Using lingonberries to relieve swelling during pregnancy. Lingonberry leaf during pregnancy - how to take lingonberry leaf You can drink lingonberry leaf during pregnancy

While expecting a baby, many expectant mothers experience swelling. Pregnancy is not compatible with taking medicinal diuretics, and most doctors recommend the use of lingonberry leaves. The spectrum of effects of lingonberry and its leaves on the body is quite contradictory, and before using herbal medicine during pregnancy, you should carefully study the principle of action, properties and contraindications for use.

What are the benefits of lingonberry leaves for pregnant women?

Lingonberry leaf during pregnancy, as a rule, it is used as a diuretic for moderate edema, but, in addition to the diuretic, the plant also has a number of useful properties:

acts as a mild choleretic agent for bile stagnation in pregnant women;
Lingonberries help with a deficiency of vitamins C and E (the lack of the latter has a detrimental effect on pregnancy) - about vitamin E during pregnancy;
a decoction of lingonberry leaves reduces the likelihood of exacerbation of gastritis in the second trimester;
Lingonberries have a strengthening effect on the vascular system;
effectively relieves swelling.

Lingonberry leaf during pregnancy is used, as a rule, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, when the likelihood of swelling is highest. Often during these weeks, expectant mothers experience swelling of the upper and lower extremities, which is due to increased levels of progesterone in the body. This hormone makes it difficult for sodium to escape, causing the body to swell. In three out of five cases, a decoction of lingonberry leaves prevents the appearance of internal edema, which can cause miscarriage and disturbances in fetal development. If there is severe swelling of the internal tissues, pregnancy occurs with complications and may be terminated.

Important! Lingonberries contain a number of microelements necessary for a successful pregnancy, such as potassium, magnesium, manganese and iron. The balanced content of vitamins and microelements in the plant activates the body’s protective functions, so the decoction is often used at the first signs of acute respiratory infections. Lingonberry leaf should be taken with caution; if there is a threat of miscarriage, then the decoction is contraindicated.

Often, swelling during pregnancy is accompanied by severe and painful constipation, and here lingonberries come to the rescue. If defecation delay lasts more than two days, it is recommended to drink lingonberry leaves along with cabbage juice, in a 1:1 ratio.

In addition, lingonberries are rich in B vitamins, as a result of which they help in the fight against depression during pregnancy.

How to prepare a decoction of lingonberry leaves

Lingonberry leaf is sold in almost every pharmacy, but the packaging does not always indicate the method of use. Important! Do not confuse the decoction with tea. If pregnancy is accompanied by edema, then you can drink lingonberry leaves only after boiling. Before use, it is recommended to rinse the leaves with settled water. The decoction is prepared in the proportion of 1 tbsp. dried leaves per 125 ml. water. It is good if the leaves are in boiling water for at least half an hour. You can also use a water bath for cooking, but full boiling is considered optimal. After decanting, the lingonberry leaf is infused for at least 12 hours in a dry and dark place.

Another recipe for preparing a decoction involves pre-cooling. The washed lingonberry leaf is placed in the refrigerator for several hours, after which the decoction is prepared in the usual way for 30-40 minutes.

Pregnancy is a condition with a high risk of increasing blood sugar levels, so you should not add honey or sugar to the decoction.

Important! Lingonberry leaves should be boiled exclusively over low heat.

How to take during pregnancy

Lingonberry leaf for edema should not be taken for more than a week. The decoction should be drunk warm. If, in addition to the limbs, the swelling has also spread to the face, then it is better to take the lingonberry leaf hot. How to take the decoction directly depends on the phase in which the pregnancy is. The instructions for use provide only generalized information without taking into account individual characteristics, so the following factors should be taken into account:

trimester (in the third trimester of pregnancy, lingonberry leaf is taken in minimal doses);
blood pressure (lingonberries are not recommended for low levels) – about hypertension during pregnancy;
multiple pregnancy (in case of multiple pregnancy, consultation with a doctor is necessary before using the herbal medicine);
swelling in severe form (lingonberry leaf is able to relieve swelling only in the initial and middle stages; haphazard use of the decoction for severe swelling can only do harm).

Lingonberries have a fairly gentle effect on the body, however, the concentration of nutrients per 100 g of decoction is very high, so you must strictly adhere to the following rules:

For swelling, lingonberry leaves should be drunk in small sips of 150 ml. three times a day after meals.
If pregnancy occurs with complications, the decoction should not be taken more than 2 times a day.
For constipation and discomfort in the intestines, drink the decoction before meals, 100 ml three times a day.
If pregnancy is accompanied by severe depression, drink the decoction 3 hours before bedtime with a small addition of mint (1:1). Important! The drink is contraindicated for use after 30 weeks!

Pregnancy is often accompanied by attacks of nausea and stomach discomfort, in which case the decoction should be drunk strictly before meals, adding a few drops to it lemon juice. Since lingonberries contain more than a dozen minerals, any of the components can be rejected by the body, then you should stop taking the decoction.

Lingonberries have a strong diuretic effect, so the decoction should not be drunk before bed and should not be washed down with regular tea. It is not advisable to combine the product with other herbs, green tea, orange juice and valerian root.

What are the dangers and contraindications for different periods?

Even pregnancy that proceeds without complications requires increased caution when using herbal medicine. In the first trimester, when the baby’s vital organs are forming, lingonberries can cause exacerbation of toxicosis, allergic reactions and diarrhea. Despite the rich vitamin complex, the plant cannot be the main source of nutrients for the unborn baby, and abuse of the decoction can lead to intoxication. Short-term pregnancy is often accompanied by changes blood pressure By lowering it, lingonberries can harm the blood supply to the fetus.

In the second trimester, slight swelling often appears, but this is not a reason to immediately use lingonberry leaves. By the 16th week, the child has already developed not only tactile, but also taste sensations, and sometimes herbal decoctions provoke increased excitability of the baby. Most often, lingonberries are prescribed during this period if the doctor notices a tendency to inflammatory processes in the body. At the end of the second trimester, lingonberry leaf is recommended in cases severe swelling hands, feet and face expectant mother– what to do if your legs are swollen during pregnancy.

Lingonberries pose the greatest danger in the third trimester. The use of a decoction can cause increased uterine tone; if pregnancy is accompanied by a threat of miscarriage, then the use of herbal medicine is prohibited. Often after taking a decoction later The pregnant woman feels tension in her lower abdomen, the muscles harden, and the baby begins to move more actively. If such symptoms occur, you should stop taking the decoction. Increased uterine tone can lead to premature birth and harm the baby. Lingonberries have many properties that have not been fully studied, so if pregnancy is in the last phase, the decoction can be drunk a maximum of once a day.

Lingonberry is rightfully considered a healing plant, however, during pregnancy, the body’s reaction to herbal therapy can be unpredictable and depends on its individual characteristics, and an overdose can not only have a detrimental effect on the baby, but also cause termination of pregnancy.

The benefits of lingonberries during pregnancy are undeniable and obvious. This northern berry is a real storehouse of vitamins necessary for the expectant mother and her baby. But getting fresh lingonberries in most regions of central Russia can be difficult, while lingonberry leaves can be bought without problems at any pharmacy. Is it possible for pregnant women to consume lingonberry leaves and how to do this? This article will tell you.

Is it possible or not?

A woman, alas, will have to find the answer to this question on her own. Even among doctors, there is no consensus on whether it is permissible to consume lingonberry leaves while pregnant. If the question of lingonberry berries does not even arise - they are allowed and encouraged, then lingonberry leaf is an ambiguous medicinal raw material.

Lingonberry leaves are mainly used in medicine As an anti-inflammatory and diuretic, they are widely used in urology.

However, the World Health Organization does not recommend this drug to pregnant women, despite the fact that the instructions for the drug do not directly prohibit this.

Russian doctors do not have a common opinion on this matter. Some do not object to a pregnant woman drinking a decoction of lingonberry leaves and adding them to tea, others support the global opinion and prohibit this herbal raw material for their patients. Therefore, before making a decision, you should consult with your doctor, listen to his opinion and make a decision based on all the information received.

Benefits for expectant mothers

During pregnancy, large-scale changes occur in a woman’s body; many changes are triggered and controlled by the hormone progesterone, a very important substance for bearing a baby. However, this hormone has an unpleasant side effect - it retains fluid in the intercellular space, which is why women often experience edema. It is against edema that lingonberry leaves can help. This is an excellent diuretic that can be taken not only for edema, but also for cystitis and pyelonephritis.

The leaves of the northern berry not only have the ability to cause increased urination, but also disinfect the urinary tract.

This effect is achieved due to the content of a special substance in the leaves - arbutin. This substance is also found in berries, but there is several times more of it in the leaves.

Arbutin acts directly on the kidney parenchyma, causing this paired organ to produce more urine. And already in the urine, the substance passes through the urinary tract and carries out control disinfection.

If a woman decides that she will not take lingonberry leaves during pregnancy, then other ways of using it should be considered. Lingonberry leaf has excellent aseptic properties, and therefore it can be used to prepare a decoction for gargling for colds, sore throats, as well as for rinsing the mouth for stomatitis and periodontal disease.

If you have a pustular rash, acne, wounds, scratches and burns, you can use this decoction local treatment of the skin.

Traditional medicine attributes another property to lingonberry leaves - reduce heat. To do this, however, you will have to brew it and drink it, if your doctor and you yourself do not object to taking the drug orally.

Other indications

The instructions for use attached to pharmaceutical herbal raw materials indicate other conditions and ailments for which, on the recommendation of a doctor, lingonberry leaf can be prescribed as part of complex therapy. It means that the remedy cannot act as the only medicine and rather has an auxiliary function.

Lingonberry leaf, in addition to its diuretic properties, has an astringent effect, promotes the production of bile, is active against a dangerous microbe – Staphylococcus aureus. If a woman is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics for some reason, then taking them simultaneously with lingonberry leaf decoction or tea enhances the effect of antibacterial drugs.

It is believed that this plant material can regulate nitrogen metabolism and improve immunity by increasing phagocytosis.

Based on this, the lingonberry leaf can be recommended for pregnant women with nephropathy, gonorrhea, arthritis, spondylosis. Additionally, drinking lingonberry leaves may be recommended for pneumonia, bronchitis, antacid gastritis and hepatitis.

Potential harm and contraindications

Lingonberry leaf can only be considered a remedy with great stretch traditional medicine, and all because the concentration of arbutin in it is so high that it is comparable to a conventional pharmaceutical drug. Most other medicinal plants cannot boast the same concentrations of active ingredients. On the one hand, this is an advantage, because lingonberry leaves are very effective, on the other hand, even a slight excess of the dosage can cause severe intoxication with arbutin.

But experts from the World Health Organization, who in their monograph noted lingonberry leaf as an undesirable product for pregnant women, based their recommendations not even on this, but on the stimulating effect of arbutin.

Independent and unauthorized attempts to treat cystitis or edema with lingonberry leaves can result in miscarriage or premature birth, since this active substance can increase the tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus.

Another danger lies in the presence of hydroquinone. This substance can cause severe poisoning. Clinical trials have confirmed intoxication in laboratory animals. Naturally, such tests were not carried out on humans, and certainly not on pregnant women. However, the presence of hydroquinone should alert and force a woman to be more attentive to the use of such potent herbal preparations as lingonberry leaf.

The consumption of lingonberry leaves by women is completely prohibited under the following circumstances.

Compounded allergic history– previously there were cases of an inadequate immune reaction to plants and pollen.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, associated with high acidity of gastric juice.
History of urolithiasis. The pronounced diuretic effect of lingonberry leaves can lead to disruption of the static state of stones and their movement, which can severely injure the ureters.
Presence of hypotension – Low blood pressure under the influence of lingonberry leaves can become even lower, which will lead to a deterioration in the well-being of the pregnant woman.

The overall benefit of consuming lingonberry leaves, according to most doctors, does not exceed the potential harm, and therefore the use of this remedy requires strict medical indications and should be carried out under the supervision of specialists.

Are there time limits?

It is believed that on early stages It is not advisable for pregnant women to take lingonberry leaves, since it is during this period that the risks of miscarriage and impaired fetal formation are increased. However, this limitation is rather arbitrary. And sometimes, if a woman has indications, the doctor can prescribe the drug in a clearly defined dosage.

Late in the third trimester, lingonberry leaf is strongly not recommended for women, since its use can indirectly affect the onset of premature labor.

There are no restrictions at any stage of gestation on the external use of decoctions and water infusions leaves of the plant. A woman can wash her face with the decoction, gargle or gargle, and apply lotions to wounds at any time without fear.

In all cases when there is a need for a diuretic, it is better to consult a doctor, because there are safer herbal and medicinal remedies for cystitis and edema, and they can be recommended to the expectant mother if necessary.

What the effect of lingonberry leaves will be depends on how correctly a woman can brew and take it. This herbal raw material is not a means to prevent illnesses; it should not be taken just like that, in the absence of health problems. Uncontrolled and irresponsible use is fraught with extremely unpleasant consequences for a woman and her unborn child.

The taste of the drink, which is obtained from lingonberry leaves, is not the most pleasant, it is bitter. You can’t drink a lot of it, and this is probably for the best; with such a taste it will be more difficult to get an overdose. But when preparing the drink, it is recommended to follow the proportions.

For internal use, take a glass of boiling water for one tablespoon of plant material. Do not immediately pour boiling water over the sheet. To preserve as many useful substances as possible in the composition, it is worth pouring the raw material with water, which has stood at room temperature for about 5 minutes after boiling. You need to infuse the product under the lid for at least a quarter of an hour, then strain and cool. For cystitis and edema, it is recommended to take half a glass half an hour before meals in the morning and evening.

The total permissible amount of lingonberry leaf decoction for a pregnant woman is no more than a glass per day.

To prepare a product for external use, it is recommended to double the amount of plant material. When rinsing your mouth or throat It is important to ensure that the concentrated infusion is not ingested.

The water infusion can be prepared in a water bath or in a thermos. The longer the lingonberry leaves and boiling water sit in it, the more rich the product will be. It is better to prepare it in this way during pregnancy for external use and rinsing the mouth and throat.

Release forms and price

Lingonberry leaves are sold in pharmacies in packs of 50 and 25 grams. It all depends on the specific manufacturer. There are crushed raw materials and ground into powder. For those who do not like to brew dry herbs, release forms are offered in the form of filter bags of 1.5 grams each. Their cost is low - from 55 rubles per package.

The product should be poured into a linen bag or glass container and stored in a dry place. without access to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet destroys medicinal properties plants.

When carrying a child, a woman faces various problems, such as edema. To minimize the use of chemicals, gynecologists often prescribe herbal remedies to expectant mothers, of which lingonberry leaf is popular. How to use it correctly during pregnancy? Are there any contraindications? Is it allowed to eat the berries themselves and make fruit drinks from them?

The effect of lingonberry leaf on the human body

Probably everyone is familiar with the bright lingonberry, which is not only very tasty, but also has healing properties. However, not everyone knows that the leaves of this plant can bring a lot of benefits to the human body.

Both the fruits and leaves of lingonberries have healing properties.

One associated with lingonberries ancient legend. A swallow flew to people to give them a drop of living water, which bestows immortality. But the bird was bitten by an evil wasp: a drop fell to the ground, and in this place a bush with bright red berries grew. The plant gives a person strength, health and long life.

Lingonberry leaf has a unique chemical composition:

Vitamins of group B, C, E, R. Moreover, ascorbic acid There is much more in the leaves than in the fruits. For example, if 100 g of ripe lingonberries contain 8–20 g of useful substance, then the same mass of leaves will already contain 270 g. Therefore, it is obvious that in case of vitamin deficiency and colds, it makes sense to use the leaves rather than the berries.
Minerals: calcium and potassium, sodium and phosphorus, etc.
Tannins.
Flavonoids with antioxidant effects.
Natural acids: citric and salicylic, malic and tartaric, etc.
Glycoside arbutin. In the human body, it breaks down into glucose and phenol hydroquinone. The latter substance is a powerful natural antiseptic and diuretic.
Coumarins. These are substances that have a vasodilator and analgesic effect.

The beneficial effect of lingonberry leaves on the body, including the expectant mother, is multifaceted:

They have a pronounced diuretic effect - they remove excess fluid from the body. They help cure cystitis, dissolve kidney stones, relieve swelling (and many expectant mothers suffer from them).
Promotes the flow of bile.
Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they help fight inflammation (both internal and external - on the skin). For example, you can gargle with the infusion for a sore throat.
Reduces high blood pressure.
Natural antipyretic. This is very important for a pregnant woman who would like to use less chemicals.
Reduce blood sugar levels.
Prevention of vitamin deficiency. The leaves tone the body, increase immunity and performance, eliminate drowsiness and chronic fatigue.
Due to the astringent properties of the plant, diarrhea is cured. The leaves help get rid of heartburn (many pregnant women suffer from it).
They have a calming effect and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
They help remove allergy symptoms and reduce the negative effects of chemicals during long-term treatment.
Antioxidants help remove toxins from the body faster, which is important in case of poisoning.
Prevents the formation of tumors in the body.
Strengthens blood vessels and prevents them from clogging.
Improves the condition of skin, hair, nails.

For colds and flu, lingonberry leaf will have an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect.

Despite all the numerous beneficial features lingonberry leaf, in certain cases it can cause harm. So, this herbal remedy can increase the tone of the uterus. This is especially important if a woman already has this condition.

During pregnancy, lingonberry leaf can increase the tone of the uterus, especially if the woman is predisposed to this

If you take the medicinal plant for too long, you may become dehydrated and your heart condition may worsen.

Video: use of lingonberry leaves in folk medicine

Is it possible to use lingonberry leaves while pregnant?

As for the use of lingonberry leaves during pregnancy, medical opinions differ:

Some are categorically against such herbal medicine because of the potential for increasing uterine tone.
Others consider lingonberry leaves to be completely harmless and beneficial for the expectant mother.
Still others refrain from prescribing medicinal plant in the early stages, but it is recommended after 28 weeks, especially if carrying a child is accompanied by edema.

In any case, it is unacceptable for a woman to self-medicate. The appropriateness of prescribing a herbal remedy is determined by the attending physician depending on the specific clinical picture. Therefore, there is no need to be alarmed if the contraindications on the packaging of herbal raw materials include “pregnancy” - this is a general warning.

The attending physician, who knows all the nuances of pregnancy, will determine the advisability of prescribing a herbal remedy.

In the early stages, it is especially important that the uterus is in a calm state. Indeed, at this time, increased tone can provoke bleeding with the possible loss of the child. Therefore, in the first months of pregnancy, it is better not to consume lingonberry leaves at all, replacing it with an alternative healing decoction.

Since lingonberry leaves have a diuretic effect, the doctor may further prescribe them to women suffering from edema. This is usually fixed in the third trimester. The product will also help in the fight against cystitis. In this case, it is extremely important that the pregnant woman does not experience increased uterine tone or experience abdominal pain.

The main indication for the use of lingonberry leaves during pregnancy is edema.

Contraindications and side effects

There are a number of contraindications for which the use of lingonberry leaves is prohibited:

Allergy to the plant. Moreover, a negative reaction (itching, runny nose, cough) can develop during pregnancy, even if it was previously well tolerated. It is undesirable to use lingonberry leaves as part of preparations: it will be difficult to find out which component caused the allergy.
Kidney pathologies: pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, renal failure.
Low blood pressure during pregnancy: lingonberry leaves will only aggravate this problem.
Gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by increased acidity stomach: this is gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Reduced blood clotting, tendency to nosebleeds.

Concerning side effects, then most often they make themselves felt when the herbal remedy is abused. In this case, the pregnant woman may experience symptoms of dehydration: weakness and dizziness.

A side effect of using lingonberry leaf may be weakness and dizziness due to dehydration and the hypotensive effect

Another possible adverse reaction to lingonberry leaves is a decrease in blood pressure, which also has a bad effect on a woman’s well-being.

Interaction with other drugs

At the same time as lingonberry leaf, a pregnant woman does not need to take other diuretics (chemical or plant-based): too much fluid and useful potassium may be removed from the body, which should not be allowed.

In addition, the plant is not used in parallel with medicines that acidify urine (for example, ammonium chloride, methionine hydrochloride, etc.).

The nuances of using lingonberry leaves during pregnancy

Lingonberry leaves can be used for pregnant women in the form of a decoction, infusion or herbal tea (you can purchase the raw materials at the pharmacy or prepare them at home):

Decoction. A tablespoon of dry leaves is poured into a glass of water at room temperature. Boil the composition in a water bath for about half an hour (stirring occasionally), then strain and squeeze out the remaining raw materials. Bring the volume of the resulting decoction to 200 ml with boiled water.
Infusion. Pour a tablespoon of raw material into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for an hour. The resulting infusion should be filtered.
Tea. Pour one tablespoon of crushed dry leaves into a glass of boiling water, but leave for about 15 minutes (as regular tea is brewed). You can use a simpler option - packaged lingonberry leaves (it is also sold in pharmacies; two filter bags will be enough for a glass of boiling water). This herbal tea can be made more pleasant by adding sugar or honey.

Obviously, when preparing a decoction and infusion, the healing drink turns out to be more intense. It has a deep greenish-brown color and a bitter, herbal taste. Not all pregnant women can consume it easily. In this case, you should use an option such as tea (although, of course, the effect will be less).

Photo gallery: methods of preparing a drink from lingonberry leaves

The raw material is infused under the lid for an hour, as a result the drink acquires a rich color. The easiest way to consume the plant is tea in bags. The decoction is prepared in a water bath for 30 minutes.

Dosage and duration of treatment

The specific dosage of the herbal remedy is selected by the attending physician depending on the degree of edema in the pregnant woman. Usually (if there is no hint of increased uterine tone) 200 ml of ready-made decoction or infusion is divided into three or four daily doses. Tea can be consumed in larger quantities, for example, 2 cups daily.

A decoction or infusion is divided into 3–4 daily doses

The drink is taken 30–40 minutes after eating.

A standard course of herbal treatment usually lasts ten days (sometimes it can be longer - 2-3 weeks). If necessary, the doctor can repeat herbal medicine after some time (the break should be at least a month).

Features of eating berries, preparing juice and fruit drinks

To improve the health of her body, the expectant mother can also consume lingonberries, berry juices and fruit drinks.

Bright red, appetizing berries also help eliminate swelling and saturate the body with vitamins and other valuable substances. However, it is not advisable to eat them on an empty stomach: this will avoid digestive upset. In addition, fresh fruits should be discarded if you have gastritis.

A pregnant woman will also benefit from eating fresh lingonberries.

If a pregnant woman does not like the sour taste of lingonberries, then you can make healthy jam from it. The berries are simply crushed in a blender and mixed with sugar. There is no need to cook the delicacy: it is simply stored in the refrigerator.

Video: lingonberry (the healthy berry is discussed in Elena Malysheva’s TV program “Live Healthy!”)

Juices from lingonberry fruit drinks have beneficial properties: they also have a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic effect (useful for colds and flu). The juice squeezed from the berries has a very rich taste, so it is usually diluted with boiled water. A more popular berry drink is fruit drink.

Preparation of lingonberry juice:

Rinse a glass of fresh or frozen berries, mash and pour two glasses of cold water.
Bring the composition to a boil and immediately turn off the heat (to preserve vitamins and other useful components).
Leave the fruit drink to steep until it cools completely.
Strain the drink and add sugar to taste.

Alternatively, washed and mashed berries can not be brought to a boil, but simply poured hot water and wrap for infusion. The volume of water in the drink can be adjusted: it will turn out more or less saturated. However, pregnant women should not consume tasty fruit juice without moderation: it can also have a tonic effect on the uterus.

Lingonberry juice - delicious and healthy drink, which also does not need to be consumed in excess

Video: preparing lingonberry juice

Herbal medicine analogues allowed during pregnancy

Lingonberry leaf like medicine has a number of functional analogues that can also be used during pregnancy:

. A herbal collection that includes lingonberry leaves (50% of the preparation’s weight), string, rose hips, St. John’s wort and bearberry leaves.
Canephron® N. Plant-based drug. Contains equal parts of centaury herb, lovage and rosemary leaves.
Phytolysin. Paste for preparing a suspension of medicinal herbs and essential oils. Contains goldenrod, horsetail, knotweed, wheatgrass rhizomes, onion peels, birch leaves, fenugreek seeds, parsley and lovage roots, clary sage oil, peppermint, pine, sweet orange. This tool in addition to the diuretic effect, it helps relieve inflammation, spasms, and flushes sand from the urinary tract.
Erva grass is woolly. The plant also has a diuretic effect and contains flavonoids and other biologically active substances.

During pregnancy, although I did not particularly suffer from edema, the gynecologist prescribed me the herbal paste Fitolysin a couple of times (the urine test was not very good). I took the medicine regularly, and the next time the tests were always good. So herbal remedies really work.

Photo gallery: functional analogues of Brusniver

Brusniver - a herbal collection based on lingonberry leaves Canephron® N - a tablet preparation based on a plant basis (common centaury, lovage, rosemary leaves) Erva woolly grass also has a diuretic effect Phytolysin - a paste based on herbs and essential oils

What are the benefits of lingonberry leaves for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, lingonberry leaf is usually used as a diuretic for moderate edema, but, in addition to being a diuretic, the plant has a number of useful properties:

acts as a mild choleretic agent for bile stagnation in pregnant women;
Lingonberries help with a deficiency of vitamins C and E (the lack of the latter has a detrimental effect on pregnancy) -;
a decoction of lingonberry leaves reduces the likelihood of exacerbation of gastritis in the second trimester;
Lingonberries have a strengthening effect on the vascular system;
effectively relieves swelling.

Important! Lingonberries contain a number of microelements necessary for a successful pregnancy, such as potassium, magnesium, manganese and iron. The balanced content of vitamins and microelements in the plant activates the body’s protective functions, so the decoction is often used at the first signs of acute respiratory infections. Lingonberry leaf should be taken with caution; if there is a threat of miscarriage, then the decoction is contraindicated.

Often, swelling during pregnancy is accompanied by severe and painful pain, and here lingonberries come to the rescue. If defecation delay lasts more than two days, it is recommended to drink lingonberry leaves along with cabbage juice, in a 1:1 ratio.

In addition, lingonberries are rich in B vitamins, as a result of which they help in the fight against depression during pregnancy.

How to prepare a decoction of lingonberry leaves

Pregnancy is a condition with a high risk of increasing blood sugar levels, so you should not add honey or sugar to the decoction.

Important! Lingonberry leaves should be boiled exclusively over low heat.

How to take during pregnancy

trimester (in the third trimester of pregnancy, lingonberry leaf is taken in minimal doses);
blood pressure (lingonberries are not recommended for low levels) – about hypertension during pregnancy;
multiple pregnancy (in case of multiple pregnancy, consultation with a doctor is necessary before using the herbal medicine);
swelling in severe form (lingonberry leaf is able to relieve swelling only in the initial and middle stages; haphazard use of the decoction for severe swelling can only do harm).

Lingonberries have a fairly gentle effect on the body, however, the concentration of nutrients per 100 g of decoction is very high, so you must strictly adhere to the following rules:

For swelling, lingonberry leaves should be drunk in small sips of 150 ml. three times a day after meals.
If pregnancy occurs with complications, the decoction should not be taken more than 2 times a day.
For constipation and discomfort in the intestines, drink the decoction before meals, 100 ml three times a day.
If pregnancy is accompanied by severe depression, drink the decoction 3 hours before bedtime with a small addition of mint (1:1). Important! The drink is contraindicated for use after 30 weeks!

Pregnancy is often accompanied by stomach discomfort, in which case the decoction should be drunk strictly before meals, adding a few drops of lemon juice to it. Since lingonberries contain more than a dozen minerals, any of the components can be rejected by the body, then you should stop taking the decoction.

What are the dangers and contraindications for different periods?

Even pregnancy that proceeds without complications requires increased caution when using herbal medicine. In the first trimester, when the baby’s vital organs are forming, lingonberries can cause exacerbation of toxicosis, allergic reactions and diarrhea. Despite the rich vitamin complex, the plant cannot be the main source of nutrients for the unborn baby, and abuse of the decoction can lead to intoxication. Short-term pregnancy is often accompanied by changes in blood pressure; by lowering it, lingonberries can harm the blood supply to the fetus.

In the second trimester, slight swelling often appears, but this is not a reason to immediately use lingonberry leaves. By the 16th week, the child has already developed not only tactile, but also taste sensations, and sometimes herbal decoctions provoke increased excitability of the baby. Most often, lingonberries are prescribed during this period if the doctor notices a tendency to inflammatory processes in the body. At the end of the second trimester, lingonberry leaf is recommended in cases of severe swelling of the hands, feet and face of the expectant mother -.

Lingonberries pose the greatest danger in the third trimester. The use of a decoction can cause increased uterine tone; if pregnancy is accompanied by a threat of miscarriage, then the use of herbal medicine is prohibited. Often, after taking a decoction in the later stages, a pregnant woman feels tension in the lower abdomen, the muscles harden, and the child begins to move more actively. If such symptoms occur, you should stop taking the decoction. Increased uterine tone can lead to premature birth and harm the baby. Lingonberries have many properties that have not been fully studied, so if pregnancy is in the last phase, the decoction can be drunk a maximum of once a day.

Lingonberries are known all over the world for their huge range of healing properties. In folk medicine, not only berries are used, but also leaves of the bush. Women who are expectant mothers use decoctions and teas as a cold, diuretic and decongestant, treat cystitis with it, and get rid of heartburn. Before drinking drinks, it is necessary to examine lingonberry leaves from different sides during pregnancy. How to take and prepare this natural remedy, what contraindications exist and what effect can be expected from decoctions - we’ll talk about this in this article.

Properties of lingonberry leaves for pregnant women

Can pregnant women drink lingonberry leaf decoction?

When resorting to herbal medicine on your own, you must be aware of the responsibility for such treatment, since there is still a certain risk when taking lingonberry preparations during pregnancy. Fans of traditional medicine position this drink as a diuretic or as an auxiliary element of a complex of therapeutic measures for infectious pathologies in genitourinary system. Many doctors believe that after 28 weeks this folk remedy is not dangerous. A decoction of lingonberry leaves is sometimes recommended for pregnant women diagnosed with diabetes.

It can be noted that some doctors see some danger in taking this drug by expectant mothers, since there may be a predisposition to increasing the tone of the uterus, which is extremely undesirable. In contrast to this opinion, emphasis can be placed on the ability of lingonberries to relieve tissue swelling, which significantly improves the quality of life of pregnant women. There are also experts who have a neutral opinion, which is that it is still acceptable for mothers to drink the decoction if they have the problem of edema, but strictly following the dosages recommended by the attending physician - perhaps this option is the most reasonable. We can conclude that a woman should make a decision about herbal medicine with lingonberry leaves together with a specialist who will take into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Possible harm of lingonberry leaves for pregnant women

The danger of a decoction of lingonberry leaves lies in its strong effect on a woman’s body. Contraindications include high concentrations of acids in gastric juice, kidney diseases, heart pathologies, and hypotension. The body may also be intolerant to lingonberries in any form.

Medicinal substances of lingonberry decoction

Of the active components, the substance arbutin stands out, which irritates the renal tubules at the cellular level, which causes intense urine production. In addition, it can be noted that the folk remedy contains tannins, which significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammatory process on mucous membranes and producing easy disinfection.

Lingonberry leaves are useful to brew and take during pregnancy

Use of lingonberries during pregnancy

Preparation and administration of lingonberry leaf decoction

Components:

properly prepared or purchased at a pharmacy crushed lingonberry leaves - 1 tablespoon or approximately 6 grams;
boiling water - 1 cup.

It is not enough just to have the knowledge that lingonberry leaves are very useful during pregnancy. How to use decoction, and what specific dosages it has - this information should be studied thoroughly. Let us examine in detail the traditional approach to preparing and drinking medicinal tea. This is the option that is most often found in the media. Using enamel dishes, brew the leaves with hot water and leave the product for 20-30 minutes, keep in a water bath. Without waiting for cooling, filter the herbal infusion by squeezing out the leaves, then add enough purified water to get about 250 milliliters of liquid. Some sources report that it is necessary to cool the broth, then strain.

Now we will describe the correct method of decoction of lingonberry leaves. It is advisable to take the resulting product after meals, the daily dose is 200 milliliters. It is worth dividing the total volume into 2-4 servings.

There is another approach to taking the decoction. You can drink 2 large spoons 40 minutes after a meal. This treatment course can be continued for up to 25 days, then a 12-day break is taken. Further, if necessary, the therapy is repeated. Maximum 4 courses per year. It is advisable to shake the liquid before use.

Recipe for lingonberry leaves infusion

Components:

crushed lingonberry leaves - 1 teaspoon;
hot water - 1 glass.

Brew lingonberry leaves with boiling water and leave for a while. They drink this tea four times a day. Single dose - 50 milliliters. You can also take the infusion twice a day, 100 milliliters.

Lingonberry leaves in filter bags

Components:

filter bags from the pharmacy with prepared and crushed lingonberry leaves - 2 pieces;
boiling water - 100 milliliters.

After filling the bags with boiling water, you need to soak them for about half an hour, periodically working on them with a spoon to maximize the success of steaming the leaves. At the end, squeeze out the bags and add about 100 milliliters of boiling water. This infusion is designed to be taken 3-4 times a day, 1-2 large spoons.

Vitamin collection for pregnant women

Components:

lingonberries - 2 tablespoons;
black currant berries - 2 tablespoons;
rose hips - 2 tablespoons;
rowan berries - 2 tablespoons;
blueberries - 2 tablespoons;
boiling water - 2 cups.

If there is a deficiency of important vitamins in the body, this recipe helps well. We take equal volumes of each type of raw material, fill it with hot water, then keep it in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. After cooling the broth, filter it and add a little boiling water. Take the product in small quantities instead of tea.

If pregnancy occurs with complications, it is necessary to coordinate the use of any medication or folk remedy with your attending physician. As practice shows, lingonberries really help many expectant mothers improve their condition with swelling and colds, but still, standard medications should not be neglected.