Miraculous tops of carrots: useful properties and contraindications. Carrot tops: useful properties and contraindications How to prepare a decoction of carrot tops

It is difficult to imagine a daily menu without carrots. It is boiled, steamed, stewed, put into juice and eaten raw. And this is quite logical, because this vegetable has a large amount of vitamins, and besides, carrots are available and inexpensive. Can carrot tops be useful, does it have useful properties and contraindications?

Few people know that, in addition to the root crop, they also eat the tops of the plant. This can be understood, because carrots get to the store shelves already without leaves. How useful is the green part of carrots, and is it worth refusing to pay attention to the tops of the plant?

What are vegetable leaves rich in

It may surprise you, but there are even more useful substances in carrot leaves than in the root crop. The composition of the green part (tops) of the vegetable includes:

• Cellulose . Stable, efficient work of the digestive tract is impossible without this element. Cleans, removes all unnecessary from the body, and these are undoubtedly useful properties.
• B vitamins. The benefit of this component is to improve brain activity and the functionality of the nervous system, as well as the overall performance of a person.
• Provitamin A. Renews and restores cells, prevents skin aging - a definite benefit for a person of any age.
• Potassium. The work of the kidneys and the heart depends on it. It is this element that helps to remove excess fluid from the body in a timely manner and reduce swelling.
• Methionine. The purpose of this element is the prevention of cirrhosis of the liver. In order not to go into the medical properties of the component, it is enough to know that this amino acid is simply salvation for the body.
• Vitamin RR. This component is needed for blood vessels, its benefits are in the prevention of varicose veins.
• Essential oils . The healing properties of oils help with spasms, dilate blood vessels.

As you can see, greenery, which is usually thrown out as unnecessary, has quite a considerable benefit. But there are usually no exclusively useful plants. It is worth paying attention to the other side of the coin and consider what harm the plant can cause and whether there are contraindications to the use of carrot tops.

Caution: foliage

It is safe to say that carrot tops are unlikely to harm human health if there is no doubt about the manufacturer. In the ground part of the plant, nitrates, heavy metal salts, usually accumulate to a greater extent. Their number depends on the methods of growing vegetables, fertilizers used to improve growth and yield. To eliminate risks and find a product “without harm”, it is not at all necessary to look for green carrots on store shelves. It is easier to turn to the inhabitants of nearby villages, who will gladly share the tops of any plant with everyone.

The harm of the tops can also lurk in those substances that make up its composition. For some diseases, they will be contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance to vitamins, minerals contained in the foliage, and its essential oils. After eating tops, it is advisable to pay attention to the body's reaction to this food product. In the absence of allergic reactions, you can fearlessly use the medicinal properties of the tops.
2. The saturation of the leaves with caffeine can be a contraindication for people who are not recommended to consume caffeinated products. More detailed advice on this issue should be obtained from a therapist.
3. Fiber is not only useful, but can also be a source of discomfort in the stomach for those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases. But this cannot be considered a contraindication; heat treatment of the plant before use will help reduce its harm.

Such a slight harm to the tops of carrots (with such an undoubted benefit) cannot be a reason for refusing to eat the greens of this plant. Leaves can be put in salads, marinades, used in any dishes, and also brew tea.

Tops in cooking

The taste of carrot leaves is similar to the taste of parsley, so you can safely use it when preparing salads, put it together with other herbs in hot dishes. For example, healthy carrot tops sauces are perfect for pasta and potato dishes.

Sauce with carrot tops

Ingredients:

• chopped green carrots - 1 cup;
• garlic - 2-3 cloves;
• pine nuts - 100 g;
• vegetable oil - 3-4 tbsp. l.

Garlic and nuts are crushed, mixed with tops and seasoned with vegetable oil. The smaller the components of the sauce, the more tender and richer the taste of the finished dish will be. The benefits of this sauce are undeniable.

Stuffing for pancakes

Pancakes are prepared in the usual way, the whole trick is in the filling for them. Green onions, dill, green carrots are washed in running water, dried and finely chopped. The ingredients are mixed together and passivated in vegetable oil. Such a vitamin mixture can be added to any filling base (for example, rice, potatoes). All components are mixed, slightly salted and spread on ready-made pancakes.

Healing tinctures with herbs

The valuable properties of carrot tops are actively used in the form of tinctures for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases. We should not forget at the same time that self-medication is not always good for health, and tinctures (as a medicine) only supplement the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Particular attention should be paid to drugs of this kind in the presence of contraindications.

The course of treatment is selected individually, depending on the degree of the disease and the reactions of the body. Finely chopped dried or fresh carrot leaves are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. Carrot tops are useful in the treatment of diseases such as:

• haemorrhoids;
• kidney disease, edema;
• cystitis;
• urolithiasis disease.

Infusions are used all year round, for this you need to stock up on plant tops for future use. Raw materials for potions can be harvested during the entire growth period of the plant. To harvest tops for the winter without losing its medicinal properties, it is advisable to wait until the end of summer, when the concentration of nutrients in the greens will be maximum. It should be stored in a closed container for no more than a year.

Not many people know that both tops and roots are useful in carrots, thanks to which the vegetable is deservedly called a pantry of vitamins. Most of us throw away the tops and do not even suspect what we are refusing. For example, carrot tops tea has general strengthening and healing properties.

Our grandmothers also knew about the benefits of garden carrot tops and used it to maintain beauty and health. They were aware of its beneficial properties that improve vision and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails and hair. The chemical composition of the tops of carrots in many respects even exceeds the concentration of vitamins, micro- and macroelements contained in the root crop itself.

• Due to the presence of vitamin C (several times more than in carrots), it strengthens the immune system.
• The content of potassium and vitamin K - improves metabolic processes, normalizes blood pressure, prevents heart disease.
• Chlorophyll is a kind of sorbent that cleanses the blood and lymph nodes of toxins.
• The tiny leaves of this plant contain selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant. Among its wide spectrum of action: the ability to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, a positive effect on the state of the thyroid gland and reproductive function, and the suspension of premature aging.
• Carrot greens have a weak diuretic effect, which is used to treat kidneys and get rid of edema.

The bitter taste of carrot leaves explains the presence of harmful alkaloids in it, but according to their characteristics, these substances are less toxic than, for example, caffeine. At the same time, for the use of such tea for medicinal or restorative purposes, a doctor's consultation is required.

As the leaves grow, they absorb nitrates from the soil. In this connection, contraindications for taking this greenery, in addition to individual intolerance, include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood. The properties of carrot tops can adversely affect the presence of hypotension and stomach diseases.

The daily dose of the drink should not exceed 1 cup. In case of an overdose, unpleasant consequences are possible in the form of nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure.

For harvesting and eating, carrot tops must be grown in an ecologically clean area, away from roads and industrial facilities. In addition, in areas where no recent nitrogen fertilization or pesticide treatment has been carried out. It is better if it is a young carrot grown personally in your garden.

A few simple recipes

From fresh leaves

Throughout the summer, you can brew tea from freshly cut carrot tops. The ground part of this vegetable is usually quite thick. Therefore, even when the root crop is still small, you can pick 1-2 young stems without harm to the bush.

First, the leaves are sorted out, breaking off the yellowed and blackened. Then thoroughly washed and finely chopped.

Pour a teaspoon of chopped greens into the teapot, pour a glass of boiling water (250 ml) and cover with a lid. Herbal drink should be infused for 10 minutes. Then it is poured into cups. If desired, sweeten with honey or sugar.

Pre-scalding the product with boiling water or soaking in cold water will help get rid of bitterness.

From dried leaves

Harvesting raw materials for the future will make it possible to make tea from carrot tops in winter.

Brew a teaspoon of dried carrot tops with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes. Add honey or sugar, milk, cream to taste.

To enhance the taste, it is often mixed with black loose leaf tea.

For greater benefit, carrot tops can be used in blends with various herbs, pieces of dried berries and fruits. For example, rose hips, currants and other berries, nettle leaves.

carrot mix

The recipe includes only carrot ingredients:

1. Pour 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and 3 teaspoons of dried chopped carrots into a warm teapot.
2. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist 20-30 minutes, strain. The drink is ready, pour into cups.

You can also prepare tasty and healthy tea from using it as a monocomponent or in combination with other ingredients.

Harvesting tops for future use

It is undoubtedly more useful to brew fresh carrot tops. But in the conditions of our climate, it is necessary to harvest it for the future. There are two ways to make a blank:

1. Drying way. Cut bunches of tops for convenience, it is desirable to divide into separate stems. Wash them well, dry them slightly, cut them and spread them out on a surface in the shade in a well-ventilated room at room temperature, leave to dry completely. Put the tea leaves prepared for the winter in a hermetically sealed glass jar or canvas bag. Store in a dark place for no more than a year.
2. By freezing. First, the tops need to be washed, allowed to dry (1-2 hours) and prepared in the same way as before drying. Then the raw materials are laid out in containers or bags for freezing and put in the freezer.

The tops of carrots for harvesting for future use should be collected in the middle of summer at the moment of maximum concentration of useful substances in it, the main thing is to do this before the foliage begins to turn yellow.

From frozen carrot tops, you can prepare not only teas and decoctions, but also add it to soups, borscht, main dishes, salads.

Brewing tea based on carrot tops is a great opportunity to strengthen the body and get rid of many ailments. The main thing is to take into account all contraindications, listen to your body, stop taking the drink at the slightest indisposition, and not self-medicate.

Carrot tops are valued for their vitamin and mineral composition. The variety of nutrients in it is much greater than in the root crop. Traditional medicine successfully uses the medicinal properties of the product. The orange vegetable has been known for over 4,000 years. The root vegetable has been eaten relatively recently, but the medicinal properties of openwork leaves have been used for centuries. The smell emanating from them indicates the presence of volatile phytoncides and essential oils, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Since ancient times, people have noticed the beneficial properties that the leaves of an orange vegetable have and have successfully used them in the treatment of various diseases. Healing according to non-traditional recipes is a long process that lasts from several months to a year or more.

What is greenery rich in?

Carrot tops contain a complex of vitamins (A, B, C, E, K), which help the body fight inflammatory diseases. Trace elements (calcium and magnesium) contained in the product improve the cardiovascular system. Chlorophyll, present in excess in greens, helps cleanse the blood of harmful impurities, helps fight swelling, improves the functioning of the lymphatic system, and strengthens bone and muscle tissue. Also, the properties of chlorophyll to restore tissues are used in the treatment of malignant neoplasms. The high content of calcium, selenium, phosphorus and chromium in greens provides almost all the needs of the body for normal functioning.

The tops of the orange root vegetable are recommended to be consumed fresh for both internal and external use. For certain diseases, it is advisable to prepare teas and decoctions from raw and dried leaves. As a vitamin supplement, greens are used in cooking: in salads, first courses, as fillings for pies, pancakes, garnish for second courses.

Like any plant, carrots have contraindications:

• not recommended for use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage;
• you should not test the medicinal properties of the leaves for people prone to allergic reactions;
• depending on the growing season, greens can accumulate nitrates, so it is undesirable to use it for children under 12 years old, pregnant women, nursing mothers.

Before using the medicinal properties of the leaves, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude possible individual intolerance to the product. Contraindications should also be taken into account for the external use of leaf preparations: the furocoumarins that are part of the greenery can cause sunburn when sunbathing immediately after the procedure.

How to use root leaves for treatment?

For medicinal purposes, a carved part of greenery without cuttings is used. Pre-green leaves of carrots are recommended to be poured over with boiling water to remove the bitter taste. You can also use a dried or frozen product in folk medicine. To provide the necessary daily intake of vitamins and microelements, it is enough to regularly eat 4-6 sprigs of fresh herbs. It serves as an excellent prevention of chronic diseases.

Green tops are used in folk medicine for external and internal diseases. The famous ancient Greek healer Pedanius Dioscorides believed that the leaves of the orange vegetable were among the 600 most famous and significant medicinal herbs that were used to treat humans.

The tops of the plant are rich in vitamins A and C, which stimulate the restoration of vision with myopia, hyperopia, cataracts. Vegetable leaves should be consumed fresh, in the form of salads with the addition of sunflower oil or sour cream. The disinfectant properties of green juice are used to relieve toothache: scald openwork leaves with boiling water, chop and squeeze the juice. With cotton wool soaked in liquid, treat a sore tooth and gum several times a day. It is also recommended to lubricate herpes sores with juice. With stomatitis, you can rinse your mouth with green juice diluted in half with water, adding 1 tsp to each glass of liquid. honey. The procedure is recommended to be carried out after 3-4 hours.

In the fight against male impotence, the recipe for infusion of the green part of the vegetable in milk is successfully used:

• pour 1 tbsp. l. dry tops of carrots or a double dose of fresh raw materials with a full glass of boiling milk, preferably from a domestic cow;
• to infuse the medicine, wrap the container with a warm cloth, leave for 1 hour;
• take the drug half an hour before bedtime;
• treatment is carried out daily for a month.

With inflammation of the prostate, herbal compresses on the lower abdomen at night are effective. By regularly eating the tops of the root crop for food, you can achieve significant weight loss due to the fiber contained in the product. Swelling in the digestive tract and stomach, the leaves give a feeling of satiety, having a low calorie content. Green fibers clean the intestines from harmful deposits, help to improve the digestion of food. A decoction of green leaves has a beneficial effect on the skin of the body, hair and nails, restoring their normal state.

How to cure vascular diseases?

To improve the functioning of the heart muscle, it is enough to eat 2-3 sprigs of greens daily, which are rich in magnesium, potassium in the amount required for the normal functioning of the heart. The vessels will become elastic, protected from the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls, if you drink tea from the young leaves of the vegetable every day without a certain dosage:

• pour 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials with boiling water in an amount of 500 ml;
• insist for half an hour.

The blue mesh of varicose veins will disappear without a trace if steamed branches of carrot tops are applied to it every day. The young leaves, prepared as a tea, have a laxative quality, which is very important in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The trace elements that make up the drug help stop bleeding and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Wound healing characteristics with a disinfecting effect are provided by the chlorophyll included in the composition.

Medicines are prepared as follows:

1. Tea: pour 40 g of dry raw materials into 1 liter of boiling water and infuse, wrapped, for an hour. Take 1 glass 3 times a day, regardless of food intake. The recommended course is 14 days.
2. Lotions: prepare an infusion of raw materials according to the previous recipe and use it to wash the affected area, apply linen napkins soaked in a decoction to the hemorrhoids for 15-20 minutes several times throughout the day. The procedure reduces swelling, removes itching, pain, stops bleeding.
3. Baths: put a bunch of dry or fresh herbs in the basin to cover the bottom. Pour boiling water over raw materials and leave to infuse in a basin, covering the top with a lid. Sit in moderately hot water twice a day for two weeks.

When using traditional medicine recipes for treatment, contraindications should always be considered. Before using any healing potions prepared according to non-traditional recipes, it is recommended to consult with your doctor in order to protect your health from harmful effects.

Today I will share tricks and tell you how to use carrot tops in cooking, and besides that, I will give two recipes:

Carrot Pesto and Omelet with carrot tops

How often do we throw away something from which we can cook delicious and interesting dishes! I personally willingly follow all kinds of healthy eating news, “like in the old days” or just learn from the peasants their ability to understand and know nature, because I think that you can eat a lot of what it gives us.

The other day a peasant woman told me about how women in the old days used eating tops of carrots, for example in soups, scrambled eggs, smoothies or for filling pasta. Before that, I knew that carrot tops are edible and that it the taste is fresh and delicate, but I didn’t come across “at hand” specific recipes from which I could “push off”. After my conversation with this peasant woman, I began to look for more detailed information in various sources. Found more than one use case carrot tops in cooking, and today I will share with you two recipes at once, one of which PESTO. Earlier, I already talked about how you can cook the original, and today it's the turn of carrot tops!

How to use carrot tops in cooking: Cleaning and eating

It is very easy to clean the carrot tops, just immerse it in cold water and leave for 5-10 minutes so that any possible dirt or dust is removed from the leaves, after which the tops must be rinsed under running water, shake off the excess and dry with a kitchen towel .

If the further use of carrot tops will be in recipes with heat treatment, then in this case the tops must first be boiled by immersing in boiling salted water for 1, maximum 2 minutes.

Many people know what miraculous properties a bright orange root crop has - carrots. But not everyone is aware of the healing qualities of the tops, although it is widely used in alternative medicine to treat various kinds of diseases. It is for medicinal purposes that carrot tops are used. are in the content of the vitamin complex. So, for example, the presence of vitamin C in greens is many times greater than in lemons.

In addition, it is worth mentioning the beneficial trace elements that are rich in an unremarkable product that are unique and can give odds to any vegetable. They contain phosphorus, iron, calcium, cobalt - all these substances help to keep our body in working order. With regular use, you will improve digestion and cleanse the body of accumulated salts.

The tops have a beneficial effect on the function of the excretory and sexual spheres. Healing decoctions, infusions and mashed potatoes are prepared from it. Even our ancestors used it as a hair rinse. The decoction increased the growth of hair follicles and strengthened the roots. The recipe is quite simple: the crushed plant is poured with boiling water, then filtered and used for its intended purpose.

The following recipe will help get rid of thrombophlebitis or hemorrhoids: 20 grams of tops, pour 2 cups of boiling water. The liquid is infused all night. Divide the finished infusion into 3 parts and drink throughout the day. The course must be carried out for 3 months. For this recipe, both dry and fresh carrot tops are suitable. Useful properties will keep health for many years.

People suffering from insomnia are advised to brew carrot green tea and consume 2-4 cups a day. Like any other therapy with folk remedies, the above should be long-term and carried out in courses. You can relieve a headache with the help of compresses that are applied to the back of the head. Patients with prostatitis should do warm compresses on the abdomen for a month.

With cystitis and inflammatory processes of the urogenital area, it is advised to drink an infusion, which is prepared from a handful of tops and boiling water (0.5 ml). The mixture is infused for about an hour and consumed orally before meals. Treatment with carrot tops is carried out with urolithiasis: 20 grams of greens are infused in boiling water for 10 hours. Healing decoction is consumed at least three times a day before meals. The duration of therapy is 6-8 months.

Carrot tops will also help improve eyesight. Useful properties in and farsightedness have been repeatedly confirmed by practice. Many people with existing eye diseases manage to restore their vision and get rid of wearing glasses. To do this, you need to drink tea from the plant daily in order to achieve a tangible result. Lotions from the tops are applied to the venous mesh of the legs and to the inflamed skin. Such procedures relieve irritation, redness, itching, peeling and eliminate the cyanosis of the integument.

Infusions are used for bleeding and fibroids. The properties of carrot tops are multifaceted, they help tone our blood vessels and treat skin diseases. Here is such an affordable and cheap remedy that saves from ailments, but not everyone knows about it. The most important thing is to use medicinal raw materials correctly, under the strict guidance of a doctor and without fanaticism.