Why do you need to collect currant leaves and brew tea

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Blackcurrant leaves are much healthier than berries.

What is useful in currant leaves

1. Vitamin C … 100 g of black currant leaves contain the composition of fruits and leaves of black currant Ribes Nigrum (Review) up to 260 mg of ascorbic acid, and 100 g of fruit contains only 177 mg. In other berries and fruits, with the exception of rose hips, vitamin C is much less.
2. Antioxidants … There are a lot of black currant leaves. Composition of fruits and leaves of black currant Ribes Nigrum (Review) of flavonoids - plant compounds needed Flavonoids: an overview to protect against free radicals.
3. Minerals … 100 g of leaves contain 327 mg of calcium (in milk and cottage cheese only about 120 mg), 370 mg of magnesium and 158 mg of potassium.

Why drink tea from currant leaves

1. Fights inflammation … A decoction of currant leaves has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects against Phenolic Compounds and Ascorbic Acid in Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) viruses.
2. Reduces cholesterol and maintains vascular health. Flavonoids reduce Flavonoids: an overview the amount of lipids and cholesterol in the blood, which improves cardiovascular health.
3. Protects against oxidative stress … Past diseases, smoking and poor ecology increase the number of free radicals - reactive oxygen species that destroy cells in the body and cause dangerous diseases. A decoction or tea from currant leaves contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals.
4. Has a diuretic effect … A decoction of currant leaves Chemical and biological studies of Ribes nigrum L. buds essential oil. Since ancient times, Phenolic Compounds and Ascorbic Acid in Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) has been used to eliminate edema.

When to collect leaves

Black currant leaves are collected "Handbook on the collection of medicinal plants" by A. F. Hammermann during flowering shrub. At the end of June - beginning of July, they contain the most useful substances.

And they will stay in properly dried leaves.

How to dry currant leaves

You cannot collect them after rain or early in the morning, while the dew has not yet dried: wet leaves quickly deteriorate and lose active ingredients. Plucked leaves must be laid out for drying no later than 1-2 hours after harvest, otherwise they will warm up and lose their natural color.

There are two ways to dry currant leaves:

1. In a well-ventilated area or outdoors in the shade. You can dry the leaves in the attic or on the balcony, but make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
2. In the oven at 50-60 ° C. Most ovens have a minimum setting of 100–110 ° C, so you need to open the door to dry, or even better, buy an oven thermometer.

To know that the leaves are ready, rub one leaf between your fingers. It should crumble easily.

After drying, remove the leaves in a cloth bag or paper bag and store in a dry, dark place.

How to make tea from currant leaves

In June - July, you can prepare a decoction from fresh leaves, and at other times use dried ones.

Fresh currant leaf tea

Ingredients

• 200 ml of water;
• 5-6 black currant leaves.

Preparation

Pour water into a saucepan, bring to a boil, toss in the black currant leaves, cover and simmer for 1 minute.

Without removing the lid, remove the saucepan from the stove and wait 2-3 minutes for the tea to brew. Strain.

You can add raspberry leaves, mint, and other herbs to your tea for a richer flavor.

Infusion of dried currant leaves

Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons of dry crushed leaves;
• 200 ml of boiling water.

Preparation

Pour boiling water over the leaves, let it brew for 1-2 hours, strain. Drink 100 ml 3-5 times a day.

If you have a chronic medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Green or black tea with currant leaves

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon black or green tea
• 5-6 fresh currant leaves or 2 tablespoons dry;
• 250 ml boiling water.

Preparation

Combine the tea and currant leaves in a teapot or French press. Pour boiling water over and let it brew for 15 minutes.