Edible dogwood is a plant whose healing properties have been appreciated for centuries. Edible dogwood has been used in natural medina, among others as a means of preventing and treating anemia. Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of dogwood fruit also in stomach ailments. Check what other properties dogwood has.
Edible dogwood( Cornus mas ) is a plant whosepropertieshave long been appreciated . In folk medicinethe use ofis primarily the fruit of dogwood, which contains many mineral elements, mainly iron, as well as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, as well as beta- carotene, flavonoids, organic acids (malic and quinic), pectins, tannins and sugars (approx. 10-13%).
They are also a rich source of vitamin C (on average 100-200 mg in 100 g), as well as P and A. Red varieties of dogwood are a rich source of anthocyanins (antioxidants from the group of flavones and dyes), the content of which can exceed 900 mg / 100g, but the skin contains 4.5 times more than the flesh.
Dogwood for anemia
Dogwood fruits are a treasury of iron - an element that is a component of hemoglobin contained in erythrocytes. Their task is to transport oxygen to all cells of the body.
With iron deficiency, the oxygenation process does not run properly and symptoms of anemia appear, such as e.g. weakness, pale skin, brittleness of hair, angulation in the corners of the mouth, headaches, insomnia.
Therefore, dogwood fruit can be used as an aid in the treatment of anemia. They are also recommended for women who struggle with too heavy periods.
Dogwood for stomach problems
In alternative medicine, dogwood, thanks to the content of organic acids, phytoncides and other active compounds, is used in stomach ailments because it has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
In addition, thanks to the tannin content, it exhibits constipating properties and is used in the form of a decoction or fresh juice for diarrhea and gastric colic. In addition, it works well with improper metabolism, which is why it is recommended especially for people struggling with overweight and obesity.
Dogwood in diseaseskidney
Dogwood has a diuretic effect, i.e. it increases the excretion of water and sodium in the urine, and is also anti-inflammatory. Therefore, modern phytotherapy recommends the use of its fruit as an aid in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases to improve their functioning.
This will be useful to youDogwood - where does it grow? When to pick fruit?
Dogwood grows in forests and thickets as a shrub or a small tree. Small and white flowers are harvested at the turn of February and March. The red, elongated fruits are characterized by a tart taste, comparable to that between cranberry and cherry. You can collect them from July to October.
It should be remembered, however, that dogwood fruits have large seeds (with a small amount of flesh), therefore their removal can be troublesome. So it's best to slightly incise the fruit and just squeeze the pips out of them.
Dogwood - other he alth properties
In folk medicine, dogwood fruit or flower tincture has been used as an effective antipyretic, for colds and increasing the body's immunity.
The famousdogwoodis also considered a medicine for gout. In alternative medicine, a dogwood decoction on the forehead is used to relieve migraines, and a bath with the addition of a decoction of bark and leaves to relieve rheumatic pains and arthritis (gout).
In dentistry, however, dogwood sprigs are used as an effective tooth cleaning agent. Modern scientific research has also proven that the anthocyanins contained in dogwood fruits have anti-cancer properties and effectively prevent the development of inflammation in the body.
In addition, it has been shown that they increase insulin secretion.
Dogwood - use in the kitchen. What can be made of dogwood?
After freezing, dogwood fruits can be eaten raw or used in sauces (e.g. for venison), jams, preserves, syrups, juices, liqueurs and tinctures. The dogwood is also used to make candy filling.
This will be useful to you- Dogwood jam - recipe
To prepare dogwood jam you will need: 1 kg of ripe dogwood fruits, 2 kg of sugar.
Peel the fruit, rinse, prill (if the jam is to be added to tea, the seeds can be left alone). Boil sugar and 1/2 liter of water to make a syrup, add the fruit to it and set aside for 24 hours. Cook over high heat. When the syrup starts to boil, reduce the heat and fry until the fruit is translucent. Pour the hot jam into the jars.
- Dogwood tea - recipe
Tea withdogwood will strengthen the body, support the digestive tract and increase the body's resistance. It is especially recommended during colds.
Pour a heaped teaspoon of dried dogwood into a glass, pour boiling water over it and leave it covered for 15 minutes. Unlike other herbal teas, dogwood can be drunk without restriction.