Strawberry tree: use, beneficial properties and contraindications

Strawberry is a real relic. In Jordan, during excavations, archaeologists discovered fossilized trees. In addition, the strawberry is mentioned in the writings of the Greek scientist Theophrastus, who lived in the 300s BC. Today, the tree, whose fruits resemble strawberries, has become a symbol of the capital of Spain - on the coat of arms of Madrid is depicted a bronze bear, who feasts the bright fruits of the plant. Arbutus, also called the strawberry tree, got its name because of the fruits resembling strawberries. In addition, the fruits of strawberry tree have the smell of strawberries, and berries can be eaten raw.

Strawberry: calorie and chemical composition

The strawberry flower has a pleasant and light honey aroma. Use it as a diaphoretic. The plant also has excellent antiseptic properties, so different decoctions, tinctures and medicines based on strawberry should be taken for inflammations in the throat and pains of the urinary system.In the bark and leaves of strawberry contains substances that are useful for the digestive system. They have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The chemical characteristics of arbutus are still being studied. Nevertheless, the fruits are rich vitamin B, malic and ascorbic acid, sugar and pectin. In overripe fruits, there is a percentage of alcohol. Also in the bark there is tannin, which gives a bitter taste, tannins, flavonoids. By the way, strawberry is a food for large butterflies that inhabit Israel, and from the fruits of the tree they create honey, which has a tart taste and a pleasant aroma.

Souvenir caskets and watch cases are even made of strong strawberry wood. As for the caloric content of the fruit of the tree, the energy value is 28 kcal: of which proteins - 0.8 g; fats - 0.4 g; carbohydrates - 7.5 g

The plant has a few more names: health resort, whisper and other original "names". Since the plant loves heat, it is best to grow it in the winter garden, in greenhouses, in greenhouses.

Useful properties of strawberry

Tannin, which is present in the bark and leaves of arbutus, binds amino acids, thereby soothes the digestive system and improves the intestinal microflora. Fruits and other parts of the strawberry tree have a therapeutic effect on the body: vitamins and acids promote active metabolism and increase immunity.

Ascorbic acid is also present in the plant, which is able to enhance the protective function in the human body. This advantage is especially useful for avitaminosis and during the active spread of viral diseases. If we talk about the beneficial properties of the strawberry tree on the farm, a number of points can be noted: thanks to the substances present in the bark of the tree, leather materials are processed to increase durability and plasticity; from leaves create paint brown color.

The use of strawberry fruit in cooking

For many gourmets it will be useful to know what a strawberry tree is and how it can be used in cooking. Berries are used to make various syrups and jams, candied fruits and jelly. Also, the fruits are the main ingredient for the preparation of alcoholic beverages (wines and liquors). In Portugal, for example, they produce vodka from strawberries.

Berries are eaten raw and processed. So, from them it is possible to prepare tasty jam, compote or jam. In addition, the fruits of arbutus - an exquisite additive in prestigious varieties of liqueurs. From the flowers get spicy honey with pleasant bitterness.

Use in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, strawberry has also found its use. Preparations based on the fruits of the plant have valuable components that help to heal from cystitis and eczema.

In folk medicine, the strawberry tree is used in as a medicine for many ailments, description and application of which can be found in various sources. For example, decoction of the flowers of the tree is insisted: young strawberry flowers are picked, washed with clean water, and then boiled in a container with berries, like compote. This tincture is useful for rhinitis, sore throat, as the plant has antiseptic properties.

Another recipe: the bark of the tree is used for burns and scratches. Also, arbutus bark can cleanse and process the face, as it contains useful components that treat problem skin. From the leaves and flowers you can prepare a tincture on a water basis for gargling and eliminating toothache.

Collection and preparation of medical raw materials

As mentioned above, leaves, fruits, flowers and bark are used to treat diseases. All these parts of the plant are processed and harvested differently. Leaves collected in summer: tear, carefully sorted, throwing out the blackened leaves, dried and turned over every day. When the foliage is completely dry, it is stored in paper packaging for up to two years.

Berries are immediately used in cooking or dried in special dryers. The bark and flowers are dried under a canopy in a room where there is good air ventilation. The bark is also harvested in summer: it is crushed and stored in packages until use.

The strawberry tree is a common plant in Europe, America and, in particular, in Ireland, where a large number of strawberry species grows. The tree grows slowly and in decades reaches 5 meters in height.

Contraindications

The use of strawberries in moderation will bring many benefits. However, when overeating berries a person may have headaches and indigestion. In large quantities, the fruit stupefies, as in a mature state a small dose of alcohol and andromedotoxin appears in the berries.

Since there is a strong toxin in the bark, you cannot get rid of it even after drying. Therefore, the bark is used only for external processing and healing. Honey, which is collected from strawberry nectar, also contains a fraction of toxin and in large quantities unfavorable to the human body.