Where does blackcurrant come from?
Blackcurrant is a shrub native to Europe and northern Asia. The first writings dealing with its benefits date from the twelfthe century. Hildegard of Bingen, composer, illustrator and figure of monastic medicine, recommends this fruit in particular to cure gout, a chronic disease. In the XVIIIe century, blackcurrant is omnipresent in the French garden: it is considered an essential ingredient of the pharmacopoeia. It is used to treat migraines, fevers and other rheumatism.
The used parts of blackcurrant are its leaves, buds, berries and their juice. Its seeds are also used to extract oil from it.
Today, the two main varieties of blackcurrant grown in France are:
- Blackcurrant from Burgundyknown for its tangy fruits and used to make Dijon crème de cassis.
- Black Down blackcurrant, appreciated for its black and pink clusters. Self-fertile, this shrub offers an excellent yield. Its fruits are sour and tasty. This variety is the easiest to consume as it is, because it is the sweetest and sweetest.
What are the properties of blackcurrant?
- Anti-inflammatories : among the blackcurrant flavonoids, proanthocyanidins are said to have stimulating properties on the cells that make cartilage, as well as significant anti-inflammatory powers which make them a natural ally of choice against inflammatory and rheumatic pathologies. This plant helps to relieve osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatic disorders thanks to its ability to eliminate uric acid and urea.
- Antiallergic : Blackcurrant buds are known for their antihistamine action. They relieve hives, hay fever or rhinitis.
- Diuretics : thanks to its richness in potassium, it has diuretic properties. People with high blood pressure can consume black currant products. These promote the elimination of toxins in the urine.
- Antioxidants : blackcurrant is very rich in vitamin C (more than 190 mg/100 g), so three times more than orange and twice more than kiwi. This fruit protects cells from premature aging and helps wound healing.
- Immune : blackcurrant is a vegetable tonic and it acts on the periosteum of the bones and the formation of red blood cells.
- Circulatory : Blackcurrant is also known to help improve circulation and venous microcirculation.
- soothing : in cases of gastric acidity, blackcurrant can calm stomach aches.
Incidentally, blackcurrant is recommended as a supplement to fight against diabetes and menopausal disorders.
Good to know : in 2010, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognized the traditional use of blackcurrant leaves and berries ” to relieve minor joint pain and to increase the amount of urine as a complementary treatment for urinary tract infections “. She advises limiting its use to a maximum of four weeks.
What are the forms of use of blackcurrant?
How to take advantage of the virtues of blackcurrant? A multitude of products are commercially available.
- The juice, without dyes or preservatives. To drink at breakfast, pure or in a smoothie.
- The mash or the fresh fruitare ideal for preparing smoothies and desserts (ice creams, sorbets, creams…), blackcurrant is rich in fibre, it helps regulate intestinal transit.
- black currant leaves have been used for centuries for their beneficial effect on human health. They are often consumed in the form of herbal tea: pour a tablespoon of dried leaves into a cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and enjoy! You can drink up to three cups a day without meals.
- capsules are very convenient, you can take three capsules at mealtimes with a full glass of water.
- The mother tincture, it is a hydroalcoholic extract obtained by the maceration of fresh blackcurrant leaves. This preparation is famous for its analgesic, diuretic, antiallergic and tonic properties.
- essential oil is extracted from blackcurrant seeds, this vegetable oil is known to fight against flu, fatigue, sore throats and stress. Blackcurrant essential oil is also widely used in cosmetic care. It has many properties for the skin and hair. Rich in antioxidants, it acts on skin aging while having a soothing action for sensitive skin thanks to its high content of omega-6 and omega-3.
- Blackcurrant-based face cream : it acts against free radicals and restores elasticity to the skin.
What are the contraindications of blackcurrant?
- People who suffer from heart failure are advised to consult a doctor before consuming products made from blackcurrant leaves or berries.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children should avoid blackcurrant infusions, juices, purées and capsules.
- Sources:Assessment report on Ribes nigrum L., foliume. Ema.europa.eu
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