by johnah on November 21, 2020
Black Currant Leaves Benefits
The blackcurrants are a type of berry native to Africa. They are known for their sweet flavor and have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Their use dates back to the Ancient Egyptian Empire. These berries were considered very beneficial for health purposes, as they had anti-inflammatory properties and could improve blood circulation.
The berries contain flavonoids which may help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and many other diseases.
How To Use Black Currant Leaves?
Blackcurrant leaves are most commonly used in teas, but they can also be found in juice form. They are often added to smoothies or even eaten raw. You can use them fresh or dried. Some people prefer using blackcurrant leaves whole while others like to grind them up into powder form before adding it to their drink. The leaves can either be ground fresh or dried depending on your preference.
Dried blackcurrant leaves can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to soups, stews, sauces and dressings. You can also add dried blackcurrant leaves to drinks such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate. The dried leaves are also great for making infusions.
Infusing blackcurrant juices with fruit or honey helps bring out the full flavor of these fruits without any bitterness from the addition of sugar.
Blackcurrant leaves can also be used to brew blackcurrant wines. These drinks can also be stored for long periods of time and make great gifts for the holiday season. Blackcurrant leaves can also be brewed into a smoking blend that is said to ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms experienced by some when they are quitting smoking.
Those who want to lose weight can use blackcurrants leaves as a natural appetite suppressant. Many doctors recommend this method as a safe way to lose weight without resorting to surgery.
Blackcurrant leaves have also been used in the past to treat hemorrhoids. The leaves were combined with other herbs such as alumroot, witch hazel, and oak galls to create a soothing balm that could be applied directly to the affected area.
Where To Buy Black Currant Leaves?
You can find dried blackcurrant leaves in the tea isle of most grocery and health food stores. They can be a little more expensive than other teas, so look for sales if you want to buy in bulk. You can also grow your own blackcurrants and use the leaves for free! All you need to do is plant the seeds near a trellis or support and enjoy fresh leaves all year long.
How To Preserve Dried Black Currant Leaves?
If you buy blackcurrant leaves in bulk, you will need to find a way to preserve them. The best way to do this is through drying. You can use a food dehydrator or air dry them out in the open at room temperature. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away or you run the risk of growing mold.
You can also freeze the leaves in an airtight container for up to one year. Make sure you label the container with the date before putting them in the freezer.
What Are The Side Effects Of Black Currant Leaves?
Very few side effects have been reported from using blackcurrant leaves, however, it is still recommended that you speak with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or are taking other medications.
Some of the side effects that have been experienced by a small number of people include:
Stomach pain
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headache
If you experience any of these or other symptoms that are concerning, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
Blackcurrant leaves can be used to make a delicious herbal tea with many healing properties.
The dried leaves can be infused into drinks, teas, sauces & more.
You can also buy blackcurrant leaf extract pills or tincture which are convenient ways to take the supplement without altering the taste of your food and drinks.
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Sources & references used in this article:
Optimisation of extraction of phenolics and antioxidants from black currant leaves and buds and of stability during storage by J Tabart, C Kevers, A Sipel, J Pincemail, JO Defraigne… – Food Chemistry, 2007 – Elsevier
Phenolic compounds in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves relative to leaf position and harvest date by M Vagiri, S Conner, D Stewart, SC Andersson, S Verrall… – Food chemistry, 2015 – Elsevier
Polyphenolic extracts of cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves as natural preservatives in meat products by A Nowak, A Czyzowska, M Efenberger, L Krala – Food microbiology, 2016 – Elsevier
Anti-inflammatory evaluation op a hydroalcoholic extract op black currant leaves (Ribes nigrum) by C Declume – Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1989 – Elsevier
Antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds and minerals content of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves as influenced by harvesting date and extraction method by V Nour, I Trandafir, S Cosmulescu – Industrial Crops and Products, 2014 – Elsevier
The measurement of sap tension in the petioles of apple, raspberry and black currant leaves by JE Goode – Journal of Horticultural Science, 1968 – Taylor & Francis
Phenolic compounds in black currant leaves–an interaction between the plant and foliar diseases? by M Vagiri, E Johansson, K Rumpunen – Journal of Plant Interactions, 2017 – Taylor & Francis
The composition of the essential oil of black currant leaves (Ribes nigrum L.) by J Andersson, R Bosvik… – … of the Science of Food and …, 1963 – Wiley Online Library
Nutritional quality of berries and bioactive compounds in the leaves of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars evaluated in Estonia by P Raudsepp, H Kaldmäe, A Kikas… – Journal of Berry …, 2010 – content.iospress.com
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