What medicinal properties of Mahonia we know
The medicinal properties of Mahonia holly have been known for a very long time. It is a unique evergreen plant that grows as a shrub. Magonia is prized for its appearance: glossy foliage and yellow flowers. This plant is loved by landscape designers and often uses lush bushes as a hedge.
The composition and benefits of the plant
Mahonia berries are a good choleretic agent.
The healing properties of the berries of Mahonia holly lie in the peel. It contains many biologically active components and minerals such as:
- sodium;
- copper;
- manganese;
- zinc.
Homeopaths practice treatment with the fruit of the plant for various skin diseases, especially psoriasis. The roots of an evergreen shrub contain many bitter substances called alkaloids. The most important among them is berberine, which can improve the functioning of the digestive tract.
Fruit extract contains many antioxidants that block the harmful effects of free radicals on cells.
Eating berries:
- softens stools and facilitates bowel movements;
- is a prevention against constipation;
- fights diseases of the gallbladder;
- heals hemorrhoids.
Rhizomes of Mahonia holly are no less valuable raw materials. An extract is obtained from it, which contains ascorbic acid, tannins, alkaloids, acids of organic origin.
Many people use infusion with holly mahonia in order to increase appetite and restore the body's strength. The plant extract regulates metabolism, strengthens the immune system, activates the cardiovascular system, is able to slow down the aging process.
Application and collection of berries
You need to harvest the fruits of Mahonia when they are fully ripe. Ripe berries have an oblong shape. They are often dark blue in color, but there are also purple-black colors. From above they are covered with a bluish bloom. Fruits ripen in August. However, they do not fall off, but stay on the bush for the next 5 months. At the same time, the beneficial properties of Mahonia holly berries and the taste are not lost. They can be stored in a convenient way: dry or grind with sugar.
The bark of magonia contains tannin. This component is the strongest antioxidant. It is able to slow down the aging of cells in the human body.
To taste, the fruits of the shrub resemble a little barberry, they are sweet and sour. You can take berries of Mahonia holly in different forms. They are added to breakfast cereals or fruit salads. Also, various drinks are prepared from the fruits, as well as delicious jam. This is a rather exotic berry and its jam is special.
Jam is prepared according to this recipe:
- berries must be sorted out and washed thoroughly;
- then blanch in boiling water, no more than 5 minutes;
- put the fruits in a colander or sieve, let the water drain;
- Pour berries into sugar syrup (its concentration is 60%);
- bring the mixture to a boil over low heat.
It is necessary to prepare jam in an enamel bowl. After boiling, remove from heat and leave at room temperature for 10-14 hours to infuse. And only then cook until ready. Towards the end, you should put citric acid at the rate of 1 liter of jam - 1 g of granules.
Mahonia infusions
Holly tincture prepared on the bark of magonia saves from diarrhea and dyspepsia, cures rheumatism, gout and kidneys. It is also used for pathologies of the liver and gallbladder. It is not difficult to prepare such a healing potion.
Here are the basic rules:
- The bark of Mahonia must be crushed, filled with vodka in a ratio of 1:10.
- Before taking the infusion of Mahonia holly, keep the mixture in a dark place for 7 days.
- For all of the above diseases, drink the tincture in 5-15 drops, adding it to the water.
A tincture of plant flowers has medicinal properties. She copes well with gout. For its preparation, pour a teaspoon of opened buds with 1.5 cups of boiling water. When the broth has cooled, strain it and take 1/3 cup three times a day before meals.
Contraindications to the use of Mahonia holly
Each plant has its own contraindications for use. Mahonia holly is no exception.
It is not recommended to use it when:
- Gallstones.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Individual plant intolerance.
- High acidity.
Mahonia holly is an amazing medicinal plant, ready to share with a person all its useful substances. With the correct intake of infusions, you can get rid of many pathologies.