Nature has created all the conditions for human health. Even in spite of all the environmental problems of our time, far from large cities, original landscapes still remain, which civilization has not reached. One of these "islands" remains the richest Siberian taiga, which regularly shares its gifts. And the most famous of them is cedar fruit.
Useful composition and properties of pine nuts
These nuts are deservedly considered one of the most valuable fruits. They owe their wide range of useful qualities to their unique composition. The product is saturated with many vitamins and minerals, each of which has its own "specialization", namely:
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and also E normalize acid metabolism, the work of the digestive system and liver. Their presence is necessary for blood formation and support of neurons;
- potassium, which has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle;
- phosphorus, which strengthens the bones, ligaments and teeth;
- magnesium, which is crucial for the formation of soft tissue and bone formation;
- trace elements in the form of iron and manganese, copper and zinc. They regulate hemoglobin level and hormonal balance, the processes of fat metabolism and the formation of red blood cells;
- zinc, which accelerates wound healing and promotes skeletal growth;
- valuable carbohydrates - glucose and sucrose, pentose and starch, correcting the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- arginine. This substance strengthens the immune system and the nervous system.
Important! Nuts are classified as high-calorie foods: 673 kcal per 100 g. People who are prone to rapid weight gain should be extremely careful in their reception.
In addition to these components, nuts contain other substances (albeit, in much smaller fractions). But this list is already enough to verify the benefits of cedar kernels.
Not surprisingly, this product is often used for medicinal purposes:
- with colds and ARVI with complications;
- for the prevention of atherosclerosis and anemia, diabetes;
- in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system (chronic pancreatitis, gastritis, bulbit, less often and more carefully - when working with peptic ulcer);
- when relieving the symptoms of coronary heart disease on the background of insufficient blood supply to the heart muscles;
- to combat urolithiasis;
- during the removal of neurosis and chronic fatigue syndrome;
- as a mild but effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic that can combat the manifestations of arthritis, rheumatism and osteochondrosis;
- if there is an urgent need to clean the body (nuts act as a natural antioxidant);
- they are included in the course of restoring visual acuity.
Did you know? Pine nuts were included in the "dry ration" of Roman legionnaires during their hikes.
As you can see, the nuts are really healing. Having learned about such impressive "abilities" of a natural product, it would be logical to find out how to stock up on such raw materials.
Rules for procurement of medicinal raw materials
Of course, the most useful will be the fruits collected in nature, although not everyone has this opportunity. And here markets or specialized departments of shops come to the rescue. But in any case, it is desirable to remember the main features of really high-quality raw materials.
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Independent collection
Harvesting nuts in the forest begins in early September (For mountain areas, the dates are shifted to the middle of the month). By this time, the cones ripen completely - they fall to the ground from a strong wind or from a slight shaking of a branch.
The season of the main collection ends in early October. In addition, it is also carried out in the spring (May-April), but then only cones lying on the ground are collected, they are also padans. During this period, it is impossible to tear off the fruits from the branches - they have not yet had time to "get into shape." Moreover, such zeal is administratively punishable: if the foresters or the raid brigade are caught up with such a procedure, the penalty cannot be avoided.
The main gathering places for cedar fruits are the foothills of Southern Siberia, the rocky ridges of its eastern and western parts. The Far Eastern area is less extensive.
Important! Cedar pine wood is very fragile. If you are going to climb a high branch, make sure that you have a safety cable and a nylon rope for descent. Not bad, if there are also "claws" (like the fitters) who will help to move along the trunk.
The process of preparation itself requires a certain amount of experience. In search of suitable trees will have to cover long distances in the taiga. Because of this, you have to work with small artels (after all, you need to take and carry a supply of food, a tent, and simple equipment).
Finding cedar array, the easiest way to find the padans, but in the fall it is not so easy. Then other methods are used. - from climbing trees and shaking off branches to the use of a special stab (this is a large log hammer, which is beaten on the trunk).
The collected raw materials are passed through the drum in the form of rollers with teeth, and the crushed cones are already shelled and sieved through a sieve, and only then is it dried on low heat.
Learn about the beneficial properties of pine nuts and how they affect a woman's body.
Selection of nuts when buying
For those who do not have a cedar grove "at the place of residence", in search of nuts it is enough to go shopping or market.
When inspecting such a product should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Sort Definitely worth refusing to buy cones (the nucleoli in them rot faster) and a product with additives like glaze. The best option is whole or peeled kernels.
- The size. Such fruits are about the same size and comparable in size with a fingernail on the little finger.
- The color of the shell and kernel. It should be uniform, without any traces of mold and rot. High-quality nuts can be recognized by a light brown tone. In the case of untreated fruits, a small dark dot will be a plus (it indicates the presence of a healthy nucleus). But the dark tip of the purified product indicates a violation of the rules of storage.
- Smell. It should be barely perceptible (and, of course, without hints of burning or mold).
- Surface. Quality whole nuts are always dry, oily smudges are excluded. The same applies to the nucleoli, which also have a more or less smooth surface. After seeing the furrows, the product is better to put aside.
Did you know? Stories about trees that literally burst with fruit are only partly true. This happens, but only once in 10-15 years.
Finally, the date of collection is important. These data are usually placed on the package, but if the nuts come from the market, do not hesitate to ask the seller.
How to make a tincture of vodka with zest
One of the most effective folk remedies based on pine nuts is considered alcohol (or vodka) tincture. Get this product is quite simple, what you now and see.
Required Ingredients
For the preparation of nutcracker will be required:
- a handful of nuts (about 40 g);
- orange peel (2-3 g);
- black currant leaves (3 pieces are enough);
- vanillin;
- sugar (1 tbsp. l.);
- vodka or alcohol, diluted to 40-45% (0.5 l).
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Step by Step Cooking Process
Components for the future of the medical composition at hand, proceed:
- First rinse the nuts with boiling water, putting them in a stainless steel bowl. Drain the liquid, such a "bath" is done another 3-4 times. This is to ensure that the resin comes off the product.
- Then the fruit is placed in a jar. After sprinkling them with sugar, orange zest, currant leaves and vanilla are put in the same place (no more at the tip of the knife).
- Fill the blank with vodka, mix and close the container with a tight lid.
- After a few minutes the nuts actively react with alcohol - this is evident from the darker color of the liquid. We place the jar in a dark, warm place where it will be stored for 10 days.
- Do not forget to stir the infusion strongly every 2-3 days.
- After this time, the mixture will finally darken (just like brandy). It must be filtered. At this stage, many remove the leaves of currant.
- After decanting the product is placed in a dark, but already cool place for 3-4 days. Then you can start to receive.
Important! A can of the mixture must be sterile.
It should be noted that the taste of ready nutcracker is a bit like tart citrus (this effect is given by alcohol-free nuts and zest).
Video: nutcracker, recipe tincture on pine nuts.
Application tincture: scheme
Acceptance of the composition on alcohol requires accuracy and accuracy in doses which are determined by the nature of the disease requiring treatment.
So, to strengthen the immune system and visual acuity, as well as to combat cardiovascular or urolithiasis, a triple dose is recommended. 1 tsp diluted in 50 ml of water and consumed 20-30 minutes before meals.
Also, immunity is positively influenced by: safflower, horseradish, garlic, savory, apples, ramson, fir, black walnut, aloe, almonds, white sturgeon, viburnum, dogwood, magnolia vine, mint, basil, melissa.
If pains in the joints are tortured, the intake is reduced to 2 times a day (also before the meal, 15-25 drops of the nutcracker are diluted with the same amount of water).
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Usually it is 1-2 months, if necessary, it is repeated, necessarily taking a break of 1 month.
Useful properties of the shell
Cedar shells are often perceived as waste. Although this shell deserves at least the title of a by-product, which is not much inferior to the nuclei.
Did you know? During the season, one of the most severe temperature fluctuations is observed in the taiga: the difference between the winter minimum and the summer maximum exceeds 100 degrees.
Its main feature is in a huge, as for "armor", fiber content with a minimum of fat (its share can reach up to 70-75% of the total mass). The balance falls on vitamins and a half dozen amino acids, among which there are essential. These elements bring obvious benefits to the body:
- increase working capacity and improve health (due to participation in the synthesis of amino acids);
- strengthen bones and joints;
- penetrating into the cell layer, slow down the aging process of the main tissues;
- neutralizes viruses and microbes entering the body;
- acting as an antioxidant, remove toxins and salt deposits;
- relieve mucosal inflammation and skin irritation.
Tibetan lofant, white mariya, dried bananas, home fern, lagenaria, spinach, broccoli, amaranth, horseradish, Chinese cabbage, nectarines, plums and tomatoes will help to remove toxins from the body.
All of these properties has a tincture on cedar shells. It is prepared very simply:
- 150 g of the shell is washed several times in boiling water, then dried or wiped with a towel.
- Then the raw material is placed in a jar and poured vodka or diluted with alcohol (0.5 l).
- Tara cover with a lid and insist in a cool place for 1.5 weeks.
- Then it remains to decant the liquid through a dense gauze, pour into a bottle with a lid, and ready.
Important! The limit of the daily norm of the nutcracker for an adult is 50 ml (this is the allowable amount of three single doses).
It is desirable to keep the infusion obtained in this way at temperatures of + 5 ... +30 ° C.
Reception: 3 times a day before meals, 1 tbsp. l mixed with water.
Contraindications and harm
Among other things, pine nuts are also famous for a small number of contraindications. Among those appear:
- idiosyncrasy and allergic reaction;
- acute respiratory diseases;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding (in the case of tinctures). The same applies to children whose body is contraindicated in any dose of alcohol.
Read also, whether it is possible to use honeysuckle, turnip, bee pollen, Beijing cabbage, nectarine, blackberry, walnuts, lettuce, gooseberry, lettuce, gooseberry during pregnancy.
Harm and its consequences in the form of side effects are manifested mainly in case of an error in doses or by forgetfulness (they sometimes forget to mix the tincture with water). Such symptoms most often have a strong feeling of bitterness in the mouth, a slower reaction, less often - headaches, vomiting or short-term diarrhea.
Did you know? Unlike most trees, cedars do not hibernate, but only reduce their bioactivity.
In order to avoid such complications, the reception should be coordinated with your doctor in advance.
Now you know how to make tincture of pine nuts and what this tool is valuable for. We hope our readers will responsibly approach its use, and the natural product will only benefit. Good health and good spirits to all!
