Content
Apples are considered tasty and healthy fruits. Many proverbs and sayings are associated with this valuable delicacy. The British claim that eating at least one apple a day can prevent many diseases. However, not everyone knows that the beneficial properties of apple leaves also make it possible to heal the body.
Chemical composition
The leafy oval plates of the apple tree are arranged alternately. They are light green in color, with smooth or serrated edges.
The nutritional value of raw materials is 36 kcal per 100 g of product. The content of dietary fiber reaches 3.3 g in the indicated amount. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 3, 0.8 and 6.3 g, respectively. Apple leaves include 88 g of water and 2.2 ash (per 100 g).
Raw materials are rich in the following substances:
- retinol;
- b-car;
- Group B compounds (eg B1, B2, B4, B5, B6 and B9);
- potassium;
- vitamins K and PP;
- lutein and zeaxanthin;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- copper;
- manganese;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- essential amino acids (valine and arginine, isoleucine, histidine, lysine and leucine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine and phenylalanine);
- nonessential amino acids (serine, proline, cysteine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, glycine, aspartic acid, alanine);
- phytosterols;
- saturated fatty acids (myristic, stearic, palmitic);
- monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic or omega-9, palmitoleic);
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic, linoleic, Omega-3 and Omega-6).
Why are apple leaves useful?
The rich chemical composition provides a beneficial effect on the body of raw materials. The beneficial properties of young apple leaves are the following effects:
- maintaining immunity and health of the organs of vision;
- positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and the vital activity of cells;
- strengthening the heart and blood vessels;
- normalization of water, electrolyte and acid balances;
- ensuring muscle contraction;
- prevention of osteoporosis;
- prevention of anemia, diseases of the digestive tract.
Means made from apple leaves are prescribed for gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the respiratory system, insomnia, kidney and bladder pathologies. They can be used topically due to their anti-inflammatory effect on acne.
Useful properties of apple leaves for women
Raw materials are a source of vitamin E. This compound has a positive effect on the functioning of the female reproductive system. Tocopherol is also called the vitamin of beauty and youth. Its intake into the body produces anti-aging and antioxidant effects.
Preparation and application methods
The apple leaf has medicinal properties. There are various indications for the use of drugs containing natural raw materials. The use of a specific dosage form is possible for therapy and prevention.
Infusion
Usually, the drug is recommended for diseases associated with the respiratory system. The infusion is drunk half a glass three times during the day.To prepare a drink, you need to pour a tablespoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water.
Tea
The dosage form is recommended for people in professions associated with excessive stress of the vocal apparatus. The drink helps to eliminate perspiration and hoarseness.
The product is drunk for weight loss. To get rid of insomnia, you need to drink warm tea an hour before going to bed. Take two teaspoons of raw materials and pour boiling water over it. The drink is insisted for two hours. To improve the taste, add pieces of fresh fruit, lemon zest. The apple tree leaf can be combined with black tea and rose hips.
Decoction
The dosage form is used externally in the treatment of skin pathologies. Internal intake is intended for the treatment of the digestive system. A tablespoon of raw materials is poured into a glass of boiling water, simmered over low heat for ten minutes. The remedy is insisted for half an hour. Adults drink 100 ml of broth three times a day. For children, the amount of drug used is reduced by three times.
Application in traditional medicine
They use many options for the preparation of medicinal drugs. Their use is due to the presence of indications.
General tonic
The raw materials are placed in an enamel pan, poured with water and boiled for 15 minutes over medium heat. Then the mixture must be poured into a thermos for infusion. The product is ready for use in eight hours.
Polyarthritis treatment
Joint inflammation is usually autoimmune and is accompanied by intense pain and swelling. To reduce the severity of unpleasant symptoms, you can use tea from apple leaves. The tool has an anti-inflammatory effect. A handful of raw materials are mixed with honey and apple cider vinegar (a teaspoon each). The drink helps with muscle aches and pains.
Elimination of anemia
One and a half tablespoons of raw materials are poured into 300 ml of boiling water. Cover the enamel pot and wrap it with a towel. An hour later, the infusion is filtered. The remedy is drunk after meals three times a day in a glass.
Anti-aging tonic
Put two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh apple leaves in a saucepan. Raw materials are poured into 500 ml of boiling water, a teaspoon of sage herb is added. After cooling, the product is filtered. The infusion is used cold for washing in the evening and morning. It is applied after preliminary cleansing of the skin.
Decrease in temperature
A drink based on medicinal raw materials helps to eliminate fever. It is necessary to make an infusion containing the following ingredients:
- dry leaves (teaspoon);
- finely chopped apple (one fruit);
- onion juice;
- honey (tablespoon).
The product is used warm. Its advantage is to increase the body's defenses, reduce sore throat.
Contraindications
Apple leaves have both medicinal properties and contraindications. The use of raw materials is not recommended in the following cases:
- a tendency to constipation;
- pregnancy (with caution);
- individual intolerance;
- thrombophlebitis.
When and how to collect apple leaves for drying, tea
Raw materials should be procured in advance so that they can be used during the winter months.Decoctions, infusions and teas are prepared from the leaves of the apple tree, which have a beneficial effect on the body.
The presence of valuable substances and useful properties depends on compliance with the necessary procurement rules. The collection of apple leaf blades is carried out during the formation of ovaries. It is distinguished by the accumulation of unique components in a light green mass.
After treating the trees with chemicals, you must wait at least two weeks. Otherwise, the leaves of the apple tree will cause not only benefits, but also harm to health.
During the drying process, the raw materials are placed on parchment without cuttings in a thin layer. The leaves are placed in a dark and dry place, mixed regularly to avoid mold. Harvesting apple leaves is recommended in the spring. During this period, the maximum concentration of nutrients in young shoots is noted.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties of apple leaves are used in folk medicine. From raw materials, drugs are made that have a beneficial effect. You should also remember about the rules for harvesting apple leaves and possible contraindications so as not to harm your health.
