Currant is an evergreen or deciduous shrub, whose homeland is considered to be Central Asia and southern Europe. The plant began to be cultivated in the 11th century. There is not a single person who has not tasted the fruits of this wonderful shrub at least once in his life. There are more than 180 species of this plant, but only black, red and white are common.

It is noteworthy that in Europe they began to domesticate it initially as a medicinal plant and only then did they appreciate the taste of its fruits. In Rus', monks were the first to cultivate shrubs; they dug them up in the forest and transplanted them to places near the temple. Currants love moisture and coolness, so they often grow on river banks. Some of them were even named after her, for example, “Smorodinovka”. And the name of the bush comes from the word “stink”, which was then transformed into “currant”.

Currant leaves are used in cooking and medicine due to the fact that they contain useful macro- and microelements, essential oils, fatty acids and vitamins.

When to collect currant leaves for tea

Today the assortment of tea is so wide that it is time to forget about any herbal infusions. However, as practice shows, everything happens exactly the opposite. This happens because the leaves of certain plants help fight illnesses, strengthen the immune system and affect the quality of life without the use of drugs and expensive vitamin complexes.

To enjoy the infusion of currant leaves, you need to know how to properly collect and dry them.

An infusion or tea made from currant leaves is tasty and aromatic, however, in order for it to also be healthy, you need to collect the raw materials at a certain time of the year. The best time to collect leaves to store them for the winter is during the flowering period of the plant. Currants usually bloom in late May - early June. But there are also many new species that may bloom at other times. Therefore, you need to be guided not by the calendar schedule, but by the appearance of flowers on its stems.

Time is an important factor. Thus, experienced experts say that leaves should be harvested between 10 a.m. and until 11–12, when there is no dew on them and the midday sun has not begun to burn. It is very important that there is no rain on this day, since the leaves will be wet and, most likely, they will not be able to dry - as a result, they may simply become moldy.

Also, most gardeners advise paying attention to the phases of the earth’s natural satellite – the Moon. It is believed that as it grows, currant leaves will contain the greatest amount of vitamins and nutrients.

To summarize, there is nothing complicated in collecting currant leaves, the main thing is to follow simple rules, namely:

• wait for the bush to bloom;
• collect raw materials in dry weather from 10 a.m. to noon;
• focus on the Moon in its waxing phase.

It is best to harvest young leaves that are not damaged and have not been attacked by diseases or pests.

How to dry leaves correctly

Currant leaves need to be dried correctly, and this condition is true not only for them. If you do not adhere to certain rules, you can easily spoil the raw materials, and all your work will be in vain.

Conditions for drying currant leaves:

• Warm.
• Low humidity.
• Access to fresh air.
• No direct sunlight.

In other words, you need a place where it is warm, dry, and there is no sun. If such a place is found, you need to spread the collected leaves on clean paper or cloth. A word of caution: you cannot use newspapers for this. The fact is that they contain printing ink, which contains chemicals that are harmful and poisonous to the human body. Therefore, when drying leaves on them, the paint will change their properties not for the better.

Once the leaves are laid out to dry, they should be checked periodically for mold. Those leaves that have been affected by it should be removed immediately, as it can spread to the entire “harvest.”

As soon as the leaves begin to crumble, they can be removed for permanent storage. The leaves should also be stored correctly. It is best to put them in fabric bags or an airtight container. This can be an ordinary glass jar if it has a tight lid.

Another option for preparing currant leaves for the winter is the oven. This method is quite good if there is no suitable space or it is limited in size. However, the disadvantage is that some of the beneficial properties are lost.

When drying currant leaves in the oven, proceed as follows:

1. The leaves are laid out on a baking sheet, on clean paper or cloth in one layer.
2. Preheat the oven to approximately 100°C.
3. Place baking sheets in the oven, but do not close the door tightly.
4. After 1 or 2 hours, the temperature is halved.
5. Continue drying until the leaves become brittle.

Which leaves are tea made from: red or black currant?

Currant leaves contain large quantities of vitamin C and tannins. This is what gives them value. However, blackcurrant is used to brew tea, since its leaves contain more of them. As a rule, raspberry or cherry leaves are also used with them.

Composition and calorie content

If we talk about the energy value of currant leaves, then it is practically non-existent. So, it is 0.1 kcal. Fats, proteins and carbohydrates are at the level of 0.01 g per 100 g of product.

But as for vitamins and minerals, the picture is the opposite.

Vitamin C is one of the most important for the human body. It is involved in the absorption of iron, as well as in cell repair and growth. In addition, it activates the body's protective functions.

Microelements:

1. Manganese is an extremely important element. It directly affects blood sugar levels. A sufficient amount of it in the body is a natural prevention of diabetes. It is also involved in cell division and reduces the effects of bad cholesterol. Manganese also promotes the growth of connective and cartilage tissue, which is important especially in childhood.
2. Magnesium is a regulator. It influences the production of more than 300 enzymes, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the muscular system, as well as for the transfer and storage of energy.
3. Copper is another fairly important element. Like manganese, it is involved in the body's absorption of iron. Promotes energy production and also binds and neutralizes free radicals, which prevents premature aging.

In addition, currant leaves contain tannins, essential oils and phytoncides. The latter are somewhat less than in garlic, but enough to completely provide the body with them.

Tea or decoction of currant leaves is very useful due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin C, macro- and microelements. It can significantly improve the condition of the patient. Tea made from currant leaves helps with respiratory diseases and is also an excellent preventive measure. It stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, strengthens blood vessels, relieves constipation and heartburn.

For women

As mentioned earlier, currant leaf tea contains a large amount of vitamin C. For the female body, its importance cannot be overestimated.

Beneficial properties of vitamin C for women:

1. This is a powerful antioxidant that has a direct effect on the restoration processes in cells.
2. Neutralizes the effect of free radicals, which cause premature aging of the dermis.
3. Stimulates the body's production of collagen, which gives the skin firmness and elasticity.
4. Thanks to the activation of restoration processes, it improves the effect of any cosmetic procedures.
5. Helps in removing age spots.
6. Provides protection to the dermis from UV exposure.

In addition, tea contains vitamin E (tocopherol), which is often called the “vitamin of youth.” It improves the condition of the skin by activating regenerative processes in the dermis and accelerating cell growth. Vitamin E is used to produce creams, ointments and masks.

Tocopherol directly affects the lipid composition of dermal cells, which makes the skin clean and beautiful, as well as the restoration processes in hair follicles, which ensures thickness and health.

For men

Blackcurrant leaf tea also has a significant effect on men. Fact - the strong half of humanity is most susceptible to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to magnesium and potassium, which are found in the leaves of this wonderful plant, normal heart function is maintained. Also, a sufficient amount of these microelements in itself is a preventative against most diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.

In addition, currant leaves contain tannins that strengthen the genitourinary system and potency.

During pregnancy

Everyone knows that during pregnancy the female body needs vitamins and microelements. Tea made from currant leaves will be their source at any time of the year. This state of affairs is due to the ability of currants to retain beneficial properties in dried form. To be fair, it should be noted that during heat treatment they lose only a small part of them.

Benefits of blackcurrant leaf tea during pregnancy:

• helps with colds, cystitis, bronchial diseases;
• normalizes stool;
• removes toxins and waste from the body;
• has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
• indispensable for high cholesterol levels in the blood and diseases of the dermis.

Tea made from currant leaves also increases mental activity, calms the nervous system, prevents depression and fights anxiety. Also, a warm drink is an excellent diuretic, so it removes unnecessary fluid from the body without harm, which is important for pregnant women.

In the first trimester, a decoction of currant leaves will help cope with toxicosis.

Despite such a large list of positive properties, contraindications for pregnant women must also be taken into account:

• tendency to allergies;
• varicose veins;
• blood clotting disorder;
• increased acidity in the stomach;
• gastrointestinal ulcer.

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, currant leaf tea should be consumed in moderation and monitor the health of mother and child. The fact is that currants can cause an allergic reaction. If the baby develops a rash or irritation on the skin, then stop drinking the broth immediately.

In general, tea made from currant leaves has a positive effect on the health of the mother and child due to many vitamins and elements:

1. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves, which is very important for breastfeeding women.
2. Slags and toxins are removed from the mother’s body, which subsequently do not enter the baby’s body through breast milk.
3. The milk of a young mother transfers to the child vitamins A, C and E contained in currant leaves, which is extremely important for the normal development of the child’s body.
4. Currants also increase the immunity of both the mother and the child as a whole.
5. Drinking the drink has a positive effect on the development of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

For children

For children, a decoction of currant leaves will also be extremely useful due to the high content of vitamin C. It is extremely important not only for adults, but also for a growing body. Vitamin C is directly involved in the process of cell division, which means it affects the formation of all types of tissues. In addition, it increases the protective functions of the body and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and nervous system. Tea also activates lipid metabolism, which is important for children who are obese.

If your child is active or does a lot of sports, currant leaf tea will relax muscles and relieve fatigue.

But when consuming the decoction, you should carefully monitor your health. If signs of an allergic reaction appear, you should stop drinking the decoction.

Traditional medicine recognizes that currants contain essential vitamins and microelements that have therapeutic properties. Therefore, in the pharmacy you can find herbal teas containing currant leaves.

1. Treatment of joints. For rheumatism or arthritis, the anthocyanins contained in the leaves will help relieve inflammation and reduce pain when walking.
2. The cardiovascular system. The rutin in currant leaves will help with varicose veins, and the fatty acids will reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing the development of hypertension and reducing the risk of heart attack.
3. Nervous system and brain function. Currant leaves contain a lot of magnesium, which promotes the absorption of iron. This element is extremely important for saturating the brain with sufficient oxygen, which increases mental abilities. In addition, magnesium has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and helps cope with depression and anxiety.
4. Lungs. Using tea from currant leaves, you can cure a sore throat and improve the condition of a patient with asthma or bronchitis. And vitamin C helps destroy bacteria that cause cough and bronchial diseases.
5. Gastrointestinal tract. Tannins stimulate digestion, normalize peristalsis, eliminate heartburn and constipation. That is why, in case of gastrointestinal disorders, it is so important to use a decoction of currant leaves.

A decoction of currant leaves is most often used in the treatment of colitis, joint pain, to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and increase immunity.

Harm and contraindications

In addition to its beneficial properties, you should not drink tea from currant leaves:

1. In case of a blood clotting disorder, namely, with thrombophlebitis, since regular use increases clotting.
2. Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, hyperacidity or ulcers.
3. Chronic diseases (before use, consult a physician).

How to brew tea from currant leaves

In addition to the fact that currant leaves have beneficial properties, teas and decoctions made from them are very tasty.

Classic recipe

What you will need:

• Black tea – 1 tsp.
• Dried currant leaves – 2 tsp.

How to cook:

1. Dried currant leaves must be crushed and placed in a teapot.
2. Place tea there too.
3. Pour boiling water over everything.
4. Leave for at least 20–30 minutes.

You can drink it not only hot, but also cold, with sugar or honey.

Leaf Blend Tea Recipe

What you will need:

• Dried strawberry and raspberry leaves, 1 part each.
• Dried currant leaves - 2 parts.

How to cook:

1. The leaves must be crushed and, if necessary, washed.
2. Place the mixture of dried leaves in a teapot and pour boiling water (1/2 l).
3. Let it brew for at least 15 minutes.

You can serve with honey or sugar.

Leaves and shoots recipe

In the summer you can prepare an excellent vitamin complex that will be useful to everyone; for this you will need:

• Young currant shoots with buds that have not yet opened.
• 2–3 tsp. dried currant leaves.

How to cook:

1. It is necessary to cut off young currant shoots.
2. Wash and place in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
3. Then pour the crushed leaves into the teapot and pour boiling water in which the shoots were.
4. Let it brew for at least 20 minutes.

1. Monks were the first to cultivate currants both in Europe and in Russia.
2. The closest relative of the currant is the gooseberry, and its distant relatives are the bergenia and the money tree, as well as the peony.
3. There are more than 180 types of currants, they grow on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
4. Despite the relatively late domestication of the plant, its healing properties were known back in the times of Ancient Rome and Greece.
5. In Russian epics and legends the name of the river “Smorodinovka” is very often found. Historians believe that this was the name of the Moscow River in ancient times.
6. Since currants grew at almost every church, they were called “monastery berries.”
7. Unripe currants contain 3–5 times more vitamin C than ripe ones.
8. Vitamins, macro- and microelements are contained in all parts of the bush, even in the root.
9. Blackcurrants contain more vitamins if they grow in a fairly harsh climate. Plants in the southern regions contain much less of them.
10. There is no other fruit or vegetable that contains more vitamin B5, which boosts immunity and makes skin and hair beautiful and healthy.
11. Blackcurrant leaves are used for preservation to contain vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which prevent premature spoilage. Therefore, preservation can be stored much longer.
12. Blackcurrant has a bright, expressive aroma due to its high content of essential oils.
13. Currants are one of the few berries that remove radioisotopes from the human body. This feature became known after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Now those who work in hazardous industries are advised to consume the fruits of this plant.
14. Black currants contain very few calories, so you don’t have to worry about your figure when eating the berries.
15. Currant is a melliferous plant; it produces unusually tasty and healthy honey.

Currants are one of the most popular berry bushes in the garden. The benefits of currants have been known for a long time; they are used in making jams, infusions, tea and baking pies.

Black currants grow in almost every gardener's garden. Its berries are champions in the presence of vitamin C, and in terms of usefulness they are on a par with medications. But not only berries, but also leaves bring benefits to the body. They are a source of vitamin C and also contain tanning agents and phytoncides.

What are currant leaves made of?

Blackcurrant tea is rich in vitamins and microelements. The composition contains vitamins C, B, PP, carotene. Vitamin C maintains elasticity and youthfulness of the skin, participates in the formation of collagen and connective tissue.

Minerals magnesium, sodium, fluorine, iron, potassium, zinc and phosphorus strengthen bones, improve muscle mass and motor function of the body. In addition, it contains organic acids, glucose, fructose, antioxidants and tanning agents. Thanks to essential oils, they have a tart and pleasant aroma. Tea is a general health drink, and the leaves can even replace medications.

Benefits of tea

• Vitamin C The composition improves immunity and fights vitamin deficiency; it is especially useful for preventing the body in winter, when the risk of contracting colds increases. It restores vigor and helps in recovery from illness.
• Contains a large amount phytoncides, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps with colds and respiratory diseases.
• Tea is also suitable for older people. It reduces blood pressure, maintains vision, heart and blood vessels in a normal healthy state. Prevents the onset of Alzheimer's disease at this age.
• The leaves are used for ulcers and gastritis, normalize the functioning of the digestive system and improve appetite. The active components included in the composition help to acquire essential vitamins and minerals from food, and increases absorption by the body.
• Is used for improving blood quality, improves blood circulation, fights the development of anemia. It is especially useful for people with hypertension, weak blood vessels and cardiovascular diseases. Tea will help normalize blood pressure, cleanse and strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Indicated for arthritis and joint diseases, helps remove uric acid from the body. Contains vitamin K, which strengthens the human musculoskeletal system.
• Helps cope with stress and calms the nervous system. Has a beneficial effect on brain function. Helps restore strength and energy after a busy day, acts on the principle of an energy drink, while bringing only benefits to the body. You can also use it before the start of the working day, so it will energize you and give you a lot of strength.
• Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the urinary system. Tea has a diuretic effect and helps cope with diseases such as pinephritis and cystitis. Not only will it eliminate the development of inflammation, but it will also prevent the further development of diseases.
• Regular consumption reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes and lowers blood sugar.
• Renders positive effects on the skin, rejuvenates, improves its condition and slows down the aging process.

Harm

• Availability allergic reaction, especially in children. The first time you need to drink a small amount of tea to check the body's reaction.
• Even if there are no contraindications, you should not drink tea in large quantities, as this drink is medicinal.
• Too much tea can cause kidney problems for chronic diseases and cause dehydration and exacerbations. Therefore, you should not drink more than 5 cups a day.
• It should not be used by people with hepatitis, stomach ulcers, gastritis, increased blood clotting or acidity of gastric juice.
• It is better to limit consumption during pregnancy, but if you follow the limit and consult a doctor, it can be beneficial. However, doctors do not recommend taking it during lactation.

Cooking method

To brew this tea, both immediately collected and dried leaves, crushed or whole, are used. This will not change the taste or beneficial properties.

The leaves must be crushed and brewed 1 tbsp. spoon with boiling water, brew for 15-20 minutes and strain. Can be mixed with 1 tsp black tea. 2 tbsp of tea are added. currant leaves. Raspberries and currants will only increase the amount of useful elements.

The most favorable time to collect leaves is beginning of flowering. During this period, the plant has the highest concentration of nutrients and vitamins. You need to collect in dry, sunny weather and do not wash, so the leaves will not become damp and rot in the future. An important step in harvesting is proper drying of the leaves. To do this, you need to lay them out on a clean, dry surface, out of direct sunlight, turning them over periodically until they begin to break.

Store in linen bags or glass jars with a closed lid. In a dry, cool and dark place. The shelf life is 2-3 years, after which they cease to be useful.

In addition to delicious tea, pouring tea is also used in cooking. For example, add to brines when preparing vegetables and fruits for the winter. To make homemade alcohol, you can add fresh leaves, they add additional aroma and taste. Fresh young leaves can be added to summer salads. Can be used to make fruit vinegar.

Conclusion

Currants have medicinal properties and a rich taste, and you can use both fresh, dried or frozen leaves. This will allow you to drink tea throughout the year. And the ability to mix it with other berries or herbs will help diversify the tastes of the drink. If consumed correctly, the drink will strengthen the immune system, help cope with stress and give you a feeling of vigor and strength throughout the day.

Julia Vern 7 546 0

Since ancient times, tea made from currant leaves and berries has been actively used by ancestors for daily tea drinking, treatment and prevention of a number of diseases. Recipes for preparing natural drinks based on the gifts of nature have survived to this day, albeit in a somewhat modified form.

Tasty, aromatic, healthy infusions and decoctions from currant leaves and berries are prepared for your own pleasure and to improve your health. What methods of brewing the drink are used, when to collect leaves and berries, and how to prepare them for the winter? Helpful tips below.

The best time to collect raw materials to make tea from red currants or black currants is the beginning of summer. During this period, the leaves of the bush are the most fragrant, clean, fresh, undamaged by diseases and insects.

Herbal tea made from currant leaves collected in June and early July will be tasty and aromatic and will retain all its healing properties.

About the benefits of tea from the leaves of the currant bush

Both red and black currant leaves, as the main raw material for preparing the drink, have a number of beneficial properties:

• high percentage of vitamin C content - strengthens the immune system;
• allows you to solve problems with kidney disease and swelling due to the diuretic effect;
• a large number of phytoncides - help cope with colds and viral diseases, sore throat, flu and bronchitis;
• can be used to disinfect and relieve inflammation;
• stimulate appetite;
• normalize blood pressure;
• improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalize the functioning of the liver.

To make tea from blackcurrant leaves truly healthy, and not just tasty and pleasant-smelling, you need to properly prepare the raw materials.

Preparing leaves for currant tincture and decoction: effective methods

The simplest and most accessible method to prepare shrub leaves for long-term storage is to dry them. To do this, the collected leaves and branches (you can also make tea from currant branches) are laid out in a thin layer on paper, cardboard or plywood under a canopy in a well-ventilated area. As soon as the raw material is dry, it needs to be cut and the process of preparing it for storage in the oven continues.

There is another way to prepare currant leaves for herbal tea. Unlike drying, it is not so simple, but more effective. We are talking about fermentation.

Leaves collected in June are laid out in an even layer for a day, giving them the opportunity to wither.

After wilting, they are twisted in such a way as to provoke the release of juice. The finished raw materials are placed in a wooden box, covered with a damp cloth, and allowed to ferment, leaving for 8-9 hours. After this period, the leaves are dried again under natural conditions in the sun or in the oven at a low temperature (not higher than 100 degrees) for 30-40 minutes.

Finished tea leaves should have a size of no more than 3-4 mm. Only in this case the drink will turn out clear without cloudy sediment. Now that the answer to the question of how to make fermented tea from currant leaves has been received, you can try to apply the advice in practice, not forgetting that leaves from black and red currant bushes are collected and prepared separately, mixing them if desired directly during brewing a drink.

It is better to store dry raw materials for tea and tinctures in environmentally friendly containers, for example, made of natural fabric, paper, or wood.

Ceramic and glass containers with tight lids are suitable options. In order for herbal tea to retain its beneficial properties, it must be stored for no longer than two years in a dry place.

Berries as a basis for brewing a healing drink

You can prepare currant tea not only from leaves and branches, but also from the fruits of the bush. Only 20 blackcurrant berries contain the daily requirement of vitamin C, so you can and should pamper yourself with delicious sour tea not only in summer, but also in winter during periods of weakened immunity.

Tea made from currant berries has a number of beneficial properties. The drink helps:

• solve the problem of hypertension;
• prevent the development of cancer;
• cope with diabetes in the early stages;
• cure gout and eczema;
• solve problems with arthritis, rheumatism and dermatitis.

In addition, regular consumption of currant tea clears the mind, improves memory and helps prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease. A drink with currant berries has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen and pancreas, and also normalizes metabolism, cleanses the blood with increased clotting ability.

You can prepare berries for the winter either with or without heat treatment. In the second case, the benefits of the drink will be many times higher. It is better to collect the fruits of the plant after they are fully ripe, followed by freezing, drying or grinding with sugar. Those who are interested in the caloric content of foods will be pleased to know that currant berries contain a minimum of calories - 62 kcal per 100 g, while linolenic acid, which is included in the composition, will speed up the process of fat breakdown.

What you need to know about contraindications

A drink based on currant leaves or berries is beneficial and harmful at the same time, although the negative impact on the body compared to the healing properties is minimal and comes down mostly to individual intolerance and allergies.

Doctors say that the fruits and leaves of both red and black currants cannot be included in the diet of people prone to blood clots. The reason is vitamin K, which increases the level of blood clotting. Those recovering from a heart attack or stroke also need to be careful.

A high level of acid in currants can cause some harm to people with gastrointestinal problems, as well as those suffering from various types of hepatitis.

Options for preparing berries for a drink for the winter

To drink tea with currants all year round, the berries can not only be frozen, dried and ground with sugar. There are several preparation methods that lovers of delicious currant jam and jam will appreciate.

An interesting and most importantly simple way is to prepare blackcurrant berries with sugar and water. To prepare, you will need a kilogram of ripe fruits, the same amount of sugar, and a glass of water. Before you begin the harvesting process, the berries must be thoroughly cleared of twigs and sorted, washed and dried.

Clean, sorted berries are poured over with boiling water in a colander. The next step is preparing the syrup. To do this, sugar is mixed with water and allowed to boil until the latter is completely dissolved. Dip the berries into the prepared syrup and cook for no more than three minutes. The prepared mass is poured into sterilized jars and hermetically sealed.

With this method, the maximum amount of vitamins and nutrients in the berries is preserved. In winter, you can drink tea with five-minute jam, or pour boiling water over it to get a hot or cold fruit drink.

You can prepare currants for tea without using water with added sugar. For this recipe, you will need half the amount of sugar per kilogram of berries. Just as in the previous case, the fruits are thoroughly washed, dried, and the branches are separated.

Finished berries in the amount of 200 g are crushed in a blender. Sugar and the remaining berries are added to the fruit puree, then brought to a boil, allowing it to simmer over low heat for another five minutes.

Currants in their own juice are placed in pre-sterilized jars.

Berry tea - in search of the perfect recipe

The most popular recipe is to prepare the drink hot. To do this, you will need a teaspoon of black or green tea, two tablespoons of fresh or prepared currants, sugar or honey to taste.

The fruits are ground into fruit puree, after which they are brewed in a kettle along with tea in about 0.5 liters of boiling water for 15 minutes. Sugar is added to hot tea, honey only after the temperature of the drink drops to 40 degrees.

Cold tea is no less useful. To prepare it you will need the same ingredients as in the previous recipe. The fruits are crushed with a blender or passed through a sieve, honey or sugar is added to them, and then boiled water is poured at room temperature. You can add mint leaves, lemon balm, and ice to the finished drink. In addition to its healing effect, it will be indispensable in the summer heat, helping to cope with thirst.

With currant leaves or dry berries you can prepare an excellent decoction for the treatment of colds, as well as throat and cough diseases.

In this case, the fruits or leaves are poured with boiling water, wrapped tightly in a towel and left to infuse for two hours. The prepared tincture is drunk three times a day between meals.

A variation of the recipe for preparing a decoction is a method that involves briefly boiling the fruits or leaves. After the raw materials have been boiled for 10-12 minutes, the broth is removed from the stove and filtered, then cooled and drunk in small portions (no more than 25 ml) four times a day, again, in order to combat diseases and for their prevention during the period weakening of the immune system.

In conclusion, we note that tea made from the fruits, leaves, buds or branches of black and red currants is a godsend for modern people. The bushes of the plant are unpretentious, can grow in harsh climates, bear fruit consistently and abundantly, are distinguished by a persistent aroma and rich taste of the fruit, which means that anyone who likes to take care of the health of themselves and their loved ones can prepare healing herbal tea at home.

100 recipes for vitamin deficiency. Tasty, healthy, soulful, healing Irina Vecherskaya

Tea with black currant berries

Take 1 teaspoon of black tea, 3 strawberries, 5 black currants, 2 mint leaves. Pour 100 ml of boiling water over the tea, steep for 3 minutes, then add berries and mint, add another 100 ml of boiling water and steep for 3 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2 times a day after meals.

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Black currant is a common plant, the benefits of which everyone has heard. Its berries are used as food in their pure form, they are used to make jam, compotes, and bake pies. But it turns out that black currant leaves also have beneficial properties. Due to their high content of useful substances, tea made from currant leaves can relieve many diseases.

Beneficial features

Our ancestors knew about the benefits and harms of tea made from black currant leaves, who regularly used it to treat various ailments. It contains vitamins, microelements, anthocyanins, mineral salts, antioxidants and tannins. The beneficial properties of this drink include:

1. Strengthening the body's defenses. Therefore, it is recommended to drink tea from currant leaves during the season of viral infections.
2. The drink is able to cleanse the body, maintain fluid balance in it and trigger restoration processes in tissues.
3. Benefits for the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption of currant tea significantly reduces the likelihood of a stroke. It is useful for varicose veins and atherosclerosis, as it can improve blood circulation.
4. Improving digestion and normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Those who drink tea made from currant leaves after meals note a decrease in heartburn.
5. Antihelminthic property.
6. Decoctions and infusions have a diuretic effect. They are used to cleanse the kidneys of sand and stones, and for diseases of the liver and pancreas.
7. Reduced blood sugar levels.
8. Remedies from the leaves of the bush have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. They help cope with infection and inflammation. Thanks to the diaphoretic effect, they are able to reduce temperature.
9. Black currant has antiallergic properties. Its effectiveness has been proven even for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.
10. Calming effect. The drink helps relieve fatigue and improve memory. It is recommended to drink it for insomnia.

Blackcurrant tea can not only be drunk, but also used for external use. Neem is recommended to wash wounds or lubricate the insect bite site to relieve itching. In the form of a compress, it is recommended for wounds that do not heal for a long time. Tea made from blackcurrant leaves is also useful for strengthening bone and dental tissues.

Contraindications

Like any other medicine, this tea has some contraindications for use. These include:

1. Thrombophlebitis. This is due to the fact that regular consumption of the drink activates the process of blood clotting, which can cause the formation of blood clots.
2. Increased acidity of gastric juice, inflammatory diseases of the duodenum and peptic ulcer.
3. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not drink concentrated currant tea. This may contribute to the development of side effects and allergic reactions.
4. Individual intolerance or the presence of allergic reactions to black currants.

Therefore, before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor.

How to prepare currant leaves for tea

In order for currant tea to be as healthy as possible, you need to know how to properly collect and dry the leaves and twigs, from which you can then prepare a drink or medicine. Fresh currant leaves are collected during the period when the plant blooms. This should be done in clear, dry weather. It is important that the currant leaves are not damaged.

Properly drying blackcurrant leaves for tea is not difficult - you need to do this in a dry, dark room, spreading them out in a thin layer.

• the leaves are spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet and left in the shade;
• those leaves that have begun to dry out at the edges are placed in a stack of 5 pieces;
• place the stacks in an enamel pan, cover with a damp cloth and leave in a warm place;
• after 12 hours they are placed in a warm oven, where they dry at 100 degrees.

In addition to leaves, you can harvest currant branches. Tea made from currant branches has all the same properties as a drink made from the leaves of the plant.

How to brew tea from currant leaves correctly

There are different ways to brew currant leaf tea. The simplest one is this:

1. 2 tablespoons of dried and crushed currant leaves are mixed with 1 spoon of long tea (black or green to taste), poured with a glass of boiling water.
2. You need to leave it for at least 25 minutes, covering it with a lid.
3. Sugar and honey are added to taste.

Young shoots with buds are suitable for making tea from branches. 100 g of raw material is poured into 2 liters of boiling water and kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. After this, the decoction should sit for 10–12 hours. After this time, strain the drink, heat (but do not boil) and drink with honey or sugar.

Tea with currant leaves will be even more tasty and healthy if, at the stage of preparing the drink, you add other medicinal plants (melissa, rose hips, raspberries, strawberries, etc.). These teas are prepared as follows:

1. Currant and raspberry leaves (leaves or fruits of another medicinal plant) are taken in equal proportions.
2. The raw materials are mixed with 1 teaspoon of tea leaves (green or black to choose from).
3. Everything is placed in a thermos and filled with 1 liter of boiling water.
4. The drink must steep for at least 2 hours, after which it must be strained.
5. Honey, sugar and lemon are added to the finished tea to taste.

You can drink currant drinks both warm and cold. A warm drink in cold weather will help keep you warm and protect your body from diseases. In summer, chilled tea quenches thirst well and saturates the body with useful substances.

In conclusion, we invite you to look at another recipe for making tea from currant leaves.