stored for up to three years.

Dogwood leaves are collected after flowering (June-July), when the amount of accumulated nutrients is greatest, and the bark is removed in rings from young branches in early spring.

The roots are harvested in spring or autumn. The collected vegetative parts of the plant must be thoroughly cleaned and dried under a canopy in a ventilated area. Raw materials can be stored in linen or cotton bags in a dry place for about two years.

Did you know? Dogwood berries are used to make juice, compote, pie filling, syrup, jelly and jelly, jam, marmalade, marmalade, tincture, liqueur, and wine. Dogwood is very popular in the Caucasus, where soup, sauces and seasonings for meat and fish, and lavash are made from it.

Traditional medicine recipes

Thanks to its many beneficial properties, dogwood has become a popular medicinal raw material in folk medicine.

To strengthen the immune system

For a week, you need to eat half a glass of fresh dogwood berries a day or drink a berry decoction with honey. This will help increase the body's protective functions against colds.

To combat stress

To calm nervous system disorders (stress, nervous tension), a decoction of dried crushed dogwood seeds is recommended. Eating berries helps increase physical endurance.

For headaches

Dogwood normalizes brain pressure, and drinks made from it are a natural analgesic. For migraines, a lotion of fresh crushed berries wrapped in gauze should be applied to the site of intense pain.

For colds

For colds, it is useful to eat dogwood jam, and fresh and dried dogwood - for flu, sore throat, scarlet fever, and measles. To combat colds and flu, a healing decoction is prepared. You need to pour a glass of water into two tablespoons of fresh or dried berries and boil over low heat, and after 8 hours, remove the seeds from the fruits and grind the pulp. A decoction with honey should be taken twice a day, 50 ml.

Important! To ensure that nutrients are better absorbed, it is recommended to eat dogwood in the morning. The daily norm is 200 g of berries.

For hemorrhoids

The main raw material for treating the disease is dogwood seeds. The easiest way is to eat 15 whole berries several times a day or make jam from them. You can also consume a glass of seeds or powder from them during the day, prepared from a kilogram of fruits in a dosage of one spoon three times a day.

For diarrhea

There are several recipes for treating diarrhea with dogwood:

• A decoction of two tablespoons of fresh fruits or dry leaves and a glass of water: boil for 10-15 minutes, leave for 8 hours, take half a glass before meals.
• A decoction of two tablespoons of dried dogwood fruits and a glass of water: pour boiling water over the berries, cook for 30 minutes. Take 100 g three times a day.
• Infusion of two tablespoons of berries and a glass of boiling water: leave for 8 hours, take 100 g twice a day.
• Kissel: Boil 50-60 dogwood berries and 0.5 liters of water until the berries are completely boiled. Consume before meals. This same jelly is useful for general strengthening of the body and treatment of vitamin deficiency.

For rheumatism

A decoction for rheumatism consists of a teaspoon of crushed dogwood roots and 300 ml of water. It needs to be cooked for 20 minutes over low heat, then left for several hours and strained. Take two tablespoons half an hour before meals three times a day.

For abscesses

Medicine for abscesses and boils is prepared from boiled dogwood bark and barley flour in equal parts. The compress is applied to the abscess and secured with a bandage or plaster. After 4-6 hours it needs to be changed.

For diabetes

Fresh dogwood juice for diabetes promotes the functioning of the pancreas and digestive system, controls blood glucose levels. Half a glass of juice should be drunk half an hour before meals, and if the body tolerates it well, you can increase the intake to a glass. After 10 days of taking it, you need to take a break to rest the body.

Important! Before eating, dogwood berries must be washed with running water or even doused with boiling water. Dishes containing dogwood should be prepared before consumption to avoid reducing the amount of beneficial substances (for example, oxidation of ascorbic acid).

The benefits of dogwood for pregnant women and children

Moderate consumption of dogwood is of great benefit to a woman’s body during pregnancy, since it contains many useful substances and vitamins, and can also reduce toxicosis. To normalize the functioning of the heart and remove fluid from the body, potassium contained in dogwood is needed. Dogwood also has a positive effect on the circulatory system: it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure and increases hemoglobin content. It is also useful for the digestive system.

Mother's colds and viral diseases are dangerous for the baby's intrauterine development. By consuming dogwood, she can not only strengthen the immune system, but also quickly defeat the disease without the increased use of medications.

Dogwood is also very useful for children. It nourishes the small body with useful substances necessary for its growth and development: vitamins (especially ascorbic acid), carotene, pectins, glucose, fructose, bioflavonoids, mineral salts. They are indispensable for the growth and development of bone tissue, normalization of metabolism, and have a positive effect on the nervous, circulatory, digestive, and immune systems. For children, you can prepare various fruit salads with dogwood or desserts with dairy products.

Important! If there is increased uterine tone and there is a threat of miscarriage, pregnant women are prohibited from consuming dogwood.

How dogwood is used in cosmetology

Dogwood masks help cope with the problems of oily skin: eliminate shine, tighten enlarged pores and nourish the skin with beneficial substances.

A Caucasian proverb says: “Where the dogwood grows, there is no need for healers.” Its berries are the main component of many traditional medicine recipes - for decades this plant has been used to treat ailments and illnesses of both external and internal nature. Why dogwood is useful, how to use it correctly, what contraindications exist for its use - read more in the article.

Dogwood berries

Crimean legend, dogwood, devil's berry, red doctor - whatever people call the dogwood bush. According to legend, dogwood branches sprouted from a spear that the founder of Rome, Romulus, stuck on a hill, where the ancient capital of the Roman Empire subsequently arose.

Over time, this plant became so widespread in the area that the Romans began to actively use it in everyday life - they made healing, strengthening decoctions from dogwood leaves and fruits, and used the branches to make sword handles.

Dogwood is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring

This plant was nicknamed the devil's berry because of its deceptive precocity: the dogwood bush is one of the first to bloom, but the berries themselves, although they turn red very early, become suitable for consumption only in the fall.

Sometimes such a plant is called “dogwood” - this corresponds to the literal translation from the Turkish and Chagatai languages ​​(“dogwood” - literally “red”). Despite such an abundance of nicknames, only two remain traditional synonyms for this berry: “turf” and “dogwood”.

Externally, the fruits of the doren resemble a small red pear: they are dense in structure, fleshy, have a strong skin and an inedible pit. Color can vary from orange to dark purple. The average weight of one berry is 4 grams, of which about 80% is juicy pulp.

The taste of dogwood fruits is tart and astringent

Dogwood is one of the most ancient plants on earth - dogwood seeds were discovered during excavations of Neolithic settlements, the age of which is estimated at 5 thousand years.

Chemical composition

Derain berries are a low-calorie product: 100 grams contain only 45 kcal. The ratio of BJU is 1:0:9 - this allows you to include dogwood in the diet. So, compote from this berry contains about 25 kcal, and the energy value of jam is 170 kcal per 100 grams.

The chemical composition of dogwood includes:

• dietary fiber;
• ash;
• vitamins C, PP;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• sodium;
• sulfur;
• selenium;
• zinc;
• pectins;
• malic acid;
• disaccharides.

Nutritional value of 100 g of dogwood

Dogwood leaves also contain a huge amount of tannins - tannin components that extract protein from food and fix it in the body. In addition, dogwood leaves are rich in fructose, arabinogalactan and rutin.

Dogwood flowers contain gallic acid and isoquercitrin - powerful antioxidant substances. Such a rich chemical composition determines that almost all parts of this plant are used in folk medicine and cosmetology - from roots to flowers.

Useful properties of dogwood

This “red doctor” is truly a folk healer - he has a lot of useful properties and effects:

• normalization of blood pressure;
• prevention of atherosclerosis;
• elimination of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, normalization of stool, increased activity of the pancreas;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• antipyretic effect;
• removal of uric acid and toxic substances;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels, veins, reducing swelling of the legs and preventing venous insufficiency;
• eliminating oral infections, relieving toothache and gum inflammation;
• invigorating and tonic effect;
• decreased blood sugar levels;
• healing of purulent wounds;
• normalization of potency;
• increased concentration, improved memory and attention.

Video: beneficial properties of dogwood

For pregnant and lactating women, dogwood is also a very useful product - it not only replenishes the vitamin balance in the body, but also reduces fatigue, prevents the development of various infections and viruses, saturates the mother’s blood with iron, which prevents the occurrence of anemia, and also normalizes the processes of digestion and bowel movements .

Decoctions of this berry are even given to infants (starting from the age of 3 months): this helps relieve the baby from colic and stomach upsets, strengthens his immunity and stimulates brain activity. Dogwood also affects the development and strengthening of bone tissue, which is an important factor at the growth stage of a small organism.

Important! To obtain maximum benefits, you must adhere to the correct dosage of dogwood consumption - doctors recommend consuming no more than 150 grams of fresh berries per day, and no more than 250 grams of decoction or compote. Pregnant women are also advised to consult a doctor when including this berry in their daily diet - this will eliminate the likelihood of diseases associated with individual intolerance to this product.

Possible harm and contraindications

Like any other product, dogwood can have a negative effect on the body - if the daily dosage of consumption is exceeded or if there is an individual intolerance to this berry.

Eating dogwood can be harmful, especially if you have constipation, gastritis, or insomnia.

The fixative and diuretic effect of the product can be harmful to people with diseases of the genitourinary system, and increased stomach acidity can impair the digestion of this product and lead to pain in the intestines and stool disorders.

People with nervous disorders, as well as those suffering from increased nervous excitability, should limit their consumption of dogwood - it has an invigorating effect and can aggravate existing problems.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

In order to prepare a rich, healthy and healing decoction from dogwood, you need to know the rules for collecting and preparing this medicinal plant - when to pick and dry the leaves, when the berries ripen and how to preserve the maximum of vitamins and nutrients in the plant.

Collection

You should start collecting dogwood fruits no earlier than the end of August–beginning of September: it is by this time that the berries ripen and accumulate vitamin substances. The berries are picked only in dry weather - wet fruits will begin to rot very quickly.

You can also collect fallen berries, first shaking them off from adhering dust or dirt. It is advisable to collect all the dogwood before the beginning of October: if you leave the harvest on the bush, the fruits will become covered with rot and birds will begin to peck at them and insects will eat them.

Overripe fruits are very juicy and have thin skin, so they are difficult to transport and difficult to dry and heat treat.

Ripe dogwood has a dark red color

The leaves are collected and dried before yellowing begins: they are usually picked during berry picking, but the leaves can be prepared earlier. If you pick the leaves before picking the berries, the bush will get rid of additional moisture consumers, and the berries will begin to receive the maximum amount of nutrients.

In autumn, dogwood leaves take on a burgundy hue; it is important to collect them while they are still green.

Flowers are collected during the flowering of the bush (early March–April) - it is important to leave a sufficient number of flowers for pollination and further fruiting of the dogwood.

Flowers should be collected before the ovary forms

The roots are dug up and dried after harvesting, before frost sets in.

The roots should be washed and chopped immediately

It is best to collect twigs in the spring season: at this time they are most elastic and most suitable for household use (for example, for weaving baskets, etc.)

Dogwood has an excellent anti-scorbutic effect, which is why it has been added to the daily menu of long-distance sailors since the 19th century, and today it is also included in the diet of astronauts.

Drying

Drying dogwood is the most optimal way to preserve the vitamins and nutrients of this plant in a concentrated form.

Harvesting berries for the winter does not require much effort or financial costs: the fruits are washed with water, they are sorted and rotten ones are removed, then they are laid out on a clean, dry surface (tablecloth, sheet, etc.) and dried in the shade.

It is important to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the berries - they will quickly wrinkle and become very hard in structure.

When storing dried dogwood, important points are humidity and ventilation.

Leaves, roots and branches are dried in the same way (the flowers do not need to be washed first). Dried dogwood is poured into a linen bag and stored in a cool, dry place.

Storage

Fresh berries are stored only in a dark, cool room - dogwood is best stored at a temperature of +1-3°C. Picked fruits ripen quickly, so if you store them in a warm place, then after 5-7 days the fruits will become overripe and begin to become covered with rot. Berries picked with the stalks are best stored - this way they remain strong and firm for up to 8 weeks.

Dried leaves, roots, flowers and fruits of the tree can also be stored at room temperature - the main thing is to protect the drying from moisture. Periodically you need to pour the dried plant into another bag or glass container - this will saturate the drying with air and prevent the workpiece from rotting or becoming damp.

You can make preserves, jams from dogwood and preserve it this way

Dried dogwood can be stored for up to 3 years under the right conditions.

Traditional medicine recipes

Dogwood has been used in alternative medicine for many decades: in China it is used for anti-aging procedures, in Switzerland it is mixed with coffee beans and prepared as a vitamin drink, and in India it is pickled and used as a spicy spice.

The scope of dogwood in medicine is quite extensive - let's look at some of the most popular recipes for boosting immunity and treating certain diseases.

To strengthen the immune system

The concentration of vitamin substances in dogwood is actively involved in strengthening the immune system and fighting viral infections. The vitamin decoction described below helps to improve health and restore strength.

Ingredients:

• 20 fresh or dried dogwood berries;
• 0.5 liters of water;
• sugar - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Place clean water on the fire and boil.
2. Pour the washed berries into boiling water and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes.
3. Remove the broth from the heat, cool and let it brew for 30 minutes.
4. Strain and add sugar to taste.

You need to take 80 grams of this drink three times a day, 20 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 7-9 days.

Tea with dogwood leaves is also great for strengthening the immune system.

Ingredients:

• dry tree leaves - 4-8 pieces;
• dry mint, thyme, sage - 2 pcs.;
• water - 1 liter;
• honey - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Boil clean water, add dry herb leaves.
2. Wrap the kettle in a warm towel and let it brew for 7-10 minutes.

Drink this tea on an empty stomach, before meals. The daily consumption rate is 2 cups per day. This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days - after this time the drink begins to lose its beneficial properties.

To combat stress

The following remedy will help strengthen your nerves and mental health, overcome chronic stress, as well as restore strength and gain harmony.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh berries;
• 3 liters of water;
• honey - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Boil water, add well-washed berries.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes with the lid closed, remove from heat and cool.
3. Strain and add honey to taste.

This compote should be taken 2 times a day, 100 grams - it not only has a tonic effect and gives vigor, but also lifts the mood and restores mental balance.

Another effective cure for stress is the following recipe.

Ingredients:

• dried dogwood seeds - 20 g;
• water - 200 ml.

Preparation:

1. Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or blender.
2. Pour ground seeds into cold water, bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove the drink from the heat and strain.

Take this remedy one third of a glass 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment ranges from 7 to 21 days.

For headaches

To relieve headaches, you can use tea, decoction or compote of dogwood, or you can prepare the external remedy described below.

Ingredients:

• fresh berries - 100-200 grams;
• clean gauze.

Preparation:

1. Grind fresh berries until mushy.
2. Apply the paste onto clean gauze, bring the corners of the gauze together and tie them into a knot, giving the compress the shape of a bag.

This compress is applied to the forehead and temples and left for 30-40 minutes. It is important to use freshly prepared gruel - this medicine has an effect only within 40 minutes after preparation.

For colds

Dogwood jam is ideal for fighting colds and viral infections.

Ingredients:

• berries - 1 kg;
• sugar - 1.5 kg;
• water - 0.5 liters.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the berries - rinse, remove stems and seeds, and pour boiling water over them.
2. Add sugar to cold water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pour the berries into the prepared syrup, remove from heat and leave to steep for 2 hours.
4. After 2 hours, put the jam on the fire and cook until the desired thickness (10 to 20 minutes).
5. 2-3 minutes before readiness add 3 g of citric acid.
6. Pour the jam into jars and roll up.

Take this jam on an empty stomach, 1 tablespoon. This remedy also fights cough very effectively - its consistency is good at clearing mucus from the throat and airways. To enhance the effect, you can take this jam with dogwood tea (the tea should not be too hot).

Video: how to make dogwood jam

In Asia and India, pickled spicy dogwood is especially popular - it is the basis of many traditional Asian dishes. In Eastern Europe, spicy wine and vodka are prepared from this berry, as well as delicious marinades for meat.

For hemorrhoids

To treat hemorrhoids, dogwood is consumed fresh - a handful of berries per day. The following external remedy also helps a lot.

Ingredients:

• crushed seeds - 100 grams;
• water - 0.5 liters.

Preparation:

1. Boil water, add crushed seeds and place the medicine in a thermos.
2. Leave for 12 hours.

Then a cotton swab is soaked in the medicine and applied to the site of hemorrhoid formation twice a day. The course of treatment ranges from 14 days to 2 months. Complex treatment is especially effective - eating fresh berries and using external lotions.

For diarrhea

Stomach upsets can be successfully treated with a decoction.

Ingredients:

• 40 g fresh berries;
• 200 ml water.

Preparation:

1. Sort through the berries, rinse, and pierce with a needle in 2-3 places.
2. Boil water, add prepared berries, cook for 30 minutes.
3. Cool, strain.

Take this medicine twice a day until the symptoms of the disorder disappear (2-3 days). For small children, it is necessary to prepare a less concentrated decoction: 20 g of berries per 350 ml of water.

For rheumatism

The following medicine will help eliminate joint pain and prevent inflammation:

• dogwood root - 5 g;
• water - 400 ml.

Preparation:

1. Grind the dried dogwood root to a powder.
2. Pour water over the prepared root and cook over high heat for 15 minutes.
3. Cool, strain the broth.

Take this remedy 50 ml on an empty stomach. After 4 days, the dose is gradually increased, bringing it to 1 glass per day. The course of treatment lasts from 30 days to 3 months, then a break is taken for 30 days.

For abscesses

The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of dogwood do an excellent job with various purulent formations, abscesses and boils.

Ingredients:

• dogwood bark and branches - about 100 grams;
• rye flour - 50 grams;
• honey - 20 grams.

Preparation:

1. Boil 250 ml of water, add bark and tree branches, cook for 30 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, cool.
3. Add honey and rye flour, mix thoroughly.

This product is applied to the affected area of ​​the skin for 15-25 minutes (until the paste dries completely). After this, the problem area can be treated with chamomile or celandine tincture for better effect. You can apply this product to the abscess up to 5 times a day.

For diabetes

The folk remedy described below will help diabetics lower their blood glucose levels.

Ingredients:

• fresh dogwood berries - 350 grams;
• water - 50 grams.

Preparation:

1. Rinse fresh berries, sort, squeeze out juice.
2. Strain, add 50 ml of water (if there is no increased acidity of the stomach, you do not need to add water).

Drink the juice 3 times a day, 25 minutes before meals, half a glass. The course lasts 10 days, then there is a break for 7-9 days. If the juice is well absorbed by the body and there are no side effects in the form of allergic reactions, the dosage can be increased to 1 glass 3 times a day.

Dogwood in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetology, masks and scrubs from dogwood fruits are actively used (the bark is used only in anti-inflammatory masks). From the pulp of this plant you can prepare a natural, moisturizing and inexpensive vitamin mask for skin and hair at home, and from the seeds you can make a scrub for the face and body.

Creams and masks with dogwood extract perfectly tone and moisturize the skin, cleanse pores, eliminate oily shine, blackheads, and wrinkles. Rinsing with dogwood decoction makes hair silky and also gets rid of dandruff.

Face mask

A very effective remedy for fighting wrinkles is this mask:

Ingredients:

• 30 g of fresh dogwood berries;
• 30 g banana pulp;
• 10 g oatmeal;
• 10 g potato starch.

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients well, bring to a mushy state.
2. Let it brew for 3-5 minutes.

Apply this mask for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. It is recommended to use this product daily, in the morning or evening. The effect will appear after 5 days of using this mask.

Dogwood is an amazing plant: it is not only actively used in folk medicine, cosmetology and cooking, but is also useful in everyday life, and is also a beautiful shrub that can decorate even the most skillful garden plot.

This “red doctor,” as people say, can cure thousands of diseases, and its rich chemical composition, as well as the enormous beneficial effect it has on the human body, fully corresponds to this opinion.

Why dogwood is useful: reviews

I also appreciated the medicinal properties of dogwood. After my second birth, I suffered from hemorrhoids for quite a long time until I learned about the healing properties of the fruits of this shrub. But I used the berries of a wild plant, since I live in Crimea - there are simply a lot of dogwood in the mountains. I used it with seeds. I have been happily carrying out disease prevention using this method for 3 seasons now and, thank God, there are no more problems!

Masja
http://www.koloproktologia.ru/topic.php?forum=23&topic=14&postid=1312799068#1312799068

Folk reference: recommended by an obstetrician-gynecologist when she was in the maternity hospital.
Ordinary dogwood, or rather dogwood seeds, helps with exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
Take 1 piece orally in the morning and evening. for at least 2 weeks,
or better yet a month. Another special feature is that there are no side effects and can be used during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Try it, it definitely won’t do any harm, it has helped many. Helps relieve chronic exacerbation.

April
http://forum.aromarti.ru/showpost.php?p=331205&postcount=7

Well, if you have fun with dogwood, then it’s delicious to grind ripe, washed and dried berries and separate the seeds. Sprinkle sugar in half and store in the refrigerator. They did the same with the porichka.

Ribbon
http://www.sadiba.com.ua/forum/showpost.php?p=15501&postcount=19

Dogwood is a plant whose berries have many beneficial properties. Many housewives try to make preparations for the winter, trying to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins and other substances that have a beneficial effect on the body. Let's consider a berry such as dried dogwood, its beneficial properties and contraindications.

The calorie content per 100 g of dried dogwood is about 200 kcal. At the same time, the level of carbohydrates and proteins is significantly increased compared to fresh berries.

Useful properties

What are the benefits of dried dogwood? Berries contain a significant amount of vitamins, microelements and other substances beneficial to the human body. Thanks to such a diverse composition, it helps in the treatment of such ailments:

1. Impaired functioning of the digestive system. Helps get rid of indigestion, stimulates more active production of gastric juice, eliminates heartburn, and increases appetite. Also useful for kidney and liver diseases, due to its choleretic effect.
2. Circulatory problems, anemia. Dried dogwood strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and normalizes blood pressure. As for people suffering from anemia, these berries help increase hemoglobin in the blood. Thanks to these properties, dried fruits are useful for diabetes.
3. Development of colds or infectious diseases. Decoctions and infusions based on the berry have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, that is, they eliminate the symptoms characteristic of such diseases.
4. Disruption of the endocrine system. This product improves the condition by stimulating the active activity of the pancreas.
5. Poisoning of the body. Dried dogwood removes toxic and other harmful substances from the body. Therefore, it should be used in cases of poisoning by vapors of mercury, chlorine and other substances.
6. Joint diseases. The product helps relieve inflammatory processes, thereby alleviating the condition during periods of exacerbation.

Dogwood is also good for women. Based on it, various rejuvenating and nourishing masks for the face and hair are prepared. After all, this product not only tastes good, but also has a beneficial effect on the skin when used externally.

Important! When buying berries, it is worth knowing how to distinguish dogwood from dried tomatoes, since dried, sun-dried and sweetened cherry tomatoes are often passed off as dried. They are easily recognized by the many small tomato seeds inside, while a real dogwood has only one seed.

Dogwood berries have a beneficial effect not only on the body of the expectant mother, but also on the development of the unborn baby. Since a pregnant woman’s appetite increases, the berry promotes more active production of gastric juice. This helps improve the digestion process of food.

Dogwood also improves blood circulation, which is important during pregnancy, since this property helps to avoid stagnation in the body. Before use, expectant mothers should be sure to familiarize themselves with the contraindications.

Important to remember! Dried dogwood should be consumed in moderation!

Benefits and harms

As already mentioned, this product has many medicinal properties. And for a healthy person these are very healthy berries. With their regular use, the following positive changes are observed in the body:

• improved appetite;
• elimination of heartburn;
• prevention of diarrhea;
• faster process of digesting food;
• prevention of gastritis and other diseases of the stomach and intestines.

It should not be forgotten that dogwood also has its contraindications. Therefore, it is better to refrain from using it in the following cases:

• with high acidity of gastric juice;
• for chronic constipation;
• in case of nervous overexcitation.

If a person has the listed pathologies, then dried fruits can worsen their health.

Despite the fact that this product is enriched with useful substances, it still has its contraindications. These include:

• gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice;
• constipation, especially in chronic form;
• sleep disturbance, insomnia;
• increased nervous excitability.

Recipes

Dried dogwood can be used to prepare various dishes and drinks that have a beneficial effect on the body in winter. Let's look at the most popular and delicious recipes.

Compote

To prepare it you will need 0.5 kg of berries, 100 g of sugar and 1.5 liters of water. The washed fruits should be placed in a container and water should be added. After boiling, add sugar. Leave on low heat for another 10 minutes. Leave covered until the drink cools completely.

Decoction

During the cold season, adults and children often develop various colds and infectious diseases. A decoction based on dried berries will help eliminate symptoms, thereby alleviating the condition. Nutrients will contribute to a more dynamic recovery. To prepare it you will need about 10-12 dogwood berries and 0.5 liters of water. Place the ingredients on the fire and bring to a boil. Leave on low heat for 30 minutes. Leave to brew for another half hour. Drink the prepared broth 0.5 cups 3 times a day. This remedy has no side effects, so you can take it without fear even when treating children.

Dried dogwood can also be consumed in its pure form. A person who eats several berries a day thereby strengthens his immune system, improves tone, saturates the body with vitamins and other healing substances. In general, regular consumption of this product helps improve the functioning of the body and overall well-being in general.