Irga - description and useful properties of berries. Irga: the best varieties, care and reproduction

The genus Irga (Amelanchier ovalis) belongs to the Rosaceae family. Numbering more than two dozen species, the plant in our hemisphere grows everywhere. Irga is not demanding on soil and abundance of moisture, some of its varieties tolerate even forty-degree frosts.

Usually irga grows up to two and a half meters in height, capturing more and more new territories with rhizomes with surface shoots. Its leaves, as if covered with felt, turn bright red, yellow and even burgundy in autumn. Collected in small clusters, the flowers have a creamy hue; their nectar produces excellent honey. Small fruits, ripening, change color from red to blue-violet, almost black.

Irga has many names. In England, it is a shady shrub, a useful or June berry, cinnamon (akin to its Russian name). She received the last name for her resemblance to black grapes. We also call it wine or baby berry. And in the south of France, she is known as "bringing honey." In America, her name sounds - Saskatoon.

Beneficial features

Irga is rich:

• tannins and dyes;
• vitamins P, C, B, carotene, trace elements, overtaking grapes in saturation with vitamin C;
• fiber, pectins;
• it contains more than 10% sugars.

Its fruits are used:

• to improve digestion, strengthen the intestines;
• with avitaminosis;
• with cardiovascular diseases;
• its freshly prepared juice is successfully used to treat sore throat with angina, as a dietary remedy. For older people, it helps in strengthening blood vessels and preventing heart attacks and varicose veins. He also contributes better sleep in his disorder.

Infusions of flowers normalize blood pressure, help fight heart weakness.

Leaves because of their astringent properties in the form of infusions are used for diarrhea, pancreatitis, and in addition, they accelerate the healing of wounds.
The bark of the plant, rich in tannins, is also used. A decoction of the bark treats sore throats, burns and wounds. It is also used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Features of making juice from irgi fruits

Irgi juice is a useful dietary product, but it is not squeezed out of freshly harvested fruits. The fruits are stored for several days in a dry place, scattering them in a small layer on paper, and then squeezed. 30% sugar is placed in the squeezed product, heating it until completely dissolved.

Irgi berries are not rich in acids and have a sweetish taste. Therefore, in juice made from irgi berries, add citric acid and (or) other more acidic juices, such as red or black currant, some varieties of apples. Then the resulting product is sealed and placed in the cold.

Landing and care

One-two-year-old shrub seedlings in autumn or spring are placed in prepared deep (up to half a meter) furrows with a “checkerboard” with a meter interval between them. For landing it is better to choose sunny places with loose, organic-rich soil. Plants are well watered, mulched with humus or peat. At the same time, no more than 10 cm of the trunk with 4-5 developed buds are left above the ground.

Long or weak branches should also be pruned in a timely manner. It is better that there are few such shoots - 2-3 on one trunk.

A three-year-old bush should have up to a dozen branches; for this, weak, damaged shoots are removed. The plant is responsive to periodic anti-aging pruning.

When propagating irga with seeds, they should be sown in fertilized beds, watering abundantly. Annual bushes are to be transplanted to permanent place.

The varieties are propagated by grafting cuttings. Rootstock are two-year-old mountain ash.

Of all the variety of varieties of irgi, the most promising, which can be used as a picturesque hedge and because of the delicious fruits, the following species:

alder-leaved shadberry

A shrub that grows up to 4 meters in autumn has a bright yellow color. Its fruits are quite large and sweet. 10 kg of berries are obtained from one bush.

Canadian shadberry

Reaches 8 m. It has pink, bright red or purple leaves, acquiring an autumn copper or orange color. The fruits of this variety of shrubs are smaller than the previous berries, but very tasty, and the flowers are of particular beauty. The bush gives 6 kg of fruit.

Irga blood red

Not good tall shrub, with an average yield, its almost black small berries have a very pleasant taste and aroma. Foliage changes color from bright green to orange.

pembina

High yielding plant with very beautiful flowers and ornate foliage. And the berries of this variety are very juicy and sweet. The plant does not require labor intensive care.

homemade recipes

Irgi jam

The sorted, washed berries are blanched for a couple of minutes. Then they are poured with 60% hot syrup, bringing to a boil over low heat. The dessert is insisted for half a day, then it is boiled with the addition of 1 g of citric acid for each liter of jam. For 1 kg of berries you need less than half a kilogram of sugar. You can add a little more black or red currant.

Compote of shadberry berries with red or black currant

For its preparation, take 2 parts of the fruits of irgi and 1 part of other berries. Berries washed and put into jars are poured with 50% syrup. The filled containers in a saucepan with water are brought to a boil and left for another 5 minutes, and then rolled up.

Irgi puree

The washed berries are placed in boiling water for a couple of minutes, allowed to drain, rubbed through a sieve or ground. Then an equal amount of sugar is added, mixed and allowed to cool. The finished product is laid out in jars and, covered with thick paper, stored in a cold place.

The berries are also dried, dried, while getting an excellent substitute for raisins.

Irga (video)

Wine, baby berry, currant is a wonderful plant that has decorative purpose used in medicine, nutrition and cooking. It is easy to breed on personal plot. Irga is unpretentious, frost-resistant, has beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers and delicious berries. For treatment, use all parts of the shrub (except the roots). Vitaminized juice, jams, mashed potatoes, preserves are made from its fruits, which serve as a delicious filling for baking and are an independent wonderful dessert.

Irga is a modest and unpretentious plant. It can be found in the forest, and in city parks, and in suburban areas. Almost all summer, dark blue berries with a bluish bloom flaunt on its branches.

However, there are not many who want to enjoy them. But in vain. Irga is a valuable product rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. If its fruits are properly prepared, then many diseases can be cured and the body significantly strengthened.

The benefits of berries

Irgi berries are rich in vitamins, so with regular use they will help, as well as add strength and energy, improve well-being and positively affect appearance.

It is especially useful to treat yourself to these fruits for residents of large cities with a developed industrial sector. After all, irga is able to clean the body great, removing radioactive substances, salts and heavy metals from it.

These dark blue berries are rich in fiber, which improves the condition. gastrointestinal tract, improves its work and promotes the removal of accumulated toxins from the body.

Having finished cleaning, she sets about creating a healthy microflora in the intestines so that problems with digestion and excretion of substances unnecessary to the body do not worry as long as possible.

Contains irga and substances that act on the body in a sedative way. This means that the substances that its berries contain have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system, normalize sleep and even relieve stress. Therefore, they are especially useful to use after you had to get nervous or work especially hard.

Irga is also useful for blood vessels and the circulatory system as a whole. Flavonoids and vitamins of group P, which contain berries, will help strengthen each capillary. As a result, the risk of such diseases as heart attack, varicose veins, hemorrhages will be significantly reduced.

They will thank you for including irgi and your eyes in the diet. Due to the large amount of vitamin A, they help improve vision and prevent the occurrence of such unpleasant diseases as night blindness and cataracts.

nutritional value

Irgi berries can be called unique. They completely lack proteins and fats, there are only carbohydrates. But in large quantities contains useful substances:

• pectins, monosaccharides and disaccharides;
• vitamins (groups B, C, P);
• organic acids (mainly malic);
• flavonols;
• tannins;
• sterols;
• cellulose;
• trace elements (cobalt, lead, copper).

All these substances are found not only in fresh berries. From them you can make excellent vitamin preparations for the winter: preserves, jams, compotes. Also, the berries can be dried and used as raisins. In the cold season, they will strengthen the body and delight with an unusual tart taste.

Contraindications

There are no prohibitions on the use of irgi.

It can be eaten by anyone who is not allergic to it.

However, given its sedative qualities, caution should be exercised by those who plan to drive or perform other work that requires a high degree of concentration.

Application in traditional medicine

Boast rich history irga can't. In Russia, it began to be cultivated only at the beginning of the 20th century. So during the heyday of traditional medicine in our country, it was simply unknown.

But almost immediately beneficial features This plant has been recognized by official medicine. It has been proven that not only berries, but also flowers and bark of shadberry have a healing effect.

Soothing Juice

Irgi berry juice is a good sedative. However, due to the fact that the berries are somewhat dry, it is not so easy to cook it. First, the collected fruits are laid out thin layer on a flat surface.

At room temperature, they should “reach”, that is, pour juice as much as possible. This will happen in about five days. After that, you can squeeze the juice in any way.

It can be consumed immediately or prepared for the winter. In this case, it must be heated to 85-90 degrees (it is important to ensure that the juice does not boil!) And pour hot into pre-sterilized bottles.

It is good to drink such juice at high psychological stress, after experienced stresses, with problems with sleep. It will not only calm the nervous system, but also supply the body with vitamins.

Vitamin infusion

1 st. a spoonful of dry berries of irgi; 250 ml of boiling water.

The berries are poured with boiling water, covered with a lid and left for about half an hour. Such a vitamin drink is useful to use in the spring, during beriberi, 2-3 times a day after eating a glass.

laxative infusion

2 tbsp. spoons of fresh or dried berries of irgi; 200 ml of boiling water.

The berries are poured with boiling water and left for 15 - 30 minutes to brew. Such a drug will have a mild laxative effect.

Infusion from "night blindness"

2 tbsp. spoons of dry berries of irgi; 1 glass of water.

Berries are poured with boiled or settled water at room temperature, cover the container with a lid and leave for at least 12 hours. Then the infusion is sent to a water bath, where it is simmered at a slight boil for about 20 minutes.

Then leave for another 2 hours so that the drug can cool. Take it a glass a day in cases where it is necessary to restore vision, which begins to noticeably weaken in the dark.

Leaf infusion for diarrhea

1 st. a spoonful of dried or fresh shadberry leaves; 1 glass of water.

The leaves are poured with boiling water, covered with a lid and left for 15 - 30 minutes. You can drink it immediately after this period. During this time, the trace elements and tannins contained in the leaves of this plant will dissolve in the liquid. Once in the body, they will help stop diarrhea caused, for example, by chronic pancreatitis.

Tincture for hypertension

A handful of irgi flowers; 0.5 cup dried or fresh rose hips; 0.5 cup also dried or fresh hawthorn; fruits chokeberry; a few pine nuts 4 mint leaves; a branch of St. John's wort; a little oregano; 3 medium stems of thyme with flowers; 3 liters of vodka.

All ingredients are poured with vodka and tightly sealed. Then for 2 weeks clean in a dark place. After this period, the infused drink can be filtered and bottled.

Sore throat jam

1 kg of berry berries; 200 g sugar.

This preparation in winter is useful no less than raspberry jam. During the delicacy of the shadberry, it is useful to eat with warm tea or milk. It relieves inflammation of the throat, removes pain and will supply the body with vitamins necessary to fight germs and quickly recuperate.

To prepare it, clean ripe berries are sprinkled with sugar, mixed and left until juice appears. You don't need to add water. Cook the jam over low heat, about 5 minutes from the moment of boiling.

To prevent the delicacy from burning, it must be stirred periodically. Then the fire is turned off and the jam is allowed to cool completely. The whole process is then repeated two more times.

The finished jam is laid out in sterilized jars, rolled up or simply closed tightly and put away in a dark, cool place.

Rejuvenating mask

1 st. a spoonful of berry juice; 1 teaspoon of honey; 1 st. a spoonful of cottage cheese.

Irga for its useful properties has received recognition from cosmetologists. It is used as part of cosmetic masks. It has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face, relieves inflammation, smoothes, cleanses and generously shares vitamins.

In order to get rid of negative age-related changes, you need to thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Then apply a fresh mask on the prepared, well-cleansed skin of the face and neck and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with cool water.

Irga in Russia is still used undeservedly little. With a skillful approach, this plant can cure many diseases, strengthen the body and give beauty. At the same time, it shares its fruits quite generously: shadberry bushes are richly showered with berries almost all summer. The main thing is to be able to use this medicine, donated by caring nature.

We also invite you to see interesting video on the topic of the article:

The name of this product, unfortunately, does not mean anything to many. It's a pity that people don't know about more plants that grow, bloom and smell right under their windows.

It's pretty unusual plant, which can really be found under the windows of houses, in parks and even in their gardens. Many simply do not even have a clue that it grows, that it blooms and what kind of fruit it gives.

The plant can also be called currant, Celtic apple or northern raisin. This is small tree or rather, even a shrub, on which small berries up to 1 cm in size ripen. These berries are apples, if we consider the plant from a botanical point of view. The berries have a bluish coating - that is, they are dull, not shiny, which makes them look more like berries. Fruits are sweet and edible ripen in the second half of summer.

Irga blooms with small, but very beautiful flowers of white or beige.

There are about 19 varieties of shadberry around the globe. The plant adapts very easily to the conditions environment, easily becomes wild and spreads rapidly. Distribution, by the way, is not complete without the help of birds.

The calorie content of irgi is 45 kcal / 100 g. Among them, only carbohydrates are 11.4 g, and the product also contains vitamin C, A, B, B2, mineral salts, tannins, carotene, trace elements - copper, cobalt, iron, manganese and iodine .

Irga - berries, in which there is simply an incredible amount of useful elements. They can be eaten to cure atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, beriberi, and gastrointestinal diseases. Or just for the prevention of such diseases.

Thanks to vitamin P in the composition of the product, the berries will be incredibly useful for the elderly. This will help them with the prevention of varicose veins, normalize sleep, myocardial infarction, help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and make them more elastic and simply strengthen the whole body as a whole.

AT folk medicine to cure varicose veins, the bandage is soaked in a decoction of the leaves and bark of the plant, and the place with the veins is strongly tied up.

The juice of the product will have an astringent effect if necessary, and will also help with inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, colitis and enterocolitis. In addition, irgi juice is often used as a dietary product.

Pods will help normalize the nervous system, calm down and improve sleep. Make it long and strong. It will improve mood and bring you out of depression, stress, if necessary.

As part of the product a large number of vitamin A, which is very beneficial for the visual system. Thanks to this, it is possible to cure night blindness, improve the quality of vision and prevent the development of cataracts.

If you squeeze the juice from fresh berries, they will alleviate the condition of a sore throat and even purulent, stomatitis. Berry juice has a tonic effect and has a good effect on the entire body in terms of strengthening.

To cure stomatitis, you need to make a puree of berries and apply it to the painful areas. oral cavity after meal. Hold for about 15 minutes and continue until the stomatitis passes.

In cases of suppuration on the skin, you can also prepare a porridge from berries and put a certain amount on the wound. Roll up the place and leave for a while. Repeat twice a day until a good effect occurs.

In addition to berries, leaves, the bark of the plant and its flowers are also used for treatment.

If you prepare a decoction on the flowers of the shadberry and let it brew, then with the help of the infusion you can normalize the work of the heart and even lower blood pressure.

Irga is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. On the basis of the product, masks, creams and other various cosmetics. With regular use, the skin will become smooth, soft and more elastic.

Wine has been made from shadberry for a very long time, compotes can be cooked from fresh fruits. You can dry the fruits to cook uzvar or eat in the form of dried fruits.

Berries can also be sent to prepare sauces for meat and fish, jams, jelly, marshmallows and various creams. You can prepare vitamin cocktails based on dairy products (yogurt, kefir, milk, cottage cheese) and even homemade liquors, tinctures. Also add to pastries, use as a coloring agent or flavoring in the confectionery part of cooking.

If you dig deeper into the sweet part of cooking, then fresh berries can be added to biscuits, used as a decor for sweets, make jams, baking toppings - croissants, buns, pies, cakes and so on.

The product is contraindicated for people who suffer from low blood pressure or other problems associated with blood pressure. And also it is better not to use it before getting behind the wheel or before responsible work. The product relaxes very well and it is better not to take risks before things that require concentration.

In addition, the product may be prohibited for use in case of individual intolerance or allergies. In the second case, you need to contact a specialist and if everything is fine, then the berries can be consumed further, but start with very small portions.

The product, by the way, is allergenic. So people who are prone to allergies should use it very carefully, again, starting with a small amount, constantly and gradually increasing the portion.

Another minute of irgi is that it is better not to combine it with dairy products. Of course, this can be done, but then we should expect a serious indigestion.

People who take care of their gardens can plant irgu on their territory solely for the purpose of "purifying" the air, land and water.

It means that given plant accumulates harmful substances found in soil, water and air. And therefore, the use of berries for culinary and medical purposes is strictly not recommended. It could be garden decor or a personal "filterer".

In order to properly grow such an assistant in your garden, it is important to know that the best time for planting - spring and autumn. But many believe that it is still better to plant only in the fall. It is imperative to plant a plant in a well-lit place, in an open area. Irgi should have constant access to light, and moreover from each side. If you plant it in a closed place, then the branches will begin to reach for the light on their own, which will make the plant crooked. By the way, it is also important to know that the more the irga is illuminated, the more fruits she will give.

The soil at the planting site must be fertile so that the roots do not “seek a better life» somewhere on the side. Humus in the soil should be enough for the bush to grow well. If in the place selected for the irgi they pass very high ground water, then it is better to change the place, since the roots of the plant will go underground by about 3 meters.

The site for planting must be prepared since spring - you need to clear it of weeds and keep it under fallow until autumn - until the tree is planted. Before planting, the site must be dug up to a depth of 15 cm with the addition of fertilizers.

If there are several bushes, then it is better to plant them in a checkerboard pattern so that everyone has enough space. The distance between seedlings is from 50 cm to 150 cm. It is necessary to plant according to the principle of planting gooseberries, blueberries, raspberries and so on. After planting, cut off the ground part of the plant to 15 cm, leaving a few buds on each of them.

Further, you can forget about the irga almost until the very harvest. She does not need reverent care. It only needs to be watered when necessary (if there is no rain), weeds are dug around the bush and sometimes (seasonally) add the necessary fertilizers.

You can expect fruits by the second half of next summer, if everything is done correctly with the planting of bushes and taking good care of them. Do not forget about the irga completely, she needs support, like any other plant.

Irga is an unusual plant that few people know about. Here's a little more about him:

1. The product has been known in Europe since the 16th century. His homeland is England, and then the irga "moved" to Holland;
2. Amelanchier - the full, botanical name of the plant;
3. The taste of irgi is similar to blueberries and it has a hint of cinnamon;
4. Canadian irga can reach a height of 18 meters;
5. If you eat a kilogram of berries at a time, then after that you can immediately fall asleep;
6. Dried shadberry can be stored no longer than two years.

Irga is a strange plant that few people know about. For health, it is very useful and necessary. Therefore, this product must be interested.

In the summer, many tend to eat as many fresh fruits, vegetables and berries as possible in order to saturate the body with vitamins, which it will badly need in winter and spring. And it is right! Therefore, information about what is useful irga will also come in handy.

Unfortunately, Irgu is not grown on an industrial scale, and few were lucky enough to try this miracle berry, but if you manage to do this, then you must definitely remember what is the use of the game.

Irgi properties

The scientific name of irgi is amelanchier. She is a handicraft deciduous plant, which reaches about 5 meters in height and belongs to the Pink family and the Yablonev family. She has rounded, whole and small leaves that have a pointed shape. Their leaf plate is pale and rough below, and smooth above.

Irga blooms with flowers of red, beige and white. The flowering period lasts no more than 2 weeks and it falls on May-June. The fruit is a juicy drupe that becomes red or deep red as it ripens. blue color. Its size is from 5 to 15 mm; irga ripens in the second half of July or early August.

Irga in bloom

As for the places of growth, there are 12 varieties of this plant in the world and therefore they can be found in many parts of the planet. They mainly grow in Russia, the Caucasus, the Crimea, Japan, northern Africa, North America and Asia Minor. In Europe, round-leaved irga is more common, because it is frost-resistant and unpretentious.

Irga - useful properties

• The berries of the shadberry contain vitamins C, PP and group B. It also contains a lot of organic acids, carotene, pectins, trace elements and flavonols compared to other representatives of the same genus;

• Carotene, which is a strong antioxidant, strengthens the immune system and thus protects against infectious diseases, and also reduces the impact on the body of electromagnetic radiation;

• Pectins contained in berries remove heavy metals, toxins and other substances from the body that pollute it. Also, pectins normalize blood cholesterol levels and thereby improve heart function and are a prophylactic agent for atherosclerosis and varicose veins;

• Thanks to vitamins, berries help in the fight against cancer, and also strengthen blood vessels, thereby preventing a heart attack. They are recommended for use nervous disorders, insomnia, as well as liver and kidney diseases. The juice of the berries is used for gargling with sore throats, and the bark and leaves for preparing decoctions, which are then washed with burns, purulent wounds and used for stomach ailments;

• Among other things, irga lowers blood pressure, thins the blood, strengthens the gums during periodontal disease and is recommended for those who suffer from heart failure;

• Irgi juice very useful in angina. It helps to get rid of the infection faster and heals wounds;

• A decoction of irgi berries has a strong antimicrobial effect and can be used to rinse the mouth with stomatitis or periodontal disease. Also, such a decoction stimulates and supports the work of the heart;

• Irgu is very useful to eat as a tasty prevention of cardiovascular diseases;

• Irga helps lower blood cholesterol;

Ripe berries of irgi

• An infusion of irgi flowers is used for hypertension and in the complex treatment of heart failure;

• An infusion of shadberry leaves has astringent properties, so it quickly and effectively relieves diarrhea and indigestion;

• Irgi berries are recommended for older people, as it is believed that they can prevent varicose veins veins;

Irga - contraindications and harm

There are no special contraindications, however, it is believed that irga is not very useful for those who have low blood pressure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that this wonderful berry cannot be eaten at all. Do not forget always and in everything to observe the measure - if you learn about the usefulness of one product, do not forget about others. Secret healthy body it is primarily diversity, a little of everything is better than a lot of the same.

With hemophilia and other diseases that are characterized by poor blood clotting, you should also not use irga. The same applies to workers who have a high risk of injury at work, because in such cases, bleeding will be more difficult to stop.

If you eat berries often or in large quantities, then due to the sedative effect, it can cause a slow reaction and lethargy, and this should not be allowed for those who drive a car or work with mechanisms that require a quick reaction.

Irga - application

Irgu is mainly used for medical purposes, as well as for food. Berries are eaten fresh, compotes and jams are boiled or juice is squeezed out of them, wine is made. In medicine, in addition to berries, the bark, leaves and flowers of the plant are used. Moreover, all this can be dried and used not only in summer and autumn, but also in winter, when the need for useful substances obvious.

Mini pies with berry berries

To strengthen immune system use the following remedy: fill a glass container with clean berries for? and fill to the top with vodka 40 °. In a dark place insist 3 days, and then filter and take a teaspoon of tincture 3-4 times a day. This tincture is stored in a cool place for no more than 10 days, so you need to cook it in a reasonable amount.

Practical Tips:

• To get juice from irgi, you do not need to squeeze it immediately after collection. Berries should be scattered on a newspaper and placed in a cool dark place. After a week, the berries will become more fragrant and juicy, and it will already be possible to pass them through a juicer;

• Irgi berries are harvested in several passes, since they do not ripen at the same time (like raspberries, for example);

• In folk medicine, both flowers and leaves of the game are used;

• The game lives about the same as the average person - 60-70 years;

• It is very stable, easy to care for, and various pests she is not afraid;

• If it is worth protecting the irgu from something, then from birds. They love her very much, and the bush with ripe berries they will empty in 2-3 days. To protect it from birds, farmers use a regular mesh.

If you have the opportunity to try irgu - never pass by, because she is a storehouse of vitamins!

The beneficial properties of the berry berry are in the anti-inflammatory effect on the intestines, as well as the content of high concentrations of vitamins. The plant is given the ability to improve performance of cardio-vascular system, prevent atherosclerosis. Having aesthetic appearance, round-leaved irga can be used to decorate garden plots, as well as a hedge. In each season, the irga is beautiful in its own way, and its useful fruits help maintain health.

Full description of the plant

Irga ordinary (round-leaved), tolerates frosts very well, is undemanding to the composition of the soil, easily withstands strong winds. This made the plant a respected guest of every estate. In addition, flowering irga is an excellent honey plant.

Growth area

The plant came to the territory of the Russian Federation from Asia Minor, where there are a lot of both wild and cultivated forms of shadberry. From the Siberian places, the plant quickly spread throughout the European continent.

On the this moment irga is often found in the Northern Hemisphere. Found in America and Africa. On the European continent, it is distributed in the Center and in the South. The plant settled very well in the territory of the Caucasus - in the Center, in the South and East. Often found on the Crimean peninsula. The highest concentration of the range is observed in Korea, China, Japan.

For its growth, the irga chooses dry, well-lit slopes, edges in sparse forests. A sufficient amount of light is the main condition for the normal vegetation of irgi, which allows the plant to bear fruit well and resist diseases.

What does it look like

Unlike the Canadian shadberry, which reaches a height of about eight meters, the round-leaved shadberry grows very compactly, forming small shrub up to two and a half meters high. The diameter of the crown often does not exceed the same indicators, and when planted in a heap does not reach them. The shrub withstands temperatures as low as -50 °C. Flowering plant retains the ability to bear fruit down to -7 °C. Irga does not require a lot of moisture and a special composition of the air. As follows.

• Roots. root system irgi is represented by long cord-like roots that can penetrate two meters deep into the soil. Often, horizontal roots grow far beyond the shrub itself. Often the diameter of the root system is twice as large as the crown. It is such a strong and deep fixation that allows the irga to always receive the necessary substances from the soil, ensuring the vegetation of the plant for 70 years.
• stems. Represented by ascending woody branches with powerful trunk-like wood. Since the plant is a perennial, the diameter of the trunks increases every year. In spring, shoots begin to grow from horizontal roots, which are represented by young flexible shoots with brown thin bark.
• Leaves. At irgi, they are placed alternately on the branches, the fastening is long-leaved. The leaf plate has an ovoid or elliptical shape, the top is rounded, the edge is often solid. Colour sheet plate saturated green or light green, the surface is smooth, the structure is dense, venation is noticeable. By autumn, the leaves turn yellow-red and fall off. Young leaves may be covered with dense pubescence below.
• Flowers. Appear on the plant from the end of April. Flowering can continue until mid-June. During it, white narrow flowers develop, collected 10 pieces in a brush, consisting of scutes. The diameter of each flower is 1.5 cm.
• Fruits. Fruit ripening of irgi is observed from the beginning of July, continues until the end of August. Feature irgi - on one inflorescence there can be fully ripe and fully green fruits. Outwardly, the fruits of a spherical shape resemble black currants, but have a bluish bloom. During ripening, the fruits turn red from green, and then turn black. The fruit is a false drupe with moderately juicy pulp and fresh sweet taste. Greenish fruits taste more sour. The diameter of one fruit rarely exceeds 1 cm.

Irgi shrubs take root well, grow quickly, tolerate pruning well. For the formation of hedges, heap plantings are made, providing a compact size for shrubs.

What contains

All parts of the plant to be harvested are rich in biologically active compounds. Greatest Variety observed in fruits.

• Coumarins. Natural anticoagulants and vasoprotectors that can prevent and cure thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, varicose veins.
• Phytosterols. They have vasoprotective properties. They normalize the permeability and resistance of the vascular walls, improve peripheral blood circulation, and lower blood cholesterol levels. Prevent sclerotic vascular lesions.
• Pectins. Natural adsorbents that rid the body of toxic products. They have hepatoprotective properties.
• Cellulose . Improves bowel function, has mild choleretic properties.
• Sahara. Sources of easily digestible glucose, increase the tone of the body. Charged with energy.
• Fat oil. Structural components of cell membranes are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and fat metabolism.
• Tannins. They have astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, regenerating properties. Speed ​​up the healing of injuries skin and mucous membranes.
• Vitamins. Groups B, C, P, carotene. Render positive influence on the condition of the skin, hair, nails, vascular walls. Vitamin C and carotene act as natural antioxidants that increase immunity and prevent premature aging of the body.
• Microelements. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. They are necessary for metabolic processes, normalize the state of bone and muscle tissue, and also participate in the conduction of nerve impulses.

The main healing ingredients chemical composition leaves and bark of irgi act as tannins. Thanks to them, plant-based preparations have astringent, healing, anti-inflammatory properties, accelerate the regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes. All parts of the irgi have a sedative effect on the body, gently reducing pressure, slowing down the transmission of nerve impulses.

Useful properties of berries, leaves and flowers of irgi

The rich composition of the plant determines the variety of its pharmacological effects and the list of indications for use. official medicine recognizes irga only as a dietary product that helps to saturate the body with vitamins, while traditional healers see in a berry healing properties that can be used in preventive and therapeutic purposes. For this, they are used various options blanks from berries, as well as leaves and flowers of the plant.

The juice

It has astringent properties, therefore it is used for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, tonsillitis, periodontal disease). They can also wash purulent wounds, since one of the effects of irgi is antibacterial. Irgi berry juice helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, creating a reliable prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke, so its use is highly desirable for people in old age. Irgi juice is recommended by doctors as part of the complex therapy of atherosclerosis to improve vision. Its additional property is to normalize the excitability of the nervous system, improve the quality of sleep, it is useful for children and adults. Juice quickly eliminates fragility of capillaries, relieves inflammation of the vascular walls, preventing their sclerotic lesions.

Fresh and dried fruits

The use of irgi berries is indicated for adults and children over a year old. Fresh berries of irgi have the ability to eliminate intoxication, cleanse the intestines and blood, and treat diarrhea. Irgi berries improve metabolism, they can be eaten while dieting, due to their low calorie content, combined with a rich vitamin composition. In this case, the fruits will contribute to weight loss. Hypoglycemic action turns irga into useful berry at diabetes. Fruits are able to cleanse the body of radionuclides, so their use is very useful in radiation therapy.

The medicinal properties of dried berries of irgi are similar to those of fresh ones. They relieve inflammation of the gastric mucosa in gastritis, and the intestinal mucosa in colitis. They have mild choleretic and diuretic properties. The antibacterial effect is appropriate for intestinal infections. With boils, you can apply dried berries, previously steamed with hot milk.

The use of shadberry berries includes their internal use for the prevention of visual impairment or its restoration. The plant will also be useful for various lesions of the retina and eye vessels.

Leaves and flowers

Irga treatment at home involves the use of irga flowers to improve heart function, prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce pressure. The leaves of the plant are used to make infusions with astringent properties. They can be used for diarrhea, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for external use in skin diseases.

Bark

Irgi bark is actively used for therapy skin diseases- wounds, ulcers, as well as inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes - stomatitis, tonsillitis, bleeding gums. A decoction of the bark can heal neglected trophic ulcers and bedsores.

For medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant must be dried with high quality, and for storage, choose a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent dampness of the raw materials.

Procurement of medicinal plant materials

Traditional medicine recommends harvesting the fruits, leaves, flowers and bark of the plant. They are collected in different time, are prepared by drying. Irgi fruits can be frozen, juice can be extracted from them, or jam, jam, compote can be prepared. Even dessert dishes can be used in dietary nutrition due to the low calorie content of the berry. The rules for harvesting plant parts are as follows.

• Bark preparation. Starts after the first frost. It is better to remove it from branches cut to form a crown. The bark is removed from the wood. Lay out on outdoors, when protected from ultraviolet radiation or dried in a dryer, with a temperature of about 60 ° C. Store raw materials in a paper bag, in a well-ventilated dark room for up to a year.
• Leaf preparation. To prepare the leaves of the irgi, it is necessary to combine the beginning of the collection with the beginning of the flowering of the plant. The leaves are cut or torn off, sorted out for spoiled ones. After that, lay out in the shade in a thin layer. Dried until completely dry, stored in paper bags throughout the year.
• Flowers preparation. It is carried out simultaneously with the preparation of leaves. A feature of the flowers is the need for very fast drying, so the flowers are laid out in one layer in the open air, or with through ventilation, with the obligatory shading of the pallet.
• Fruit preparation. The fruits ripen at different times, but do not fall off the stalks, so they can be harvested as they ripen starting from the month of August. It is undesirable to collect reddish berries; only black ones are suitable for harvesting. Slightly shriveled berries are also better not to collect, since the share of valuable substances in them has already been destroyed. The berries are dried in a draft or in the open air, it is desirable to place pallets with raw materials in warm attics. Dried irgi fruits can be stored in paper bags until the next harvest.

You can save the berries of irgi for the winter by freezing. Only ripe fruits are collected, washed, dried on a paper towel. Lay out on a tray in a thin layer, put the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours. After that, the fruits are poured into a bag or container.

Recipes

The benefits of irgi manifest themselves both in treatment and in cooking. For therapeutic purposes, infusions, decoctions, tinctures are prepared from leaves, flowers and fruits. Berries rich in pectins are actively used to make jellies, fruit drinks, jams and other desserts. Dried fruits are introduced into the composition of cereals and sauces to give the dishes a special, unique taste. Juice, wine, compotes, jelly are also made from irgi.

Syrup

Peculiarities . The method is suitable as a preparation, since the juice is also used for therapeutic purposes and retains almost all the beneficial properties of the fruit.

Cooking

1. The collected ripe berries of shadberry are placed in a dry place for a week, spreading them in one layer on sheets of paper, newspaper or cling film.
2. Juice is extracted with a juicer, mixed with granulated sugar (300 g of sand per liter).
3. For better dissolution, the mixture can be slightly warmed over low heat.
4. After that, the syrup is rolled into sterile jars.

Jam

Peculiarities. It has vitaminizing and restorative properties. Improves digestion.

Cooking

1. A kilogram of washed and dried berries of shadberry is poured into pre-cooked, still hot sugar syrup, for which 800 g of sugar and 200 g of water are taken.
2. To make jam from shadberry, a mixture of berries and syrup is boiled for 15 minutes, stirring the mixture regularly.
3. At the end of cooking, citric acid (2 g) is added to the jam, cooled slightly, poured into sterile jars and rolled up.

Infusion

Peculiarities. The infusion is able to get rid of prolonged diarrhea, normalize the microflora. Medicinal properties Irgi berries are able to eliminate the acute manifestations of hemorrhoids.

Preparation and application

1. A couple of tablespoons of dried berries are poured with a glass of boiling water.
2. Having wrapped the container, insist the product for two hours.
3. After straining, the cake is squeezed out, consumed inside a third of a glass, three times a day, before meals.

Decoction

Peculiarities. The product is suitable for external use, for the treatment of any skin problems.

Preparation and application

1. A tablespoon of bark is poured with a glass of boiling water.
2. Put the mixture in a boiling water bath, heat for half an hour.
3. After complete cooling, the product is filtered, used for rinsing and washing in its pure form.

Water tincture

Peculiarities . Helps to get rid of diarrhea, gastritis, colitis.

Preparation and application

1. A tablespoon of crushed dry leaves is poured into a cup of water.
2. The leaves are infused for an hour, after which they are filtered.
3. Inside take a few tablespoons, three times a day, before meals. Externally used as a rinse.

flower preparation

Peculiarities. Apply when initial forms hypertension, to reduce pressure, as well as to normalize sleep with increased psychological stress.

Preparation and application

1. A couple of teaspoons of dried flowers are poured into a glass of boiling water.
2. Infuse the remedy for 15 minutes.
3. Drink the strained infusion half an hour before the intended sleep.

Precautions before use

If you are going to start treatment with irgi or just eat berries, it is important to familiarize yourself with those side effects that the berry can exhibit.

• Effect on the blood. Irga promotes blood thinning. With clotting disorders and a tendency to bleeding, the use of berries can provoke hemorrhages. The berry is contraindicated in patients with hemophilia.
• Effect on pressure. Irga helps to eliminate spasms of blood vessels and expand their gaps, which causes a decrease in pressure. In hypotension, it can be excessive.
• Influence on the gastrointestinal tract. The astringent properties of the berry are undesirable with a tendency to constipation, as well as during pregnancy. Patients who have problems with stools should use the fruits very carefully.
• Influence on the central nervous system. Berries in large quantities can cause lethargy and drowsiness, so they should be used with caution by drivers and people working with complex mechanisms.

According to the reviews of doctors, you can give vitamin berries to children from the age of one. Nursing mothers should stop using irgi in the first months breastfeeding. Contraindications for berry berries include individual sensitivity reactions.

Other benefits of the plant

Irgi shrubs are very popular in gardening. At any time of the year, this plant will delight the owners: in spring - with snow-white flowers, in summer - with bright fruits, in autumn - with colorful orange-red foliage. Gardeners note the only harm of shadberry - the rapid growth of root shoots, with which the owners will have to fight regularly to maintain the shape of the plantations.

It is enough to know how useful irgi berries are to assess the need to have such a plant in the garden or suburban area. The owners will be pleased not only with the benefits, but also with the luxurious appearance of the plant, many variations of its use for health, as well as pleasant taste qualities ripe fruits.