Thorn - the benefits and harm of an unusual plant. The benefits and harms of thorns for the health of the body

Thorn is a small thorny shrub. This plant is called blackthorn, prickly plum, and also damson. It belongs to the genus Plum of the Rosaceae family.

The name goes back to the Proto-Slavic root and is translated as “thorn”. Blackthorn was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. But his universal fame is associated with biblical legends. The crown of Christ was woven from thorn branches.

The growing area of the prickly plum is mainly located in temperate climate zones. These are steppes, forest-steppes, forests. Wild thorns often form impenetrable thickets. In the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and Crimea, the shrub grows at an altitude of up to 1500 meters. In addition, it can be found in Western European countries, Western Siberia, Asia, areas of the Mediterranean basin, and the northern part of the African continent. The prickly plum is valuable for its healing properties and is used in cooking.

Botanical description of blackthorn

The thorn plant is a tall shrub, the height of which reaches 3 – 5 meters. Some of its species are low trees up to 5 meters high. The branches grow in a horizontal direction. They are covered with numerous sharp and thick spines.

The shape of the matte, dark green leaves of the plant is obovate or elliptical, with a serrated edge. The leaves are about 5 centimeters long.

The blackthorn plum is very beautiful during flowering, when the bush is covered with a cap of white flowers even before the leaves appear. They emit a bitter almond aroma and attract many bees to collect their nectar and pollen. Therefore, the plant is considered honey-bearing. The start time of flowering depends on the area where the sloe grows. The shrub may bloom in April or May.

Blackthorn wood is very strong and hard, and has a reddish-brown hue. It is used for the manufacture of small turning and carpentry products. The roots of the plant go 1 meter deep into the soil and are densely branched, so that they extend far beyond the crown projection.

Thorn is a winter-hardy and drought-resistant shrub. Gardeners speak of it as an unpretentious plant that is easy to care for. It is often used as a rootstock for plums and apricots, planted on crumbling slopes to strengthen the soil, and also to create hedges of thorns. To decorate the garden, it is recommended to plant terry, red-leaved, and purple varieties of blackthorn.

Prickly plum berries

The sloe berry is called monodrupe. In most varieties, their shape is round, with a diameter of up to 15 mm. The color of the fruit is blue-black, with a waxy coating. They are green inside, the flesh does not separate from the single wrinkled seed.

The ripening of prickly plum berries, as well as the appearance of flowers, depends on the region of growth and occurs in August or September, while they remain on the bush or tree throughout the winter months, until the onset of spring. The taste of damson is tart and sour. The astringency of the fruits decreases after frost, so that they acquire a more pleasant taste and become edible.

Chemical composition of berries

The composition of blackthorn berries varies depending on the geography of its growth, but the main components are invariably:

pectin;
sugars: fructose, glucose, sucrose;
organic acids;
tannins;
vitamins A, group B, PP, E, ascorbic acid;
microelements: iron, magnesium, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium;
essential oils.

The nutritional value

The energy value of prickly plum fruits is on average 50 - 53 kcal per 100 grams. Protein content – 1.5 grams, fat – 0.3 grams, carbohydrates – 9.4 grams.

In addition, blackthorn berries include water, mono- and disaccharides, organic acids, dietary fiber, ash and starch.

Useful and medicinal properties of thorns

The healing, medicinal properties of most plants are contained in their individual parts: fruits, leaves, roots. The blackthorn is an amazing creation of nature, since the benefits of the thorn lie in its berries, and in the leaves, flowers, roots, and even bark.

Applications of blackthorn flowers

Flowers are collected at the height of flowering. They are dried in ventilated, dark places, stored in closed containers and most often used to prepare decoctions and teas. Sloe flowers are useful for:

liver cleansing;
removing toxic substances from the body;
normalization of metabolic processes;
blood purification;
increased diuresis;
treatment of chronic constipation;
relieving inflammation of the throat mucosa.

To prepare a healing decoction, 25 grams of dried blackthorn flowers are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and left for 10-15 minutes.

Application of fruits

The berries are consumed fresh and dried, and jams and preserves are also prepared from them. The beneficial properties of thorn fruits are especially valuable in the following cases:

for dysentery, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, constipation, nausea and other gastrointestinal problems;
in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases, for example, urolithiasis;
with vitamin deficiencies;
with cystitis;
with flatulence and slagging in the body;
for insomnia and irritability.

In addition, damsons help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathologies. Berries activate the body's immune defense, strengthen gums and prevent inflammation of the prostate gland.

Contraindications to eating berries

There are no serious contraindications to eating damsons. However, the harm of thorns can be felt by people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: high acidity of the stomach, gastritis, gastric ulcer.

It is important to know that you can only eat ripe damson pulp, without seeds. They contain potent poison. For this reason, canned tren fruits with seeds should not be stored for more than a year, since toxic substances from the seeds penetrate into the edible pulp over time. The same applies to preparing decoctions. Berries should not be left in water for a long time, otherwise the harmful components from the seeds will dissolve in the broth. This drink is dangerous to human health. Eating fresh berries and dishes made from seedless damson pulp does not cause harm.

Those who are prone to allergic reactions should treat blackthorn berries with caution. Another feature of sloe fruits is that they stain teeth blue, which is completely washed off only after a few days.

Eating damsons is not contraindicated for expectant mothers and children. Moreover, the berry is useful for pregnant women suffering from toxicosis and attacks of nausea.

Proper collection and storage of berries

The ripening period for damson plums is from July to August. One fruiting bush can produce up to 15 kilograms of berries, which are well preserved during transportation and have a shelf life.

But you can start harvesting thorns only after the first frost has occurred; until this time, damson plums are inedible. It is worth choosing elastic, strong berries, without inclusions of rot, cracks and sores. Damaged fruits are unsuitable for processing.

To ensure that the benefits of damson plums last for a long time, they can be subjected to minimal heat treatment. Store berries frozen or dried. In this form, their healing properties remain unchanged throughout the year. Fresh fruits must be consumed within 10 days.

Prickly, inconspicuous-looking thorn bushes are actually a source of healthy fruits. Skilled housewives prepare healing decoctions, sweet preparations and sauces for various dishes from them. Blackthorn fruits will appeal to those who know how to properly collect and store them. And decorative thorn hedges delight the eye from the beginning of spring until late autumn.

Blackthorn is a shrub known in many countries. Some people know about thorns because they made a wreath from it for Jesus, but it is more famous as a medicinal plant, in which everything is useful:

Berries;
Flowers;
Leaves;
Branches;
Roots.

And in this article we will focus specifically on the benefits and harms of thorn berries, the predecessor of the usual one. Some say that sloe berries have numerous beneficial properties for human health, while others say with disdain that their positive effect on our body is practically not noticeable. So where is the truth? This is worth looking into in detail.

In fact, no matter what anyone says, sloe berries are very healthy and you can prepare a variety of delicious dishes from them. They contain a large amount of nutrients and healing substances, thanks to which sloe berries have the following effects on the body:

Diuretic – eliminates swelling;
Astringent – effective for diarrhea, stomach upsets;
Antiseptic – destroys germs and bacteria;
Diaphoretic – treats colds;
Removes nausea, stops vomiting.

Sloe berries help in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, such as urolithiasis, nephritis and cystitis. In case of poisoning, this remedy will not only speed up the process of removing bacteria, infections and poisons from the body, but will also cleanse the intestines and stabilize the functioning of the digestive system.

Sloe berries are also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which, in combination with vitamin C, which they also have in abundance, thin the blood and improve its circulation through the vessels, increase blood clotting and strengthen capillaries. It is worth paying attention to this product for those who have weak veins or who have spider veins on the surface of the skin.

In addition, the use of prickly plum berries is effective for high blood pressure. Anthocyanins contained in sloe berries destroy fungi and bacteria in the body, and also relieve tumors. It is recommended to take these berries for those who have vision problems. Anthocyanins accumulate in the tissues of the retina, strengthen blood vessels and connective tissues and normalize intraocular pressure. Thus, sloe berries can be used for the prevention and treatment of the following eye diseases:

Glaucoma;
Myopia;
Rapid eye fatigue;
Diabetic retinopathy.

Hot jams made from sloe berries are very good, they reduce high temperatures during colds and strengthen the immune system. Extreme benefits of sloe berries are also observed in the treatment of genitourinary system infections, kidney diseases and edema.

The pulp of fresh berries can be used to rinse the mouth for inflammation or infections, as well as stomatitis. This is the best natural antibiotic that destroys bacteria and neutralizes ulcers no worse than various chemicals.

Damage to sloe berries

Sloe berries practically do not harm human health, but there are several nuances that should be followed in order not to harm your body. First of all, it is worth considering that the seeds of berries contain a toxic glycoside, so before consuming them it is best to separate the berries from the seeds.

In addition, canned sloe berries that contain seeds cannot be stored for more than a year, because then these poisons spread from the seeds into the berries themselves. Excessive consumption of fresh sloe berries can cause stomach upset.

To summarize, we can say that before adding this product to your diet, you should familiarize yourself with the benefits and harms of sloe berries, since on the one hand it makes a huge contribution to our health, and on the other hand there is a risk of poisoning with toxic substances, if not know how to take them correctly.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of sloe berries

The nutritional value
Vitamins
Macronutrients
Microelements

Thorn (also known as blackthorn) is a plant representative of the Rosaceae family. It is represented mainly by small shrubs, less often by trees. The height of the thorn can reach 8 m. The branches have thorns. The leaves are irregularly shaped - either elliptical or ovoid, but of reverse shape. The flowers of the shrub are always small and usually white. Flowering time - late April - first half of May. Sloes bear fruit in small single-druped fruits, the color of which is dark purple. There is a barely noticeable waxy coating on the top of the fruit.

Sloes primarily grow in Western Europe and Mediterranean countries. In our country - in western Siberia, as well as in the Caucasus.

Sloe fruits are rich in glucose and fructose (up to 9.0%), acids (up to 3.0%). They taste sour. They ripen late - in mid-autumn. Thorn easily tolerates even the harshest winters, as well as droughts. Thanks to crossing with domestic plum, the sloe grows in the Volga region, and bears fruit very abundantly and large.

Thorn is an excellent honey plant. From 1 hectare you can collect up to 30 kg of ready-to-eat fruits, which is very high productivity. Before eating, it is advisable to freeze and defrost, or let it sit for several days in a place protected from the sun at room temperature.

Harvesting and storage of thorns

Sloe fruits begin to ripen in early autumn, but they are collected in the second ten days of October. Fresh fruits have a very unpleasant taste due to the large amount of tannins they contain. The most pleasant time for harvesting fruits is the first frost. Due to exposure to low temperatures, tannins are destroyed, and the berries become sweet and sour in taste. After harvesting the fruits, it is advisable to dry them in the first week. This can be done either in natural conditions in the open air, but in warm weather, or in stoves at a very low temperature.

The collection of shrub flowers must be carried out during the budding period. As a rule, this is the beginning or middle of August. It is better to collect leaves during the flowering period - June-July. It is advisable to collect young shoots of thorns at the end of May, and they need to be dried in an open and preferably ventilated area. Sloe roots should be dug up in September-October and dried in air or in an oven.

All components of the shrub in question can be stored for 1 year, with the exception of the roots. Their shelf life lasts 3 years. It is advisable to store all dried components at room temperature in a place protected from the sun. It is best to do this in glass jars or fabric bags.

Use in everyday life

The most common way to use thorns in everyday life is to create a hedge. In addition, this shrub is a very good decorative element in the garden.

Medicinal properties of thorns

All parts of this bush, including the fruits, have medicinal properties. Let's look at their benefits first.

Sloe fruits have astringent properties, which allows you to quickly and reliably get rid of diarrhea, while greatly improving the digestion process. In addition, fruits in any form are useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The fruits also have an antiseptic effect. Therefore, they are often recommended in the presence of various viruses, bacteria, worms and other harmful microflora in the body.
Thorn is an excellent diuretic, which allows not only to eliminate ailments in diseases of the genitourinary system, but also to speed up the metabolic process (metabolism).
Sloe fruits are especially useful during the recovery period after illnesses. They significantly improve appetite and also promote normal digestion.
Fruits in any form are useful for dysentery, since in this case they have a complex effect on the human body.
Candidiasis can be cured with the help of fruits and preparations based on them within 5-7 days of intensive consumption.
In case of food poisoning, it is enough to eat several fruits, including dried ones, to significantly reduce the consequences, as well as the symptoms of its course.

Let's look at some of the medicinal properties of thorn flowers.

Decoctions and infusions based on dried sloe flowers are often used as a laxative. This will cleanse the intestines, thereby preventing the occurrence of other adverse effects.
Preparations based on the flowers of this shrub are used as a diaphoretic. This allows you to improve metabolism and reduce body temperature in the presence of inflammatory processes.
Such drugs help calm the central nervous system, especially during periods of depression, psychosis and other mental manifestations.

Medicinal properties of thorn leaves

Based on them, you can make a decoction or infusion, which is used as an external remedy for healing wounds of various origins (falls, rubbing, etc.).

Sloe bark and roots are also beneficial

Decoctions based on them are an excellent antipyretic that can be used even by small children.

The use of sloe in folk medicine

Today, several dozen different recipes are known that use various components of the shrub in question. Let's look at some particularly popular ones.

A decoction of thorn bark for the treatment of leucorrhoea in women and girls

You need to take 5 g of crushed dry thorn bark and add 200 ml of boiled water. Place in a water bath for 30 minutes, then remove, cool and strain. The resulting decoction should be consumed 50 ml 3 times a day 10 minutes before meals. Douching will also be useful. To do this, only 10-15 ml 2-3 times a day is enough, and always in the morning after getting up and in the evening before going to bed. The duration of the procedure is 5-7 days, after which there is a break for 2 days. Repeat until the leucorrhoea disappears completely, and also as a preventative measure.

Thorn flower infusion as a laxative

You need 1 tbsp. Place the flowers of this shrub in a glass, pour in 200 ml of boiling water, cover with a saucer and leave for at least 50 minutes. Cool, strain and consume immediately. The indicated dose is sufficient to obtain a laxative effect for a man weighing 80-85 kg within 30-60 minutes. The great news is the single action of this remedy.

Infusion of sloe flowers for gastritis

You need 3 tbsp. Pour dry crushed thorn leaves into a glass, fill to the top with boiled warm water, cover with a saucer and leave overnight. Take 75 ml in the morning, and divide the rest of the infusion into 2-3 doses and take throughout the day at equal intervals. It is necessary to repeat the procedure until complete recovery. This infusion can reduce the time of illness by 40-50%.

Sloe leaf tea for kidney disease

When brewing tea in a teapot, add 2 tsp. dry thorn leaves. It is enough to drink 2 glasses of this tea a day to minimize the negative symptoms of diseases of the genitourinary system. Consuming it for 30 days will allow you to forget about kidney problems for a long time. After a month of taking it, it is advisable to take a break for 1 week. You can repeat several cycles.

Steamed thorn leaves for healing wounds and various ulcers

You need to place 2 tbsp. dry leaves of this shrub into a glass jar, pour 1 liter of boiling water, then close the lid. After the infusion has cooled to room temperature, it is necessary to apply the steamed leaves to a gauze bandage and apply to wounds and ulcers. The remaining liquid can be drunk as an immune-strengthening agent, 50 ml 2-3 times a day, especially during periods of increased number of colds. The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days.

Decoction of thorn roots for dysentery

You need 4 tbsp. Place the dry roots of this shrub in a saucepan, add 1 liter of water and simmer over low heat with the lid open until the amount of liquid is reduced by half. After this, remove from heat, close with a lid and let cool. Then strain and place in the refrigerator. Drink 30 ml every day 5-6 times a day until recovery. Then, after a break of 1 week, repeat the cycle as a prophylactic measure.

Using thorn leaves to reduce fever

Collect fresh thorn leaves, mash them well and apply to your head on the forehead, temples and back of the head. Helps reduce high temperatures.

Contraindications

Thorn is not a poisonous plant, so the only contraindication may be individual intolerance to some components. Given the increased amount of tannins, it is not advisable for pregnant women and nursing mothers to take it. Children under 5 years of age should avoid eating fresh or dried fruits, because Digestive problems may occur. This can manifest itself in constipation and other intestinal problems.

The thorn bush is famous for The Thorn Birds and biblical writings. However, ancient healers and herbalists knew about the healing properties of the tart berry, as evidenced by centuries-old medical treatises.

It is known that not only the black-blue fruits of the plant bring benefits, but also the inflorescences, leaves, roots and even branches. The sloe is the ancestor of the garden plum, which is also endowed with gastronomic and medicinal properties.

Chemical composition of sloe

The specific berry owes its taste to a rare chemical composition. Tannins, extractive components and esters, and starch give it astringency. Pronounced sourness occurs due to the increased content of organic acids (phenolcarboxylic acid, malic acid) and vitamin C.

The thorn also contains the following valuable components:

amino acids;
polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, eleostearic, linoleic, palmitic and others);
pectin;
mineral salts;
fiber and dietary fiber;
flavonoids;
monosaccharides (glucose, fructose) – up to 8.8%;
glycosides (prunasin, amygdoline);
catechins;
nitrogenous compounds;
phytosteroids;
higher alcohols;
coumarins;
anthocyanins;
triterpenoids;
beta-carotene;
vitamins of groups A, B, E, PP, C;
mineral compounds (zinc, molybdenum, iodine, copper, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, cobalt, magnesium, etc.).

Attention! Sloe seeds also contain a toxic glycoside (amygdoline) that breaks down hydrocyanic acid.

Such a unique and rich chemical composition determines the maximum health benefits of the berry at a low calorie content (no more than 55 kcal per 100 g).

Useful properties of thorns

The fruits, leaves, flowers and roots of the plant produce a general strengthening effect and help fight a number of ailments.

The berries themselves are valuable due to the following properties:

Relieves chronic constipation.
Activate digestion and intestinal motility, restore its microflora.
They reduce the acidity of the stomach, thereby reducing the likelihood of recurrence of gastritis, ulcers, and colitis.
Reduces gas formation and relieves flatulence.
They bind and remove free radicals, salts and suspensions of chemical elements, toxins, excess fluid, bad cholesterol, and toxins from the body.
They promote weight loss by activating metabolism and improving digestion, and the organic acids in the composition ensure rapid breakdown of lipids.
Promote the removal of sputum in diseases of the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and colds.
They produce an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and diaphoretic effect, and the high content of amino acids and vitamin C ensures rapid rehabilitation for any disease.
They restore the nervous system, therefore they are effective for sleep disorders, depression, panic syndrome and irritability, and general fatigue.
Produce an antiseptic and hemostatic effect, promote the healing of ulcers and wounds, reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Strengthen the heart muscle and vascular walls, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, and help lower blood pressure.
They regulate plasma cholesterol levels, and also cleanse the liver and kidneys, promoting their recovery after illness or surgery.
Promote the natural removal of stones from the kidneys or bile ducts.
They produce an antibacterial effect, kill pathogenic microflora (fungi, bacterial rods, etc.).
Antioxidants in the composition of thorns produce an antitumor effect, prevent cell oxidation, thereby maintaining their youth and quality.

Flavonoids have a positive effect on blood flow and blood quality, reduce vascular permeability, and increase coagulation. The turn diet helps normalize high blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertensive conditions.

In men, thorn provides prevention of prostate diseases, the occurrence of benign neoplasms, and adenomas.

In women, the berry reduces nervous tension and symptoms of PMS, and produces an analgesic effect during menstruation. Sloe pulp and juice are used in cosmetology, providing natural skin cleansing, eliminating teenage acne, acne, dermatitis and rosacea. Also, the components in the composition contribute to toning and deep hydration of the skin and hair.

Fruits, greens or wood

Blackthorn is a unique plant, since absolutely all its parts acquire healing properties.

Berries
The tart berry ripens after the first frost. Then the fruits are dried, alcoholic tinctures are made, decoctions and jams are prepared.

Fresh juice and sloe wine can be used for applications and compresses for skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, etc.).

You can rinse your mouth with a decoction of the fruit - tanning components provide treatment for gums and healing of microcracks in the mucous membrane. Also, this natural rinse prevents stomatitis and oral candidiasis, periodontal disease and periodontitis.

Leaves
Sloe shoots are brewed as tea, which provides a pronounced laxative and diuretic effect. Excess fluid leaves the body, due to which the temperature during fever decreases and swelling decreases.

Tea is effective for prostate adenoma, cystitis, urolithiasis and kidney stones, nephritis, and increased secretion of bile.

A decoction of the leaves can also be used to rinse the mouth for dental pathologies.

Lotions with healing infusion are effective for dermatoses, pustular lesions, and furunculosis.

Flowers
The inflorescences of the bush are harvested at the bud stage.

Tea and tinctures from flowers strengthen the body's defenses and produce an antipyretic and diuretic effect.

It is enough to drink tea with sloe flowers 2 times a day to safely reduce blood pressure, reduce toxicosis during pregnancy, and shortness of breath.

The decoction is also effective for liver and kidney diseases, chronic constipation.

It is also useful to drink this tea at night - it will calm the nervous system, relax muscles and ensure long-lasting sound sleep.

For colds, a decoction of flowers knits and relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the esophagus, throat, and oral cavity. Inhalation over the decoction reduces runny nose and promotes vasoconstriction.

Roots
It is recommended to dig up the roots in the fall. Then they need to be thoroughly dried in the sun and in the oven. Various remedies from thorn roots (infusions, decoctions, juice) are effective for inflammatory, viral and respiratory diseases. Since ancient times, the roots have been used to treat malaria.

Surprisingly, the roots, unlike the juice of the fruit, have a strengthening effect, and therefore are indispensable for chronic diarrhea and acute poisoning.

A decoction of the roots is used for applications for skin lesions, including erysipelas.

Douching with a decoction of thorn roots reduces the manifestation of vaginitis and candidiasis.

Wood
The bark has excellent astringent properties. It is recommended to bathe babies in the decoction, as well as make antiseptic baths for affected skin.

A decoction of the bark can lower the temperature no worse than raspberry tea.

A decoction of thorn branches is an indispensable remedy for gout, allowing you to crush and remove uric acid salts from the body.

Harm of thorns and contraindications for use

Unfortunately, the abundance of extractive components and other substances is not always well tolerated by the human body. For example, due to the high content of dyes and acids, sloe is an allergen. If you have a history of individual intolerance to various berries or citrus fruits, then treatment with thorns is contraindicated for you.

It is also undesirable to consume berries during periods of exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases. In case of increased acidity, gastritis or ulcers, it is recommended to drink a decoction of flowers or bark, but in no case freshly squeezed sour fruit juice.

There is one more nuance, but it is more aesthetic. Pigments in the pulp can stain the enamel dark blue for several days, so it is not recommended to overuse the fruits on the eve of work or an important event.

Nutritionists recommend limiting the consumption of thorns for healthy people. The useful dose is 100 g, and you should not enjoy the berry more than 2 times a week. Remember that fresh berries have a diuretic and laxative effect, which can take you by surprise at the most inopportune moment. And fruit jams contain a large amount of carbohydrates and, if consumed in excess, quickly lead to weight gain.

Gastroenterologists recommend consuming only thorn pulp, but not the seeds, which contain a toxin. For this reason, it is not recommended to store fruit preserves for too long, since amygdoline, together with hydrocyanic acid, diffuses from the seeds into the product itself. Fresh fruits are also stored for no more than 10 days in a cool, dry place.

Thorn is a fairly rare and valuable berry, so if you find it on the counter, be sure to prepare it for the long winter. Jams and decoctions from thorns strengthen the immune system, relieve colds and help relax the nervous system. And the valuable bark and inflorescences will provide healing compresses for various skin lesions.

When treating with traditional recipes, it is important to know when to stop and remember the contraindications. In case of individual intolerance to the product, consult a doctor.

Video: recipe for sloe jam

Thorn is a rosaceous shrub; the fruits of this plant resemble small plums in appearance, but this is the only similarity between the fruits of thorn and plum trees. People often call blackthorn a prickly plum. The fruits of the tree are similar to plums, but in fact, blackthorn appeared much earlier than plum plants. And few people know that thorns have unique healing and beneficial properties. The main advantage of the thorn lies in its components, while almost the entire tree can be called useful parts, from the bark and roots to the juicy fruits. What is a thorn? What benefits and harms are most important for the human body?

Chemical composition of sloe

The composition of the thorn includes a lot of the most useful and irreplaceable components for humans, among them the leading role is assigned to:

dietary fiber;
organic acids;
amino acids;
fiber;
pectin;
essential oils;
tannins;
monosaccharides;
starch.

Sloes are also rich in vitamin and mineral components. First of all, it is important to note that thorns contain a unique content of vitamin A, as well as beta-carotene. In terms of the content of these components, thorns rank first among other fruit and berry crops. In addition to these vitamins, the fruits of the plant contain vitamins C, the entire subgroup B, E, PP. The chemical composition is also rich in the content of mineral components: molybdenum, cobalt, iron, copper, potassium, chromium, manganese, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, magnesium.

Despite the high and complete content of useful components, ter is a low-calorie product, per 100 grams. The fruit contains only about 55 calories.

What are the benefits of thorns for the body?

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the plant proves its usefulness. How is the turn useful?

Sloe fruit has a laxative effect, which means it is effective for constipation. In addition, the fruits of the plant help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as reduce the risk of developing gastritis, colitis, and gastric ulcers. Sloe fruits also help to get rid of flatulence; the product is indicated for use in cases of chronically increased gas formation;
The fruits of the plant have a cleansing quality, thanks to which the thorn is able to remove harmful components, slagging, toxic substances from the body, and also normalize the intestinal microflora;
Thorn is effectively used for weight loss. Nutritionists have developed several effective diets based on the fruits of this plant. It has been proven that the product helps improve metabolic processes, helps normalize the process of digesting incoming food, and fights the risk of fat deposits;
The healing properties of thorns are known to many healers. It has been proven that the plant has expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and antibacterial properties;
The plant helps to cope with nervous disorders and general weakness of the body. The fruits are actively used for dizziness, shortness of breath, insomnia, nausea and increased irritability;
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of sloe are reliably used in dentistry. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a decoction of the fruit. In addition, due to its astringent effect, the plant is also used to treat gums, as well as the outer surface of the oral cavity;
People with heart problems are recommended to regularly enjoy thorn fruits, because they help the cardiac system work in a normal rhythm, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and reduce the risk of developing many heart ailments;
The fruits of this plant are actively used to strengthen the immune system. Thanks to its fully fortified composition, the product helps stabilize the functioning of the defenses of the whole body;
Thorn reduces the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood and also helps lower blood pressure;
An indispensable product is thorn for men. This product normalizes the general condition of the prostate gland and helps prevent the development of adenoma;
And for women, thorns have invaluable benefits. Regular consumption of the fruits of this plant helps reduce the risk of developing nervous diseases, significantly alleviates a woman’s condition with PMS, and helps reduce pain during menstruation;
The fruits of the plant are also indicated for various liver diseases. Thanks to its cleansing properties, the product is indispensable for kidney and liver pathologies.

The use of the turn is very different. But the basis of the fruits is prepared into jams, compotes, decoctions, and infusions. The pulp, as well as the juice of fresh fruits, is actively used in cosmetology. The pulp of the fruit helps cope with purulent and inflammatory processes on the skin, eliminates acne and acne.

Harm

When it comes to delicious berries - sloe, the beneficial properties and contraindications of this product are individual. Despite the uniqueness and usefulness of the thorn, it also has contraindications for use. Sloe berries should not be consumed for diseases and pathologies such as:

gastritis with high acidity;
allergic reaction or individual intolerance to the product;
gastric ulcer in the acute stage;
increased stomach acidity.

Sloe berries have certain harm. This circumstance mainly concerns the staining of tooth enamel in a bluish tint during consumption of berries. The benefits of sloe for gums are great, but the juice of the fruit can stain tooth enamel in a bluish tint, and this color is washed off only after a few days.

It is important to know that when preparing a decoction of sloe berries, it is strictly forbidden to leave them in liquid. The seeds of the fruit contain a toxic substance - amygdalin. If amygdalin interacts with the aquatic environment for a long time, then it subsequently provokes the appearance of toxic components in the liquid, which accordingly cause intoxication in the body of the person drinking the decoction.

Applications of thorn fruits

The beneficial qualities of thorns, the benefits and harms of which have been fully proven, are not lost when preparing various dishes. Most often, the fruits are used to make sweet jam, compotes and other preserves. In addition, sloe berries can be used as an additional ingredient when preparing main courses or salads. Pastilles, marmalade, smoothies, and cocktails made from sloe fruits have amazing taste and aroma.

berries;
various fruits;
non-starchy vegetables;
any varietal greens;
hard cheeses;
lean meat;
grain crops;
cereals.

What can be prepared from thorns?

There are a lot of options for tasty and healthy thorn dishes.

Sloe compote

To prepare a healthy drink you will need to take about 200 grams. thorn fruit, 1.5 l. clean water; sugar about 100 g, citric acid - at the very tip of the knife.

Place the fruits of the plant, thoroughly washed and cleared of foreign components, into a small saucepan, add the required amount of water and citric acid to the saucepan. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil. Afterwards, add the required amount of sugar, then bring the liquid to a boil again and cook for about 25 minutes.

After preparing a healthy compote, the liquid needs to be strained.

Sloe decoction

To prepare a healing decoction, you need to choose dense and whole fruits. The decoction is prepared per 500 ml. Take about 2 tbsp of clean water. spoons of fruit. Pour boiling water over the berries, cover the container with the broth with a tight lid and let the liquid steep for an hour. After the specified time, the broth must be strained from the berries.

Winter preparations made from thorn fruits are more popular. What can be made from thorns for the winter?

Jam with seeds

To make healthy jam, you will need to carefully sort out about 2 kg. thorn fruit. The berries need to be divided into 2 (halves) parts, and the core of each berry must be removed. Add 500 grams of prepared berries. Sahara. Leave the resulting mixture in this state for 1 night, without stirring anything.

In the morning, see if the juice has released from the berries. If there seems to be little juice, then you need to add a little boiled water. Place the resulting mass on low heat, first bring to a full boil, and then cook until the fruits are completely cooked. At the end of cooking, add vanilla and cinnamon to the finished jam to your own taste.

Pour the prepared jam into sterilized jars, cool, and store in the refrigerator.

Important secrets of using thorn fruits

How to choose the right healthy fruits? Sloe berries are harvested after the first frost has struck. Preference should be given to strong and elastic fruits that are free from sores and cracks. For winter processing, you should not choose fruits that have spots of rot.
The norm of useful consumption of sloe. Nutritionists recommend not to get carried away with consuming the fruits of the plant. It is advisable to feast on healthy fruits no more than 2 times and within 1 week, while one serving of berries should not exceed 100 grams.
Useful storage of sloe berries. To get the maximum beneficial qualities from the “blue” fruits, it is recommended to subject them to less heat treatment. Sloes can be stored in various variations: freezing, drying, drying - in this storage option, the berries retain their beneficial qualities for 12 months. But fresh sloe berries cannot be stored for more than 10 days.