Content
Pine cones are natural raw materials that are widely used both in home medicine and in cooking. Cones have a pleasant taste and a lot of useful properties, but so that they do not cause harm, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for their use.
The size and shape of pine cones
The size of pine cones can be considered average - they usually reach no more than 3-7 cm in length and only occasionally grow even larger. The diameter of the cones usually does not exceed 2-3 cm, their shape is elongated and oblong, cylindrical with a narrowing at the end.
As you can see in the photo of pine cones, on top they are covered with small scales that cover the inner core. In young buds, the scales are bright green and tight-fitting, but as they grow older, the structure of pine cones changes, their color becomes brown, and the scales themselves become woody.
It is customary to distinguish male and female pine cones - the male ones are small in size, collected in groups and located near the base of the shoots. Female cones are larger and they grow towards the end of the shoot. At the same time, both types of kidneys have beneficial properties.
Why pine cones are useful
Scotch pine cones contain a huge amount of valuable substances. They include:
- vitamins C, A, B and K;
- terpenes and essential oils;
- tannins and fatty oils;
- magnesium, iron and selenium;
- tannins and phytoncides;
- a small amount of alkaloids;
- bioflavonoids.
Thanks to such a rich composition, young green buds, when properly processed, bring tremendous benefits to the human body. In particular, they:
- have anti-inflammatory effects and fight infections;
- strengthen immune resistance to viruses and bacteria;
- liquefy phlegm with a dry cough and, in general, have an extremely positive effect on the lungs and bronchi;
- improve the composition and movement of blood - pine cones for blood vessels increase the elasticity of the vascular walls and prevent the deposition of cholesterol plaques;
- protect the heart system from ailments, lumps can protect against ischemia, reduce the likelihood of developing a stroke or heart attack;
- have a diuretic and choleretic effect, due to which they are very useful in diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder;
- effectively eliminate edema and associated unpleasant symptoms;
- prevent the development of scurvy and anemia - the vitamin composition of the cones quickly replenishes the deficiency of nutrients in the body;
- strengthen the nervous system and help normalize sleep patterns;
- save from depression and increased anxiety;
- improve metabolism and contribute to the normalization of the stomach and intestines.
For both men and women, bumps can be beneficial if the reproductive system malfunctions. Bump-based products stop inflammation, improve blood circulation in the pelvis and restore healthy vigor and energy. The anti-cancer properties of cones are also well-known, they can be used for the prevention of cancer.
How and when are buds harvested
In folk medicine, the benefits of pine cones are used, which have not yet had time to turn numb, respectively, and it is necessary to collect useful raw materials immediately after the cones appear on the branches of the plant. This happens in late May or early June.
To collect raw materials, it is necessary to choose pine forests, the age of the trees in which is about 30 years. Young pines actively release buds, but at the same time they still remain rather low, it is most convenient to collect cones from such trees. In addition, preference should be given to forests located far from major roads, factories and factories, the cleaner the medicinal raw material is, the higher its useful properties will be.
Pine cones treatment
Young pine cones are incredibly popular in home medicine, and the reason is simple - the funds based on them help in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.
- Bumps have a healing effect for any colds: ARVI, bronchitis, flu, prolonged cough and runny nose. The vitamins in their composition, and especially vitamin C, quickly help relieve high fever and malaise, activate the immune system to fight a viral infection.
- Pine buds are used for stomach ulcers. Means based on useful raw materials have a healing effect in erosive lesions of the mucous membranes, soothe inflammation and relieve pain.
- Bumps help with gastritis, diarrhea tendencies and metabolic disorders. Useful substances in their composition accelerate the digestion and assimilation of food, improve the intestinal microflora, promote the rapid removal of toxins from the body.
- Choleretic and diuretic properties of raw materials are in demand in the presence of sand in the kidneys, in chronic inflammatory processes, in violation of the outflow of bile. The use of funds based on pine buds contributes to the fact that bile begins to be produced more actively, and fluid is faster excreted by the kidneys from the body - accordingly, the work of internal organs improves, and swelling goes away.
Cones are used in complex therapy aimed at rehabilitation after a stroke. The composition of useful raw materials contains a large amount of tannins - substances that can slow down the breakdown of neurons in the affected areas of the brain. Thus, pine cones from a stroke prevent the disease from developing further and help maintain maximum mental clarity and performance.
Tinctures and decoctions based on cones help well with joint ailments - arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis. Of particular benefit are rubbing and compresses, acting on the sore joint through the skin, pine buds relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Also, cones are used:
- for diseases of the respiratory tract - pneumonia, pneumonia, tracheitis and bronchitis, tuberculosis;
- with a deficiency of nutrients in the body - scurvy, anemia and anemia;
- with gynecological inflammations and diseases of the genitourinary sphere - cystitis in women, urethritis and prostatitis in men;
- with skin ailments - dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis;
- with disorders of the endocrine system and ailments of the thyroid gland;
- with weak immunity, loss of strength and decreased performance;
- with atherosclerosis, hypertension and increased blood cholesterol levels;
- with anxiety disorders, insomnia, tendency to depression;
- with a decrease in potency and libido in men and women.
When applied externally, pine buds not only help to cope with inflammatory skin diseases, but also contribute to the rapid healing of wounds - and in addition, they have a disinfecting effect.
Folk recipes from pine cones
Recipes from pine cones can be very different, the dosage of medicinal products and the duration of treatment always depend on the specific disease. But, one way or another, only a few medicinal tinctures based on natural raw materials are used in folk medicine, they are prepared in the same ways.
Pine cone infusion
The simplest remedy based on fresh pine buds is an ordinary water infusion. Prepare it like this:
- about 50 g of green cones are thoroughly washed in cold water, dried and finely chopped with a knife;
- pour 500 ml of freshly boiled water into a small container;
- cover with a lid and remove for 2 hours to infuse in a shaded place.
The finished infusion will need to be passed through folded gauze to filter out the precipitate.
You need to drink 100 ml twice or three times a day, and the infusion brings the maximum benefit for anemia, weakened immunity and a cold cough. The valuable properties of the drink will also be in demand in case of gastrointestinal diseases - the infusion will soothe irritated mucous membranes and contribute to a quick recovery.
Pine cone tea
Pine buds are suitable for making healing tea, it is especially convenient because it can be taken in the same quantities as regular tea, along with honey or other sweets. For cooking you will need:
- wash in cold water, and then properly grind pine cones in the amount of 10-12 pieces;
- pour raw materials with a liter of water and put on the stove, and when the cones boil, reduce the heat to the lowest and cook for another 5 minutes;
- remove from heat, leave for about an hour and strain.
The resulting infusion is added to ordinary tea leaves - 3-4 small spoons each.
The finished drink turns out to be very aromatic and healthy, it helps well with anemia, colds, high blood pressure. Drinking tea is recommended if you have a predisposition to heart ailments, the drink will strengthen blood vessels and heart muscle and prevent the development of dangerous conditions.
Pine cone tincture
For arthritis, rheumatism and radiculitis, it is recommended to use cone tincture prepared with alcohol. Such a remedy has especially strong warming and analgesic properties, and after a stroke, it prevents the breakdown of brain cells.
Healing broth
Green pine cones are beneficial in the form of an aqueous decoction. Prepare it like this:
- fresh pine cones are taken in such quantities as to fill a third of a liter pan with them;
- the raw materials are thoroughly washed, but not cut, but immediately poured into a prepared container;
- the pan is filled with water and the bumps are sent to the stove - they need to be cooked only for 5-7 minutes, since too many valuable substances are destroyed during long heat treatment.
The finished broth is covered with a lid and left for an hour. The present and cooled agent is filtered with gauze, and then only 3-4 sips are taken in the morning. The remedy is especially beneficial for atherosclerosis and high cholesterol, for gastric diseases and intestinal disorders.
Since the broth has an increased concentration of useful components, it cannot be taken in large volumes - this will cause harm. But if desired, the product can be diluted with natural honey - the taste of the drink will become richer and more interesting, and the beneficial properties will only increase.
Pine syrup
Pine cones are used not only for making drinks, but also for creating tasty and healthy treats. One of them is pine syrup - its unusual refreshing taste will appeal to both adults and children.
The recipe for the syrup is as follows:
- young bumps are thoroughly washed, placed in a saucepan and poured with water in a ratio of 1 to 3;
- for 20 minutes, the raw material is boiled, then removed from the heat and left to infuse for a day in a closed form;
- after that, the boiled cones are removed from the infusion and discarded, and the remaining liquid is filtered through tightly folded gauze.
Sugar is added in equal proportions to the resulting infusion, stirred properly and put on fire again. At the lowest temperature, the syrup is boiled for another 1.5-2 hours, until it acquires a raspberry hue, and then immediately poured into sterile jars while hot.
A tasty and healthy syrup helps well with colds and anemia - just use it with tea to improve your well-being. Also, syrup benefits the stomach and intestines, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps to get rid of insomnia.
Fragrant green cone jam
Young pine cones bring benefits in the composition of sweet jam, a large amount of vitamins and valuable natural substances are concentrated in such a delicacy. There are as many as 2 ways to prepare the product, but in both cases, very little time is required.
- According to the first method, cleanly washed green cones are poured with water in equal amounts, after which they are boiled over moderate heat for only 20 minutes. After that, the resulting broth is filtered and mixed in an amount of 2 glasses with 1 kg of granulated sugar. An ordinary sweet syrup is made from the resulting mixture, after which the remaining cones are again placed in it and boiled until completely softened for about half an hour.
- According to the second method, 1 kg of cones is poured with cold water and left to infuse for a day to soften. The next day, boil an ordinary sweet syrup of sugar and water in a ratio of 1 to 2. When the syrup is ready, drain the water from the infused pine cones, and the cones themselves are boiled in the prepared syrup until they become completely soft.
Aromatic cone-based jam is used as a remedy for any ailment or simply eaten with tea for general health promotion. Suitable for use in food, including, and whole cones remaining in the jam.
Precautions
The benefits and harms of pine cones depend on many factors. First of all, it is necessary to control the dosage of a useful product - drinks and delicacies based on pine buds can harm if you exceed the norms specified in the recipes. Pine cones overdose can lead to stomach upset, skin rashes, and headaches.
In some cases, pine cones can provoke allergies. Since you can rarely find them on an ordinary table, for the first time you need to use medicines, syrups and jams in minimal quantities. If the body does not respond with a negative reaction, the dosage can be increased.
Contraindications to pine cones
The useful properties of pine cones are very great, and they rarely cause harm. And yet, a natural product has a number of contraindications, which include:
- hepatitis and severe liver damage;
- chronic renal failure and nephritis;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 7 years of age.
Pine cones should be used with caution by people over 60 years old. The body in old age is particularly sensitive and may not cope with the assimilation of drugs based on raw materials.
Conclusion
Pine cones are beneficial for a wide range of ailments, they are used in the treatment of even the most serious diseases.But when using bumps, it is important to pay attention to dosages and to ensure that the raw materials are completely clean.
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