blueberry

Popular names: blueberry, blueberry, blackberry.

BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)Deciduous shrub of the lingonberry family (Vicciniaceae), up to 60 cm high, with strongly branched erect or ascending stems. Young branches are green, sharply ribbed. Leaves on short petioles, thin, smooth, ovate, elliptical or almost round, finely serrated along the edge. The flowers are greenish-white, often with a pink tint, small, drooping, arranged singly on short pedicels in the axils of the leaves. Corolla pitcher-spherical with a limb. The fruit is a juicy black-blue spherical berry with a bluish bloom with a flattened top and the remains of a cup in the form of an annular rim. The pulp of the berry is red-violet, the seeds are numerous, small, ovoid. Blossoms in May – June, fruits ripen in June – August. Blueberries bear fruit from the 2-3rd year. Distributed in the European part of the CIS, Western and Eastern Siberia, in the Caucasus and the Far East. Grows in coniferous and mixed forests. It bears fruit well under the canopy of a not too shady forest on moist soil. According to one of the legends, in the old days, the inhabitants of dense forests – gnomes – lost their homes. People learned about their treasures hidden in the ground, and in search of these treasures they dug up the whole earth, leaving the poor gnomes homeless. They found their new home under a blueberry bush, which took pity on the unfortunates and sheltered them. In gratitude for this, they settled blueberries around the world. leaving the poor dwarves homeless. They found their new home under a blueberry bush, which took pity on the unfortunates and sheltered them. In gratitude for this, they settled blueberries around the world. leaving the poor dwarves homeless. They found their new home under a blueberry bush, which took pity on the unfortunates and sheltered them. In gratitude for this, they settled blueberries around the world.

COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS

For medicinal purposes, fruits (Fructus Myrtilli) and shoots with blueberry leaves are harvested. Quite mature berries are subject to collection. Harvest them in dry weather by hand. The fruits are dried in dryers after preliminary drying for 2-3 hours at a temperature of 35-40°C, dried at a temperature of 55-60°C. Dried berries should not stick together into a lump and stain the palm when poured onto the hand. Overripe, diseased and pest-damaged berries should not be collected. Fruit shelf life is 2 years. The smell of raw materials is peculiar, weak, the taste is sweet and sour, slightly astringent. Shoots with leaves or only blueberry leaves are harvested by hand until the end of fruiting. Dry under canopies in the air, under roofs, in attics, on racks at a temperature of 55-60°C. The shelf life of raw materials is 1 year.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Blueberry leaves have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, choleretic, astringent, cardiotonic effects, lower blood sugar levels (myrtillin glycoside acts like insulin), and regulate pancreatic function. Dry blueberries have astringent, fresh – carminative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hemostatic, antibiotic properties, regulate metabolism, the activity of the digestive tract. Blueberry carotenoids improve night vision and the function of the visual apparatus.

APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE

Aboveground part. In folk medicine, infusion – for diarrhea, gastralgia, diabetes, menorrhagia, leukemia, typhus, scrofula. Leaves. Decoction, infusion, extract – in diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as a fixative; diuretic with ascites, pyelitis, cystitis, urethritis; with diseases of the liver and pancreas, peritonitis, hemorrhoidal bleeding (in the form of enemas). It is used as a tonic, antiscorbutic agent, also externally – as an astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for the treatment of purulent wounds, ulcers, eczema; in the form of douching – with whites. Fruits. In fresh, dried and boiled form (decoction, infusion, juice and jelly) – as an antiseptic, astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial; with diarrhea, acute enterocolitis, hypoacid gastritis, dysentery, heartburn, cystitis, urethritis, rheumatism (as an analgesic); in a mixture with the fruits of strawberries – with anemia, urolithiasis; as antiscorbutic, vitamin; with ascites, diabetes; in the form of lotions, ointments, thick decoction and extract – for eczema, ringworm, burns. In Lithuania, a tonic for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. urolithiasis; as antiscorbutic, vitamin; with ascites, diabetes; in the form of lotions, ointments, thick decoction and extract – for eczema, ringworm, burns. In Lithuania, a tonic for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. urolithiasis; as antiscorbutic, vitamin; with ascites, diabetes; in the form of lotions, ointments, thick decoction and extract – for eczema, ringworm, burns. In Lithuania, a tonic for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. in the form of lotions, ointments, thick decoction and extract – for eczema, ringworm, burns. In Lithuania, a tonic for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. in the form of lotions, ointments, thick decoction and extract – for eczema, ringworm, burns. In Lithuania, a tonic for the symptomatic treatment of cancer. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy. Infusion and decoction (from fresh fruits) – for rinsing with stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Decoction – hemostatic, in the form of enemas and compresses for hemorrhoids, drinking for enuresis. Alcohol infusion – as a prophylactic for improving vision (especially at night). For the treatment of visual impairment, the product “Difrarel” (France) is proposed, consisting of bioflavonoids of blueberries and beta-carotene, which has P-vitamin activity, used to normalize capillary permeability, improve trophism tissues, acceleration of regeneration, treatment of arteriopathy.

DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES

♦ Infusion of blueberries: 20 g of dried raw materials are infused in 200 ml of cold water for 8 hours. ♦ Infusion of fresh blueberries: 1-2 teaspoons of crushed fruits are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, insisted, then filtered. Take as an astringent 2-3 tablespoons 3 times every day or drink as tea without dosage, adding honey to taste. Take 1/4 cup 3-4 times every day before meals.♦ A thick decoction of blueberries: pour 100 g of dried raw materials into 500 ml of boiling water, boil until the amount of liquid decreases to 250-300 ml. Applied externally in the form of compresses, changing the bandage after 4-5 hours. ♦ Blueberry fruit juice is taken 1/2 cup with a tablespoon of honey 3 times every day before meals. fresh or cooked fruits are rubbed in such a way that they acquire the consistency of an ointment. Applied externally, applying a thick layer on the affected area (eczema, psoriasis, burns or as an analgesic for rheumatism, gout, neuritis). The gauze dressing is changed every day, the remains are washed off with pure whey. ♦ Infusion of blueberry leaves: 15 g of dried raw materials are poured into 400 ml of boiling water, insisted for 1 hour, then filtered. Take 1/2 cup 3 times every day. ♦ Decoction of blueberry leaves: 50 g of raw materials are boiled in 1 liter of boiling water for 20 minutes, then filtered. Take 1/4 cup 3 times every day. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Dried fruits are not recommended for constipation. Blueberry leaf products should also not be taken for a long time, as the toxic effect of hydroquinone may appear.

APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS

The aerial part is suitable for tanning and dyeing leather in brown and yellow. A decoction of it – for dyeing yarn in a dark brown color. Cake of berries (pulp) – raw material for obtaining a dye such as hematoxylin; mixed with alum – red and purple dyes for cotton fabrics, wool, silk. Bilberry fruits in strong alkaline solutions give a green and blue color. They are eaten – raw, boiled, dried, also in the form of juices, jams, tinctures, extracts, syrups, jelly. They are used to make wines and liqueurs and color them dark red. In veterinary medicine, an infusion of leaves is used as an astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, for washing wounds, abscesses and ulcers. Honey plant, a strong bee family can collect up to 2.5 kg of honey every day. Honey productivity is 30-80 kg/ha. Honey from it is very fragrant, reddish or very light; characterized by medicinal and dietary properties. The fruit yield in Belarus is up to 500 kg/ha. After cutting down the forest stand, yields drop sharply.

TASTY TIPS

Blueberry soup.

Sort fresh ripe blueberries (200 g), rinse, pour hot water (800 ml) and boil. Add sugar (100 g), bring to a boil, pour in starch (4 teaspoons), diluted in 100 ml of the cooled broth, and boil again.

Blueberry soup with dumplings

(Latvian cuisine). Dip blueberries (400 g) with sugar (3 tablespoons) into boiling water (1.2 l) and cook until the berries are partially boiled. Pour starch (1/2 tablespoon) diluted in a small amount of cold water, boil and cool. Mix flour (1.5 cups) with milk or sour cream (150 ml), beaten egg, salt, sugar (1 teaspoon). Shape into dumplings and drop into boiling salted water. Pour the prepared dumplings with blueberry broth.

Blueberry soup with rice water.

Rinse dried blueberries (40 g), pour water (350 ml), boil for 10-15 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, then strain, add sugar (15 g), juice of 1/10 of a lemon and cool. Boil rice (30 g) in the remaining water, rub it through a sieve twice with the liquid and combine with blueberry infusion. Serve with white bread croutons. Soup should be at room temperature.

Pie with blueberries.

Mix flour (350 g), salt, baking soda (2 teaspoons) with melted fat (150 g), gradually, by spoonfuls, adding water, knead a stiff dough (knead until it stops sticking to your hands). Quickly roll out the dough, fill it with a form greased with fat, two-thirds. Top with blueberries (500 g), small pieces of butter, lightly sprinkle with flour, sugar (200 g). Close the pie with a layer of the remaining dough and bake in the oven with medium heat for 30 minutes.

Blueberries in their own juice.

Put blueberries in sterilized hot jars, pour blueberry juice heated to a temperature of 65-70 ° C, cover with lids and pasteurize: half-liter – 10 minutes, liter – 20 minutes. Cork, store in a cool place.

Blueberries with sugar.

Mash ripe blueberries (1 kg) a little with a wooden pestle, mix with sugar (1 kg), heat to a temperature of 65-70 ° C, place in hot sterilized jars, cover with lids and pasteurize: half-liter – 20 minutes, liter – 30 minutes .

Blueberry syrup.

Sort blueberries (3 kg), rinse with cold water, put in a saucepan, add water and boil well. Then squeeze the juice, mix it with sugar (1.5 kg) and boil for 5 minutes, periodically removing the foam. Pour hot syrup into heated bottles, seal tightly, wrap in a blanket and let cool.

Blueberry juice.

Add water (300 ml) to blueberries (1 kg), heat in an enamel bowl, knead, squeeze the juice, add sugar syrup, bring to a boil, pour into sterilized jars and pasteurize: half a liter – 20 minutes, liter – 30 minutes.

Blueberry drink.

Grind blueberries (200 g) with sugar (25 g) and milk (200 ml), add a little salt (1-2 g), beat and cool.

Blueberry compote.

Pour blueberries (1 kg) tightly into jars, pour 20% sugar syrup (200 g of sugar per 800 ml of water), cover with lids and pasteurize at a temperature of 70 ° C: half-liter – 15 minutes, liter – 30 minutes. Cork.

Blueberry marmalade.

Pour blueberries (1 kg) with water (200 ml) and cook over low heat until thickened. Then add sugar (400 g), stir and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the consistency of marmalade.

Blueberry jelly.

Blueberries (1 kg) put in earthenware, put in a warm oven for 15 minutes. Then squeeze the juice, add sugar (350 g) and cook over low heat until the jelly thickens, removing the foam.

Blueberry jam.

Boil blueberries (1 kg) in water (200 ml) for several minutes, then rub through a thick sieve, add sugar (500 g) and cook over low heat until the consistency of jam.

Blueberry jam.

1. Pour blueberries (1 kg) with sugar (1.2 kg) for 12 hours. Drain the juice, bring to a boil, add berries and cook over low heat until tender.2. Put blueberries (1 kg) in 90% sugar syrup (900 g of sugar per 100 ml of water) for 3-4 hours, then cook over low heat until tender.

Marinated blueberries.

Boil a bite (100 ml of table 5% vinegar) and sugar (350 g) for 5 minutes in an enameled bowl, dip the berries (1 kg) there and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Drain the broth, boil for 10 minutes, dip the berries into it again, add cinnamon and cloves, put in sterilized jars, cover with lids. When the jars are cool, seal them.

Blueberries with milk.

Pour blueberries (200 g) with sugar (to taste), pour milk (250 ml).

Blueberries with corn flakes.

Pour corn flakes (150 g) with hot boiled milk (500 ml) with sugar (75 g), boil over low heat for 3 minutes, add butter (25 g), blueberries (500 g), lemon zest (to taste), cinnamon (to taste), stir, pour into cups and refrigerate. Garnish with whipped squirrels (2 squirrels) with powdered sugar (75 g).

Blueberry-rice pie.

Boil rice (300-400 g) in milk (800 ml). Yolks (2 yolks) thoroughly grind with sugar (100 g), butter (50 g) and salt (to taste). Blueberries (500 g), raisins (50 g), almonds or nuts (30 g), cook sugar over low heat for 3-5 minutes, add whipped proteins (2 proteins). Mix everything, put in a mold greased with creamy margarine (25 g), put small pieces of butter on top and bake.

Drink with blueberry juice.

Heat blueberry juice (500 ml), but do not bring to a boil, add raspberry (100 ml) and lemon (30-50 ml) syrups. Serve hot.

Blueberry tea.

Dried blueberries (100 g) boil (1 liter of water) for 5 minutes. Then leave for 40-60 minutes, strain, add lemon juice and sugar (to taste).

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