Nine months of pregnancy is a colossal burden for a woman’s body. He has to work for two, and the growth and development of the baby, passing at an accelerated pace, requires a large number of trace elements and nutrients. It is not surprising that the maternal organism can malfunction. Particularly severe is often the burden on the kidneys. As a result, almost every second appears swelling. Harmless at first glance, this symptom can lead to serious complications.
Today, there are many drugs to normalize the activity of the urinary system, as well as remove excess fluid. But pregnancy and pills are poorly compatible. Therefore, most doctors prefer to do with natural herbs. Lingonberry leaf is very popular during pregnancy.
Herbal medicine - a little studied area
Despite the fact that our ancestors have been treated with herbs for centuries, today doctors say that it is very difficult to accurately calculate the concentration of medicinal components in a particular plant material. Therefore, the dosage will be very arbitrary, and the effect is often unpredictable. Therefore, there are at least three positions regarding the appointment of lingonberry leaf during pregnancy:
- Some believe that this herbal remedy successfully replaces medicinal substances, and at the same time is more sparing in relation to the body of the future mother.
- Others, based on their experience, argue that decoctions of lingonberry leaf provoke uterine tone.
- Others believe that the use of lingonberry leaf during pregnancy is justified only in the late stages of pregnancy, when the threat of miscarriage is no longer so acute.
Do not self-medicate
You should trust the experience of the chosen doctor. Only a specialist can assess the condition of the body and choose the perfect drug. It can be noted here that there is such a thing as benefit for the mother and potential harm to the fetus. And only after weighing these two indicators, we can conclude whether lingonberry leaf can be used during pregnancy. You only need to strictly follow the recommendations prescribed by your doctor.
Beneficial features
Of course, there is a benefit from taking this medicinal plant, otherwise it would not be so popular. It is not only expectant mothers who accept it. Quite often, people suffering from chronic kidney diseases constantly resort to this tool to relieve edema and inflammatory processes. How can a leaf of lingonberry help? It has a number of useful substances:
- Regulates the amount of glucose, which means it is useful for diabetes.
- It has a diuretic effect. Often in the third trimester, women suffer from fluid retention in the body. The use of lingonberry leaf during pregnancy allows you to get rid of edema and does not harm the baby.
- Lingonberry is a very healthy berry. Moreover, vitamins and minerals are contained not only in fruits, but also in leaves. That is, such a decoction helps to saturate the body with vitamins.
- Thanks to the special substances contained in the leaves, the decoction removes inflammation and destroys pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, during an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, it is difficult to come up with something simpler and more affordable.
Instructions for use
Everything is pretty individual here. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor. He should describe the exact scheme of how to drink lingonberry leaf during pregnancy, taking into account age and age, the presence of chronic diseases and the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
First of all, the doctor makes an appointment based on the patient's complaints, as well as the results of the tests. Cystitis and pyelonephritis, edema with multiple pregnancy, each of these cases must be considered separately. Dosages and duration of treatment will be different. Of course, the instruction is also on the package, but it is general, not taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Since you need to drink lingonberry leaf during pregnancy, you can immediately stock up on plant materials. It is sold in the pharmacy in the form of filter bags or crushed leaves. It’s best to choose the second option. It is more convenient to brew filter bags, but in this form there are fewer active substances, therefore its reception is less effective.
Storage
Plant materials must be removed from the packaging and poured into a tissue bag. So it will be stored much longer. Make sure that the leaves maintain their integrity and do not crumble. They can be stored for two years if they were placed in a dry and cool place. Expired leaves must be discarded, as they can no longer help with puffiness and most other diseases.
In most cases, you can drink cranberry leaf during pregnancy. This drug has a mild effect on the body, but it is very effective. It helps to remove edema of different localization and any degree. Simple and affordable leaves cope with all stages without the use of additional funds and medicines. The exception is only those edema that formed against the background of serious diseases of the liver and kidneys. Therefore, the doctor must be acquainted with the patient's history.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that herbal preparations have a milder effect on the body, their use should also be justified. They have their own side effects. Therefore, only a specialist can determine whether lingonberry leaf is possible during pregnancy. What contraindications should the doctor consider when prescribing treatment:
- Low blood pressure, especially if the patient is clearly uncomfortable.
- Heart disease.
- Renal failure.
- The increased acidity of gastric juice.
- An allergic reaction to lingonberries.
How to make a decoction
There is nothing complicated about it. Every mother can cook this tasty and healthy medicine at home, which has a pleasant, sour taste. Lingonberry leaf during pregnancy from edema is most often prescribed in the form of decoctions.
For a future mother, the permissible amount is not more than 200 ml per day. Overdose can lead to a worsening of the condition, a strong decrease in blood pressure and other unpleasant consequences. The standard dosage should be divided into 2-4 doses. It is necessary to prepare the broth, observing the following proportion. In a glass of boiling water you need to take a tablespoon of dry, chopped leaves. Follow these guidelines:
- Pour the leaves into an enameled bowl and pour boiling water over it.
- You need to insist 15-20 minutes in a water bath.
- Cool and strain the broth.
- Add water to make a volume of 250 ml.
- Take immediately after eating.
The course of treatment is prescribed by the attending physician. Usually it is 14 days, after which a short break is recommended. If you do not have enough time, then you can prepare a decoction for three days at once. In the refrigerator, he will quietly stand by the indicated time. Before use, you need to give a little warm, so as not to freeze the throat.
Alternative medicine
Today, quite often, doctors prescribe cranberries and cranberries to their patients. They are safer and more gentle than lingonberry leaves during pregnancy. Reviews of patients note that the regular use of delicious fruit drinks can achieve a significant reduction, and sometimes complete elimination of edema. It is worth noting that the leaves of lingonberry in the reviews of women are called a very effective assistant, but the concentration of nutrients in the berries is much higher. A significant plus, fruit juice from fresh berries does not increase uterine tone, unlike leaves.
To make fruit drinks, you need 500 g of lingonberry. Wash the berries thoroughly, then wipe them through a sieve. Take the juice aside for now, and pour the cake with 3 liters of water and add sugar to taste, mix and bring to a boil. After this, remove the pan from the heat and cool. In a slightly warm juice add juice.
Useful Tips
The resulting fruit juice is stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days, so do not do too much. Do not forget that heat treatment allows you to extend the shelf life, but at the same time destroys nutrients. Therefore, fruit drink is removed from the fire immediately after boiling. Instead of sugar, you can put honey. This will enrich the drink with vitamins. But wait until the drink has cooled to a warm state so that boiling water does not destroy all the vitamins.
With all the indisputable advantages and advantages, only a doctor should prescribe decoctions of leaves and berries of lingonberry to pregnant women. Observing the recommended dosages, you will strengthen immunity, relieve swelling and enrich the body with essential vitamins.