Amur velvet berries: useful properties and contraindications

The healing properties of Amur velvet are used for acute and chronic diseases. It is interesting to figure out how the plant is useful, and how to use it correctly.

Description of the plant and where it grows

Amur velvet is a deciduous plant from the Root family, which is also found under the name of the cork tree. In adulthood, it can rise up to 28 m above the ground. The bark of the plant is light gray and soft in section; in young years, a silvery tint can be noticeable. The leaves of the tree are elongated, lanceolate. In the photo of Amur velvet with a description of its medicinal properties, it can be seen that the crown of the plant is spreading and openwork.

Cork has a lifespan of about 250 years

The Amur velvet tree blooms closer to the middle of summer in small buds with greenish petals. In late summer or early September, small black berries with a shiny tint ripen on the branches. Some of them fall off quickly, but others persist until frost. The fruit tastes bitter, with a pronounced resinous aroma.

The root system of Amur velvet is powerful, penetrating deep into the ground. The tree is not afraid of drought and rarely falls under the influence of winds.

On the territory of Russia, the tree grows in the Far East, you can also see it on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, in Primorye and in the Khabarovsk Territory. In the world, the plant is found in the wild, mainly in Southeast Asia - in Korea, China, Japan. Artificial culture is grown in many parks around the world.

The chemical composition of leaves, berries, bark

Valuable chemicals with medicinal properties are found in all parts of the plant. In particular, the composition includes:

• coumarins and alkaloids;
• tanning compounds;
• flavonoids;
• geraniol;
• phytoncides and tannins;
• vitamins, including C, B and E;
• saponins;
• limonene and myrcene.

The alkaloid berberine in the bark, leaves and fruits is of particular medical importance. This substance has a positive effect on blood circulation and helps to lower glucose and cholesterol levels.

Why is Amur velvet useful?

The cork tree has pronounced antiseptic and antipyretic properties. Berries and other parts of the plant:

• relieve the condition at high temperatures;
• stop bleeding;
• help get rid of worms;
• have antimicrobial effect;
• normalize metabolic processes and improve the work of the pancreas;
• reduce blood glucose levels, subject to regular use;
• have anti-tuberculosis properties;
• have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects;
• alleviate the condition with polyarthritis;
• used in the treatment of jaundice and hepatitis;
• help with neurasthenia;
• facilitate the course of allergies.

Due to the strong tonic properties of the Amur velvet berries and products based on them, they can be used as a natural energy drink. The use of infusions and decoctions helps to replenish strength against the background of prolonged stress or after serious illness.

Cooking methods

Berries, leaves and bark of the cork tree are used internally, with this method of treatment, the properties of Amur velvet bring the maximum healing effect. As a basis for medicines, both water and alcohol or vodka are used.

Leaf tincture

Alcoholic tincture of Amur velvet is beneficial for chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis and inflammation of the oral cavity. Prepare it as follows:

• dry leaves of a cork tree are measured in an amount of 30 g;
• pour 200 ml of vodka or medical alcohol;
• insist in a dark place for 14 days, periodically shaking the vessel.

Before preparing the tincture, the leaves must be chopped

The finished product is filtered through cheesecloth and taken three times a day, 15 drops. In total, the treatment must be continued for no more than 10 days; it is harmful to health to use the tincture on an ongoing basis.

The alcohol can be used for rinsing. In this case, a large spoonful of the drug is diluted in 150 ml of water and the oral cavity is treated up to five times a day.

Infusion of leaves

For the treatment of kidney diseases, dysentery and to normalize digestion, an aqueous infusion based on Amur velvet is used. It is very simple to prepare it:

• 30 g of dried leaves are crushed and filled with 200 ml of boiling water;
• under the lid, the product is insisted for two hours;
• the drink is passed through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

Water infusion on the leaves has an anti-inflammatory effect

You need to use the infusion three times a day on an empty stomach, shortly before meals, three small spoons.

Bark decoction

In the bark of Amur velvet, useful substances are contained in increased quantities. Crushed raw materials are used to prepare a concentrated broth. They do it like this:

• 10 g of dried bark is cut and filled with 200 ml of water;
• the agent is boiled over low heat for 15 minutes;
• after the expiration of time, remove from the stove and cool to room temperature.

Strain the broth through folded gauze and add clean drinking water to its original volume. The drug is taken three times a day, dividing the total amount into three equal servings.

A decoction of cork bark helps even with tuberculosis

A strong decoction of the Amur velvet bark is beneficial for diabetes, high fever and diseases of the biliary tract. The remedy can be used for diseases of the respiratory system, pleurisy and pneumonia.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditional medicine uses berries and medicines based on Amur velvet to treat a variety of diseases. The plant has anti-cold and strengthening properties, helps to normalize metabolic processes.

The healing properties of Amur velvet in diabetes

Amur velvet fruits have insulin-stimulating properties. In other words, they force the pancreas to produce the desired hormone and reduce tissue resistance to its effects. If you eat berries on a regular basis, you can achieve normalization of sugar levels and improve metabolic processes. In addition, Amur velvet promotes weight loss, which is also important for diabetics prone to obesity:

1. Balsa berries are used exclusively for type II diabetes, 3-4 pieces per day.
2. In total, the course of therapy continues for at least six months, if the fruits are consumed irregularly, then they will not have any beneficial effect.
3. Along with taking medicinal berries, it is forbidden to drink alcohol and smoke. Also, you should not drink tea and coffee for six hours after consuming them.

The benefits of Amur velvet for flu and colds

The healing properties of the Amur velvet plant bring a beneficial effect against influenza and ARVI. At the first symptoms of the disease, it is recommended to eat 1-2 berries, chew them well and hold them in your mouth for a while. The procedure must be repeated twice a day, while eating and drinking after swallowing the fruit is prohibited for five hours.

Amur velvet for constipation

With slow digestion and a tendency to constipation, it is recommended to take two Amur velvet berries on an empty stomach in the morning. The fruits will help normalize the stool, activate the metabolism and at the same time contribute to getting rid of extra pounds.

Amur velvet for hypertension

The fruits of the cork tree equalize blood pressure, help relieve headaches and heart palpitations. Take 1-2 berries on an empty stomach once a day, preferably in the morning. If the pressure is increased strongly, the frequency of administration can be increased up to twice a day.

The maximum daily dosage of Amur velvet fruits should not exceed five pieces

Application in cosmetology

Amur velvet extracts can often be found in popular cosmetics for skin and hair. The beneficial substances in the plant help fight inflammation, cleanse the epidermis and stimulate collagen production. Leaf and fruit extracts can be used to combat eczema and dermatitis, to heal burns.

Shampoos and conditioners with Amur velvet stimulate the active development of hair follicles. Curls against the background of the use of such funds become thicker and stronger.

Contraindications

The fruit of the plant contains not only valuable, but also potentially harmful toxic substances. The beneficial properties and contraindications of Amur velvet berries depend on the volume, it is extremely important to observe the dosages indicated in the recipes. Excessive use of cork products can lead to dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and an allergic rash.

The benefits and harms of Amur velvet depend on the presence of contraindications. The latter include:

• individual allergy to any part of the plant;
• pregnancy;
• period of breastfeeding;
• children under 12 years of age.

Along with the use of berries, decoctions and infusions of the cork tree, do not take alcohol and drinks with caffeine. The latter have a strong tonic effect, and since the fruits already have an energetic effect, the combination can harm the body.

Collection and procurement

The timing of harvesting balsa wood depends on which parts are to be used. Amur velvet leaves are harvested in June or July, when they contain a maximum of nutrients. Raw materials are dried in the open air, and then put into paper bags or plastic containers and sent to storage at room temperature. The shelf life of harvested leaves is one year.

Leaves are laid out to dry in a shaded, but dry place

The bark from the trunk of the Amur velvet is removed in spring, at the beginning of the season it easily separates from the wood, and the plant does not receive any damage. It is also necessary to dry the raw material with good ventilation in the shade.It is advisable to immediately cut the bark into small pieces, so the remaining moisture will evaporate from it much faster. The raw material retains its useful properties throughout the year in a dark place at a moderate temperature.

Cork berries are harvested after ripening in early autumn. You need to pluck them from the branches in clear and warm weather. For long-term storage, it is customary to dry the fruits; you can do this in the open air or send the raw materials to an oven preheated to a maximum of 50 ° C. You need to store berries at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C throughout the year.

You can keep dried cork in paper bags.

Conclusion

The healing properties of Amur velvet are beneficial for metabolic disorders, colds and respiratory diseases. It is necessary to consume fruits and products based on them in small dosages and strictly according to prescriptions, in which case the natural medicine will not harm the body.

Reviews about the medicinal properties of Amur velvet berries and contraindications