Mulberry — Useful properties and applications. Contraindications
Mulberry (mulberry or mulberry tree) — plants of the mulberry family, deciduous trees 10–15 m high, with lobed alternate leaves. The mulberry fruit is a complex juicy drupe, 2–3 cm long, has a different color — from white and red to dark purple. Some species have a sweet taste and a pleasant aroma. These plants live up to 200 years, sometimes up to 500.
The official homeland of mulberry is considered Persia. In Afghanistan and Iran, it is considered a «family» tree and is planted in almost every yard. Now the culture can be found in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Mulberry cultivation began more than four thousand years ago. Predominantly white mulberry began to be used in China for breeding silkworms.
It has an edible fruit, from which they make a filling for pies, make wines, mulberry vodka and soft drinks.
It grows intensively in the first few years, then the growth slows down. It begins to bear fruit in 4–5 years.
More than 17 plant species are known, but white or black mulberry is in the greatest demand. In folk medicine, all parts of this unique tree are used. But the fruits, leaves, and mulberry root are especially appreciated
Chemical composition
Mulberry has a large amount of vitamins (A, B1-B6, B9, E, C, K), trace elements (manganese, iron, zinc, copper, selenium) and macronutrients (calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus). Mulberry berry contains a lot of potassium, the lack of which in the body can lead to hypokalemia. Therefore, doctors prescribe mulberry extracts when potassium metabolism disorders occur.
Mulberry fruits contain up to 11% sugar, organic acids (malic, phosphoric and citric), proteins, fats, vitamins, iron.
The leaves of this tree are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. The most important component of the chemical composition of mulberry foliage is considered to be «active» calcium, which is a lot in cow’s milk, but in the leaves many times more.
The leaves are valued for the following bioactive components present in the composition:
-retinol (vitamin A);
-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A);
-thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin (B vitamins);
-ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
-tocopherol (vitamin E);
- rutin (vitamin P).
Useful properties and applications
The juice and infusion of mulberry fruits are used for diarrhea, pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and as a means to enhance the dilution and separation of sputum.
Mulberry berries are especially useful for boys who have had mumps and scarlet fever — they help prevent unpleasant consequences in the sexual sphere.
The benefits of mulberry:
-strengthening the immune system;
-restoration of the nervous system;
-normalization of sleep;
-recuperation after hard work;
-improvement of kidney function;
-getting rid of stagnation of bile;
-elimination of toxins and toxins from the body;
-stabilizes cholesterol levels;
-improves vision;
-acceleration of metabolic processes;
-supports the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
In addition, those who want to lose weight should eat ripe berries. After all, they act as a natural diuretic and laxative.
For medicinal purposes, not only mulberry fruits are used, but also other parts of it: leaves, root, bark.
Infusions are prepared from dried leaves, designed to:
-wash open wounds;
-rinse the mouth and sore throat with sore throat;
-prevention of cough, bronchitis and pneumonia;
-reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes;
-to facilitate the menopause period in women;
-get rid of migraines and headaches;
-improve libido;
-restore visual acuity;
-to achieve a positive effect in the treatment of eczema and other skin diseases;
It is proved that the leaves located on the middle tier and in young trees have the most qualitative and nutritious compositions.
In China, a decoction of leaves, bark and mulberry root is used for hypertension.
Mulberry leaves are delicious and are usually used to make tinctures and herbal teas. Mulberry leaf tea is especially popular in Asian countries.
Mulberry leaves help to lower blood sugar, cholesterol and reduce inflammatory levels. They contain several compounds that can help in the fight against diabetes. These include 1-deoxynogirimycin (DNJ), which prevents the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. In particular, these leaves can reduce high blood sugar levels and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
In one study, 37 adults took maltodextrin, a starchy powder that rapidly raises blood sugar levels. Then they were given mulberry leaf extract containing 5% DNJ. Those who took 250 or 500 mg of the extract experienced significantly lower increases in blood sugar and insulin levels than in the placebo group. In addition, in a three-month study, people with type 2 diabetes who took 1000 mg of mulberry leaf extract 3 times a day with meals had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels after meals compared to the placebo group.
Some studies show that mulberry leaf extract can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. A study was conducted in which patients with high cholesterol participated, they took 280 mg of mulberry leaf supplements 3 times a day. After 12 weeks, LDL cholesterol (bad) decreased by 5.6%, and HDL cholesterol (good) increased by 19.7%. Another 12-week study showed that 10 people with high triglyceride levels who took mulberry leaf supplements containing 36 mg DNJ daily reduced the level of this marker by an average of 50 mg / dl.
Mulberry root is used as a decoction. After prolonged use, many have noticed the following improvements:
-blood pressure has returned to normal;
-strengthened immunity;
-the risk of catching colds has decreased;
-the spread of psoriasis and vitiligo has decreased.
To prepare a decoction, take 50 gr. the crushed root is poured with hot water in the volume of one liter. Then the liquid is allowed to infuse for 1 hour, and the container is put on the stove. The drink needs to be brewed for 20 minutes. Next, the broth is cooled and filtered, honey is added for taste. It takes 100 grams to drink it three times a day.
The mulberry bark contains components that can stop the development of inflammatory processes in the body. Therefore, the ointment made from this part of the plant heals cuts and bites quickly. In addition, during mouthwash, the infusion treats various ulcers and microcracks.
In the East, this plant is called the «tree of life». Its medicinal qualities have been known since ancient times.
The benefits of mulberry for women
Mulberry contains the antioxidant resveratrol, which has a positive effect on appearance and slows down aging. Antioxidants protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, due to which the skin becomes more elastic and tightened.
The benefits of mulberry for men
Berries contain a large amount of carbohydrates, which quickly provide the body with energy with increased physical activity. Mulberry also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which reduces the risk of prostate diseases caused by the proliferation of bacteria.
Contraindications
Due to the high sugar content, mulberry is not recommended for diabetics.
In some cases, eating mulberries can disrupt the work of internal organs and cause undesirable consequences.
- Mulberry lowers blood pressure, so it is not recommended to eat hypotonic.
- Excessive consumption of mulberry can cause an allergic reaction.
- With diabetes, mulberry fruits are not indicated for consumption due to the significant sugar content in them.
It is impossible to eat mulberry fruits on an empty stomach, and even more so to drink cold water. In this case, there is a high probability of diarrhea, diarrhea, bloating.
How to choose mulberry
It is best to give preference to ripe freshly picked mulberry, as it spoils very quickly. When buying berries, pay attention to the appearance: there should be no visible damage, the tails should be light green. During transportation, berries can be stored for no more than three days, their packaging should not be damaged.
The preparation of bark should be approached with special attention. It is cut off during the period when the kidneys begin to swell. At this time, the juices move intensively through the tree. Next, the bark is dried first in the sun, and then in the shade.
Mulberry Leaf Tea Recipe
It is tea that is considered the most common remedy in the prevention of various ailments, so it should be brewed without mistakes. You will need 2 tablespoons of dried mulberry leaves per liter of boiling water. Be sure to brew tea with the lid closed. To normalize the condition or treat a number of diseases, it is recommended to drink a glass of this tea half an hour before meals.
Attention! The information is for informational purposes only. Before use, you need to consult your attending vrpcha.