Irga is very useful berry which is full of vitamins. Such a shrub plant is unpretentious in care and is found in summer cottages or in the forest. The berries have a specific dark blue hue with a touch of a bluish color. From them you can make:

• compotes;
• tinctures;
• jam;
• house wines;
• or just eat in fresh.

But still, not many people know about the beneficial properties of irgi when it is properly prepared.

Useful properties of irgi

1. Removal of toxins from the body and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Delicious berries of irgi contain beneficial acids that control cholesterol levels - this makes it difficult for the formation of so-called cholesterol plaques. Pectins improve the functioning of the bladder and the efficiency of the kidneys, increase the ability of the liver to remove toxins from the body, and this has a positive effect on the functioning of internal organs.
2. Strengthening the nervous system. For a quick fall asleep, you can make a cup of warm tea from dried fruits and drink it at night, or just eat a handful of fresh berries before bed. To increase the overall tone of the body, to normalize the nervous system will help infusions and decoctions of shadberry, as well as its berries, consumed simply fresh. Miracle berry helps to better cope with stress.
3. Saturation of the body with trace elements / vitamins. It has long been proven that the pulp of irgi fruits contains many vitamins, namely C (ascorbic acid), B, P, and fatty oils in the seeds. Irga also has a high content of sugars, pectins, as well as acids, fiber, tannins and flavonoids that are beneficial to human health. Due to this, it is possible to increase the content of vitamins in beriberi, and prevent diseases of the kidneys and liver.
4. Rejuvenation and healing of the body. The content of an incredibly large amount of polyphenolic compounds in the plant, as experts say, helps prevent DNA defects and stops the aging process in the human body. Found in irga a large number of flavonoids, which is the prevention of various diseases, cancer is no exception.
5. Prevention of eye diseases. Lotions from infusions of the bark remove redness and suppuration of the eyelids on the face, and also relieve eye fatigue well. Vitamin A supports eye health. Periodic use of the fruits of shadberry helps in preventing the appearance of cataracts, and protects the organs of vision from a variety of inflammatory processes.
6. Elimination of inflammatory processes in the mouth and pharynx. With stomatitis, you can rinse your mouth with a solution of boiled warm water and fresh juice of shadberry (1:1) - this will eliminate inflammation in the mouth. Also, this recipe is perfect for the treatment of angina. A warm decoction of the bark of the plant will relieve bleeding gums and help strengthen them in periodontal disease. And for the lungs and bronchi, tea from dried leaves of a shrub is suitable.
7. Favorable effect on the heart and blood vessels. Irgi fruits contain a large amount of antioxidants, they play an important role in the prevention of heart attacks, many diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as strokes, cancer and such a common disease as atherosclerosis. Vitamin P makes the walls of capillaries and blood vessels strong, while ensuring their reliability and elasticity. The so-called phytosterols and coumarins reduce blood clotting, and this prevents the formation of blood clots. To stimulate the work of the heart and lower blood pressure, vodka tinctures based on shrub flowers are recommended.
8. Treatment of burns, wounds and abrasions. For the treatment of thermal burns, the juice of irgi fruits is suitable. The gauze soaked in it should be applied to the affected areas. skin for 40 minutes - several times a day.

From the bark and dried leaves of the shrub, you can prepare a decoction that will help well with purulent wounds. To prepare it, you will need 2 tablespoons of dry mass, pour 1 liter of water and boil for 10 minutes.

To eliminate pain and disinfection, fresh shadberry leaves are applied briefly to abrasions and cuts. They are a good antiseptic.

Despite the many useful properties of the berry, there are some contraindications:

1. You should not pick berries in environmentally polluted places, in principle, like any other berry. This is justified by the fact that berries have the ability to absorb various toxins, as well as particles of heavy metals.
2. Babies should be given such a miracle berry with great care so that there is no allergy. This caution also applies to adults who have a predisposition to skin rashes.
3. Combining irga with dairy products is also not worth it. This can lead to stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
4. People with diabetes and prone to rapid weight gain are not recommended to consume irgi fruits in large quantities. This can lead to a sharp increase in body weight and spikes in blood sugar.
5. Patients suffering from epilepsy should also not consume large amounts of berries. Vitamin C can lead to an attack.

Useful qualities of irgi for gardeners

Irga is an excellent "purifier" of air, land and water, so it can be planted on the territory suburban area or vegetable garden. But it is worth remembering that the fruits of such a plant can no longer be used in medicinal and culinary purposes. Because this plant will contain harmful substances obtained in the process of "purification" of air, water and soil. Such bushes can be a beautiful decor.

The best time for planting will be spring and autumn, meanwhile, most gardeners are sure that planting should only be done in autumn time of the year. The shrub loves well-lit places in an open area. For a plant to have nice shape, sunlight must come from all sides, otherwise the branches will independently begin to reach for the light and, as a result, the bush will bend. It is also worth considering that sunlight affects the fruiting of irgi, the more it is, the more berries.

So that the roots do not grow, the soil at the planting site must be fertile. For best growth, the soil must contain a sufficient amount of humus. The roots of the irgi can go into the ground by about 3 meters if groundwater passes high at the landing site.

It is necessary to prepare the site for planting since spring. To do this, clear the soil of weeds and cover with a film until the autumn planting of a bush. Then remove the film, dig up the ground to a depth of 15 cm and add fertilizer.

For planting several seedlings, the principle is suitable staggered order, in this case, they have enough space. The distance between the bushes is 50-150 cm. Irga is planted like a gooseberry or raspberry. After planting, cut the branches of the plant to 15 cm, leaving a couple of buds on each of them.

The plant does not need much care. All you need to do is water (if there is no rain), remove weeds around and add fertilizer if necessary. At proper care fruits may appear by the second half of next summer. But do not forget completely about this unpretentious plant, like any other.

A Few Insightful Facts

1. The botanical name of the shrub is Amelanchier. It speaks of the very sweet, honey taste of the berry. In botany, the fruit of the irgi is considered an apple.
2. There are nineteen species of this plant.
3. His homeland is North America. In Canada, the plant is used to make wines. In Russia, the shrub appeared only at the beginning of the twentieth century.
4. All countries in their own way call this shrub. Germany - "rock pear", Russia - "wine berry", Italy - "willow delicacy".
5. If you eat 1 kg of berries at a time, it will cause instant sleep.

1. Wine. First you need to prepare sugar syrup. To do this, boil water, pour sugar into it and boil for a quarter of an hour, stirring constantly. Then squeeze the berries to get a liter of juice, and mix with syrup. Pour the mixture into a glass bottle, close the neck with plasticine, leaving a small hole for the tube. One end is inserted into the bottle - so that the tube does not touch the drink, and the other - into a glass of filtered water. This is necessary to eliminate the penetration of oxygen. In the event that after 5 days the fermentation process has not begun, it is necessary to add the starter. Then put the container in warm place for 14-21 days. Fermentation will end when the liquid separates into light and dark layers. Then strain the must and bottle it. To defend the wine for about 4 months.
2. Kvass. Pour ten liters of water into a saucepan and add 1 kg of washed berries, crushed in a mortar. Bring the mixture to a boil, cool, put 2 cups of buckwheat honey and 30 g of yeast. The fermentation process takes place within half a day. Pour kvass into bottles and store in a cool place.
3. Jam. Mix 250 ml of water and 1 kg granulated sugar, then put on a slow fire. Rinse the berries, add to the sugar syrup and bring to a boil. So it is necessary to do 3-4 times with a frequency of 8-10 hours. Before the end of cooking, add 3 grams of citric acid to the mixture. Such jam is stored in sterilized rolled up jars.
4. Freezing berries for the winter. Peel the berries from the stalks, wash, dry and spread on a baking sheet. Freeze by quick freezing, then bag in small portions for easy storage and use.

Irga is a very mysterious plant, and few people know about its miraculous properties. It is extremely beneficial for a healthy body. Therefore, it is worth showing interest in this shrub plant.

Video: the benefits of irgi

Presumably irga is a Mongolian name meaning "hardwood tree". In its natural environment, irga is common on almost all continents of the temperate zone. Korinka (the second name of irgi) - medicinal plant, and everything is useful in it: from bark to berries.

Why is irga so useful

Due to its composition, irga has a lot of useful properties. So, this plant contains: pectins, mono- and disaccharides, organic acids (malic), B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin P, tannins, flavonols, sterols and fiber. Complement this list and useful trace elements (lead, cobalt, copper).

Irga practically does not contain proteins and fats, only carbohydrates (up to 12 g per 100 g of product), and its the energy value only 45 kcal per 100 g of product. This makes the plant useful for people wishing to lose weight. Juice from shadberry and red currant, with proper nutrition and regular use, reduces weight up to four kg per week. To do this, you need to mix the juices in a ratio of one to one and consume every day (one glass after a meal).

The plant contains a large amount of carotene, which, together with ascorbic acid, is a strong natural antioxidant. These substances strengthen the immune system, relieve symptoms of diseases associated with electromagnetic radiation, increase resistance to infectious diseases and stress, and dispel depression.

Antioxidants have Negative influence on cancer cells, and their constant use plays the role of preventive vaccination against tumors. These same substances help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease - severe damage to the nervous system.

Pectins contribute to the removal of salts of heavy metals, toxins, radionuclides from the body, destroy cholesterol plaques. The irga tree is a pantry of useful properties. Its components thin the blood, clean the walls of blood vessels, prevent the occurrence of blood clots and other vascular pathologies, and also improve heart function.

Did you know? Irga, how ornamental plant was known in the 16th century. It was planted in parks, gardens and alleys, using it as a living fence. The strong stems of this tree were used for the production of canes and ramrods.

Useful properties of the bark of a berry bush

For medicinal purposes, the bark of the plant is harvested in late spring. The greatest benefit of irgi bark for the human body lies in its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition, it is rich in tannins. Tannins contained in tannins can stop bleeding, bind microorganisms in case of poisoning and help rejuvenate the body at the cellular level.

From the bark make decoctions and infusions that are used to treat gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Tinctures also help with gum problems, stomatitis and gingivitis. They are rinsed oral cavity with bacterial infections. The healing properties of the bark of shadberry help with ophthalmic problems such as: conjunctivitis, night blindness, cataracts and inflammation of the cornea.

Prescription for the treatment of diarrhea: 1 tsp of dry crushed bark is mixed with 200 ml of water. The decoction is prepared in a water bath. For treatment dental diseases: crushed bark (1st l) should be poured with water (200 ml) and boiled for 20 minutes. The broth is insisted for half an hour, and then filtered. The resulting composition should rinse your mouth three times a day.

The use of leaves of irgi for medicinal purposes

The leaves of the irgi tree or bush also have a number of useful properties (they are harvested in late spring). The phytoncides contained in the leaves fight infectious diseases: tonsillitis, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, and the antimicrobial effect is used in the treatment of purulent wounds, open and bleeding, bedsores.

The astringent properties of the leaves help with pancreatitis and diarrhea. An infusion of them is drunk for insomnia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases.

Young children are prone to infectious diseases, so for less use of artificial antibiotics for coughing, small patients can be given a decoction of shadberry leaves. It has expectorant and mucus thinning action.

Important! Children under two years of age should be given irga in minimal amounts, as it contains many allergens.

Running in the yard, children often injure themselves, and irgi leaves are a good natural antiseptic. Just apply a cotton pad soaked in a decoction to the wound, or immediately clean a fresh leaf of the plant for a while.

Tea from the leaves of irgi has a vitamin and immunity-strengthening effect. Leaf juice has a dietary and weight-reducing effect, moreover, such infusions are also used in cosmetology. Lotions and tonics stop skin aging, tighten pores, cleanse oily skin, restore damaged layers of the epidermis, strengthen nails and hair.

For a rejuvenating effect, you should wipe your face and neck with a decoction of the leaves (preferably twice a day). The composition can be poured into a container with a sprayer and periodically spray the décolleté area.

Recipe recommended for inflammatory processes of the oral cavity or wounds: Dry leaves - 2 tablespoons should be mixed with 200 ml of boiled water and infused for 30 minutes. For diseases of the oral cavity - rinse after eating, for wounds - lubricate with a cotton swab.

How and why to take irgi flowers

It's no secret that pregnant women get sick more often, as the body works for two. Chemicals often harm the unborn baby, and pressure problems, dental, heart and infectious diseases are not uncommon in pregnant women.

Irgi flowers, their medicinal properties will be useful to mothers both in treatment and for prevention. An infusion of flowers lowers blood pressure, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects. Tea based on flowers is drunk for the prevention of acute respiratory and viral infections.

Decoctions and infusions of flowers are used after chemotherapy in the treatment of oncology, to restore strength. Douching with decoctions helps women with gynecological diseases and cystitis. Decoctions and tinctures relieve the symptoms of thyroid disease.

Baths with their own irgi flowers healing properties tone the skin, remove toxins and other harmful compounds through the pores, making the skin supple and smooth. Lotions from flowers give the face a healthy look. Prescription for pregnant women suffering from hypertension: 2 tablespoons of dried or fresh flowers pour 400 ml of boiling water. Wrap the composition well and leave to brew for several hours, then strain. Take one tablespoon before meals, three times a day.

Important! Irgi flowers have a calming effect and cause drowsiness, so after taking them, you should not immediately drive a car or work with devices that require good concentration.

Medicinal properties of berry berries

The fruits of irgi are actively used in both folk and official medicine. Doctors recommend elderly patients to use berries as a preventive measure varicose veins veins, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, as well as to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the whole body.

The berries of the plant are able to remove from the body harmful substances that enter with food from the atmosphere, and cholesterol. Irga and its berries are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular problems, insomnia, nervous disorders, and to smooth out the effects of stress.

Berry juice is taken for gastric and intestinal disorders, as its astringent effect helps with gastritis, relieving inflammation of the stomach walls. Juice has a dietary effect.

Vitamin A, which is rich in berry berries, with constant use prevents the development of cataracts, improves vision. In order to avoid malnutrition and lack of vitamins in diets, it is advisable to drink berry tea. Juice from fresh berries relieves pain symptoms in purulent tonsillitis and stomatitis. Vitamin drink: pour dry fruits with boiling water (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water) and leave for 30 minutes. Drink half a glass a day after meals.

The use of irgi in cooking

Irga is in demand in cooking, you can cook a lot of tasty and healthy delicacies from it, mostly sweets. Dried berry resembles raisins and is used as a filling for pies, pies and cakes. Crushed irgu is used in the preparation of muffins, casseroles, pancakes and fritters. For desserts and second courses, sauces are prepared with the addition of irgi berries.

Grated fresh berry is good for mousses, soufflés and creams. Jelly, marmalade, marshmallow, sherbet are made from it. Compotes, jelly, fruit drinks and soft drinks are cooked from fresh fruits. Wine and alcoholic tinctures from shadberry have anti-inflammatory properties, they can be impregnated with cake layers.

Irga is a small shrub or tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is unpretentious, so many gardeners try to grow it on their plots. The uniqueness of this plant lies in its useful fruits, which contain a significant amount of useful substances. Consider what an irga is, its beneficial features and contraindications.

Useful properties of berries

What is useful irga? Its fruits are necessary for the human body, since they contain such substances:

• vitamins C, PP, B;
• carotene, considered a powerful antioxidant;
• pectins - remove toxins, heavy metals and other harmful elements from the body;
• organic acids;
• trace elements.

Thanks to this composition, berries of irgi are actively used in the treatment of the following diseases:

1. Increased blood pressure. Irga is very useful for hypertensive patients, as it helps in short time reduce pressure. Also, these berries improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system as a whole, thinning the blood and strengthening blood vessels.
2. Angina. Juice based on fruits of shadberry is actively used in traditional medicine in the treatment of this disease. It promotes the elimination of infection, as well as the healing of wounds.
3. Stomatitis. Decoctions based on the fruits of this plant have an antimicrobial effect, so you can get rid of stomatitis or periodontal disease.
4. Diabetes. The use of berries helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, they should be eaten with diabetes.

Also, the fruits of irgi should be used as a prophylactic to avoid the development of cardiovascular or colds.

Irga is useful for both the body of women and men. As for children, its berries help strengthen weakened immunity, thereby preventing the development of colds in the cold season.

Irgi leaves: useful properties

In addition to the fruits of this plant, which have a beneficial effect on the human body, the leaves of the shadberry are also used for medicinal purposes. If you make tea based on them, it calms down nervous system. Also, the leaves help fight the following ailments:

• high blood pressure;
• sleep disturbance;
• any diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

If we talk about the external use of shadberry leaves, then in folk medicine they are used for such diseases:

• wounds with suppuration;
• thermal burns.

To prepare a medicinal infusion from the leaves of shadberry, you must use the following recipe: 3 tbsp. l. the main ingredient should be poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water. Let stand covered for about 3 hours. At the end of this time, the filtered infusion should be taken 2 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day. In this case, it is necessary not to forget to control the blood pressure indicator.

The use of irgi berries

The fruits of the plant are actively used in cooking. Alternative medicine suggests using these recipes as therapeutic and prophylactic agents. Consider what can be prepared from these berries.

To prepare this is not only healthy, but also insanely delicious dish you will need 1 kg of fruit, 1 kg of sugar, 3 g of citric acid and 1 glass of water. First you need to prepare sugar syrup. For this, sugar and water are taken, put on fire. This mixture must be brought to a boil. After that, peeled and washed berries should be placed in syrup. Bring to a boil again. Leave on low heat, cook for 30 minutes, stirring constantly. A few minutes before readiness, you need to put in jam citric acid. Ready meal can be poured into jars and rolled up or stored in the refrigerator after its preparation.

Juice

In order for the juice from the berries of the shadberry to turn out to be more fragrant and sweet, it is necessary to rinse the fresh fruits and leave to dry on a clean cloth under direct sunbeams. So that it does not turn out too sugary, you can also add red currants when squeezing the fruit. It will give a pleasant sourness, which will make the drink more piquant.

Wine

Homemade wine from shadberry is prepared very simply. This process takes place in several stages, namely:

1. Syrup preparation. It will take 1 kg of sugar and 2 liters of water. Water should be put on fire until it boils. After that, gradually add sugar, constantly stirring the liquid. Cook it for 10-15 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Juice extraction and must preparation. Irgi fruits are not very juicy, so you can soak 3 kg of berries in hot water for the night. In this way, it will be much easier to squeeze the juice out of them. From 3 kg of berries, approximately 1 liter of juice will be obtained. This is the amount needed for the subsequent preparation of wine. Juice should be poured into syrup.
3. Fermentation. Pour the resulting liquid into containers with a narrow neck. They should not be covered with a lid. It is necessary to use plasticine, in which to make a hole for holding the tubes. They must be placed so that one end does not touch the liquid. The other end of the tube must be placed in a glass of water. Containers in this form should be kept warm for 2-3 weeks, until the juice with syrup becomes light.
4. Infusion. After the completion of the fermentation process, the wine must be infused. To do this, the liquid should be filtered, poured into a large bottle, which is then tightly sealed with a lid. Leave for 3-4 months. After this time, a delicious and aromatic wine will be ready.

In order to make preparations for the winter, it is not necessary to cook the berries of this plant. They can also be used in dried form for making compotes in the cold season. Another option is freezing fruits. After defrosting, they can be added to pies and other culinary delights. Berries have a pleasant taste and aroma, making dishes more spicy and rich.

Important to remember! Dishes and drinks prepared on the basis of shadberry should be consumed in moderation!

When the fruits ripen

After planting, the shrub begins to bear fruit only in the third year. To collect juicy and ripe berries, you should wait until the beginning of July. This period is the ideal time for harvesting the plant. Sometimes growth can even be delayed until August if the shrub has grown strongly.

Contraindications for use

Despite the fact that the berries of the plant are enriched with a significant amount of useful substances, they still have their contraindications for use. These include:

• individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to fruits;
• reduced blood clotting;
• low blood pressure, hypotension.

Also, medicines based on irgi have a calming effect, causing increased drowsiness. Therefore, for people who need concentration, it is better to refrain from eating berries until it is time for rest. After eating berries, a person will feel the desire to sleep.

Irga - amazing plant, Rosaceae family. It is undemanding to growing conditions, is able to normally tolerate frosts down to -40 -50 degrees, and during flowering frosts down to -5 -7 degrees. It grows well in soil different composition and acidity. But there is an indispensable condition - if you want to get a crop of large, sweet berries with the aroma of freshness, you need to take a sunny place for the irga. Therefore, shadberry bushes should be located at a distance of at least 2.5-3 m, unless you aim to grow a high hedge, for which the irga is very suitable.

The most common round-leaved irga, or common irga (rotundi-folia), is found in culture as a fruit, melliferous and ornamental plant. Falling leaves, rounded or oval, dark green above, pale green below, yellow-red or dark red in autumn. The flowers are white or cream, collected in corymbose brushes at the ends of the shoots. The fruits are round, bluish-black or reddish-purple, up to 10 mm in diameter, edible, sweet, ripen in July.

Calorie irgi

This is a low-calorie berry, 100 g of which contains 45 kcal. However, due to the high content of carbohydrates, it should not be abused by obese people.

Useful properties of irgi

Irga surpass even grapes in the content of vitamin "C", and are also rich in carotene, vitamin "P", sugars and other minerals. In people who use irga, sleep, vision and bowel function improve.

Fruits improve digestion and strengthen the intestines. As a good multivitamin, fresh berries are used for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and beriberi, atherosclerosis, as well as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. With the permission and under the supervision of a doctor, the fruits of shadberry are used in the form of astringent decoctions for inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

In folk medicine, fresh juice of irgi berries is used for gargling as a dietary and medicinal drink with astringent properties, its mixture with juices of wild apples and pears. The abundance of vitamin P makes it possible to recommend the fruits of shadberry and juices from them to the elderly to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and increase their elasticity, prevent myocardial infarction and varicose veins. Irga normalizes sleep and strengthens the body. The use of tincture of irgi flowers normalizes the work of the heart and lowers blood pressure. Fresh fruit juice is used as a medicinal drink for intestinal disorders.

Irgi fruits do not ripen at the same time, so they are harvested in several stages. Irga is widely used in medical and diet food. Its fruits are used fresh as a dessert, they are dried, dried, frozen, jam is made, compote is prepared. Dried berries are sometimes called "northern raisins" and were formerly known as currants and are used as a filling for confectionery.

Juice from freshly picked fruits of shadberry is hardly squeezed out, but after 7-10 days of storage with a layer of no more than 5 cm, up to 70% of the juice can be squeezed out. Given that the berries have a fresh-sweet taste and are not rich in organic acids, citric acid or natural juice of sour fruits are added to the processed products.

To prepare juice from shadberry, the berries are kept in a dry room for a week, scattering them on film or paper so that they can release juice and become more fragrant. Then, using a juicer, squeeze the juice, mixing it with sugar (300 g of sugar per 1 liter of juice), heated until the sugar is completely dissolved, poured into jars and rolled them up with lids. Store in a cool place. Since the juice of the irgi is of low acidity, it can be blended with other juices of berry crops, for example, with red currant juice.

From the fruits of irgi, a tasty and healing wine is obtained. For example, in the United States, extensive plantations of shadberry for winemaking have been planted since the 18th century.

Infusion of irgi flowers has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and reduces blood pressure.

This plant has several names. It all depends on where in the world it grows. AT North America it is called Canadian medlar. In Europe, it is willowberry or rock pear. In Russia, this representative of the flora is called sea buckthorn, sparrow berry, cinnamon and wine berry. But everyone knows another name - irga. It is not very popular among gardeners. But those who grow it know about its positive properties. The benefits and harms of irgi will be the main topic of this article.

plant history

Where did this tree come from? It began to be grown in England, and soon in Holland. How this berry came to the territory of Russia is unknown. In the 18th century, they also learned about it in North America. There she gained great popularity. Irgi berries were mixed with lemon and rhubarb and served with wild meat. This mixture improved the taste of the dish. Irgu was used to make jams and preserves.

The popularity of the tree increased so much that in the 19th century it began to be grown on special plantations. Even today irga gives in these countries good harvest and is used to decorate gardens and lawns. It is grown in Asia Minor and even in North Africa. In Russia, the berry began to be used everywhere in the 19th century. It was sold in the market under the guise of grapes. And only Michurin began to propagate this plant, thereby contributing to its spread.

What is irga

This plant belongs to the rose family. It can be classified as both trees and shrubs. Its leaves are round or slightly oval shape. Their coloration is dark green above and lighter below. The foliage turns deep red in autumn and then falls off. The benefits and harms of irgi are known to many gardeners. But some breed it as a decoration garden plot. This plant has small flowers of light color, which are collected in a brush. They are odorless and located at the ends of the shoots.

Fruits of irgi

Irga berry, the benefits and harms of which will be described below, has small size. It can be compared with small apples. The diameter of the fruit is not more than 10 millimeters. There are sepals at the base of the berries. The plant bears fruit every year at the end of summer. But the ripening of berries occurs unevenly over a certain period, so the crop is harvested in parts.

In order for the berries to fully ripen, it is necessary good lighting. The fruits are dark, purple or blue in color. Like some varieties of plums, there is a bluish coating on the skin. The pulp of the berries is sweet, fragrant and juicy. Irga, whose health benefits and harms have long been studied, will not only become a decoration of the garden, but will also produce a good harvest with proper care.

Types of irgi

Quite a lot of varieties of this plant are known in the world, about 25. Only a few of them are cultivated in Russia. It should be noted that berries of all kinds are healthy, tasty and suitable for eating. All varieties are winter-hardy and unpretentious. Therefore, the benefits and harms of irgi should be known to every gardener. Most often on the territory of our country there is an ordinary irga, or round-leaved. The height of this tree reaches 2.5 meters.

It has a fairly spreading crown and beautiful oval leaves. In spring, the irga blooms and forms white inflorescences with long petals. The berries of this species are black with a slightly bluish bloom. Canadian irga can reach a height of 6 meters. It grows large sweet berries. Very often this variety is used to decorate the site, since all year round Canadian Irga is very beautiful. The spiky species is a tree up to 5 meters tall, which is often used to build hedges. And finally, the alder-leaved irga, which, in comparison with its counterparts, has a small growth, up to 2-4 meters. After the formation of beautiful white inflorescences, juicy black berries appear. hallmark of this species is the ability to grow and produce crops even in the shade.

Berry composition

The benefits and harms of irgi are of interest to many gardeners. But first, let's look at its composition. What good does this berry contain? Firstly, it is a huge amount of microelements necessary for the body.

In the berry you can find copper, iron, cobalt, vitamins B and C, beta-carotene, fiber, pectin, dyes and tannins, anthocyanins, organic acids, flavonols, catechins and many other useful substances. All of them help the body fight many diseases. And since irga has antioxidant properties, this is one of the the best means to prevent cancer.

What is useful berry

Irga berry, the benefits and harms of which should be studied before taking, does not contain proteins and fats. Its calorie content is only 45 kcal. Therefore, its use does not harm the figure and is possible even with a strict diet. What is useful irga? First, this is one of the best helpers to strengthen immunity. Irga treats indigestion and gastritis. Berries and tinctures relieve nervous tension and improve sleep.

Tinctures also have an anti-inflammatory effect and effectively help with tonsillitis, even purulent ones. Also, products prepared from the berries and leaves of this plant perfectly heal wounds and stop the blood. Looking at the composition, it is safe to say what effect the berry has. Irga, the benefits and harms, the recipes for which are described in this article, contains carotene, which increases the body's resistance to various infections, thins the blood and improves the condition with allergies. An infusion of the flowers of the plant reduces pressure and improves the condition of blood vessels.

Contraindications

Before using any tool, you should study it. Irga, vitamins, the benefits and harms of which are described here, are not recommended for people with low blood pressure. It can be consumed, but in moderate doses (a handful of berries). There are no more contraindications, but you must always remember that you need to know the measure in everything. Eat these healing berries for health, carefully studying their composition. Irga, the benefits and harms, photos and cooking recipes of which you will find here, will protect the body from many ailments or help to cope with them.

fruit preparation

You can prepare healing infusions from both fresh berries and dried ones. Therefore, harvest the fruits for the future, drying them in the shade. An infusion of berries is prepared as follows. Pour one tablespoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water. Then you need to insist this mixture for 30 minutes, and then drink it. This remedy is excellent for stomach and intestinal disorders.

You can pour two large spoons of berries 1.5 cups cold water, insist for 8 hours, and then bring this mixture to a boil (do not boil). Then the remedy is insisted for another 2 hours. After that, it is taken 100 milliliters twice a day before meals (30 minutes before). This infusion improves vision and improves the functioning of the digestive system.

Preparation of bark, leaves and flowers

What is irga, benefits and harms, recipes for the preparation of medicinal tinctures - this information is simply necessary for correct application plant gifts. After all, you can use not only fruits, but also leaves, bark and flowers. A tincture of the flowers is an excellent remedy for lowering blood pressure and treating heart failure. They are harvested in May, during the flowering period. To prepare a healthy decoction, you need to take a handful of dried or fresh flowers and pour 500 milliliters of boiling water over them. We insist the mixture for about 2 hours and filter. The decoction should be taken two large spoons three times a day. The infusion of the leaves has an astringent effect and is therefore effective in case of diarrhea.

Pour one large spoon with a glass of boiling water and take a decoction of half a glass three times a day. A decoction of the bark is good for sore throats, burns and stomach diseases. Pour a small spoonful of chopped bark with a glass of boiling water. We put the mixture on the fire and boil for about 25 minutes. Then we apply it as intended. It is better to harvest the bark in autumn, leaves and flowers - in May, and berries - at the time of ripening. All raw materials must be well dried. It must be stored in a dry place.

Breeding shadberry

If you were attracted by irga, the benefits and harms, the photos and recipes of which are presented in the article, then plant it on your site. it unpretentious plant does not require special conditions breeding. It easily tolerates frost, drought and prolonged rains. The only condition for almost all types of irgi is the presence of light and sun. This will provide you with juicy and well-ripened berries. The plant can be propagated by cuttings or grafting. Plant trees at a distance of 2 meters from each other, as they grow well. From irgi you can make a beautiful and useful hedge. In autumn, it is necessary to form a crown by cutting. Birds love to eat these delicious berries and eat them up completely.