It is tough to imagine a summer without strawberries. But did you know that the benefits of strawberries aren’t only with the red berries? Did you know many tea and decoction recipes include strawberry leaves? Strawberry leaf tea benefits from substances such as agrimony, flavonoids, and even several acids that help protect the body against all kinds of bacteria. Strawberry leaf, shoot tea, and decoction are used for colds and throat diseases, diarrhea, stress or nervous tension relief, and even hemorrhoids.
About The Strawberries
The strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is a perennial herbaceous berry-bearing cultivated plant. Strawberries originated in Western Europe at the beginning of the 18th century and eventually spread throughout Europe. Today, strawberries are grown on every continent in the world. Breeders have developed more than 2000 varieties.
Collection, Drying, and Storage of Strawberry Raw Materials
Strawberry leaves are best harvested when the plant blooms. At this stage, they are most enriched with beneficial substances. Pick the leaves on a sunny day after the dew has fallen. They must be dry and not damaged.
You can also collect and dry strawberry shoots. They are excellent as a medicinal raw material for making teas and infusions.
As with all herbs, dry the peeled strawberry leaves and shoots in the shade or a well-ventilated room, stirring occasionally. Store the dried medicinal raw material in cloth bags in a dark place for up to one year.
Benefits of Strawberry Leaves
Not many people know that strawberry leaves have many healing properties. Folk medicine practitioners unanimously believe that dried strawberry leaf tea helps to overcome the following ailments:
- vasoconstriction
- weakness
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- joint pain and stiffness
- stomach pain
- spleen diseases
- scurvy
- cough
Strawberry leaf tea benefits are supported by scientists based on various studies. They state that:
- Strawberry berries, as well as their leaves, are rich in vitamin C. This group of vitamins is known to be successful in combating colds.
- Strawberry leaves also contain various types of tannins, alkaloids, and cobalt.
- Fresh, just-picked strawberry leaves are effective as a remedy for skin ulcers and purulent inflammations.
- Strawberry leaves have a rich composition that successfully helps the body fight pneumococcus, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
- If you are prone to conjunctivitis (at least 1-2 times in 24 months), strawberry leaf tea can be a prophylactic measure against this disease.
- Strawberry leaf tea can help with a critical disease such as cancer. Long-term use of this tea slows down the growth of cancer stem cells.
Strawberry Leaf Tea to Stop Bleeding
Strawberry leaf tea can help stop hemorrhoidic bleeding. Consume a few sips per day.
This tea can also help with women’s issues. If you have heavy menstrual periods, strawberry leaf tea will slow the bleeding and give you energy.
You will need:
- 1 tbsp. dried strawberry leaves
- 200 ml of hot boiled water
Preparation:
Pour hot, boiled water over the strawberry leaves and leave to steep for 40 minutes. Afterward, strain the tea and drink. Take a few sips a day.
Strawberry Leaf Tea for Diarrhea
Make a quick solution for diarrhea: drink 200 ml of strawberry leaf tea. Within a few hours, your well-being will improve, and the diarrhea problem will be solved.
You will need:
- 2 teaspoons of dried strawberry leaves
- 200 ml of hot boiled water
Preparation: cover the strawberry leaves with hot, boiled water and leave to warm for 30 minutes. If you don’t like floating leaves, strain the tea and drink it after that.
Clover Leaf and Strawberry Leaf Tea
This tea can be a great help in times of stress or anxiety. Drink 200 ml 2-3 times a day.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of dried strawberry leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried clover leaves
200 ml of hot boiled water
Preparation:
Mix the strawberry and clover leaves, cover with hot, boiled water, and leave to steep for 20 minutes. You can strain the tea before drinking it and, if you like, flavor it with a teaspoon of honey.
Strawberry Leaf Decoction
If you’ve had a lot of mental strain, this strawberry leaf decoction can help you recover. Drink 1 tablespoon four times a day to feel better.
You will need:
- 2/3 tbsp. strawberry leaves
- 200 ml of hot, boiled water
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over the strawberry leaves and leave it for 3 minutes. Afterward, leave to stand for an hour. You can strain the tea.
Strawberry Shoot Tea
If you have tuberculosis, this tea can help alleviate the symptoms. Drink this tea in small doses throughout the day. The recommended course of treatment is 30 days on and 7 days off. Repeat the course as needed.
You will need:
- 10 dried strawberry shoots
- 0.5 l of boiled water
Preparation:
Pour hot, boiled water over the strawberry shoots and leave to warm for 50–60 minutes. Drain the strawberries and steep for 50 minutes for 30 minutes before drinking the tea.
Barberry, Dandelion, and Strawberry Leaf Tea
This dandelion, barberry, and strawberry leaf tea is appropriate for diabetes. It can be drunk 3–4 times a day, 200 ml each.
You will need:
- 10 g dandelion herb (leaves, stems, or flowers)
- 5 g of strawberry leaves
- 10 g barberry leaves
- 400 ml of hot boiled water
Preparation:
Mix all the herbs and steep in hot, boiling water for 20 minutes. You can strain the water for 20 minutes before drinking it.
Strawberry Leaves for Your Beauty
You might be surprised, but strawberry leaves are also used in cosmetology. They can help reduce skin pigmentation and provide the skin with the moisture it needs. It is also worth mentioning that washing with strawberry leaf tea visibly rejuvenates the skin. Do you want your skin to glow? Then, drink 150 ml of strawberry leaf tea every day. You’ll notice a reduction in redness, less itching, no more greasy shine, and smoother skin.
You will need:
- 2 teaspoons of dried strawberry leaves
- 150 ml of hot boiled water
Preparation:
Pour hot, boiled water over the strawberry leaves and leave for 10–15 minutes.
Possible Side Effects of Strawberry Leaf Tea
Even though strawberry leaf tea and decoctions can be beneficial for the body, they can cause side effects.
- Strawberry leaves should not be abused by pregnant women, as they can slow down the absorption of iron in the body, reduce hemoglobin levels, or cause miscarriage.
- This tea should also not be consumed by breastfeeding mothers.
- Strawberry leaves are not recommended for children under 3 years of age to avoid possible dermatitis.
- The strawberry leaf material should be used sparingly or not at all by those with a high acidity of gastric juices.
- Strawberry leaves should not be consumed by people with liver disease or persistent high blood pressure.
Like all herbs, strawberry leaves should be used with caution. Consult your doctor if necessary.
Sources:
https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/braskes/
https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/strawberry
Researches:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b00857?cookieSet=1
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336457867_STRAWBERRY
Associative photos from © Canva.