The benefits of dried dogwood for the body and its contraindications. Berry Dogwood - “Fake Dogwood

What is dogwood?

Questions about what dogwood is, the beneficial properties and contraindications of dogwood, and whether it has any medicinal properties are of great interest to those who care about their health and are interested in traditional methods of treatment. And this is understandable. Maybe the information below will, to some extent, answer these questions.

Dogwood (Córnus) is a genus of plants in the Dogwood family, consisting of approximately 50 species.

In nature, dogwood is a tall (up to 4-5 m), multi-stemmed shrub. In cultivation, it can be grown in the form of a bush with several trunks or in the form of a tree with one trunk.

Dogwood blooms early, earlier than all other fruit crops, from March 30 to April 20 at an average daily air temperature of 5-11° C.

Dogwood flowers are small, yellow, bisexual. They are collected in an umbrella inflorescence. Each flower, 2-3 mm long, has a wrapper of two delicate straw-yellow scales. Of the 15-25 flowers of the inflorescence, 6-7 bloom simultaneously. Flowers that have begun to bloom shrink during cold weather. They remain in this state until the weather warms up. With a short decrease in temperature, flowers, as a rule, are not damaged by frost.

Dogwood fruits are small in size, oblong in shape (there are also spherical and pear-shaped fruits), berries. The outside of the berry is covered with a smooth skin of various shades (light red, red, dark red, dark purple and almost black), under which there is juicy sweet and sour or sweet pulp covering a hard, inedible seed. The average weight of one berry is about 2-6 g, of which 65-90% is pulp.

Fruits collected at the stage of technical maturity can ripen during storage, acquiring the appropriate color, sugar content, reducing acidity and tannin content. They can withstand long-term transportation and after 3-5 days they become suitable for consumption. However, fruits ripened in storage do not have the same taste as fruits picked from the tree at full maturity. They will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

The fruits are consumed both raw and processed: in the form of jam, jelly, marmalade, jam, extracts, syrups, fruit drinks, kvass and compotes.

What are the benefits of dogwood?

The name of this plant is translated from the Turkic language as “red”. It was named so for the bright red color of the berries, due to their high carotene content. The beneficial properties of dogwood are due to the fact that dogwood berries are extremely rich in a wide variety of substances beneficial to humans.

Ripe fruits are sweet and sour with a pleasant specific aroma. Some of them have a sweet-sour taste due to their high sugar content (Evgenia, Yantarny, Vyshgorodsky). They contain easily digestible sugars (glucose and fructose) from 6-7 to 9-10%. The most beneficial sugar for the body predominates - fructose; sucrose is contained in smaller quantities. They contain organic acids 1.38-2.43% - malic, succinic, citric, gallic, salicylic, tartaric. It must be said that in this respect dogwood is similar to grapes - grape berries are also very healthy due to such an abundant acid content.

Vitamin C -90 - 130 mg%. In terms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, dogwood sometimes surpasses even blackcurrant, a recognized champion. Dogwood is also rich in tannins - 0.2-0.36%, pectin - 0.36-1.18%, anthocyanin in the pulp from 3 to 20 mg%, in the peel - from 56 to 85 mg%. Minerals (potassium, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus) and trace elements were found.

Of particular importance are the biologically active substances contained in fruits in significant quantities, or the so-called P-active compounds - catechins, anthocyanins, flavonols. They normalize the permeability and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, preventing sclerosis, and maintaining normal blood pressure.

Dogwood seeds contain fatty oils, dogwood bark contains glycoside and horse meat, organic acids, tannins, leaves are a source of vitamins such as E and C.

Dogwood has beneficial properties that can help normalize blood pressure and prevent the development of sclerosis. Dogwood can be used as a tonic and general strengthening agent. Dogwood helps if you need to relieve inflammation, and is useful for diseases of the digestive tract.

A decoction of dogwood leaves will be useful for intestinal diseases; a decoction of the fruit is used as an antifever for colds, and also as an appetite stimulant. Dogwood is recommended to be used for metabolic disorders, anemia, gout, and skin diseases.

Dogwood leaves contain tannins, which determine their choleretic and diuretic properties. And the pectin in dogwood berries, which we have already mentioned, promotes the rapid removal of metabolic products from the body. Dogwood has beneficial properties that help remove uric and oxalic acids. Fresh dogwood berry juice is often recommended to people suffering from diabetes - based on its properties to lower blood sugar and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas.

The berries of this plant will be useful in cases of vitamin deficiency. Dogwood jam is a good remedy for colds. Dogwood (fresh or dried) is recommended to be used for scarlet fever, flu, rickets and bark.

There are many ways to prepare dogwood berries for future use and use them in cooking: they can be dried, made into excellent jam, pickled, used in the preparation of marshmallows, marmalade, compotes, liqueurs, wines and various non-alcoholic drinks. It is difficult to find another delicacy like dogwood that would also be so healthy. In terms of medicinal properties, dogwood can be compared to prunes.

Dogwood contraindications:

Dogwood preparations are contraindicated for use in case of: increased acidity of gastric juice; nervous overexcitation; gastritis with high acidity; duodenitis; peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum; constipation And, of course, in case of individual intolerance. Since the fruits have a tonic effect, it would be better to refrain from consuming them before bed.

Dogwood calorie content:

Not a large number of calories in dogwood, allows overweight people to consume dogwood without fear of gaining excess weight. Of course, we are talking about fresh fruits. Dogwood dishes can have a significantly higher number of calories. Pay attention to this table:

Table of caloric content and nutritional value of dogwood, per 100 grams:

Medicinal properties of dogwood:

Dogwood for gout:

Dogwood for diabetes:

Dogwood is a source of glucose and fructose, malic acid. Also, its fruits contain nitrogenous and nicotinic acid, as well as a large set of vitamins. Such a rich composition helps reduce the sugar content in the body of diabetic patients. Therefore, dogwood extract is used as an ingredient in many diabetic medications. There are several ways to use dogwood to lower your sugar levels. Its fruits are eaten fresh or dried, in the form of decoctions and tinctures. Fresh berries are considered the healthiest.

Infusion of dried dogwood:

10 g of dried dogwood berries are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for half an hour. This method of preparing dogwood is most preferable for diabetes mellitus, since the resulting infusion retains more useful substances than compote that has undergone heat treatment.

In order to maintain sugar levels, both infusions and compotes are recommended for diabetics to take 250 ml instead of tea (it is advisable that the intake be taken between meals).

Dogwood for colds:

Dogwood is a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tannins and flavonoid antioxidants. Thanks to this composition, it is excellent for preventing colds and strengthening the immune system, which is especially important in the autumn-winter period.

Recipe:

Fragrant, tasty and healthy dogwood compote will give strength and energy, relieve tension, strengthen the immune system, and, if necessary, help relieve fever and headache. In the summer, such a compote will refresh and quench your thirst.

dogwood fruits – 0.5 kg;

sugar – 100 g;

water – 1.5 l.

The dogwood is washed thoroughly, filled with half a liter of water and placed on low heat. Sugar is added to the boiled compote. After the compote has simmered for 10 minutes, it must be removed from the heat and covered tightly with a lid. It is important not to open the pan until the compote has cooled completely. Dogwood compote has a bright color, sour taste and light pleasant aroma.

Dogwood seeds for hemorrhoids, treatment:

Crushed dogwood seeds can be used as a remedy for hemorrhoids, stomach disorders and liver ailments. Today, nutritionists advise using them for diabetes and excess body weight. Due to their beneficial properties, dogwood seeds can help normalize metabolism and strengthen the immune system. Dogwood seeds contain a lot of vegetable oils - more precisely, they consist of 34% of them. This oil, just like, for example, sea buckthorn, has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, this oil has a wound healing effect.

Fresh dogwood compote:

dogwood berries – 2 cups;

water – 3 l.

Dogwood is washed, added to boiling water and boiled for 3 - 5 minutes with the lid closed. Then the compote is infused until it cools completely.

Thank you

Biologically active substances contained in dogwood, help normalize blood pressure, as well as the pressure of cerebral vessels, prevent capillary fragility and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which is used in the treatment of venous insufficiency, swelling of the legs and inflammation of the veins. Therefore, it is not surprising that dogwood (or rather its fruits) has found wide use, not only in folk medicine, but also in cooking. We’ll talk further about the properties of dried, dried, frozen and pickled dogwood. In addition, we will consider the possibility of consuming dogwood by children and pregnant women.

Dried dogwood – dried fruit

You should think about harvesting dogwood in advance. Dogwood (namely the fruits of this plant) is harvested in all possible ways, but only its dried berries retain the maximum of nutrients. And all for the simple reason that during harvesting, dogwood fruits are not subjected to heat treatment, as a result of which the berries lose a significant amount of vitamins and minerals.

It is also important that dried dogwood berries are much sweeter than fresh ones, so children and people who cannot consume fresh sour fruits can eat them with pleasure instead of sweets (the acidity of fresh berries is transformed into “light sourness” during drying). Finally, everything in dry berries useful material are in concentrated form.

Only ripe, but not yet overripe, berries of both wild and cultivated dogwood are suitable for drying. Dogwood fruits are dried along with their seeds, which have healing properties.

So, the freshly picked dogwood is sorted out and laid out on fabric or thick paper. The berries should dry a little in the fresh air (it is important that the fruits are not exposed to direct sunlight during drying). It is better to bring the container with berries indoors at night. And one more thing: during drying, dogwood fruits must be stirred periodically.

In addition, dogwood fruits can be dried using special dryers, the temperature in which should be 50 - 70 degrees.

The finished dried raw materials are placed in linen bags (in the absence of such, wooden or cardboard containers will do) and put away in a dark and always dry place.

Important! If dried dogwood is purchased already packaged in a store or market, be prepared for the fact that it has undergone chemical treatment with sulfurous acid (it is this type of treatment that helps dried products last longer and resist attacks from various pests). Remember that almost all berries imported from abroad are “chemical” dried fruits.

Dried dogwood is used as an independent product, and can be used in the preparation of compotes, jelly, and sauces.

Useful properties of dried dogwood

• sugars (especially fructose);
• organic acids (malic, citric and succinic);
• tannins;
• pectins;
• flavonoids;
• vitamins C, P and A (for example, 100 g of dogwood berries contains 50 mg of vitamin C);
• carotene;
• phytoncides;
• micro- and macroelements, including iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur.

Dogwood has become widespread as an effective antidiabetic agent that can normalize blood pressure and blood sugar. It must be said that regular consumption of fresh or dried dogwood can prevent the development of such a serious disease as sclerosis.

Decoctions and compotes from dried dogwood affect the body as follows:

• stimulate appetite;
• eliminate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract;
• tone the body;
• strengthen the immune system;
• bind and remove dangerous toxins, due to which they are used as a prophylactic against the risk of mercury or lead poisoning;
• replenish the lack of vitamin C in the body.

Calorie content of dried dogwood

Dried dogwood – candied

Dried dogwood contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, due to which the berries of this plant are recommended to be included in the diet of people prone to frequent colds, including influenza, sore throat, bronchitis of various etiologies, acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. If it was not possible to avoid the disease, dried dogwood fruits will help you quickly cope with a cold and restore the strength lost during illness.

Drying dogwood

The remaining strained pulp is poured with hot syrup (to prepare the syrup you will need 350 g of sugar and 350 ml of water per 1 kg of berries) and kept for five minutes at a temperature of 85 degrees, after which the juice is again drained and canned. The separated pulp, which should not be boiled, but only well heated, is cooled and dried in the oven at a temperature of 80 degrees for 15 minutes. After the dogwood has cooled completely, it should be stirred with a wooden spatula, and then the heat treatment should be repeated twice more at a temperature of 65 - 70 degrees for 20 minutes.

After double processing, the cooled product is placed in a stainless steel sieve covered with gauze, which is placed using removable wooden slats over heating devices or radiators for 4 to 6 hours. During drying, which is carried out at a temperature of 30 degrees, the dogwood must be stirred periodically.

The dried raw materials are placed in paper bags, where they are kept for 4 - 6 days in order to equalize the humidity. Dried dogwood is stored in a dark place in paper bags (they can be placed in plastic bags) or in a tightly closed glass container. The temperature at the place where dried dogwood is stored should be 12–18 degrees, and the relative air humidity should be about 65–70 percent.

Useful properties of dried dogwood

Dried dogwood helps speed up metabolism, which is extremely important for normalizing fat metabolism. Thus, dogwood berries are an excellent prevention of obesity.

It cannot be said that dogwood helps to cure anemia and other blood diseases, since its consumption increases hemoglobin content, and therefore prevents the development of diseases such as anemia.

In general, the properties of dried and dried dogwood are identical, so the choice of method for preparing and storing the berries depends solely on individual preferences.

Calorie content

Frozen dogwood

For freezing, ripe berries are used, which are carefully sorted, washed and dried, after which they are poured onto a tray and placed in the freezer. Frozen berries are placed in plastic bags, which are hermetically sealed and put back into the freezer.

Frozen dogwood will help not only strengthen the immune system, but also cope with a wide range of serious diseases, including:

• inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases;
• acute gastroenterocolitis;
• skin diseases;
• gout;
• liver and kidney diseases of inflammatory origin;
• rheumatism;
• polyarthritis;
• diabetes;
• anemia;
• colds and viral diseases.

Pickled dogwood

Thus, inorganic oxalic acid, which combines with free calcium during heat treatment, forms a salt of oxalic acid, which promotes the formation of stones and the development of diseases such as articular rheumatism, impotence, and arthritis. In addition, the salt of oxalic acid contributes to the destruction of teeth and bones.

Do not underestimate the harm of uric acid, which contributes to the development of the following diseases:

• asthma;
• skin diseases;
• rheumatism;
• constipation;
• blood diseases.

Pickled dogwood can be consumed as an independent product, or added to salads.

Methods for pickling dogwood

Prepare a marinade that contains the following ingredients:

• 9 percent vinegar – 380 ml;
• water – 850 ml;
• salt – 1 tbsp;
• sugar – 1 tsp.

The dogwood is poured into jars along with a pre-prepared marinade, after which the jars are rolled up and wrapped until they cool completely.

Method two
The dogwood is prepared for pickling in the manner described above, after which it is tightly placed in liter jars, where 8 allspice peas, several small pieces of cinnamon, and 5 - 7 cloves are first placed on the bottom. Next, the contents of the jars are filled with marinade, the temperature of which should be 60 degrees.

To prepare a marinade for five liter jars, you will need one and a half liters of water and 600 g of sugar (the marinade is ready when the sugar is completely dissolved). The sugar syrup is filtered through a triple layer of gauze and then heated to a boil, after which 200 ml of 5% vinegar is poured into it.

Next, the jars filled with marinade are tightly covered with lids and placed in a pan of water, the temperature of which is 40 - 50 degrees. Pasteurization time at a temperature of 85 degrees for half-liter jars is 20 minutes, while for liter jars it is 25 minutes. After processing, the jars should be sealed, turned upside down and left to cool.

Composition, selection, storage and preparation of dogwood - video

Dogwood during pregnancy

Dogwood contains ascorbic acid, which helps strengthen the immune system and resists colds and viral diseases, which can have an extremely negative impact on the intrauterine development of the fetus. If it was not possible to avoid a cold, dogwood will help relieve fever without the help of medications.

Dogwood berries and bark contain vitamin E, which has the following spectrum of effects:

• prevents fat oxidation;
• takes part in the formation of erythrocytes and the maintenance of normal erythrocyte membranes and epithelial cells;
• participates in the formation of collagen;
• promotes the biosynthesis of hemoglobin and proteins;
• normalizes tissue respiration;
• stimulates the full development of the fertilized egg and placenta.

Dogwood berries will help improve the digestive process, increase appetite and soothe heartburn (as you know, these disorders often cause discomfort to many pregnant women).

Iron and other equally useful substances that make up dogwood normalize metabolism and regulate fat metabolism, thereby reducing the risk of gaining extra pounds.

Finally, dogwood increases hemoglobin, normalizes blood pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Dogwood for children

Thus, vitamin C, carotene and flavonoids prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, since they act on the body in the following way:
1. Promotes growth and full formation of bone tissue.
2. Normalize metabolism.
3. Strengthen the immune system.
4. Calm down nervous system.
5. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
6. Normalizes heart rate.
7. Participate in the process of hematopoiesis.
8. Regulate acid-base balance.
9. Helps improve the digestion process.

Organic acids increase the secretion of gastric juice, which has a beneficial effect on appetite and the process of food absorption.

Dietary fiber (namely pectin) is important for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the prevention of constipation. In addition, pectin normalizes the intestinal microflora, binds and removes harmful substances from the body, which is extremely important in our environmentally unfavorable times (and most of the products we consume do not benefit, but harm the body, since they contain great amount dyes and other chemical additives).

But it should be remembered that dogwood is useful only if certain rules of preparation and administration are observed, which we will discuss later.

Firstly, it is necessary to exclude children from consuming large quantities of dogwood berries. The beneficial substances contained in dogwood (and in other berries too) are not stored “in reserve”. The body will not absorb more than the amount of vitamins and biologically active substances that the child needs, but will simply excrete it through the kidneys with urine. In addition, an excess amount of plant fruits can provoke fermentation processes in the intestines and diarrhea.

Secondly, do not forget that excessive amounts of vitamin C can aggravate the following diseases:

• Dysmetabolic nephropathy, which is accompanied by increased secretion of oxalates, which subsequently provoke the formation of kidney stones.
• Certain diseases of the digestive organs, in which berries can be consumed only after mechanical or heat treatment.

Fourth, you should adhere to the generally accepted daily norms for children’s consumption of berries:

• up to a year - no more than 30 - 50 g (in this case, the baby is first offered one or two berries per day to determine whether the child has an allergy to dogwood);
• from one to two years – 100 g;
• from two to three years – 150 g;
• from three to six years – 200 g.

Fifthly, desserts with fresh dogwood berries should not be prepared in advance, since such a fortified salad may lose a certain amount of its beneficial properties. Thus, it has been proven that under the influence of oxygen, ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) is oxidized, and therefore its amount in the prepared dish decreases. The same rule applies to the storage of berries, the vitamin value of which is directly proportional to the duration of storage (but this applies exclusively to fresh berries).

It should be noted that dogwood can be included in the diet of children not only in fresh form. So, from its fruits you can prepare delicious and healthy jelly, compotes, jams and mousses.

Rules for preserving vitamins during cooking:
1. The fruits must only be placed in boiling water, after which the compote is cooked for five minutes and removed from the heat.
2. The container must be covered with a lid during cooking.
3. When preparing baby food, do not use aluminum or copper utensils.
4. You should strictly follow the cooking time indicated in the recipe, which will help avoid overcooking the berries.
5. The dish prepared from fresh dogwood berries should be consumed during the day.

It is quite natural that with the most careful and proper preparation, dogwood berries inevitably lose a fairly large part of the vitamins (especially vitamin C), but at the same time mineral salts, as well as carotene and organic acids are retained in the jelly, compote or mousse. Moreover, the loss of a certain amount of dietary fiber during heat treatment of dogwood berries is beneficial for children suffering from unstable stools and certain gastrointestinal diseases.

But still, parents who offer their children dogwood berries should remember the main rule: “Do no harm!” Therefore, before giving dogwood to your baby, you should definitely visit a pediatrician.

Dogwood for diabetes

Thus, fructose, which normalizes the sugar content in the body, is not only 2 times sweeter than sugar, but also does not require insulin for its absorption. It is also important that dogwood does not contain fats, excessive consumption of which by diabetics can lead to the development of obesity and atherosclerosis.

The benefits of dogwood for diabetes

• Helping reduce glucose levels.
• Strengthening the enzymatic function of the pancreas.
• Normalization of the metabolic process.
• Improvement of the digestive process.
• Normalization of intestinal motility.
• Increased immune strength.
• Removal of toxins and heavy metals.
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Reducing cholesterol and blood sugar.

If dogwood berries cannot be consumed fresh or dried, you can cook a compote from them, squeeze the juice, or prepare an infusion. These drinks retain (albeit not fully) the beneficial properties of the berry, and they are also an excellent thirst quencher.

Dogwood compote

• dogwood berries – 2 cups;

Dogwood infusion

In order to maintain sugar levels, both infusions and compotes are recommended for diabetics to take 250 ml instead of tea (it is advisable that the intake be taken between meals).

Dogwood juice

Dogwood for hemorrhoids

Benefits of dogwood for hemorrhoids:

• strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
• preventing bleeding;
• pain relief;
• drying of the hemorrhoid;
• reduction of small nodules (and with regular use and the disease not progressing, the nodules may even completely resolve).

Treatment of hemorrhoids with dogwood preparations

The simplest, yet most effective way to combat hemorrhoids is to consume 13–15 dogwood berries daily (the berries should be taken about three to four times a day). The main condition: the fruits must be eaten together with the seeds. This treatment lasts until the patient’s complaints disappear.

If the method described above is unacceptable for you, you can cook aromatic dogwood compote, but without adding sugar. You can drink compote throughout the day without any restrictions.

Another delicious recipe is dogwood jam with seeds. It is important not only to enjoy dogwood jam every day, but also to eat the berries along with the seeds, which contain a large amount of tannins, rutin, ascorbic acid and pectins. Dogwood fruit jam is also an excellent prophylactic remedy that helps prevent relapses of the disease.

Despite the fact that dogwood is rightfully considered an excellent antihemorrhoidal remedy, its berries are not recommended for use by people with stomach diseases in order to avoid their aggravation.

Dogwood seeds for hemorrhoids

Option one
One faceted glass of dogwood seeds (these can be the seeds of fresh, boiled, dried or canned fruits) is eaten daily during the day, and the seeds should be swallowed whole, without chewing (they are easily digested). This treatment is carried out every day until the hemorrhoids are cured. In the future, it will be enough to consume one glass of seeds per year for preventive purposes.

Option two
One kilogram of dogwood is cleared of seeds, which are slightly dried, crushed in a mortar and sifted. The resulting powder is taken on the tip of a knife or one mustard spoon three times a day (the powder is taken until it runs out).

You can enhance the effect if you combine the internal intake of dogwood berry powder with enemas, which are done daily at night (for the procedure you will need a 50 ml children's enema).

To prepare an enema, a tablespoon of St. John's wort herb is brewed with 50 ml of boiling water, infused for an hour and filtered. A tablespoon of refined vegetable oil is added to the resulting infusion. This remedy will help cope with even advanced forms of hemorrhoids, accompanied by bleeding.

Treatment will be more effective if during treatment you follow a diet that excludes the consumption of alcoholic beverages, spicy and meat dishes. In addition, smoking is not recommended during treatment.

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.

Beneficial features

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 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 case 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.

Dish 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, increases 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.

Each berry has different beneficial properties. Dogwood is no exception. However, it still provides its maximum value in its dried form. So, dried dogwood: beneficial properties, indications for use and contraindications - this is exactly what I want to talk about.

A few words about dogwood berries

Dogwood is a fruit shrub that has long been known for its beneficial properties. The berry itself is red.

Its taste is sour, however, as it dries, it loses its acidity and acquires a “light sourness” that will appeal to many people.

This berry should not be subjected to heat treatment, as it loses most of its beneficial properties.

During the drying process, on the contrary, all useful elements and vitamins remain. The berry will also be useful after freezing.

Dried dogwood: beneficial properties, as well as indications for use of this berry

Why exactly is dried dogwood so beneficial and when should you eat it to improve your health?

1. Dogwood contains various organic acids, vitamins C and P, provitamin A, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, sulfur and magnesium. In addition, there is also essential oil. So, all these microelements can have a beneficial effect on all organs, systems and components of the human body.
2. This berry is the strongest source of vitamin C. In terms of its content, it surpasses even lemon, gooseberry and rowan. Thanks to this, dried dogwood is an excellent remedy in the fight against viral and colds. Taking this berry significantly increases the protective powers of the human immune system.
3. This berry is widely used in dried form to increase appetite. It also has an astringent and antipyretic effect on the body.
4. Dried dogwood is an excellent diuretic and choleretic agent. It can be used for certain problems with the genitourinary system.
5. What else is good about dried dogwood? Its beneficial properties extend to the circulatory system. So, it helps blood formation, so it is indicated for such a problem as anemia.
6. Dried dogwood contains various biologically active elements that regulate blood pressure during hypertension, and also prevent vascular sclerosis. These berries are very useful for normalizing the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system.
7. The pectins that dogwood contains are capable of removing various harmful substances, accumulated salts of heavy metals, and “bad” cholesterol from the human body.
8. Dried dogwood can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. It is also used as a tonic and restorative.
9. Dried dogwood is a wonderful antidiabetic remedy. These berries are able to regulate blood sugar levels.

Other uses of dogwood

How and when else can you use dogwood? Its beneficial properties also apply to a decoction of the leaves of this shrub. In this case, this medicine helps fight diseases that affect the intestines.

If you prepare a decoction of dried dogwood, it will be an excellent anti-fever remedy. Dogwood seeds also have medicinal properties. So, they are an excellent remedy for getting rid of hemorrhoids.

Contraindications to the use of dried dogwood

It is important to note that it is not always safe to use dried dogwood for food. So, it may be contraindicated if there is an individual intolerance to it. It is also dangerous for those who have increased stomach acidity or problems with chronic constipation.

Reception of dogwood and rules for its storage and collection

It is important to note that dogwood should be collected for drying only in ecologically clean areas. After all, it is capable of accumulating various negative substances, including radiation.

Thank you

Today dogwood is talked about as a less common garden fruit plant, but in vain! After all, the fruits of this plant are very high in calories, enriched with vitamins, organic acids and beneficial elements necessary for the full functioning of the human body. Few people know that dogwood contains more vitamin C than, for example, black currant. At the same time, the unpretentiousness and productivity of this plant cannot be compared. The benefits of dogwood, its properties, forms of use and contraindications will be discussed further.

All about the dogwood plant

Translated from Turkic, the word “dogwood” means “red,” and all thanks to the fruits of this plant, which are distinguished by a juicy red color, indicating that dogwood contains a large amount of P-active substances (or anthocyanins).

It should be noted that dogwood belongs to the class of long-lived plants, since its age can reach hundreds of years (more often the age of the plant varies between 100 - 250 years). Dogwood bears fruit starting from the age of ten, and the last fruits are collected from this plant when its age reaches 100 - 150 years.

What does it look like?

Dogwood bark is red-brown in color.

The fruits of the plant, 1–4 cm long and weighing 1–6 g, are not only juicy and edible, but also healthy.

The inflorescences of the plant in the form of an umbrella are formed even before the leaves bloom, but dogwood blooms from 15 to 70 days (it all depends on weather conditions, because many varieties of this plant are extremely susceptible to cold).

Dogwood taste

Due to its taste, dogwood is used fresh, dried, dried and frozen in the culinary, confectionery, and canning industries. So, jam, jelly, compotes, syrups, drinks, liqueurs and wines are prepared from dogwood.

Where does it grow?

It should be noted that in the mountains of Armenia, dogwood is found at altitudes of up to 1500 - 1600 m. This plant is undemanding to the soil, and therefore takes root in loam, on stone areas and even in rock cracks, taking on the appearance of a small tree with a short trunk emerging directly from the rock cracks.

Dogwood and cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a low decorative deciduous and evergreen shrub plant, from which beautiful hedges and entire decorative groups that decorate slopes, slopes, and alpine hills are created.

The main attractiveness of cotoneasters lies in the combination of fairly strong branching, extremely original foliage, as well as a wide variety of growth forms. It should also be said that the dense crown of dark green shiny foliage takes on a beautiful red hue in the fall. This ornamental plant is also valued for the abundance of bright red or black fruits that decorate the branches of cotoneaster for a long time.

Collection and storage of dogwood

For long-term storage of fruits, they are collected at the beginning of ripening. The raw materials are collected in small baskets, in which the fruits ripen and then stored at temperatures from 0 to +2 degrees.

You can dry the dogwood by spreading it in a small layer on a mat (in this case, the dogwood is dried in a ventilated area).

To consume the berries fresh, dogwood fruits can be collected even after the first frost, and the taste characteristics of the berries will only improve.

Important! In their raw form, dogwood fruits are stored in the refrigerator (in a plastic bag with holes) for no longer than 12 days.

When does dogwood ripen?

Dogwood varieties

White dogwood

This dogwood variety grows in the mountains and deciduous forests of the Caucasus. White dogwood can also be found in the Far East.

This frost-resistant shrub, unpretentious to growing conditions, has one peculiarity: in the fall its leaves turn a rich red color, which over time transforms into purple.

This dogwood variety, like many others, contains:

• organic acids;
• pigments;
• tannins;
• sugar;
• vitamins;
• phytoncides;
• essential oils.

• normalization of urination;
• decreased blood pressure;
• pain relief;
• elimination of general weakness;
• normalization of stool;
• temperature drop.

Decoction recipe
10 g of dried dogwood fruits are poured with a partial glass of cold boiled water and left to infuse for 8 hours, after which the seeds should be separated from the pulp. The water in which the dogwood fruits have been infused is taken along with the pulp four times a day, under the following conditions:

• general weakness;
• diarrhea;
• sexual impotence;
• lower back pain;

Wild dogwood

Wild-growing dogwood has the following properties:

• strengthens vascular and capillary walls;
• increases appetite;
• normalizes all metabolic processes of the body;
• increases the concentration of glucose in the body;
• improves digestion.

• venous insufficiency;
• diarrhea;
• inflammation of the veins.

Amber dogwood

Important! The fruits of this dogwood variety ripen in September and fall off very quickly, as a result of which it is recommended to collect them three to four days before full ripening (the fruits ripen well during storage).

If we talk about the biochemical composition of amber dogwood fruits, then it does not differ significantly from other red-fruited varieties, however, the content of sugars and pectins in this variety is the highest.

For medicinal purposes, dogwood fruits can be consumed both fresh and in the form of jams, compotes, and preserves.

Dogwood Lukyanovsky

The pear-shaped fruits of the Lukyanovsky dogwood have dense and delicate-tasting pulp, distinguished by a specific dogwood aroma. The fruits are easily transported and ripen quickly in a warm room. The collected fruits can be stored for 3–4 weeks, consumed fresh or processed to produce preserves, jams, jellies and syrups.

The dark red juicy pulp of Lukyanovsky dogwood contains sugars, organic acids, pectins, anthocyanins, vitamin C and other biologically active substances, thanks to which this variety is used for medicinal purposes.

Dogwood Lukyanovsky is used in the treatment of colds, intestinal diseases, diarrhea, as well as disorders associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

Jamaican Dogwood

Thus, the bark of this tree, which emits an unpleasant odor, provokes a burning sensation in the mouth, and has a bitter and acrid taste, is used for the following diseases and disorders:

• migraine;
• insomnia;
• causeless anxiety;
• feeling of fear;
• nervous tension.

• pain reliever;
• diaphoretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• sedative;
• anticonvulsant.

• elimination of pain syndrome (headache) caused by disruption of the nervous system;
• reduction in the number of uterine contractions;
• calming the nervous system;
• elimination of insomnia;
• elimination of menstrual cramps;
• relieving inflammation;
• cough mitigation;
• reduction of fever.

You can use a ready-made pharmacy tincture, which is taken 5–25 drops three times a day (the dosage depends on the disorder being eliminated).

Important! Jamaican dogwood is a potentially toxic plant that should be taken strictly under medical supervision and in strict adherence to the prescribed dosage.

Overdose symptoms:

• numbness and tremors of certain parts of the body;
• salivation;
• slower reactions;
• decreased blood pressure;
• convulsions, which in severe cases can cause death due to respiratory failure.

Contraindications for use:

• childhood;
• elderly age.

Important! This plant, although it does not have pronounced narcotic properties, can provoke the development of addiction.

Common dogwood (or male dogwood)

The common dogwood is a fairly large spreading tree, reaching a height of 3–4 m (the height of old plants can vary between 6–8 m). This dogwood variety has dark green and slightly pubescent ovate-shaped foliage. The flowers of the plant are yellow (and the flowering period of the common dogwood lasts about three weeks) appear in the spring. This plant is quite unpretentious to both weather conditions and soil conditions.

Both the pulp and seeds of the fruit are used as food, the latter being an excellent raw material for making coffee surrogate. But the leaves of the plant are brewed instead of tea. In the Caucasus, pureed dogwood fruits are used to prepare aromatic lavash enriched with vitamins. It was thanks to the use of such pita bread that during the First World War it was possible to neutralize a dangerous disease called scurvy. Today, pita bread is added as a seasoning to fish and meat dishes.

Thanks to its composition, dogwood has taken its rightful place among medicinal plants used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including fever, hemorrhoids, diabetes, intestinal diseases, colds, lack of appetite, etc. In addition, the biologically active components that are part of dogwood berries ordinary, not only normalize blood pressure, but also prevent the development of sclerosis, strengthening the immune system in general.

Common dogwood, which contains more vitamin C than lemon, rowan or gooseberry, is used as an effective prophylactic against the risk of poisoning with mercury, lead and other substances, since the pectins included in the composition of dogwood fruits bind harmful substances and contribute to their rapid removal from the body.

Since it is the common dogwood that is most common in Russia and the CIS countries, we will talk about its properties, benefits and effects on the body further in more detail (it should be clarified that all varieties of this plant have identical medicinal properties described below).

Composition and properties of dogwood

• helps strengthen the walls of the heart muscle;
• strengthens blood vessels, making them stronger and more elastic;
• normalizes heart function;
• ensures metabolic processes, contributing to the normalization of the functioning of all body systems.

• normalizes the amount of sugar;
• prevents the accumulation of carbohydrates;
• increases immunity;
• reduces calorie content of food;
• promotes rapid recovery after intense physical and mental stress.

• bind acidic products and promote their subsequent transformation into inactive compounds;
• reduce stomach acidity;
• activate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism;
• normalize the digestive process;
• prevent salt deposition in joints;
• help improve the condition of blood vessels;
• stimulate the formation of red blood cells.

Essential oils
Action of essential oils:

• regulate the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• relieve inflammation;
• soften cough;
• neutralize the effect of bacteria;
• enhance the secretion of mucus directly from the bronchi;
• improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

• promote binding and removal of harmful substances from the body;
• normalize intestinal microflora;
• reduce cholesterol levels in the blood;
• regulate metabolism;
• contribute to increased peripheral blood circulation.

• prevent sclerotic damage to capillaries;
• normalize blood pressure;
• strengthen vascular walls;
• neutralize free radicals;
• have a calming effect on the nervous system;
• normalize heart rhythm.

• protect the body from infections;
• remove toxins and heavy metals;
• strengthen the immune system.

• rejuvenate tissues and body cells;
• eliminate inflammatory processes;
• regulate metabolism;
• neutralize the effect of carcinogens.

• promotes urination;
• dilates blood vessels;
• neutralizes microbes;
• promotes the removal of phlegm.

• reduces the risk of developing cancer;
• regulates the process of protein synthesis;
• normalizes metabolism;
• forms bones and teeth.

Iron
Action:

• increases hemoglobin content;
• strengthens the immune system;
• ensures proper functioning of muscles;
• promotes the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

• normalizes metabolism and water balance;
• removes waste and toxins;
• strengthens the heart muscle;
• reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
• normalizes blood pressure.

• normalizes metabolism;
• strengthens the immune system;
• eliminates inflammation;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system.

• relieves stress;
• strengthens blood vessels;
• relieves inflammation;
• removes toxins;
• strengthens bones.

Phosphorus
Action:

• participates in energy metabolism;
• activates muscle and mental activity;
• strengthens bones;
• normalizes the functioning of the heart and kidneys.

Dogwood and vitamins

Vitamin C
Dogwood contains a large amount of vitamin C, which makes this plant extremely beneficial for the immune system. Thus, dogwood berries are recommended to be taken as a remedy during a cold and as a preventative during an epidemic period.
Action of ascorbic acid:

• regulation of both oxidative and reductive processes of cellular respiration;
• strengthening capillaries by increasing their elasticity and permeability;
• promoting the growth and formation of bone tissue;
• increasing the body's defenses;
• stimulating the formation of adrenal hormones.

• routine;
• anthocyanins;
• catechins.

• reduces fragility and capillary permeability;
• promotes the resorption of atherosclerotic deposits;
• lowers blood pressure;
• promotes blood clotting;
• eliminates swelling;
• slows down heart rate;
• stimulates the functions of the adrenal cortex.

• reduce fragility of both capillaries and blood vessels;
• prevent premature aging;
• prevent bleeding;
• reduce the risk of developing cancer and diabetes;
• strengthen the heart muscle;
• normalize metabolism;
• eliminate inflammatory processes.

• neutralize the effects of free radicals;
• prevent cell destruction;
• slow down the aging process.

• antioxidant;
• detoxifying;
• cardioprotective;
• antispasmodic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• hepatoprotective;
• antiallergic;
• choleretic;
• diuretic;
• antitumor.

• ensuring the normal course of oxidative and reduction processes;
• ensuring the full formation of bones and teeth;
• regulation of protein synthesis;
• prevention of premature aging;
• normalization of metabolism;
• strengthening the immune system;
• strengthening and stabilization of all membrane structural cells;
• ensuring the normal functioning of the skin and mucous membranes: for example, vitamin A improves skin elasticity and slows down its aging, promoting regeneration;
• ensuring cell differentiation, which has found its application in the prevention and treatment of neoplasms.

• development of a disease called “night blindness”;
• increased incidence of infectious diseases;
• weakened vision;
• brittle nails;
• early appearance of wrinkles;
• loss of appetite;
• premature aging.

• regulation of RNA biosynthesis, as well as proteins;
• inhibiting the destruction of membranes and increasing their strength;
• preventing calcium leakage from cells;
• optimization of intracellular metabolic processes;
• removal of waste and toxins;
• normalization of reproductive functions;
• regulation of energy metabolism.

• excessive fatigue;
• sagging skin;
• weakened visual acuity;
• inflammation of the digestive tract;
• infertility;
• development of neuroses;
• absent-mindedness.

Useful properties of dogwood

• General strengthening;
• tonic;
• antidiarrheal;
• anti-inflammatory;
• bactericidal;
• hypotonic;
• antiscorbutic;
• phytoncidal;
• antidiabetic;
• antipyretic;
• pain reliever;
• sedative;
• antimalarial;
• choleretic;
• diuretic;
• antituberculosis;
• astringent;
• antioxidant;
• antirheumatic;
• wound healing;
• oncoprotective.

Benefits and harms

What are the benefits of dogwood?

What does dogwood treat?

• anemia;
• conjunctivitis;
• measles;
• flu;
• scarlet fever;
• rickets;
• smallpox;
• diarrhea;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• avitaminosis;
• stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• furunculosis;
• eczema;
• rheumatoid arthritis ;
• neuroses;
• mental disorders;
• acute gastroenterocolitis;
• hypertension;
• diabetes;
• haemorrhoids;
• pneumococcal and staphylococcal infections;
• white thrush;
• ENT diseases;
• general weakness of the body;
• sexual impotence;
• frequent urination;
• hepatitis;
• lower back pain;
• menstrual irregularities;
• fever;
• gout;
• rheumatism;
• liver, kidney and biliary inflammatory diseases.

Dogwood harm

Treatment using dogwood tree

Berries (fruits)

• inflammatory diseases of the liver and kidneys;
• skin diseases;
• gout;
• metabolic disorders;
• anemia;
• diabetes mellitus

Stones (seeds)

Roasted and ground dogwood seed kernels are used as a coffee substitute.

Leaves

Flowers

Root

Bark

Application of dogwood shrub

Decoction (drink)

• angina;
• smallpox;
• diarrhea;
• impaired metabolism;
• intestinal diseases;
• cold;
• fever;
• headache.

In addition, with the help of a decoction of dogwood, used as a compress, abscesses are treated.

Dogwood juice

Dogwood juice is indicated for:

• atherosclerosis;
• diabetes mellitus (in this case, the juice should be without added sugar);
• anemia;

To prepare the juice, the berries are sorted and thoroughly washed, after which the seeds are removed. Now you can squeeze the juice out of the pulp using gauze. If the juice turns out to be too sour, it can be sweetened with apple or cherry juice, or you can add sugar (400 g of sugar per 600 ml of natural dogwood juice).

Important! Dogwood juice immediately after preparation is subjected to heat treatment.

Dogwood jelly

To cook jelly, you will need the following ingredients:

• dogwood berries – 130 g;
• sugar – 125 g;
• starch – 50 g (for liquid jelly).

Dogwood compote

Ingredients:

• dogwood fruits – 0.5 kg;
• sugar – 100 g;
• water – 1.5 l.

Dogwood compote has a bright color, sour taste and light pleasant aroma.

Dogwood jam

Large and ripe dogwood fruits are washed and pitted (it is important that the seeds of the berries are easily separated, otherwise the result will not be berry jam, but something like jam). Next, the peeled fruits are blanched twice in boiling water (the berries should be lowered into boiling water in parts, after placing them in cheesecloth). It is important after each blanching to immerse the berries in cold water in order to remove part of the pectin (the fact is that it is this substance, contained in large quantities in dogwood fruits, that can cause the syrup to turn into jelly).

Preparing the syrup: So, for every kilogram of dogwood berries, a syrup is prepared from one and a half kilograms of sugar and half a liter of water. The dogwood is placed in hot syrup and left for two hours, after which the resulting mass is put on fire and boiled until the jam of the required thickness is obtained. 2 - 3 minutes before the end of cooking the jam, add 3 - 5 g of citric acid. Now the jam is poured into hot and necessarily sterile jars, rolled up and wrapped until it cools completely. Such fortified jam can be preserved for years without losing its beneficial properties, without turning sour, and without losing color.

Infusion

2 tbsp. The fruits of the plant are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for eight hours. The infusion is drunk twice a day, 100–150 ml.

Tincture

Ingredients:

• dogwood fruits – 500 g;
• vodka – 1 l;
• honey – 1 – 2 tbsp. (taste).

A properly prepared tincture has a ruby ​​color and a tart taste.

Dogwood wine

• dogwood fruits – 1.5 kg;
• sugar – 1.2 kg;
• water – 4 l;
• yeast – 1 tsp.

Let's start preparing the syrup. To do this, a kilogram of sugar is mixed with three liters of water. The resulting syrup is mixed with juice and placed in a bottle, the lid of which is equipped with an outlet into a regular glass of water. The wine must ferment until the end, after which it is bottled.

Contraindications

• increased stomach acidity;
• nervous overexcitation;
• individual intolerance;
• gastritis with high acidity;
• ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum;

Recipes with dogwood

Decoction for rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism

Infusion for colds

General strengthening decoction

Dogwood for hemorrhoids

Infusion for gout and anemia