Berries

Aronia
Aronia melanocarpa

A true American native, Aronia has become very popular in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is consumed as a nutritious food, and also used for medicinal and decorative purposes. Ripe fruits have a pleasant sour-sweet taste., Originally considered to be of little medicinal value, new research shows that Aronia melanocarpa has a high concentration of polyphenols and anthocyanins, stimulating circulation, protecting the urinary tract, and strengthening the heart. Ongoing studies at the University of Illinois also suggest that Aronia may include compounds that fight cancer and cardiac disease.

Contains: Vitamin P, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B9, Vitamin E, Ascorbic acid, Sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose), Flavonoids, Carotene, Organic acids, Iron, Copper, Boron, Fluorine, Manganese, Molybdenum.

Uses: High blood pressure, Atherosclerosis, Gastritis, Hemorrhoid, Rheumatism, Allergies, Eczema, Dermatitis, Capillaritoxicosis, Bleeding of different origins, Avitaminosis, Stimulates appetite, Normalizes body functions, Activates normal function of the thyroid gland, Inflammation, Cardiovascular Diseases, Stimulates rejuvenation process of muscular and bone tissue, Provides protection from bacterial and viral infections.

Magnolia Vine
Schizandrae chinensis

Schizandra, a member of the Magnoliaceae family, has an extensive history of medical use in China and Far East of Russian. This herb's adaptogenic properties increase resistance to a wide range of physical, chemical, and emotional stresses while promoting improved overall regulation of physiological processes. Experimental evidence suggests Schizandra has protective abilities and functions as a potent antioxidant. Russian hunters in the Far East of Russia consume tea made out of Schizandra berries, stems, and roots for preventing fatigue. This berry also played a certain role in the Great Russian Revolution, because of its ability to enhance acute vision and the eye’s adaptation to the dark.

Contains: Lignans:, Schizandrin , Deoxyschizandrin, Schisanhenol, Schizandrol, Sesquicarene, ß-chairmen, Citral, Stigmasterol, Essential oils, Vitamin C , Vitamin E , Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus, Calcium, Silicon.

Classically, Schizandra is commonly prescribed for patterns of lung and kidney deficiency.

Other Uses: Chronic cough , Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Asthma, Dysentery, Dyspnea, Diarrhea , Aesthetic and depression syndromes, Physical and mental fatigue, Drowsiness, Stimulates the central nervous system, Controls arterial pressure, Pneumonia (stimulates breathing), Night sweats, Wasting disorders , Irritability, Palpitations, Dream-disturbed sleep, Insomnia , Viral and chemical induced hepatitis, Lower SGPT levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, Highly effective at normalizing liver, stomach, and kidney function.

Sea Berry
Hippophae rhamnoides

Sea Berry is a new and very interesting fruiting plant. Native in two distinct regions of the world, it is very widespread in Central Asia reaching as far as Western China and is also found in Europe around the Baltic Sea. Highly valued in these areas, it is almost unknown in the United States. Among its many attributes are exceptional medical and ornamental values, and ability to grow in and improve poor soils. In natural folk medicine Sea Berry has been known for a long time. In Ancient Tibet entirely every part of the plant was used, everything from seeds to roots. A folk saying says: “He, who picked Sea Berry in the summer, provides ones-self with cheerfulness, alertness and health for the whole year.” Coincidently, Sea Berry carries many folk names: “Miracle Berry,” “Forest Pharmacy,” “Siberian Pineapple,” “Vitamin Enterprise,” and “Healing Gift of Nature.” Ripe berries possess a complex taste: sweetness of an orange, taste of pineapple, and sourness of a lemon. The most well known medical substance, Sea Berry Oil, is a valuable, vitamin full product. It possesses antibacterial, wound healing, and pain killing properties.

Contains: Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin P, Vitamin K, Vitamin F, Carbohydrates, Flavonoids, Antonoids, Phospholipids, Boron, Iron, Manganese.

Application and Uses: Sores, Ulcers, Eczema, Cracked Skin, Lichen, Stomach and intestinal diseases, Gynecological diseases, Anemia, Gout, Lowers Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis.

Black Currant
Ribes nigrum

Flavorful, nutritious and attractive berry, Currant has been prized for centuries by Europeans. It is bountiful in Russia, Ukraine, Western and Eastern Siberia, and partially in Central Asia. They are often planted near the house in the kitchen garden.
Contains: Protein, Carbohydrates, Organic acids, Calcium, Silicon, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese, Nitrate, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin P, Vitamin A, Iodine.

Uses: Scurvy, Hemorrhage, Tuberculosis, Whooping couch, Gastric and intestinal diseases, Anemia, Avitaminosis, Better sleep, Lowers arterial pressure, Acts as a diuretic, Kidney stones, Colds, Skin diseases, Allergies, Stomach diseases, Nervous disorders, Sclerosis, General fatigue, Heart and liver diseases, Diathesis, Eczema.

Cornelian Cherry
Cornus Mas

Virtually unknown in the West, the fruit of this attractive shrub has been prized for centuries in Europe and Central Asia. Native to Eastern Europe, cultivation of Cornelian Cherry spread throughout Europe, especially popular in Moldavia, Ukraine, Caucus, and Georgia. Cornelian Cherry is a very ancient fruiting plant. First reference to Cornelian Cherry is found in Homer’s Odyssey. Odysseus was armed with a spear made out of this plant. Another spear made out of Cornelian Cherry has been mentioned as the one Romul, the founder of Rome, drew out the boundaries of the future “Eternal City.” Another little fact, by ancient Bulgarian traditions, a branch of Cornelian Cherry cut on New Year’s Eve, brings people happiness.

Contains: Sugars (10 percent), Organic acids, Pectines, Flavonoids, Vitamin P, Vitamin C, Essential Oils, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Rutin.

Application and Uses: Diuretic, Inflammation, Pain relief, Tonic, Normalization of the body functions, Gout, Skin Diseases, Stomach and Intestine Diseases, Diarrhea, Migraines, Fever Relief.

Actinidia
Actinidia Kolomikta

Native to the forests of Far East of Russia, Actinidia is now cultivated in many regions of Russia and Central Asia. One type of Actinidia is Kiwi, a widely popular fruit in China and South America. The taste of this fruit is similar to that of strawberry, melon, and pineapple combined. Kiwi is effective in treating high blood pressure. Eating a couple of fruits after a big meals to get rid of the heavy feeling in your stomach.

Contains: Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin PP.

Application and Uses: Pain relief, Laxative, Expectorant, Vermifuge, Stomach pains, Ifections, Physical and mental fatigue, Chronic gastritis.

Honey Berry
Lonicera kamchatika

A very unique plant, Honeyberry is actually a specie of Honeysuckle. This hardy small bush is native to Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. It also grows in North Korea and China. This fruit has a juicy, aromatic, sour-sweet taste.

Contains: Sugars, Pectines, Titrated Acids, Organic Acids, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Flavonoids, Thiamine, Vitamin C, Vitamin B9.

Application and Uses: Malaria, High Blood Pressure, Anemia, Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity, Lichen and Ulcers, Chronic Diarrhea and Constipation, Diuretic, Appetite, General Tonic, Some stomach and liver diseases, Sore throat, Eye problems, Strengthens capillaries, Inflammation, Sclerosis.

Highbush Cranberry
Viburnum opulus

Highly valued as an edible and medicinal plant, Highbush Cranberry also makes a beautiful ornamental. In its native range in Eastern Europe, it grows along rivers, streams, forests, and meadows. It is one of the most popular berries in Russia. In the olden days, Cranberry was a symbol of love and beauty, and therefore a bouquet of Cranberries was put in front of newlyweds on their wedding day. Unhappy and unfortunate people appealed to a Cranberry bush, pouring out their souls.

Contains: Sugars, Vitamin C, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin P, Organic Acids, Vitamin K.

Application and Uses: Strengthens the heart, Diuretic, Neurosis, Vascular spasms, High blood pressure, Stomach Ulcers, Furuncle, Carbuncle, Eczema, Skin Sores, Migraines, Protects from malignant tumors.

 

Gooseberries
Ribes grossularia

Russian folk name for this berry is “Northern Grape.” Gooseberries are popular throughout the whole Russian territory. It was probably first known in Russia, it was cultivated near Moscow as early as the eighteenth century. Also it is well respected in Europe. For example, in nineteenth century France, gooseberries were served with fish instead of sause. Queen Elizabeth of England also cultivated gooseberries, and it was served with wild bird, geese, and duck. That’s where the actual name came from. From England the berry spread to Holland and Germany, where it was served with meat and made into vine.

Contains: Sugars, Carbohydrates, Organic Acids, Pectines, Proteins, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin PP, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Nitrate, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus.

Application and Uses: Anemia, Elderly people with abnormal body functions, Obesity, Stimulates blood manufacturing, Diuretic, Quenches thirst and refreshes, Tonic, Diarrhea, Stomach spasms, Tuberculosis.