Description of the flowering and fruiting of the mulberry tree or mulberry. Mulberry - types and beneficial properties

Mulberry belongs to the mulberry family. There are about 160 species of this tree, but only 16 of them are recognized by official science. The most common are black (place of origin - South-West Asia) and white mulberry (eastern China). Although color scheme the fruits are also dark purple, red, pink and yellow.

Now the tree is widespread in both temperate climates and tropical regions of the globe. Can live up to 300 years.

In Ukraine, mulberries have been grown since the 16th century. Among decorative species, (there are more than 20 names), white weeping mulberry is popular. It is compact, with a beautiful crown. It is convenient to collect fruits from such a tree. It looks very beautiful in winter next to a pond.

Composition and calorie content of berries

The main part of the composition of mulberries is occupied by various vitamins. The concentration of macronutrients in it is slightly lower, while minerals are in last, third place in quantity.

Nutritional value of mulberry very large, because delicious berry is extremely useful and healing for the whole body. Most of the berries contain water and carbohydrates. Mulberries contain even small amounts dietary fiber, fats and ash.

It's interesting to know that 40% of all vitamins contained in mulberries are water-soluble vitamin C. 10% of minerals are iron, and 8% general composition macroelements - takes up potassium. Mulberries contain only 1% sodium, selenium and zinc.

The main quality indicators and composition characteristics of mulberries may vary depending on the type of fruit. For example, the concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) in different varieties of berries can range from 9 to 25%.

Mulberry contains several types of organic acids: phosphoric, lemon and apple. The latter content of the berries is approximately 4%.

Because of the rich and rich composition mulberries are often used in medicine, used for folk methods treatment. The main reason is the presence in the composition of an absolutely invaluable and irreplaceable element for the human body - morin. It is a type of flavonoid that has high rate antioxidant activity.

Mulberries also contain several types fatty oil. Depending on the variety and concentration, mulberries can contain from 22 to 33%.

It can also be considered unique composition of mulberry leaves. Since they contain a certain amount of essential oils, the composition of which is even similar to the essential oils of tea trees. Also, mulberry contains a lot of organic acids, there is also rubber, tannins and sterols.

All components of the mulberry tree are useful and in demand: leaves and bark, mulberry fruits and their seeds, young buds, roots and wood.

Thanks to high taste qualities Mulberry fruits are often used for cooking various dishes and desserts. Mulberry jam and syrup are very tasty and healthy. You can eat both raw berries and boiled or dried ones.

Calorie content per 100 g of berries- 50.4 kcal;

Nutritional value of mulberry: carbohydrates – 12.7 g; proteins – 0.7 g.

Mulberries also contain: organic acids, mono- and disaccharides, dietary fiber, ash.

Vitamins : A (RE) – 3.3333 mcg, B1 (0.004 mg), B2 (0.002 mg), beta-carotene (20 mcg), C (10 mg), PP (niacin equivalent) – 0.9162 mg, PP (0 .8 mg).

Minerals : magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium.

Mulberries are 82.7% water.

The leaves are enriched with: vitamins – riboflavin, nicotinic acid, thiamine, pyridoxineamine, pyridoxine; sterols – capesterol, β-sitosterol; acids - ribonucleic, folic, fumaric, pantothenic, palmitic; oxycoumarin.

Mulberries also contain the following substances: phenol, methyl salicylate, eugenol, guaiacol. Dried mulberry replaces sugar.

1 glass (250 ml) – 195 g (98.3 kcal).

Interesting fact: fresh stains on clothes left by black mulberry can be easily removed with the help of unripe green berries, if you mash them well and rub the contaminated areas. A piece of lemon or a solution of citric acid also helps.

Beneficial and healing properties for health

The fruits, leaves, and roots of mulberry have medicinal properties.

Healing properties of mulberry:

• Boosts immunity and is good prophylactic against colds and various infectious diseases.

• Normalizes metabolism. Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach and intestines, has a therapeutic effect on enterocolitis, gastritis with low acidity, dysbacteriosis, dysentery. Black ripe fruits help with poisoning.

• Relieves the condition of heart defects.

• Stops the growth of tumors.

• Cleanses the blood.

• Removes toxins from the body.

• Infusions, decoctions and ointments from this plant treat rheumatism.

• Unripe berries help relieve heartburn.

• Mulberry is useful for diseases oral cavity(stomatitis) and throat.

• It is a mild diuretic, which helps with kidney diseases.

• Mulberry fruits are recommended for constipation.

• Mulberry bark (decoction) normalizes blood pressure.

• Calms the nervous system, helps with depression and stressful situations.

• Prevents the development of anemia. In this case, fresh fruits are of particular value (frozen ones can be used in winter). It is recommended to eat a glass of them per day.

• Increases tone during mental and physical activity on the body.

• Renders useful action at bronchial asthma.

• If you eat a few mulberries before bed, it will strengthen your sleep and act as a mild sleeping pill.

Berries useful for people with illnesses diabetes mellitus . The substances included in its composition are able to regulate blood sugar levels. An infusion of the leaves works well for this, or you can sprinkle the porridge with small pieces of dried leaves (half a teaspoon per day). Diabetics can also consume a thick concentrated compote of canned berries without added sugar.

During pregnancy you should eat no more than 200 - 300 grams per day. You can only use fresh, well-washed fruits (you cannot eat yesterday’s berries, even if they were in the refrigerator). If a woman is not prone to allergies, then the berry will saturate the body with a large amount useful substances.

IN folk medicine popular next ointment made from tree bark.

Mix 2 tablespoons of pre-dried and ground mulberry bark with 750 ml of vegetable oil. This mixture must be stirred thoroughly. The resulting ointment heals wounds and bruises well.

Mulberry juice has wide range action and is very beneficial for the body. But it deteriorates very quickly, so it’s more convenient to medicinal purposes use syrup (intended for longer storage; it can last for several months in the refrigerator). The secret of preparation is simple: mulberry juice is boiled until it thickens to the consistency of kefir, as a result of which it loses a third of its original volume. The resulting syrup is very tasty and preserves everything as much as possible. beneficial features fresh fruits.

Harm and contraindications

Although the fruits of the mulberry tree are indeed very useful for both adults and children, but there are also a number of contradictions that are a signal to refuse tasty and nutritious fruits. For example, it is known that mulberry has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, strengthening and toning it. But we should not forget that it can increase blood pressure. So if a person has problems with pressure changes, it is better to refuse mulberries. This also applies to hypertensive patients and those who suffer from a disease such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. After all, mulberries contain a lot of glucose, which can worsen the condition of a diabetic.

If you have any allergic reactions, it is also better to stop eating mulberries in any form. Redness that seems normal at first glance can be a signal of an allergy, small rashes or itching. If you have such symptoms, it is best not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor immediately.

Individual intolerance- Another one negative factor, for which reason it is better not to eat dishes with mulberry fruits.

Regardless of the color and variety of berries, in large quantities they can cause acute diarrhea.

Contraindications to mulberry consumption:

• a large number of berries in the heat can increase blood pressure;
• If you have diabetes, you should also eat mulberries in small quantities;
• may cause diarrhea;
• individual intolerance.

The mulberry tree or mulberry is a valuable plant that is a source of raw materials for many industries. Mulberry leaves are the main food product for silkworms, from whose cocoons natural silk is produced. Mulberry wood is used in the production of musical instruments. But the most commonly consumed product is mulberry - the berry of the mulberry tree.

Mulberries are tasty, nutritious and are an excellent raw material for making syrups, compotes and jellies. Besides culinary use, mulberries are used in folk medicine due to their rich vitamin and mineral composition and range of beneficial properties.

Composition of mulberry

Mulberry fruits are a remedy for various diseases. The berries of the tree contain many useful substances: sugars - glucose and, organic acids, essential oils, higher acids, E, K, PP, complex and carotene.

Mulberries contain macroelements - calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as microelements - zinc, selenium, copper and iron.

Carotene, vitamins C and E, and selenium contained in mulberry fruits are considered strong natural antioxidants that relieve the body of diseases and disorders.

Thanks to antioxidants, mulberries help get rid of health problems:

• disorders immune system;
• poor body resistance to infectious diseases;
• early skin aging;
• deterioration of vision and damage to the retina;
• disturbances in metabolic processes.

Harm and contraindications of mulberry

There are almost no contraindications to consuming mulberries. Berries are not recommended for people with individual intolerance to berries. Excessive consumption of mulberries can cause hypotension; people with low blood pressure should eat mulberry berries with caution, so as not to lower their blood pressure. In other cases, mulberries can and should be eaten.

The mulberry, also known as the mulberry, is a deciduous tree that is fruit-bearing, succulent, and has fleshy berries. The tree got its name because silkworms love its leaves, which, by the way, are their main food. Well, the wood of this tree is used in the production of musical instruments and wine barrels.

However, the most popular product of the tree are these same berries. They have a lot of useful properties and can help cope with many ailments, ranging from mild cold and ending with heart defects. Read below to learn how to take advantage of all the beneficial properties of the plant.

Chemical composition

Mulberries are 85 percent water. They contain ash, fats, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. The caloric value of the plant's berries is 50 calories per 100 grams.

These berries are unusually rich in all kinds of beneficial substances. Thus, the fruit contains vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and the incredibly rare vitamin PP. As for useful minerals and trace elements, then in the berry you can find potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, zinc and other substances.

Berries different types mulberries differ somewhat in composition. So, in black mulberry more iron and organic acids, while white contains more carbohydrates.

Medicinal properties of mulberry

Due to its composition, mulberry has a number of beneficial properties. So, due to the high content of iron and B vitamins, it stimulates hemoglobin production and general hematopoietic function of the body. The berry also helps strengthening the heart and blood vessels, and it is often used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, tachycardia and heart defects.

Do not forget about the choleretic, diuretic and mild laxative effects of the fruit. Moreover, if you use unripe berries, due to the abundance of tannins contained in them, you can achieve the opposite effect, which will undoubtedly be useful for diarrhea. In addition, mulberries stimulate the activity of the pancreas and stimulate digestion. Mulberries can also be used for bronchitis, acute respiratory infections and asthma. Fruits are also beneficial For brain activity and help with nervous overstrain, depression and insomnia.

In addition to berries, the bark of roots and leaves of the tree are used. The leaves of the tree are often used to combat diabetes, as well as prostatitis. In turn, the bark can lower blood pressure and speed up the recovery of damaged tissue.

Use in folk medicine

Considering unique composition mulberry and all its beneficial properties, traditional medicine simply could not ignore mulberry berries. Juices, syrups, decoctions, infusions, tinctures and even healing ointments. Moreover, not only berries are used, but also bark and even tree leaves. Below are several recipes from each part of the tree.

Fruit juice and syrup

Mulberry syrup or mulberry doshab is a national Caucasian dish. Tasty and incredibly healthy, this dish is an excellent immunomodulator, helps with bronchitis and other inflammatory diseases respiratory tract. In addition, this syrup stimulates the production of blood and red cells, and also helps with stress and nervous tension.

Preparation of syrup:

1. We sort and wash the mulberries under running water;
2. Pour the fruits into a saucepan and mash them so that they release juice and do not burn;
3. Place the pan on low heat and cook the berries for half an hour;
4. After thirty minutes, remove the pan from the heat and strain the juice through cheesecloth or a sieve;
5. If you wanted to extract mulberry juice, you can stop at this step;
6. In order to obtain the syrup, cook it over low heat until it has reduced to one third of its volume.

The classic version of this recipe does not involve the use of sugar, since the berries are quite sweet on their own. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can add a little sugar. With sugar, the resulting syrup does not have to be boiled for a long time. The main thing is not to overdo it with the amount of sugar, otherwise the syrup will turn out very cloying. You should never add more than half a kilogram of sugar per kilogram of mulberries.

Leaf decoction

A decoction of mulberry leaves is an effective expectorant and diuretic. In addition, it can be used to disinfect wounds and cuts, as well as to relieve swelling. You can prepare the decoction according to the following recipe:

1. We collect, wash and thoroughly chop the mulberry leaves;
2. Dry the leaves, then take a dessert spoon of the raw material and fill it with half a liter of water;
3. Bring the water to a boil, then let the broth brew for half an hour;
4. Strain the broth and consume it in the amount of fifty grams before meals;
5. For disinfection and scarring of wounds, we use the decoction externally.

Bark decoction

Mulberry bark decoction is a traditional Chinese recipe. This medicine is used to treat diabetes, renal failure and hypertension. In addition, it is useful for potency and increases sexual attraction. The decoction is prepared as follows:

1. Take three grams of dry and crushed mulberry roots;
2. Pour a glass of boiling water over them and boil for twenty minutes over low heat;
3. Next, you should let the broth brew for an hour and add the evaporated water;
4. We take the decoction one-third of a glass three times a day.

Fruit infusion

The mulberry infusion is delicious and incredible useful tool. It is often used to treat acute respiratory diseases and makes an excellent laxative. In addition, the infusion of fruits is valued for its mild sedative effect. Recipe:

1. Take four hundred grams of berries, wash them thoroughly and sort them
2. Grind the fruits into a paste
3. Add two cups of crushed mulberry leaves to the pulp and mix thoroughly
4. Pour the mixture into a glass of boiling water
5. Let the mixture sit for five hours.
6. We take two to three spoons before meals.

Leaf infusion

An infusion of mulberry leaves has powerful expectorant and mucolytic properties and is indispensable in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases such as sore throat, bronchitis and even asthma. The remedy from the leaves also has antipyretic properties and a mild calming effect. To prepare the infusion, follow the following recipe:

• Take a bunch of mulberry leaves, wash, chop and dry them;
• Pour two tablespoons of dried and crushed raw materials into a liter of boiling water;
• Cover the drink with a lid and let it brew for an hour;
• We drink one glass of infusion, three times a day, half an hour before meals.

In addition, an infusion of leaves can be used as drops for conjunctivitis and as a rejuvenating compress for the skin around the eyes. You can also use this product to rinse your hair after washing or as a facial toner.

Infusion of bark

Medicine from mulberry bark has a lot of beneficial properties and is incredibly effective remedy to thin the blood. In addition, the infusion helps with bronchitis, bronchial asthma and acute respiratory diseases. Below is a recipe for such an infusion:

• Take 50 grams of dried bark;
• Fill it with a liter of cold water and leave for an hour;
• After an hour, put the product on low heat and heat for fifteen minutes, without bringing to a boil;
• Let the infusion cool, then strain;
• We take one glass, three times a day, for five days. We repeat the course three times, with a break of three days.

Mulberry tincture is truly universal remedy and can cure many ailments. Thus, it normalizes metabolism, helps with intestinal diseases, and also cleanses the liver and kidneys of sand and toxins. In addition, tincture from mulberry fruits will help normalize sugar levels in diabetes, strengthen cardiovascular system and even help improve vision. It helps a lot with sore throats and can even remove worms. You can prepare this truly miraculous remedy by following the recipe:

1. We take four hundred grams of berries, wash them thoroughly and sort them;
2. Grind the fruits into a paste;
3. Take a glass of water and add two hundred grams of sugar into it;
4. Cooking sweet water until all the sugar has dissolved;
5. Cool the resulting syrup and mix it with crushed berries;
6. Add half a liter of vodka to the mixture and mix thoroughly;
7. Pour into a suitable glass container and seal it tightly;
8. Place the bottle with the future tincture in a dark, cool place. Once every few days you should shake the contents of the bottle so that the beneficial substances are more evenly distributed in the mixture;
9. In a month the tincture will be ready for use.

The resulting tincture has a spicy aroma and taste and is not very strong, about 30 degrees. This drink can be stored for three years.

Ointment

Mulberry ointment is an excellent remedy for treating all kinds of diseases and skin damage. It is able to cope with not too severe burns and suppuration, and also significantly increases the speed of regeneration from cuts. As for skin diseases, a similar ointment is often used for dermatitis and eczema.

You can prepare mulberry ointment according to the following recipe:

1. Take dried mulberry roots and grind them in a coffee grinder;
2. Pour two tablespoons of the resulting raw material vegetable oil in the amount of 100 milliliters;
3. Mix the mixture thoroughly until it becomes homogeneous;
4. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight;
5. We treat the affected areas of the skin 4-5 times a day.

Use during pregnancy

Mulberries are an excellent source of nutrients for pregnant women. Moreover, due to its composition, mulberry has a very beneficial effect on the growth and development of the fetus. However, despite all their beneficial properties, you should not overuse berries. This is primarily due to the diuretic properties of the plant. And increased urination, as is known, puts a strain on the kidneys, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. Daily norm of this berry is about 300 grams.

It is also important to note that the fruits must be well processed before consumption to avoid infection. It is best to pour boiling water over them before eating. Also, it is advisable to consume it raw only. fresh berries. If they sit in the refrigerator for at least one day, they will lose most of their beneficial properties. It would be best to cook compote from them, or use one of the recipes indicated in this article.

Pregnant women should never eat unripe fruits. This can lead to upset, bloating, constipation and even poisoning.

Contraindications

Fortunately, mulberry and preparations based on it have almost no contraindications. Only people with individual intolerance to the components of the berry and a tendency to allergies should beware of it. The berry is a fairly powerful allergen. However, this does not mean that you can just sit down and eat a bucket of berries. The sweet and juicy berries are a natural laxative and can lead to serious disorder stomach. Especially if you take them on an empty stomach or drink them cold water.

Diabetics and hypertensive patients need to monitor the amount of berries consumed. When you overeat mulberries, your blood sugar rises very sharply and your blood pressure increases. A preliminary consultation with a doctor is encouraged before consuming the berry and preparations based on it.

Sin.: here, mulberry, mulberry, tutina, silkworm, shah-tuta.

A genus of tall deciduous trees of the mulberry family. An excellent antiseptic and antioxidant (especially in fruit), has a hypoglycemic effect, exhibits anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antibacterial, astringent, diuretic, and diaphoretic properties.

Ask the experts a question

In medicine

Juicy mulberry fruits - excellent remedy from a variety of diseases, but in official medicine are not used as widely. So far they are used only for the treatment of hypochromic anemia caused by gastritis with increased acidity gastric juice. However, it has been proven that preparations based on mulberry leaves have a hypoglycemic effect on initial stages diabetes mellitus Modern herbalists recommend an infusion of mulberry leaves for vitamin deficiencies as a means to improve health, and fresh fruit for anemia and for restoring metabolic processes. In addition, it has been shown that mulberry is very useful for diseases of the biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract diseases (dysentery, enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis).

In official pharmacology, mulberry is also for a long time went unnoticed. Only recently have extracts from different parts plants began to be included in dietary supplements recommended for the regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, cleansing the intestines and removing toxins, for weight loss (for example, drugs “Normomass”, “Spirulina”). Products intended for the treatment of rheumatism, skin tuberculosis and eczema are obtained from mulberry leaves.

Contraindications and side effects

There are practically no contraindications to consuming mulberries. The consumption of mulberry fruits is not recommended for people with individual intolerance.

You should be aware that excessive consumption of fruits can cause diarrhea. It is not recommended to drink after taking it cold water– this can cause stomach upset and bloating. Diabetics and hypertensive patients should not consume fresh fruit in large quantities, as blood sugar levels and blood pressure may increase.

In cosmetology

In modern cosmetology, fresh white mulberry fruits are used in SPA salons to prepare masks that tighten and narrow pores, and compresses are made from the leaves for acne ( acne), acne and eczema. Currently, products against skin pigmentation and freckles are produced with black mulberry extract, purified from coloring pigment. The antibacterial, protective and wound-healing properties of mulberry are used in the manufacture of hand skin care products. A natural mask made from black mulberry fruits (only for brunettes) is used to give hair shine, strengthen its roots and get rid of dandruff.

In other areas

In dietetics

Contents of a large amount of biologically active substances in all parts of the mulberry (leaves, stems, bark, roots) make it quite popular in modern dietetics. Fresh mulberry fruits are recommended to be included in the diet for disorders of the immune system and metabolism, obesity, degenerative processes in the heart muscle, atherosclerosis, ischemia, tachycardia and heart disease, as well as for weight loss. Sweet and slightly sour in taste, white mulberry fruits are excellent dietary product low in calories. According to nutritionists, due to the high phosphorus content, mulberry fruit is an indispensable product for pregnant women, students and people whose work involves heavy mental stress, and the carotene, vitamins C, E and selenium contained in its fruits are the strongest natural antioxidant that eliminates many diseases, disorders and premature aging of the skin. Fruit fruits are useful not only for obese people, but also for diabetics, they are good at reducing insulin levels in the blood. In addition, it is useful to include fresh, dried and canned mulberry fruits in the diet for illnesses nervous system, liver, biliary dyskinesia, edema that occurs with heart and kidney failure, for the prevention of vitamin deficiency, with inflammatory processes of various origins, etc.

In cooking

The beneficial properties of mulberries are quite varied. Mulberry is considered a very profitable food crop, as it bears fruit abundantly every year. Its fruits are juicy, fleshy, tender, have a rather pleasant aroma and sweet and sour taste, they are eaten in fresh or dried, as they replace the properties of sugar and are stored for a long time. The violet-black fruits of the black mulberry are of greatest gastronomic interest. Sweet and sour, its fruits are much richer in taste and vitamin qualities. They are used to make compotes, preserves, marmalade, marshmallows, jelly, pie filling, juice, wine, vodka-mulberry and soft drinks. Mulberry fruits are used in the production of sugar, citric acid and vinegar. By boiling the juice, “bekmes” - black honey - is obtained from black mulberry fruits. It is often used for medicinal purposes, in particular for colds to quench thirst and increase sweating. The juice is also useful for cleansing the blood and for liver diseases. A fortified tea is made from mulberry leaves, which is very useful for epilepsy. Dried and ground mulberry fruits are added to flour.

In other areas

Mulberries are of considerable economic importance. Its hard, dense, light-colored wood is valued in construction. It is made from musical instruments(in Central Asia), furniture, used as construction and ornamental material in carpentry and cooperage. Mulberry bast is used as a textile raw material for making ropes, ropes, as well as cardboard and paper. In China, very valuable thin paper is made from it, and baskets are woven from thin branches. A yellow dye is obtained from mulberry leaves and wood.

Mulberry has a certain importance in beekeeping. Bees readily suck out the sweet juice, rich in sugars and vitamins, and collect pollen from its flowers.

The main, essentially unique, value of the mulberry is associated with the use of its leaves for feeding silkworm caterpillars, from whose cocoons natural silk yarn is obtained. Tender white mulberry leaves - favorite treat silkworm. This is what silkworm caterpillars feed on in China to make silk. highest quality and for these purposes, this tree has long been cultivated in Asia (China) - more than 2500 years, and in Europe - over 1000 years. To this day, natural silk is highly valued and its production continues in many countries around the world, especially in Asia. Black mulberry is cultivated mainly as a valuable fruit tree, and white mulberry as food for silkworm larvae.

Due to its decorative and dense crowns, mulberry is widely used in landscape design. Decorative forms of mulberries with a pyramidal or narrow pyramidal crown look great in group plantings, and weeping mulberries, whose branches gently bend towards the ground, look great in the form of hedges. Low forms of mulberry with a spherical crown have also gained popularity in the decorative business. The ability to develop quite quickly, even in extremely dry conditions, allows the mulberry to be used in protective afforestation in arid conditions. Thus, the mulberry is quite useful plant, it makes sense to grow it on your own plot.

Classification

Mulberry, here or Mulberry tree(Latin Morus) is a genus of the Mulberry family (Latin Moraceae). The genus includes 17 (20) species of the most valuable deciduous woody plants, common in warm-temperate and subtropical zones of Asia, Africa and North America.

Botanical description

The mulberry genus is represented by deciduous trees with simple alternate leaves that vary greatly in shape. When young they are fast-growing, but with age their growth gradually slows down (10–15 m). Mulberry species are polymorphic and differ in the degree of leaf dissection, their size and pubescence, as well as in the shades of the bark of adult trees. The white mulberry has a thick bark, gray, and the black one is red-brown. Black mulberry is more thermophilic. The flowers are small, unisexual, in earring-shaped inflorescences. The perianth is simple, cup-shaped, 4-membered. Stamens in the same or less number. Ovary superior. After flowering, the perianth of female flowers grows, covering the ovary with fleshy tissue, as a result, each fruit looks like a fleshy drupe. Then the fleshy coverings of the fruits grow together, forming the fruit, often popularly called a “berry”. The fruits are from red to dark purple or pink-white, edible, have a pleasant, fragrant smell and sweet taste. Mulberry types also differ in the shape, size, color and taste of the fruit. White mulberry has white, pinkish-white and yellow fruits, black – black or violet-black, red – purple-dark or red. Blooms in May-June. It bears fruit annually and abundantly, in late June - early August. Already at the age of five or seven it produces its first harvest. Lives up to 200 (less often 300-500) years.

Spreading

The modern distribution of mulberries covers warm-temperate regions of the Old and New Worlds. The western part of the genus' range in the Old World is represented by white mulberry (lat. Morus alba). In the eastern part (Himalayas, Southern China) large-tailed mulberry (lat. Morus macroura) is common. In Russia, on the islands of Sakhalin, Kunashir and Shikotan, one wild species is found - satin mulberry (lat. Morus bombycis). Black mulberry (lat. Morus nigra), also called shah-tut in Central Asia, is a cultural polyploid form. Since ancient times, three types of mulberry have been bred in many countries: white, black and red, including in European Russia, Crimea, and the North Caucasus. Red mulberry is much less common.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

As medicinal raw materials They use the bark of roots and branches, leaves and fruit. Harvesting bark from branches is carried out in early spring(at the beginning of sap flow), and roots - in the fall. The leaves are collected during flowering and throughout the growing season, laid out in a thin layer and dried outdoors in the shade under a canopy or in a well-ventilated room, or in the attic. The fruits are collected exclusively in a mature state, from July to August, and are immediately sent for processing or dried. The fruits are collected in dry weather. White mulberry fruits are often dried. They are laid out on grates or nets and left in the sun for 1-2 weeks, or dried for fresh air and dried in a dryer at 30ºС. Store dried fruit in a hermetically sealed glass container. Mulberry fruits can be frozen and stored in the freezer in airtight bags.

Chemical composition

Mulberry fruits contain a large number of useful substances: about 20% sugar (maltose, glucose, fructose), organic acids (citric and malic), essential oils, higher acids, a complex of vitamins C, E, A, K, PP, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 9, carotene, pectin and tannins, as well as the plant antioxidant resveratrol. Along with these substances, mulberry fruit contains riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, choline. Macroelements were found in mulberry: calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium) and microelements (zinc, selenium, copper, iron). Fatty oil was found in mulberry seeds.

Pharmacological properties

High content biologically active substances causes therapeutic effects mulberries. The infertility normalizes metabolism, improves vision and hematopoiesis, increases levels, has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antibacterial, astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic, antiseptic, antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. Fresh fruits have a beneficial effect on myocardial dystrophy, disorders of the immune system, the body’s resistance to infectious diseases, cleanse the intestines and remove toxins from the body, prevent early aging skin. Syrup from white mulberry fruits helps thin sputum when coughing. Unripe fruits have astringent properties, ripe ones have diuretic properties, and overripe ones have laxative properties. Leaves and juice from black mulberry fruits have wound-healing and bactericidal properties. Decoctions of buds and leaves regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism, cause increased sweating during colds. Tincture from the leaves and decoction of the bark have analgesic, hypoglycemic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Use in folk medicine

Mulberry has long been used in folk medicine in many countries, for example in China - the bark of the roots was used for hypertension and bronchitis; twig bark as a wound-healing agent and for heart disease; leaves as an antipyretic; Fresh Juice fruits in febrile conditions to reduce temperature, kidney failure and impotence. According to oriental medicine mulberry prolongs life. Traditional medicine of Georgia recommends unripe black mulberry fruits for diarrhea, and a tincture of ripe berries as a diaphoretic and diuretic for colds. In Tibetan medicine, mulberries, mainly fruits, purify the blood, treat the spleen, liver, it is also used to resolve tumors in the throat and tongue , larynx, relieve inflammation, provide moisture to the brain, etc. The main recipe from healers for anemia is to eat so many mulberries that your eyes don’t want to see them.

In folk medicine it is unique plant brings tangible benefits in the treatment of many diseases. The greatest application is found in mulberry fruits, which are used as tonic, for anemia, biliary dyskinesia of the hyperkinetic type, severe enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis and dysentery, as well as for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as a concomitant or auxiliary remedy on the recommendation of a doctor. The fruits are used as a diuretic to eliminate swelling in pregnant women, with kidney and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, mulberry fruit as an adjuvant is recommended for use by women and men in menopause to remove discomfort during this difficult period of life. Syrup from mulberry fruits is used for colic in the kidneys and as an expectorant for coughs, as an anti-inflammatory agent for pharyngitis, stomatitis, laryngitis and as a tonic for urticaria and scarlet fever. It can also be used to treat lichen. The hemostatic properties of the syrup are used for postpartum and uterine bleeding. Fresh mulberry fruits are recommended for stomach problems and heart diseases (shortness of breath, aching pain V chest), coronary disease, arrhythmias, tachycardia, to restore heart function, atherosclerosis, and juices and syrups - as a diaphoretic. For heart disease and myocardial dystrophy, it is recommended to consume fresh mulberry fruits in large quantities. Mature fruits are an excellent laxative and are used for constipation, while green ones are used for diarrhea. An infusion of fruits or juice diluted with water is also used for rinsing the mouth for inflammatory diseases of the throat. An infusion of mulberry bark and fruit is effective for the treatment of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (angina, tonsillitis), acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, as well as ulcerative lesions oral cavity. It is recommended to take it for persistent cough and pneumonia. Decoctions and infusions of the root bark are also used for bronchial asthma, bronchitis, hypertension as a diuretic, as well as for pain in the stomach and intestines. A tincture of mulberry roots and bark is used in the treatment of severe burns, purulent wounds, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Powder from the bark mixed with oil is used to heal wounds, cuts, ulcers and bruises. Infusions and decoctions of the leaves are taken for fever to reduce temperature, for gastrointestinal problems, inflammation of the lungs and bronchi. Tincture of mulberry leaves is used to lower blood sugar in diabetes and to lower blood pressure. Externally, for the treatment of joints and neuralgia, the gruel is used after preparing syrup from the fruits.

Historical reference

In the 17th century, seedlings of a valuable tree - mulberry - were brought from the east to the gardens of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. They began to breed it not because of its tasty and useful fruits, but for the production of silk fabric, which had to be purchased very expensively from overseas merchants. Mulberry leaves were fed to silkworm caterpillars, which produced a natural thin thread. Unfortunately, the mulberry could not withstand the harsh climate of Moscow. Only before World War II were winter-hardy varieties developed, after which Russia began to occupy one of the leading places in Europe in the collection of mulberry cocoons.

Mulberry (mulberry tree) was also popular under Tsar Ivan IV. In those years, the royal manufactory for the first time began to cultivate natural silk for the court. The mulberry leaves, in turn, served as food for the silkworm. Peter I also really liked mulberries and by his special decree he prohibited the cutting down of mulberry trees. Now in St. Petersburg there is one hundred-year-old mulberry tree preserved, which was planted at the beginning of the 20th century.

The name “mulberry” comes from the Old Icelandic silki - “silk”.

Literature

1. Biological encyclopedic dictionary (Chief editor: M. S. Gilyarov) 2nd ed., corrected. M.: Sov. encyclopedia, 1989.

2. Plant life (Ed. A.L. Takhtadzhyan). M. "Enlightenment". 1982. T. 5 (1). 542 pp.

3. Elenevsky A.G., M.P. Solovyova, V.N. Tikhomirov // Botany. Systematics of higher or terrestrial plants. M. 2004. 420 p.

4. Mulberry tree // encyclopedic Dictionary Brockhaus and Efron: In 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.

The health benefits of mulberry include its ability to improve digestion, lower cholesterol, reduce weight, improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure and much more. Mulberries are juicy, slightly tart, and rich in many beneficial nutrients.

Mulberry description

The mulberry tree belongs to the Mulberry family, which is distributed throughout the world. They grow in Europe and Asia, Africa and America. Their main habitat is the subtropical zone. But here this tree can be found even to the north of these latitudes. Mulberry feels great on the borders of the Voronezh, Kursk and Belgorod regions.

There are more than 100 species of this tree, which are usually identified by the color of their buds and leaves. Berries can be black, purple, red, white and other colors. Economic significance have three types:

White mulberry, which is considered native to eastern and central China;

Red or American mulberry, native to the eastern United States;

The black mulberry grows in western Asia.

There are two types of mulberry growing in our country: white mulberry and black mulberry. By the way, the juice of white mulberries washes the skin well from the juice of black berries.

This is a tall deciduous tree, sometimes reaching 15-17 meters. The tree is long-lived. Can grow for 200 years. There are specimens whose age reaches 300-500 years.

Its berries are similar in appearance to raspberries or blackberries. Some berries have a pleasant aroma. But in most cases, especially those that grow in our country, can be called tasteless. But this impression of them is very misleading. Despite the lack of a pronounced taste, they contain a lot nutrients.

Mulberry beneficial properties and composition

Mulberry trees are grown mainly as food for the silkworm. But thanks to the impressive nutritional value berries of this tree, mulberry is gaining popularity all over the world. Chinese traditional medicine For many centuries, its fruits, leaves and bark have been used to treat many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, anemia and others.

Wine is made from the berries, juice, leaves and berries are brewed as tea. Mulberries can be different color and depending on this they differ in the presence of antioxidants.

Fresh mulberries are 88 percent water. In addition, they contain:

Carbohydrates;

Cellulose;

Vitamins: C, K, riboflavin and other B vitamins;

Minerals: potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus;

Antioxidants;

Polyphenols;

Flavonoids;

Organic acids.

Dried mulberries contain 14 percent dietary fiber, 70 percent carbohydrates, 12 percent protein and just 3 percent fat.

Mulberries are worthy of attention source of dietary fiber, which accounts for 1.7 percent of their fresh weight. They are represented by soluble fibers in the form of pectin, the share of which is 25 percent, and insoluble fibers in the form of lignin.

Dietary fiber is known to have an effect on digestive system, can lower cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of many diseases.

The berries of this tree are a rich source of vitamin C, which is needed to maintain the immune system, is involved in the synthesis of collagen and performs several other functions. important functions in the body, including the prevention of vitamin deficiency.

Second important vitamin, which is contained in berries, vitamin K, is responsible for blood clotting and is involved in maintaining a healthy skeletal system.

B vitamins are important for correct exchange substances that affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Potassium regulates the amount of fluid in the body, serves as a preventive measure for heart disease, and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and edema.

Iron is needed for the synthesis of red blood cells, serves as the prevention of anemia, and is involved in the transfer of oxygen in the body to all tissues and cells.

Mulberries are rich in plant compounds that belong to the group of powerful antioxidants.

A special place is occupied by anthocyanins, antioxidants that can suppress oxidative processes in the body and serve as the prevention of heart disease and other serious illnesses.

Cyanidin is one of the main antioxidant compounds in mulberries, which is responsible for the color of the berries.

Other important antioxidant compounds include rutin, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid. All these compounds can protect and reduce the risk of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and the cardiovascular system.

The darker the berries, the more antioxidants they contain, the more powerful their effect on the body.

Considering low calorie content berries, which per 100 grams is only about 43 calories, they are useful for overweight and obesity.

The benefits of mulberries for the body

Thanks to your nutritional properties, mulberries can bring great benefit for the human body. But this tree is famous not only for its berries. Its bark, leaves and even roots were used by humans to get rid of many ailments.

Eating mulberries can:

Reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood;

Increase hemoglobin;

Helps prevent anemia;

Improves digestion;

Normalizes the functioning of the intestinal tract;

Slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood;

Thanks to vitamins and minerals, improves immunity;

Reduces the risk of tumor formations;

Helps prevent heart disease;

Strengthens the walls of blood vessels;

Promotes weight loss by preventing fatty liver disease.

As you know, high cholesterol can lead to many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular. Studies have shown that mulberries can significantly improve the ratio between low-density and high-density lithoproteins, i.e. between “bad” cholesterol and “good” cholesterol.

In addition, they can reduce the formation of fat cells in the liver, which can serve as a prevention of fatty liver disease.

Diabetic patients are very sensitive to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Mulberries are able to inhibit an enzyme in the intestines that breaks down carbohydrates, allowing the absorption of sugar to slow down after meals.

What are the benefits of mulberries?

As mentioned above, mulberries are useful not only for their berries. Traditionally in Eastern Chinese medicine Other parts of this plant are also used.

Tree root decoction is good sedative. It is brewed for bronchial asthma, cough, heart and kidney diseases.

Tree bark in powder form is used to heal wounds and burns.

Fresh leaf juice can calm down toothache. Decoctions of the leaves have analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Mulberry leaf tea helps early stages diabetes mellitus

Their effect on the human body depends not only on the color, but also on the ripeness of the berries. Unripe fruits have astringent properties, while ripe ones help relieve constipation.

Ripe berries are an excellent diuretic. This is due to the ratio of potassium to sodium, which helps remove excess water from the body.

Black berries have an effect on blood composition, while white berries are good for the nervous system.

Gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastric and duodenal ulcers;

Kidney diseases;

Liver disease;

High blood pressure;

Pain in the heart.

Gargle with juice and decoction for colds and inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat.

Fresh juice can prevent periodontal disease and stomatitis. White mulberry juice is recommended to be given to children to prevent rickets.

Eating white berries prevents prostatitis and serves as a preventive measure for impotence. To prevent infertility in boys after mumps, traditional healers recommend regularly giving children ripe mulberries.

Rinse your hair with a decoction of the leaves, which gives it a healthy shine and silkiness.

Use of mulberries in cooking

Mulberries are very tender. Therefore, juice is most often squeezed out of them. The juice is used to make fruit honey called bekmes. To do this, the juice is evaporated until it reaches a syrupy consistency.

The berries are used to make jam, jam, added to other berry and fruit compotes, and prepared into jelly. You can use them as a filling for pies and dumplings.

Mulberries can be dried, frozen, and made into wine. They are used to prepare various sweets and sorbets. Dried berries can replace raisins.

Collection and storage of mulberries

Mulberries are not suitable for transportation. Therefore, fresh berries can only be bought at the market if mulberries grow in this region. In other cases, you can only purchase dried berries.

After picking, fresh berries should be immediately placed in the refrigerator. Their shelf life is no more than two days. If longer storage is expected, they need to be frozen.

Store dried berries in a closed container in a dark place.

Mulberry harm and contraindications

Allergies to mulberries are extremely rare, despite the fact that they are dark in color. But particularly sensitive people, especially those with pollen allergies, may have an allergic reaction.

Eating berries that are not fully ripe can cause constipation.

Otherwise, mulberries have no contraindications. The only thing you need to know and always remember is that berry juice is very difficult to wash off.

To summarize the benefits and harms of mulberries, we can say that they are useful both fresh and dried. They contain many beneficial nutrients that can bring certain benefits to our body and help maintain health.

Find out about the beneficial properties of the body in this video