How to take lemongrass what is it useful for. Lemongrass: health benefits and harms

The medicinal properties and contraindications of Schisandra chinensis were discovered 15 centuries ago. Its healing power was discovered by accident, and in terms of tonic qualities, the plant is in second place after ginseng. In China, there are many legends and beliefs associated with this creeper. From Chinese, its name literally translates as "berry of five tastes." Why is that? Because in the plant, indeed, 5 tastes are collected according to Chinese tradition. The pulp is sour, the seeds are bitter and pungent, the skin of the fruit is sweet, and the prepared medicine is salty. The Russian name "lemonnik" reflects another distinguishing feature of this plant - its pleasant lemon aroma emanating from fruits, young shoots, leaves.

Features of Schisandra chinensis

In Russia, in the first half of the 19th century, the well-known botanist N.S. Turchaninov studied this plant, then at the end of the 19th century the botanist V.L. Komarov described the liana. He was interested not only in biological features, but also in the benefits of lemongrass. The scientist lived among the Far Eastern Nanais, wrote down stories of miraculous healings, studied the peculiarities of treatment with liana fruits and leaves. However, clinical trials of this medicinal plant began to be carried out only during the Great Patriotic War. It is known that the plant was given to wounded soldiers in hospitals for a speedy recovery.

Growth area

In the wild, the liana grows in Korea, China, and Japan. It also takes root well in the Far East, so it got a different name - Far Eastern lemongrass. It is the same type of plant. It can be seen on the island of Sakhalin, in the Amur region, on the Kuril Islands, the coast of the Tatar Strait. Liana grows in coniferous (mostly in cedar) and deciduous forests. He likes mountain river valleys, edges, clearings, clearings. You will not meet her in floodplains, on flooded soils. The plant can also be seen on hills (not higher than 600 m). It belongs to light-loving plants, although it can withstand prolonged darkening. It usually grows in groups, creating dense thickets over time.

In other regions of Russia, lemongrass is cultivated as an ornamental plant at botanical stations. Experienced gardeners grow it not only for beauty, but also for medicinal purposes. In addition, the plant belongs to good honey plants.

Botanical description

What does Chinese lemongrass look like? This is a woody perennial vine that can reach a height of 15 m and above. In the northern regions, frost-resistant subspecies grow up to 4 m high. Liana spirals around the tall trunks of nearby trees. Its main stems are dark brown, rough, up to 2 cm in diameter. Young shoots are smooth, with yellowish bark. Lemongrass leaves are elliptical in shape, reaching a maximum length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm. It is easy to recognize the plant by its beautiful, bright red fruits, collected in a brush up to 10 cm long.

What is lemongrass Crimean

The Chinese magnolia vine and the Crimean magnolia vine have nothing in common. Crimean lemongrass is called the Crimean ironwort, or Tatar-tea, shepherd-tea. It is a herbaceous plant with light yellow flowers. When brewed, the herb acquires a pronounced lemon taste and smell (hence the name). It is found only in the Crimea and also belongs to medicinal plants. Used as a wound healing, anti-inflammatory and tonic. Decoctions and infusions of herbs strengthen the immune system, local residents drink them to prevent respiratory diseases.

Chemical composition

Useful substances are found in different parts of the plant - in fruits, leaves, stems, young shoots, bark. Lemongrass contains a lot of organic acids and B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, microelements. Most of the fatty oil and tonic substances found in the seeds of the plant, and in the bark and leaves - a lot of essential oils.

healing action

What are the medicinal properties of Schisandra chinensis?

• Tonic and tonic. Lemongrass-based preparations stimulate nervous activity, the cardiac and respiratory systems. This is due to a substance called schizandrin, which excites the central nervous system.
• Immunostimulating. The substances contained in the plant strengthen the immune system. It is useful to drink tinctures and decoctions in the cold season for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and colds.
• Psychostimulant. This medicinal plant restores not only physical strength, but also strengthens the mental resources of the body, increases mental performance and memory, relieves fatigue, apathy and drowsiness.
• Adaptogenic. Helps the body adapt to difficult environmental conditions - high mountains, in cold or hot climates. Like ginseng and eleutherococcus, this plant strengthens physical strength during periods of great stress, it is recommended to athletes, climbers, tourists, military men, people in physically difficult and dangerous professions.
• Improves metabolism. The plant contains biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the body. Lemongrass lowers blood sugar levels, improves blood circulation.
• Lemongrass raises or lowers blood pressure? Some herbalists write about the regulating function of lemongrass, that is, it equalizes blood pressure: when necessary, it increases, and if necessary, it lowers, expanding the peripheral vessels. Other sources mention that the berries are drunk at reduced pressure, and the seeds at elevated pressure. In third editions they write that lemongrass is drunk only at reduced pressure. But you need to rely on a medical point of view. The instructions for use of lemongrass indicate that the drug increases blood pressure and is effective in asthenic syndrome, that is, with a breakdown and low pressure.

The instructions rarely mention the secretory function of lemongrass. It can be used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, gastritis with low acidity), to normalize digestion, improve intestinal motility.

Indications

What diseases, symptoms and conditions are included in the list of indications for Schisandra chinensis?

• Asthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• neuroses.
• Weak stress tolerance.
• Hard physical labor.
• Psycho-emotional stress.
• Sexual dysfunction in men on nervous grounds.
• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Prevention of viral respiratory diseases.
• Decreased visual acuity.

Also, the phytopreparation is prescribed in complex therapy to restore the body after serious illnesses.

Contraindications

Schisandra chinensis contraindications:

• any infections in the acute period;
• chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart;
• mental disorders;
• nervous excitement, insomnia;
• congenital pathologies of the central nervous system;
• epilepsy, convulsions;
• traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure;
• hypertension;
• individual intolerance, allergic reaction.

Attention should be paid to the medicinal interaction of the plant with other drugs. It is not recommended to take it together with such medicines:

• analeptics;
• stimulants of the nervous system (this also includes herbal preparations of ginseng and eleutherococcus);
• neuroleptics;
• sleeping pills;
• tranquilizers.

Alcohol, coffee, strong tea are also contraindicated during the course of therapy. Lemongrass can be harmful to health by enhancing the effect of other drugs, or, conversely, can inhibit their therapeutic effect.

Side effects while taking the herbal remedy can manifest themselves with the following symptoms: an allergic reaction with a rash, swelling, itching, heart palpitations, headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure. If these manifestations are found, you need to stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor. Schisandra chinensis is a powerful stimulant of the nervous system. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women, children under 12 years of age. Elderly people should also take the drug with caution.

Schisandra chinensis in pharmacology and folk medicine

The widespread use of Schisandra chinensis in pharmacology and folk medicine once again confirms the medicinal value of this plant. What forms of release of this plant material are found in pharmacology? What drugs can be prepared from it at home?

Dosage forms of release

• Pills. As part of the medicine - lemongrass fruit extract and flavonoid complex "Terra-plant". Tablets are recommended as a mild tonic. Thanks to flavonoids, this phytopreparation normalizes heart rate, blood pressure, strengthens the walls of capillaries, stimulates the adrenal cortex. Tablets are available in 500 and 900 mg each, they need to be sucked in order for the plant extract to be more effectively absorbed. Permissible norm - 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts no more than 4 weeks.
• 
  Syrup. In addition to Chinese magnolia vine, the preparation contains rosehip extract and vitamin C. This adaptogenic agent can be taken once a day in the following dosage: for treatment - 30 ml (2 tablespoons), for prevention - 15 ml (1 tablespoon). The course of treatment should not exceed 3 weeks, as a preventive measure, syrup can be drunk no more than 4 times a year. Phytopreparation is available in bottles of 150 ml, it can be stored for 2 years.
• Powder. The Chinese have found an effective way to process and use lemongrass fruits - they make a powder out of them and export them to Europe. This medicinal raw material can be ordered in China. It is not recommended to purchase large volumes of raw materials, since in this form it quickly loses its healing properties. The powder can be taken in dry form, or you can brew and drink in the form of decoctions.
• 
  Tincture. This is the most common dosage form that can be bought without a prescription in a Russian pharmacy. This drug is made from lemongrass seeds based on 95% alcohol. There are release forms of 25 and 50 ml. Tincture is often prescribed in the complex therapy of asthenic syndrome. The medicine acts quickly - after 30-40 minutes you can feel a surge of strength and vigor, increased motor activity, performance and improved mood. The drug works for 4-6 hours. Permissible single dose for adults - 25 drops. The tincture can be drunk 2 or 3 times a day for 25 days. Read more about Schisandra chinensis tincture.
• Fruits. Dried creeper berries can be bought at the pharmacy. How to brew fruits? From them you can prepare water infusions, teas, decoctions, syrups, compotes. Alcohol tinctures are also made from dry fruits.
• Oil. Schisandra chinensis essential oil is used in cosmetology and aromatherapy, often used as a massage oil in combination with other oils. The drug well moisturizes, regenerates, tightens the skin, has anti-aging properties. Oil is also added to creams, lotions, soaps.
• Herbal tea. In addition to lemongrass, its composition includes rose hips and rhizome of tea kopek. This drug is called "Schisandra with herbs." There is another phytopreparation called "Bilberry Mix", which includes: blueberries, rose hips, lemongrass, chokeberry, as well as Sudanese rose petals. How to brew and take herbal tea? One filter bag of tea is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15 minutes. Drink ½ cup in the morning and in the afternoon.

The intake of herbal medicine in any dosage form should be under the supervision of a physician. The decision to repeat the course of therapy, changes in dosage is also made by the doctor. It is not recommended to drink the drug in the afternoon, otherwise there may be problems with sleep and excitation of the nervous system.

How to cook at home

The use of lemongrass berries at home is the most diverse. Berries can not only be treated, but also feast on. Of course, residents of the Far East know best about the intricacies of using this plant in cooking. They make teas, compotes, jelly, jam, juice, homemade wine from lemongrass fruits. In the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, for example, lemongrass juice is produced industrially, which is then used in pharmacology. And in the confectionery industry they use the filling for sweets from the pulp of berries.

Preparation of the infusion

1. Pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry lemongrass berries with a glass of boiling water.
2. Leave for 1 hour.
3. Strain.

This water infusion can be taken in a tablespoon 3 times a day.

Preparation of alcohol tincture

1. Take 2 tbsp. spoons of dried fruit Schisandra chinensis.
2. Pour in 10 tbsp. spoons of vodka (alcohol 40%).
3. Insist for 7 days in a warm place.

Take tincture of 30 (maximum dose) drops 2 or 3 times a day and drink water. The course of treatment lasts a month.

Decoction preparation

1. Pour one teaspoon of dry lemongrass with a glass of boiling water.
2. Hold in a water bath for 3-5 minutes.
3. Insist 20 minutes, strain.

The decoction can be drunk in a tablespoon 2-3 times a day. Store in a cold place for no more than a day.

lemongrass compote recipe

1. Wash and clean the fresh lemongrass fruits from the stalks.
2. Place in 0.5 liter jars.
3. Pour boiling syrup made from sugar and water (1:1).
4. Pasteurize in the oven at 90°C for 10-15 minutes.
5. Close the jars hermetically.

In compote, despite the heat treatment, the beneficial properties of the plant are preserved.

tea preparation

1. Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried stems, bark, lemongrass leaves.
2. Put 1 teaspoon of green tea.
3. Pour in a liter of boiling water.
4. Insist no more than 5 minutes.

You can drink throughout the day, adding honey to tea. This is a good remedy for the prevention of SARS.

Schisandra chinensis seeds contain the most beneficial stimulant substances. Therefore, for the preparation of concentrated tinctures and decoctions, it is the seeds that are taken, and for a milder effect, berries, stems and leaves of the liana can be brewed.

The beneficial properties of Chinese magnolia vine are well studied in pharmacology and traditional medicine. The plant is primarily valuable for its tonic, adaptogenic effect. Tinctures, teas, syrups, decoctions, compotes are prepared from this medicinal raw material. Due to its powerful stimulating effect, lemongrass should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

This is a large climbing shrub-liana from the magnolia family. Its length reaches fifteen meters, and winding around trees, lemongrass resembles a vine. The thickness of the stem is 2 centimeters. The plant takes the form of a shrub in the northern regions. Lemongrass leaves are light green, petiolate and slightly fleshy, mostly in tufts, their petioles can be either reddish or pink. The flowers are cream or white with a pleasant smell, and stamens of 3-5 pieces are combined into a thick column.

Schisandra berries are 2-seed, bright red, juicy, spherical, very sour. The seeds smell like lemon and have a bitter, burning taste. The bark of the roots and stems also smells like lemon, hence the name lemongrass.

Liana grows wild in the south of Sakhalin, in Primorye, it can also be found in broad-leaved forests, in river valleys, along the edges, in clearings. Plentiful harvests of lemongrass occur once every few years, and due to the careless breakage of branches during harvesting, the growth of the shrub stops.

How to choose

Usually the fruits and seeds of lemongrass are harvested. As they mature, fruits are harvested. And the drying process consists of two parts: first, lemongrass berries are dried a little in the air for two to three days, and then they are dried in a special dryer or a conventional oven. Initially, the temperature is set within forty degrees, and by the end of drying, it is raised to sixty.

How to store

Fresh lemongrass berries, unfortunately, are hard to find and buy. But summer residents, on their plots, grow this vine. Collected in a thin layer in boxes, the fruits are immediately dried. Then put in small bags.

You can squeeze the juice from fresh berries without damaging the seeds and preserve it with sugar. After standing for a while, the juice acquires a jelly-like consistency.

Another good way to store fruits is to cover them with sugar, rub them well and put them in a jar. Must be stored in the refrigerator.

Chemical composition

Lemongrass fruits contain almost 20% organic acids, the main amount is malic, citric and tartaric. A little sugar and about 500 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of berries. The composition also includes pectins, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones. Lemongrass is rich in essential oils, because there are more than two percent of them in its stem and seeds, and more than three percent in the bark of the stems. Essential oil has found its use in perfumery.

Up to 33% fatty oil is included in the seeds. The oil consists of glycerides of unsaturated fatty acids - oleic and linoleic. Vitamin E was also found in it. Due to its composition, lemongrass has immunostimulatory, adaptogenic, stimulating and tonic properties.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of lemongrass

Composition and presence of nutrients

Lemongrass leaves contain a large number of micro and macro elements: calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, iodine, zinc and aluminum. They are also present in fruits, but only in much larger quantities.

The value and useful properties of lemongrass fruits are vitamins E and C, mineral salts, organic acids, sugars and other components mentioned above.

But the most important and useful components in lemongrass are schizandrol and schizandrin - biologically active substances that are part of the essential oil. They tone and improve liver function. These substances stimulate the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The daily dose of these substances is contained in 50 grams of fresh pulp of lemongrass fruits.

Medicinal properties

Even in the 5th century, it was known about the refreshing and tonic effect of lemongrass fruits. Local hunters in the Far East took dried lemongrass berries with them to hunt, they helped them to be more enduring.

To date, lemongrass has found its wide use as an adaptogenic and stimulant for mental and physical overwork. It is also very effective in depressive and asthenic syndromes.

Schizandra berry tincture is used as a prophylaxis against acute respiratory infections and influenza. The content of glycogen, under the influence of lemongrass, in the liver decreases, and in the muscles it increases, and the amount of lactic acid changes vice versa.

In China, the seeds and fruits of lemongrass are used for weakened heart muscle, heart neurosis, nephritis, and hypertension. A decoction of berries also lowers the level of sugar, chlorides and reserve alkali in the blood, and also well stimulates tissue respiration.

Fruits and seeds are prescribed for various diseases: anemia, sexual weakness, pulmonary tuberculosis, diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, and respiratory organs.

It is very easy to prepare the infusion: take 1 tablespoon of dry or fresh berries and pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave for at least two hours. Take two tablespoons four times a day.

Alcohol tincture can be prepared as follows: 10 grams of crushed seeds, 20 grams of fruits, pour 100 ml of 70% alcohol, leave for 10 days, then strain. Take on an empty stomach 25-30 drops.

Use in cooking

In cooking, lemongrass is used to make delicious fruit drinks and syrups. Such drinks cheer up and relieve fatigue. Very tasty lemongrass jams, preserves, marmalade and compotes. Confectionery factories add it to some varieties of marmalade, chocolate and sweets. And at the Primorsky plant they produce refined sugar, which contains lemongrass extract.

Use in cosmetology

Raw materials of lemongrass in cosmetology have also found their application. It is included in the composition of moisturizing, toning skin masks. The concentrated extract is effective in combating certain skin diseases, and is also used in cosmetic creams.

Dangerous properties of lemongrass

Preparations containing lemongrass have practically no contraindications. But, even despite this, it should be used only after consulting a doctor and not abused.

Lemongrass is contraindicated for people with increased nervous excitement, insomnia, high blood pressure, increased gastric secretion.

If you do not want to suffer from insomnia all night, take lemongrass preparations no later than 18-19 hours.

During pregnancy, the use of lemongrass is also discussed with the doctor.

In the video, Evgeny Fedotov and Roman Vrublevsky will tell you about the beneficial qualities of lemongrass and show you what this plant looks like.

Schisandra chinensis is a perennial climbing shrub. Like a creeper, it wraps around various supports and surfaces, including the surface of walls and fences. This plant has many names. It is called "Chinese schizandra", "ts-wei-tzu", as well as "Manchurian lemongrass".

Schisandra has long been used for various purposes. For example, in the Far East, it was used as a remedy that helps restore strength. Today, the plant is very popular.

Its rich vitamin and mineral composition allows the plant to be used in alternative medicine, cosmetology, cooking, etc. About how useful lemongrass fruits are for our body, we will consider further.

Chemical composition

Schisandra chinensis, also known as schizandra, is one of the most effective means of oriental medicine. This effectiveness is due to the unusual chemical composition of the product.

It includes many useful vitamins and minerals, a number of organic acids and stimulants of natural origin. Ingredients of Chinese Schisandra fruit:

• Acetic, tartaric, citric and malic acids.
• Triglyceride, also known as fatty oil.
• Stimulants of natural origin, in particular, schizandrin.
• Essential oils.
• Vitamins B, B1, B2, C, E, P.
• Tannins.
• Ash.
• Starch.
• natural dyes.
• Micro and macro elements - magnesium, calcium, chlorine, potassium, manganese, iron and a number of others.

Schisandra chinensis contains several components that have not yet been fully explored. Lemongrass is a real natural pantry, containing a huge amount of necessary and useful substances. This applies not only to fruits, but also to the bark and leaves of the plant.

Beneficial features

In terms of its usefulness, lemongrass is comparable to ginseng or other equally well-known traditional medicine. It is used in the preparation of many pharmaceutical preparations. A number of substances are synthesized from berries, leaves and bark, which are then used in pharmacology and cosmetology.

Chinese lemongrass is used in different cases:

• to restore energy
• to strengthen the nervous system,
• with depression and stress,
• to maintain vision
• as a stimulant and doping,
• for colds and flu,
• with problems with the reproductive system.

The fruits of this plant help fight fatigue, drive away drowsiness, and strengthen the nervous system. They are also used to enhance the effect of other stimulants, such as caffeine. Doctors prescribe lemongrass in the treatment of depression and stress.

The berries of this creeper help restore stamina. They remove lactic acid from the muscles, accelerate metabolic processes in the body, which allows you to maintain working capacity longer.

Chinese Schizandra is useful for severe eye strain. It restores the elasticity of the lens and has a positive effect on the condition of the optic nerve.

The fruits of Chinese lemongrass are used by athletes as a kind of weak, but quite effective doping. Such use is not prohibited by the rules of most sports organizations.

The healing properties of Chinese magnolia vine are largely due to the vitamins it contains. It is one of the best sources of vitamin C. Schisandra also contains thiamine and riboflavin, vitamins that are essential for the normal functioning of the human body.

Lemongrass can be used to cleanse the body and normalize metabolic processes. It is useful for diabetes, overweight and heavy metal poisoning.

There is another option for using the fruits of this plant. In oriental medicine, it is recommended for the treatment of male impotence and for the restoration of reproductive functions in men and women. Lemongrass is also used in the recipes of some aphrodisiacs.

Application in traditional medicine

Chinese magnolia vine is widely used in folk medicine. It is used in the form of tinctures, decoctions and teas. Its berries are also useful, which are candied in a special way. Many useful substances are contained in its seeds.

Folk remedies based on lemongrass help with insomnia, chronic fatigue, low blood pressure and to maintain immunity in case of colds.

Chinese lemongrass tincture

One of the simplest recipes for preparing the fruits of this plant is water tincture. It is necessary to pour a glass of boiling water 1 tsp. berries and insist them for at least 6 hours. The finished product is filtered and taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals. To improve the effectiveness of the infusion, honey is added to it, 1 tsp. for a glass of drink.

In the same way, you can do infusion of lemongrass bark. Here you need to use the young bark of the vine, fresh or dried. Take 1 tsp for 1 cup of boiling water. shredded bark. This drink helps with a lack of vitamins in the body, in particular, with a lack of vitamin C. An infusion of berries is used as a general tonic, to increase immunity, fight colds and chronic fatigue. The full course of admission is 3 weeks, then you need to take a week break.

Lemongrass stems, leaves, roots and bark can be used as a flavoring, stimulating and tonic agent. All of them contain biologically active substances. In addition, there is five times more ascorbic acid in leaves than in fruits.

You can also cook alcohol tincture Chinese lemongrass is required. It will require a 70% solution of medical alcohol. In this recipe, it is not recommended to replace it with vodka due to the insufficient strength of the drink. Both fresh and dried fruits can be used in cooking. The tincture is prepared as follows:

• The berries of Chinese magnolia vine are carefully crushed before use.
• For 1 full glass of lemongrass, 5 glasses of diluted medical alcohol are taken.
• The components are thoroughly mixed.
• Then the mixture is poured into a dark glass bottle, after which the bottle is tightly corked.
• The tincture is aged for 14-15 days in a dark and cool place. It needs to be shaken daily.
• After the expiration of the period, the mixture is filtered, the liquid is squeezed out of the pulp, after which the remaining tincture is aged for another 2-3 days.
• This is followed by repeated straining. The finished tincture should be completely transparent.

There is a certain instructions for use tinctures of Chinese lemongrass. It is taken 25-35 ml at a time, no more than three times a day, immediately after meals. The full course of admission is 2 weeks, then a week-long break is made. Used for dizziness, insomnia, headaches and fatigue.

Alcohol tincture can be prepared from lemongrass seeds. In this folk remedy, peeled plant seeds are used. You can make syrup or jam from the pulp, it is not required in the recipe.

Seeds need to be crushed and poured with a 50% solution of medical alcohol or high-quality vodka. The remedy should be infused for 2 weeks. In the process of insisting, it must be shaken periodically. The finished product is filtered through gauze and stored in a tightly sealed container, in a dark and cool place.

Alcoholic tincture of Schisandra chinensis seeds is used for to strengthen the immune system, fight colds and low blood pressure. It also helps in the treatment of male impotence, is an effective remedy for increased fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress.

For cooking decoction of lemongrass you need to take dried lemongrass berries and grind them in a coffee grinder. It is necessary to grind both the pulp and the bones. The finished powder is poured with boiling water and put on low heat. The standard proportion is 1 tsp. topless on a glass of water. After boiling, the mixture should be cooked for another 2-3 minutes. The finished product is cooled and filtered through gauze or a sieve. The decoction is used in the same cases as the infusion, and is taken according to the same rules.

Tea and syrups from Chinese lemongrass

Schizandra juice is used not only as a remedy. It can be used to make wines, soft drinks, tea and sugar syrup.

In medicine juice used to treat depression, chronic fatigue, to combat stress and as a natural stimulant. It can be recommended, for example, to students during the session. The juice also helps with gastritis with low acidity. But prolonged use is fraught with nervous and physical exhaustion of the body. To prepare Chinese lemongrass juice, you need:

• Take freshly picked berries and run them through a juicer.
• You can grind them in a meat grinder and squeeze the juice from the resulting mass, straining everything through cheesecloth.
• The liquid is poured into sterilized jars, heated for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, then rolled up.
• Sugar can be added to the juice if desired.
• To receive 1 tsp. dissolve in a glass of water or tea, and drink before meals 3 times a day. The full course of admission is 3 weeks.

For cooking tea bark, young shoots, leaves and berries of schizandra are used. They can be used fresh or dried. All components are taken in equal proportions, crushed and mixed. To make tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. collection. Tea should be infused for 5-10 minutes in a sealed container. It can be used as a mild tonic and to combat colds.

From Schisandra chinensis you can cook a healthy sugar syrup. In preparation, pre-squeezed juice, sugar and water are used. The following sequence of actions must be followed:

• First you need to pour 1 kg of sugar 0.4-0.5 liters of boiling water and mix thoroughly.
• Ready sugar syrup is mixed with lemongrass juice.
• For 0.5 liters of schizandra juice, 1 liter of sugar syrup is taken.
• The mixture is poured into sterilized glass jars and rolled up.
• It is added in 1 tsp. in a glass of water, immediately before meals.

Lemongrass fruits and seeds

An effective remedy is lemongrass seed powder. Peel the fresh fruit and set the pulp aside. From it it will be possible to prepare jam, syrup or compote. The seeds are dried in the oven at a temperature of 55-60 degrees. Dry them for 2-3 hours. Then the prepared raw material is ground on a coffee grinder to a powder state.

Lemongrass seed powder is used on an empty stomach, no more than ¼ tsp. at a time, washed down with tea or water. You can take 3 times a day. The full course of admission is 3-4 weeks.

It is used for increased fatigue, nervous exhaustion, gastritis with high acidity, low blood pressure and weak immunity.

To prepare candied fruit Chinese lemongrass will need freshly picked berries. This will require:

• Sort and wash fresh fruits of Chinese magnolia vine.
• Then they are dried in the oven or in the sun.
• They need to be slightly dried, but not dried completely.
• Then the fruits are mixed with sugar. For 1 kg of lemongrass berries, 2 kg of sugar is taken.
• The finished mixture is placed in glass jars.
• Candied fruits should be stored in the refrigerator.
• Before use, they should be infused for 2-3 weeks.

Berries with sugar are added to tea as a vitamin supplement. One serving is 3-5 berries per cup of tea. Helps in the treatment of colds, can be used as a natural stimulant, to restore strength in case of nervous or physical exhaustion.

Use in cosmetology

Chinese magnolia vine benefits not only as an effective alternative medicine remedy. It is just as effective in home cosmetology. Extracts, infusions and juices of this plant are also used in the industrial production of cosmetics.

Chinese lemongrass will do to moisturize the skin of the face. It uses fresh lemongrass berries. If fresh berries are not available, you can replace them with juice rolled up in jars. You need to take 1 tsp. fruits and pass them through a meat grinder or chop in a blender. The resulting mass is mixed with 1 tbsp. l. fat sour cream. The mixture is applied to the face in an even layer. After 8-10 minutes, the mask can be washed off with warm water or milk.

You can also cook moisturizing mask. This recipe uses dried schizander berries and bee honey. It is prepared as follows:

• First 2 tbsp. l. fruits must be ground in a meat grinder or in a blender.
• You need to grind them along with the seeds.
• The resulting mass is poured into a glass of hot water.
• Then bring to a boil over low heat.
• After boiling, the mixture must be heated for another 15-20 minutes.
• The finished product is filtered, cooled and mixed with 2 tsp. bee honey.

The mask helps to make the skin supple, cleanses it and eliminates wrinkles. It can be applied to the face, hands, neck and décolleté.

Not less tonic effect will render another mask. This recipe uses alcohol tincture of lemongrass berries, cottage cheese and fat sour cream. You need to mix 3-4 drops of tincture, 1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese and 2 tbsp. l. sour cream. The resulting product is applied to the face. After 10 minutes after application, the mask is gently washed off. The recipe is used to fight wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin of the face.

Based on lemongrass, you can cook lotion for oily skin. For its preparation, both fresh and dried berries are taken. The recipe for this remedy is quite simple:

• You have to skip step 2. l. schizandra berries through a blender or meat grinder.
• The resulting mass is poured with 0.5 liters of vodka or a 50% solution of medical alcohol.
• The tincture is kept for a week, in the dark and cool.
• The finished tincture must be filtered through gauze or a sieve, then add 1 tbsp. l. glycerin.
• Before use, the product must be diluted with warm boiled water. For 1 st. l. tincture is taken 3 tbsp. l. water.

Homemade lotion is used 2 times a day, morning and evening. It can be used to wipe the skin of the hands and face. Helps fight rashes on the face, pimples and blackheads.

There is a recipe based on schizandra, which is used with hair loss. In its preparation, young shoots and leaves of vines are used, along with fresh fruits. All components are taken in equal proportions, ground and mixed into a homogeneous mass.

The resulting mixture is poured with boiling water in the proportion of 0.5 liters of water per 1 tbsp. l. facilities. The liquid is poured into a thermos and kept in it for 3 hours. Then the product must be carefully filtered. It should be stored in a closed container and used as a rinse after shampooing. The infusion strengthens the hair roots, prevents hair loss, makes the hair softer, shinier and more elastic.

Contraindications

Schisandra chinensis is very useful in the treatment of certain diseases and as a prophylactic. But there are a number of restrictions on its reception and use.

There are certain contraindications of Schisandra chinensis, which are worth remembering:

• High blood pressure.
• Allergy.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Problems with the work of the nervous system.
• Trauma to the skull or spine.
• Epilepsy, mental disorders.
• Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Lemongrass is allowed to take only with hypotension. Excessive and uncontrolled intake of schizandra fruits will also be harmful to people with good health. It can cause physical exhaustion, insomnia and problems with the cardiovascular system.

Lemongrass is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can provoke a miscarriage. Breastfeeding mothers can take lemongrass only in limited quantities.

It is also worth considering the personal intolerance of lemongrass. Citric and acetic acid, vitamin C and a number of other components can cause allergies. Therefore, allergy sufferers can take this remedy only on the recommendation of the attending physician.

Collection and storage

Lemongrass belongs to unpretentious and fruitful plants that are easy to grow in the garden. This culture prefers shade, warmth and lack of wind. For normal growth, she needs support (this is a vine) and constant watering. Then, 4-5 years after planting, lemongrass will give its first harvest.

Schizandra fruits are harvested fully ripe when they turn bright red. The ripening period falls on the autumn months, September and October. Harvest before frost. So that the berries are not damaged, they are removed in clusters, along with the stalks. It is undesirable to collect them in metal non-enamelled dishes. Because of the juice, it begins to oxidize.

After harvesting, the fruits are carefully laid out in a dark, dry and warm place, in an even layer. Suitable attic or sheds on the street in warm weather. In 3-4 days, the crop should dry out. Then the berries are dried in the oven or oven, at a temperature of 55-60 degrees, not higher. Store them in a dry and dark place, in a closed container. Dried fruits retain their medicinal properties for up to 2 years.

It is hard not to notice bright green vines with red berries in garden plots, decorating arbors or wrapping around vertical supports. This plant is cultivated on our territory not only because of its beauty, but also in connection with its usefulness to humans. Schizandra got its name due to the lemon aroma emanating from the whole plant.

Schizandra in the wild

Schizandra is sold in pharmacies in tablets or capsules as a dietary supplement. A convenient form of release allows you to control the dose of the drug.

The easiest recipes

Schisandra, unlike ginseng, is cultivated and is as useful as a wild plant. Amateur gardeners can easily prepare natural remedies for themselves and their families. The seven easiest ways to prepare potions and how to use them:

It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking medicinal products with Schisandra chinensis.

In nature, there are many herbs that improve health and prolong youth. One of these unique plants is Chinese magnolia vine, its healing properties and contraindications have long been known to healers, recognized by official medicine. How is lemongrass used, from what diseases does it help?

Schisandra chinensis seeds - medicinal properties

Schizandra Chinese (schizandra) - has a bright smell of lemon, common in China, Korea, Sakhalin. All parts of lemongrass have medicinal properties - fruits, roots, shoots. The berries contain yellow seeds that are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases.

Benefits of Lemongrass Seeds:

• have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, effectively help with bronchitis, tuberculosis;
• improve the functioning of the digestive system, they are recommended for use in gastritis, ulcers;
• contain iron in large quantities - help with anemia, increased fatigue;
• improve the condition in diseases of the liver and kidneys.

Important! With regular intake of seed powder, vision improves, inflammatory eye diseases disappear. This remedy is recommended to be taken by all people who have to work a lot at the computer.

Lemongrass fruits - medicinal properties

Schizandra fruits contain a unique substance - lignans, which are able to resist cancerous tumors. Sweet and sour berries improve the functioning of the nervous system, strengthen the protective functions of the body, increase tone, and slow down the aging process. Berries contain ascorbic acid, vitamin A, E. The composition contains useful trace elements, organic acids.

What are the benefits of schizandra fruits:

• help with nervous exhaustion;
• cleanse and restore liver cells;
• prevent the growth of malignant tumors;
• normalize the hormonal background;
• increase performance.

Schisandra berries are contraindicated in hypertension, exacerbation of infectious diseases, high intracranial pressure, epilepsy.

Important! Lemongrass can only be taken with a hypotonic type of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In cooking, fresh or dried lemongrass fruits are used to make compotes, fruit drinks, jams. Some confectionery factories add these fragrant fruits to sweets and marmalade.

Important! Lemongrass is a useful indoor plant that perfectly cleans the air from dust and pathogenic microorganisms.

The root bark contains the maximum amount of essential oil, which helps with hypotension, pediculosis, varicose veins, and chronic fatigue. Root-based preparations are used to treat caries, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and improve brain activity.

Useful properties of drugs from the roots of lemongrass:

• natural antiseptic, immunomodulator;
• effectively fights viruses, microbes, fungi;
• accelerates the processes of regeneration and wound healing;
• normalize sleep, eliminate nervous overexcitation.

Important! Lemongrass leaves contain essential oils, they effectively help with dysentery in children, improve the condition of the gums, and prevent the development of vitamin C deficiency.

Lemongrass tincture - medicinal properties

Lemongrass fruit tincture is a natural energy booster. The maximum invigorating effect occurs half an hour after application, and lasts up to 6 hours.

Important! Lemongrass has a sparing effect on cells, unlike other energy drinks, it does not deplete the nervous system.

With regular intake, beneficial substances accumulate in the body, the risk of malignant tumors decreases, the digestive, immune and genitourinary systems improve, and blood sugar levels normalize. Tincture helps to quickly eliminate diarrhea, it is used to treat liver diseases, as a prophylactic against colds.

Indications for taking the tincture:

• stress, depression, chronic insomnia;
• loss of strength, apathy;
• deterioration of skeletal muscle function;
• gynecological pathologies - painful menstruation, decreased uterine tone;
• respiratory diseases of varying severity - tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia;
• malfunctions of the heart, poor condition of blood vessels;
• impotence, decreased libido.

Externally, the tincture is used to treat psoriasis, alopecia, the remedy has a rejuvenating effect. The medicine also helps with ulcers, eczema, long non-healing wounds, it fights well with a hangover.

Contraindications - pathologies of a neurological nature, chronic renal and hepatic diseases, cardiac disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy, prepared at home. It is necessary to put 100 g of fruits in an opaque glass container, pour 500 ml of high-quality vodka, leave for 10 days, filter.

For external use, you need to take 100 g of berries, cut each into 4 parts, remove the seeds, dry, grind into powder. Mix raw materials with 100 ml of alcohol, put in a dark room for 3 weeks, do not filter.

How to use the tincture? You need to take the medicine 1-3 times a day, 20-35 drops before meals or 2.5-3.5 hours after meals. To avoid insomnia, the last dose of medication should be 5 hours before going to bed. The duration of therapy is 4 weeks.

In folk medicine, all parts of the plant are used, teas, infusions, decoctions are prepared from them, and juice is prepared for the winter.

How to brew lemongrass? Fruits, roots, shoots of the plant are suitable for brewing. It is necessary to grind 15 g of raw materials, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave in a sealed container for 5 minutes. Such a drink can be used for weight loss - it increases energy consumption, enhances the effect of diets, normalizes cholesterol levels, cleanses the human body of toxic waste.

Fruit tea is an excellent remedy for the treatment and prevention of seasonal respiratory diseases. It strengthens the immune system, has a mild diuretic and antipyretic effect. How to brew a healthy drink? Pour 270 ml of water 12 g of crushed fruits, simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, leave for half an hour, strain. Drink the entire serving of tea at once, or consume in small sips throughout the day.

Important! Lemongrass tea helps to cope with toxicosis during pregnancy.

The decoction helps with nervous diseases, stomach problems, improves the functioning of the heart muscle. The drug is used to stimulate labor activity, normalize pressure, reduce blood sugar concentration.

1. Pour 10 dried fruits with 220 ml of boiling water, leave for a quarter of an hour in a water bath.
2. Strain, take 25-30 drops in the morning before breakfast and an hour before lunch.

The juice of Chinese lemongrass helps to cope with beriberi, loss of strength, spleen and depression. It is necessary to grind fresh berries, squeeze the juice, pour it into sterilized containers. Pasteurize the jars for a quarter of an hour, close hermetically, after cooling, you can put them in the refrigerator. The drink can be taken on its own, or added 5 ml to tea.

Schizandra is used in home and professional cosmetology, anti-aging agents, preparations for strengthening hair are prepared on its basis.