Irga is a low shrub with small dark blue fruits. This unpretentious plant is found in almost all corners of the globe, enduring even the most severe frosts. Irga berry has a pleasant taste, for its sweetness it even received the nickname "northern grape".
In medicine, it is used in the treatment of many diseases. Dry and fresh fruits are used to strengthen the immune system and prevent beriberi.
Irga - description
Irga belongs to the genus Apple-bearing family Pink. In total there are 19 species of this plant. It is noteworthy that all of them produce edible fruits. In Russia, this shrub is more often used for decorative purposes and for stocking low-growing fruit trees.
Spreading
Where does irga grow? This shrub is quite unpretentious to growing conditions. This property allowed him to spread almost all over the world. It is found in North America, North Africa, the Caucasus, the Crimea, Japan, Central and Southern Europe. In Russia, the benefits of its berries are underestimated, planting it as an ornamental plant.
Birds actively eat ripe fruits, contributing to the spread of shrubs
In the forest, you can often find wild bushes that have grown from a seed. Birds act as a kind of "sowers". Hard seeds pass through the intestines of birds without harm to themselves and thus spread over fairly long distances. Migratory birds further contribute to this.
Appearance
In Russia, round-leaved shadberry is most common. She is one of the tallest in her family. It has dense wide leaves of a rounded shape, straight branches. The fruits are blue with a bluish tint and a sweetish taste.
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This is what the irga looks like in the photo:
Irga often grows near fences, and gardeners underestimate the beneficial properties of its berries, but in vain
In Russia, Irga is loved for its lush flowering.
Flowers are concentrated mainly on the top of the shoots, they are collected in the form of a brush, which have up to 10 inflorescences. Abundant flowering begins at the end of April. It ends in mid-June.
Irgi fruits - useful properties and applications
Berries are used as a remedy. They are harvested in late July, early August. The fruits retain their useful qualities even after heat treatment, so jam is made from them, marshmallows are made, dried, and juice is squeezed out. Let us consider in more detail where irga is used, its useful properties and contraindications.
Benefit for health
So, what is the irga berry famous for? How is it good for health? This question is best answered by looking at its composition.
Chemical composition of berries:
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- carotene;
- flavonoids;
- glycosides;
- copper;
- lead;
- cobalt;
- pectins;
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- Sahara.
Such a rich content of biologically active substances provided the berries with the glory of a multivitamin remedy. Pectins help to remove toxins and decay products from the body, lower cholesterol levels. Carotene has a beneficial effect on vision. During the period of colds and flu epidemics, ascorbic acid, which contains a large amount of irga, will help. Its beneficial properties for humans have long been known. This is an increase in immunity, increased regeneration of damaged tissues, strengthening the nervous system.
Useful properties of berries:
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- antitumor
- immunostimulating
- restorative
- soothing
- tonic
- astringent.
Also, the fruits of irgi are able to lower blood pressure, maintain sharp vision, strengthen the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Application
Berries are used in the treatment of the following diseases:
- sore throats;
- stomatitis;
- beriberi;
- insomnia;
- atherosclerosis;
- varicose veins;
- myocardial infarction;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- depression;
- diarrhea;
- diseases of the kidneys and liver.
As a rule, berries are consumed orally in the form of decoctions, infusions, and jams. Lotions from juice are locally used. It is also taken orally for intestinal disorders, a quarter cup 3 times a day, after dissolving a spoonful of honey in it.
Contraindications
Before using any remedy, you should consult a medical specialist. Otherwise, be prepared to experience the consequences that the misuse of such a medicinal plant as shadberry can bring. The benefits and harms of using this berry are taken into account when prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is fraught with indigestion, manifestations of allergies, hypotension, poisoning.
Contraindications for use:
- hypotension;
- acute period of infection;
- individual intolerance.
Side effects from an overdose have not been identified, however, given the sedative effect of berries on the body, drowsiness and lethargy may occur.
Advice! Before taking juice as a medicine, consult your doctor. Perhaps it is contraindicated for you.
cooking recipes
The irga berry is rich in sugary substances, therefore it is well preserved. Here are the most popular methods of harvesting, which is subjected to irga, recipes for its preparation.
Irgi berries make a good filling for pies
Compote
Irgi compote has a pleasant sourness and tones well. To prepare it, the berries are scalded for 3 minutes. boiling water, then laid out in sterilized jars and poured with sugar syrup. The finished compote is covered with a lid and hermetically rolled up using a special machine.
Jam
To make jam, berries are taken in equal proportions with granulated sugar. Water is added to keep it from burning. The brew is periodically stirred, checking the readiness by a drop of syrup. In the finished jam, it does not spread on a smooth surface. This type of preparation does not require hermetic sealing, however, it is still recommended to store it in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation.
Morse
To prepare a fruit drink, the berries are washed and kneaded with a fork. Then juice is squeezed out of them. The resulting pomace is used to prepare a decoction by boiling them over low heat for 15 minutes. A glass of sugar is dissolved in a liter of boiled water, juice and strained broth are added. After 12 hours, the fruit drink is ready.
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