Figs useful properties and healing. Figs: medicinal and beneficial properties

Fig tree or fig tree is one of the first plants whose value was recognized and glorified by people. Sweet, quickly satisfying hunger figs, beneficial features which did not leave indifferent the healers of Greece, Rome, the Middle East and Asia, was repeatedly described in the greatest literary sources, depicted on the canvases and sculptures of the masters of antiquity and the Renaissance. And today, when the biochemical composition of fresh and dried fruits is fully studied, figs have not lost their popularity.

Over the past four hundred years, fig trees have greatly expanded their area of ​​growth. Figs are cultivated not only in historical homeland, in the Middle East and North Africa, but also in the Americas. The heat-loving culture took root on Black Sea coast Russia. But due to the short shelf life, fresh fruits around the world are mainly dried and processed.

Calorie content of figs

And only plucked wine berries and dried ones are tasty, nutritious and contain many bioactive substances. However, the calorie content of figs and its nutritional value in this case are different.

In 100 grams fresh figs contains:

• 1.5% proteins;
• 0.4% vegetable fats;
• 4.9% carbohydrates;
• 12.5% ​​ash;
• 1.4% moisture.

Fiber-rich fruits accumulate a significant amount of sugars as they ripen, which determines dessert taste and high nutritional value. A few fresh berries perfectly satisfy hunger, but at the same time, only 74 kcal per 100 grams of fruit.

As a result of drying, the beneficial properties of figs are fully preserved and even multiplied. But along with the loss of moisture, the concentration of carbohydrates increases.

What is useful figs

Like other products plant origin, fig fruits contain vitamins and mineral salts, sugars and organic acids, fiber and other compounds that can affect a person's well-being. Therefore, the benefits and harms of figs for the body are determined by its bio chemical composition. As part of fresh and especially dried fruits a lot of:

• vital B vitamins;
• micro and macro elements, including magnesium and iron, potassium and calcium;
• fiber indispensable for active digestion.

Although figs cannot be called a source of ascorbic acid, the rutin contained in its pulp helps the absorption of this vitamin. The same component, together with flavonoids and natural antioxidants, strengthens blood vessels, is responsible for regeneration and cellular rejuvenation.

Coarse fiber leaving most fig fruit, perfectly cleanses the intestines and activates its work, fights the accumulation of toxins and resists the development of pathogenic microflora.

Useful properties of figs

Main areas therapeutic use properties of figs are gastroenterology, cardiology and neurology. Vegetable raw materials are used for the manufacture of laxatives, strengthening capillaries and cosmetic preparations.

What is useful figs for self-use? The introduction of its fruits into the diet will be as beneficial as possible:

1. Fresh fruits are used in the treatment of diseases vascular system including hypertension, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
2. Figs are an excellent laxative. It quickly and gently cleanses the intestines, stimulating its work and removing accumulated toxins from the body. Along the way, a disinfectant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect of the fruit is manifested.
3. Possessing diaphoretic properties, the fruits of the fig tree help relieve fever.
4. When used externally, the pulp softens and nourishes the skin. Useful properties of figs allow you to remove redness and irritation.

Today, doctors are studying the effect of fruits on cancer cells, as well as the ability to use figs when inflammatory diseases liver.

With a hangover, after household poisoning or other intoxications, figs with benefits and without harm to the body alleviate the condition, speed up recovery.

Figs with cough milk: recipe and application features

Soft, fibrous pulp folk medicine It has long been used as a mucus thinner and expectorant. To do this, prepare a decoction of dried fruits in milk. Warm medicine effectively soothes an irritated throat, reduces pain and speeds up recovery. A sweet taste The decoction is very popular with both adults and children.

The recipe for figs with cough milk is very simple. Per glass drinking milk take 2-3 figs, which are thoroughly washed beforehand hot water. The components are put on a small fire and, stirring, boil until two-thirds of the original volume remains in the container.

In order for the cough remedy to be as useful as possible, it should be wrapped up and left for several hours to infuse. The decoction is taken warm three times a day, 100–150 ml at a time. So the beneficial properties of figs will be revealed in full force.

Figs during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Figs are abundant alimentary fiber, vitamins and microelements, which will useful woman expecting a baby or already breastfeeding a baby.

During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the digestive organs. As a result, constipation is not excluded. Cope with them and prevent new disorders will help Not a large number of whether fresh or dried fruits as a dessert or a light snack.

At the same time, you need to remember that you should not get involved in figs during pregnancy because high content Sahara. You can include fruit in the menu only after making sure that it does not cause allergic or other negative reactions.

Contraindications to the use of figs

Like many other products of plant origin, figs have both beneficial properties and contraindications for use. With extreme caution should be attributed to the fruit to those who suffer from diseases gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage. Do not include figs in your diet if you are prone to diarrhea.

Refuse to eat figs will have diabetics and allergy sufferers with individual intolerance exotic fruits. The last risk category includes pregnant and lactating women. Figs at breastfeeding enter the menu very carefully, following not only the reaction of the mother's body, but also the child.

A high concentration of organic acids in fresh fruits can cause exacerbation of gout, pancreatitis and urolithiasis. Only if you follow the rules of personal safety, delicious sweet fruits will give a lot of pleasure and will not harm your health.

Video about the benefits of figs for the body

Probably everyone once tried figs. The benefits for women, men and children are enormous. This is exactly what will be discussed in the article.

What is a fig?

Figs are sweet fruit, when ripe, very soft and juicy. The history of this culture goes back to antiquity. The first mention of the beneficial properties of this fruit are found in the Egyptian civilization. Figs rarely exceed large plum or apricot. From above, the fruit is covered with a thin skin, different great content seeds, the seeds are small and soft. The fig has many names: fig, and, in fact, fig. The fruits grow on a tree whose trunk can reach up to twenty meters in height. Such a tree lives up to five hundred years and is able to bring a harvest every year. Only fruits are eaten. very large for the body. In medicine, both the leaves and the bark of the tree are widely used.

Species and places of growth

The traditional areas in which the fig tree grows are the countries of the East, some Asian states, countries near the mediterranean sea, caucasus. Figs require a favorable warm climate with moderate humidity and sunshine. Separate types of this tree, which are frost-resistant, grow in Russia, but only in the south of the country. There are over four hundred varieties of figs. They differ in the size of the fruit, shape and color, the taste of the pulp, the height of the tree, the speed of ripening. Some varieties produce several crops per year.

Figs: composition

Fig fruits are rich various types sugars: glucose, maltose, sucrose, levulose. As well as fruit acids: citric, glyceric, quinic, shikimic, oxalic. More sugars are found in dried and dried fruits. The fruit is rich in iron, copper, essential oils, macronutrients.

The vitamins contained in figs are almost all B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, A, C, E, PP. There is some content of beta-carotene. The presence of all these elements depends on the degree of ripeness of the fetus. The most useful is ripe figs The favorable period for the ripening of the fruit is August - October.But it is important to remember that the shelf life of a ripe fig tree is not long. healing properties.

Medicinal properties of figs

What are the benefits of figs for the body? It has the following properties:

• Thanks to the content of folic acid, it positive impact on the course of pregnancy and fetal development.
• The complex of vitamins of group B affects the central nervous system, protects the body from stress and fatigue.
• Content essential oils and vitamin C turn figs into a prophylactic against colds and respiratory viral diseases.
• The content of sugars affects the functioning of the brain.
• Figs help reduce fever.
• Fights inflammation in the body.
• Favorably affects digestion.
• The pulp of the fruit will help with constipation.
• Figs are antitussive, expectorant.
• Normalizes the functionality of the lungs.
• Helps with anemia.
• Dried figs contain pectin, and therefore contribute to the rapid healing of open wounds.
• Clears the blood of cholesterol plaques.
• Removes toxins.
• Good for work of cardio-vascular system.
• Affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
• Good effect on work genitourinary system and kidneys.
• Has a diuretic effect.
• relieves bad breath.

In addition to the fruits, the leaves and bark of the tree also have healing properties. Due to the high content of tannins in the leaves, they are used as an astringent against diarrhea. A decoction of the leaves also reduces gas formation, fights colitis, eases the course of dysentery and various kinds of food poisoning.

The fresh leaves are used as a skin cleanser. Fight redness, inflammation and boils.

A decoction of the leaves is used for respiratory diseases.

Properties of figs useful for women's health

What else will surprise figs? The benefits for women from this fruit are enormous. Eating it regularly will help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and resist such an unpleasant phenomenon as vascular networks on the legs. Thanks to beneficial acids veins and blood vessels become toned, and such a substance as ficin, which is contained in fig juice, adhesions in the vessels disappear, blood circulation improves, fatigue and swelling disappear.

The natural source of folic acid is figs. The benefits for women of this vitamin are known to everyone, because it is folic acid that is prescribed for pregnant women. It favors the development of the fetus and the preservation of the integrity of the placenta. In addition, it promotes oxygen metabolism in tissues. Also, figs help to overcome anemia, which is often found in pregnant women.

Women who are expecting a baby often experience problems with bowel movements. Figs have a laxative property and significantly reduce the occurrence of constipation during pregnancy. And for nursing mothers, figs will help increase lactation.

Ripe fruits of the fig tree facilitate the well-being of a woman during menstruation and reduce pain.

The use of figs for cosmetic purposes

What else is useful figs? The benefit for women from this fetus is that it can be used in cosmetic purposes. The fig pulp face mask nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The skin becomes elastic and elastic. In addition, figs perfectly compensate for calcium deficiency. And calcium is a building element that is part of bones, hair, nails.

Fresh figs perfectly satisfies hunger, so it helps to cope with strict diet. In fresh fruits, the sugar content is not as high as in dried ones, therefore, to maintain a figure, you need to use fresh fruits.

Fig juice has another useful property that provides an even, safe tan. The action of trace elements enhances the production of melanin, while increasing the protective properties of the skin and protecting it from serious sunburn.

The juice from the leaves and young stems helps to cope with acne, abscesses, boils, abscesses and warts. Softens dry calluses and corns on the feet.

Figs are used to whiten teeth.

Figs: contraindications

Despite all their positive properties, figs have some contraindications.

• The dried berry contains a large amount of sugar, so it is not recommended for people with diabetes, as well as those who have excess weight. In these cases, you can use fresh figs.
• It is not recommended to use fruits for gout, as they contain oxalic acid.
• It is also worth giving up figs for people with exacerbated diseases of the intestines and stomach, accompanied by a severe inflammatory process.

Eat natural wholesome food and be healthy!

Figs: history, types, distribution, composition and calorie content, health benefits, medicinal properties and contraindications. Photo.

The common fig, also known as the fig tree, fig tree, fig tree, ficus karika, fig tree, is a subtropical deciduous tree reaching a height of 12 m. Figs usually produce two to three crops per season, in summer and autumn. The color of the fruit varies from creamy yellow to dark red and black-blue, the taste is from sweet and sour to sugary-sweet, the shape is round and pear-shaped. The tree begins to bear fruit already at the age of three, and can live 50-300 years.

History, types and distribution

The fig tree is one of the first crops domesticated by man. In ancient Hellas, it has been known since the 9th century BC, and in ancient Egypt it was considered sacred. As a cultivated plant, figs began to be grown in Arabia, and from there the tree was brought to Syria, Phoenicia and Egypt. In America, the brown ficus appeared only at the end of the 16th century. By the way, this name comes from ancient Caria - a mountainous region in Asia Minor, which is considered the birthplace of the plant. Today, figs are grown in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Krasnodar Territory, as well as in the Caucasus and Crimea, where the tree was brought by the Genoese. At the moment, about 1000 varieties of figs have been bred. They differ from each other in the way of pollination, yield, ripening period, frost resistance, shape and size of fruits.

Most popular varieties figs: Blanche, Kadota, Chapla, Oglobsha, Azari, Khazar, Commune, Italian white, White Adriatic, Italian black, Dalmatian (Dalmatica), Yellow giant, Purple Sukhumi, Nikitsky fragrant, Sunny, Sochi-7, Fraga white, Sary- figs, Sary-lob (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Crimean-41), Apsheronsky. Of the dried fruits, the light yellow Samarkand fig is considered the best.

Vitamin cocktail: composition and calorie content of figs

Figs are a fruit with a jelly-like pulp and a rich taste, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. A ripe fig is very tender and juicy pulp, and dried and dried fruits hard enough, they need to be soaked or steamed before use.

Figs contain beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, PP and group B, from minerals- iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, sulfur, bromine. There is more iron in fresh fruits than in apples, and in terms of potassium content, figs are second only to nuts.

Figs are also a source of proteins, natural sugars, organic acids, dietary fiber, tannins, fiber, pectins and are extremely important for health. fatty acids omega 3. The benefits of figs are also associated with the presence of antioxidants in it - polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, a ripe fig is an alkaline food, and there is a significant lack of it in the diet of a modern person. Based on the foregoing, it can be argued that figs are ideal option for a snack, of course, if a person seeks to satisfy his hunger quickly and for the benefit of his body.

Calorie content of fresh figs: 74 kcal per 100 g. The nutritional value: carbohydrates - 12 g, proteins - 0.7 g, fats - 0.2 g.

Dried figs calories: 257 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 57.9 g, proteins - 3.1 g, fats - 0.8 g.

Versatile Benefits: The Medicinal Benefits of Figs

High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, overweight - figs can cope with these and many other problems. official medicine today appreciates its healing properties as highly as ancient Greek healers did several millennia ago.

With a cold

The benefits of figs for colds are explained by its antipyretic, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. In the form of a decoction (in milk or water), the fruits of the fig tree are used in folk medicine for inflammation of the gums, respiratory diseases, as a rinse for sore throats. Cough Figs (4-5 fresh fruit pour a glass of hot milk, soak and rub) can be given to young children: you need to drink such a cocktail per day in 2-3 doses.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Figs are useful in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases, and for the prevention of colon cancer. Its fruits have a mild laxative effect, they help to improve bowel function without the use of medicines. You need to take a couple of berries and soak in water (if it is dry figs) or milk (fresh fruits) and eat on an empty stomach. Doctors also prescribe fruits wine berry with nephritis, urolithiasis and painful urination.

For cardiovascular diseases

Figs are useful for hypertension, iron deficiency anemia and venous insufficiency, as they are rich in rutin and potassium, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. The enzymes contained in the fruits of the wine berry maintain the normal composition of the blood, preventing it from thickening, and contribute to the resorption of blood clots in the veins. The amino acids that make up figs help break down excess cholesterol in the blood.

For skin lesions

Figs accelerate the opening and healing of boils, abscesses, abscesses: fruits steamed in milk are applied to sore spots. Juice and infusion of fresh leaves of carian ficus perfectly moisturizes dry skin, removes pigmentation in vitiligo, removes warts, treats acne and other skin diseases.

Figs are high in fiber, which improves digestion and prevents excess sugar in food from turning into fat. Mexican scientists have found that carbohydrate-rich figs, paradoxically, are useful for type II diabetes. In addition, the fruits of the wine berry perfectly satisfy hunger and help the body get rid of excess fluid. In view of the foregoing, figs can be considered perfect dessert for those who watch their weight.

Figs during pregnancy

The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in micronutrients and folate, fiber and ascorbic acid the fruits of the wine berry are simply indispensable for maintaining the health of the mother and her unborn baby. Figs are especially useful for a woman in a position with excessive weight gain: healthy fruits can be replaced harmful sweets and synthetic vitamins.

For the mood

Figs are useful to people whose work is associated with creativity and mental stress. This sweet fruit, in addition to the healing effect, it is also able to cheer up and strengthen memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 contained in it. A breakfast of figs will help out those who “went through” the day before: the fruits of the fig tree do an excellent job with thirst, nausea and dry mouth.

Contraindications

Figs, especially in dried form, are contraindicated in severe obesity, gout (due to the high concentration oxalic acid), pancreatitis, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired salt metabolism in the body and diabetes. Figs only brought benefits if consumed in reasonable quantities: no more than 100 g of dried and no more than 400 g of fresh fruits per day.

How to select and store figs

Fresh figs, even in the refrigerator, are stored for no more than two days, so on the shelves of domestic stores we often see dried fruit. Quality berries are quite soft to the touch. The staleness of dried fruits can be indicated by spots, plaque on the skin, bad smell, excessive hardness. And one more secret: experts say that what smaller fruits fig trees, the tastier they are.

The fig tree is considered a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, and is mentioned both in the Bible and in the revelations of the Koran. According to biblical legend, it was the leaves of the carian ficus that became the first "clothes" of Adam and Eve.

Invaluable health benefits unusual taste, moderately sweet, somewhat reminiscent of honey, tender and fresh at the same time - all these advantages make figs a welcome guest on the tables at different peoples peace. Cleopatra herself preferred it to other fruits, and the ancient Greeks rewarded the winners of the Olympic Games with the fruits of the wine berry. Pamper yourself and only healthy sweets and be always healthy!

Mentioned in the Bible. The leaves of the fig tree covered the first people - Adam and Eve. Fig seedlings are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. The rich chemical composition of the wine berry, so called dried figs, has a positive effect on many processes occurring in human body. The berry is especially useful for women.

Very often, when dried, many fruits lose their beneficial properties. But this is not the case for figs. The nutritional value of the berry after its drying increases, it was not for nothing that the soldiers ate it during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Yes and fresh berries figs are difficult to preserve, so it is better to dry them. You can enjoy dried fruits for a whole year until the new harvest.

Composition and benefits for women

In the dried fruits of the fig tree, or figs, many vitamins are preserved. The fruits are especially rich in vitamin A, folic acid, slightly less vitamin E in them. Of the minerals in the fig, there is enough magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and almost as much potassium as in nuts. Wine berries are valued for great content- about 70 percent - glucose, sucrose. Pectin in the composition of figs increases the nutritional value of seedlings, is able to normalize metabolism.

For the female body dried berries especially useful:

1. Eaten a few fig berries help to maintain the balance of chemical elements during the period of critical days. Since they contain coumarin, the blood thins, making the condition of the woman easier.
2. Anemia is one of the common diseases of a woman during pregnancy. It is the use of dried figs that will improve the composition of the blood.
3. The properties of the wine berry include the stimulation of the lactation process, therefore, during the feeding period, they eat two or three pieces a day. Overindulgence can negatively affect digestive system child.
4. For those who suffer from increased body weight, the wine berry will become the best assistant in weight loss. The inclusion of figs in the diet will allow you to quickly get enough, help to exclude sweets and sweets from the menu. Fig berries can easily replace them during a snack.
5. To cleanse the body of a woman from toxins and toxins, dried fruits of the fig tree are used. They have so much fiber that after eating even two berries a day, the need for it will disappear. And the dietary fiber of the berry will relieve constipation, improve metabolism.
6. The symptoms of varicose veins are particularly severe in women. Dried figs make up for the deficiency of potassium in the body, relieve swelling, cramps in the calf muscles.
7. Figs are useful for colds, sore throats. Dry fruits of figs, infused with milk, are used for gargling.
8. The pulp of dried figs contains many seeds. In crushed form, it is used as a scrub for exfoliating dead skin cells, facial rejuvenation.

The positive effect of fig fruit on female body described by Avicenna.

But some women will have to give up fig treats if they suffer from an acute form. peptic ulcer stomach or duodenum. Oxalic acid in the composition of the fruit will irritate the walls of the organs digestive tract, increasing pain.

It is forbidden to use dried figs for pancreatitis.

A large amount of glucose will not allow people with diabetes to enjoy figs. Although there are no essential oils in fig fruits, allergy sufferers need to include wine berries in their diet with caution.

Whatever benefit the fig tree berry brings to the woman's body, it is necessary to observe the measure in its use.

Since figs grow only in warm countries, the fresh fruits enter the trading network for a short time: either in July or September. The maturity of the berry is determined by the opening of the fruit from below into four parts. Drying of fruits is carried out under a canopy, where they are well ventilated. Washing before drying the figs is not recommended.

The very name of the berry suggests that it can ferment like young wine. You can avoid this by dipping the fruit in boiling syrup for a second or two. Now it remains to lay them out on the grids and place them in a well-ventilated room. After a week of drying, the berries are flattened, strung on a thread and hung in the sun. Some berry bunches are placed over the gas or placed in the oven. After drying, the fruits are placed in paper bag keeping in the closet.

There are also such ways of storing figs:

• The dark variety of figs is dried and put in sealed bags and placed in the freezer.
• Jam is prepared by passing the berries through a meat grinder along with a lemon. Adding sugar to the prepared mass, cook over low heat for twenty to forty minutes. Store jam in jars. Per kilogram of berries take 700 grams of sugar.
• Dried figs are used to make wine with the addition of a few blueberries. A kilogram of figs is poured into ten liters warm water and put for ten days in a dark place.

All types of wine storage will allow you to enjoy its beneficial properties for a long time.

More information can be found in the video:

The fruits and leaves of figs have long been used as medicine in folk medicine. Fresh figs are recommended for quick recovery of cardiac activity when the heart muscle is weakened, as a hematopoietic agent for anemia, and also for reducing excess acidity in gastrointestinal diseases. It is used for hypokalemia and for diseases of the cardiovascular system, when potassium is also needed.

Fig seedlings and condensed fruit juice are used in cardiovascular diseases, with anemia and loss of strength. The thick extract is a dark brown slurry with fragrant smell And pleasant taste. It has a moderate diuretic effect. So, for example, in patients with decompensation of the cardiovascular system, urination increased up to 50%. The recommended dose is -100 g once a day (in the morning). Since the drug is very nutritious and does not side effects, it can be taken for a long time.

Fig seedlings also have an expectorant and emollient effect. In Renaissance Europe, there was a whole collection of fruits used for "chest diseases." In our modern understanding, these are bronchitis, tracheitis, and even tuberculosis and pneumonia. This nutrient-expectorant composition included equal parts dry fruits of grapes, figs, jujube and dates. The calorie content of this mixture, as you can see, is huge, but with debilitating and prolonged illnesses, this is exactly what is needed.

IN Central Asia they are boiled with milk and used for coughs, whooping cough, and also as an emollient for pain in the chest, throat and colds. In French medicine use cough syrup. It is prepared as follows: 500 g of figs are boiled in 1 liter of water. After they boil, add 250 g of honey and (optionally) 250 ml good cognac. All mix and store in the refrigerator in a well-closed container. Apply 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for coughs and other colds.

And here is the recipe for “coffee” from figs, which is prepared as follows: dry fruits ground into powder are brewed as real coffee at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per 1 glass of water. Drink warm in small sips for colds. This drink got its name from the coffee-like color. The invigorating effect here, of course, is not provided for by the chemical composition, but there are quite a lot of calories.

With gastritis recommended in Serbian folk medicine next recipe: For 1 l olive oil take 20 g of St. John's wort and 10 pcs. fig fruits (grind), leave for 40 days; in the morning, drink the protein of one egg, and after half an hour, take a tablespoon of the prepared mixture.

In medicine, preparations based on dried fruits, primarily prunes and figs, are used to improve intestinal motility in elderly and senile people suffering from constipation on this soil. The combined drug "Re-gulaks" was produced in the GDR in the form fruit cubes 8.4 g each, containing the pulp of fig fruits, senna leaves and fruits, vaseline oil. The domestic complex preparation "Kafiol" is produced in the form of dark brown briquettes with a peculiar fruity smell and taste. This preparation also contains the pulp of the fruits of figs and plums, leaves and fruits of senna (cassia holly) and vaseline oil. It has a laxative effect and is administered orally for constipation, especially persistent, 1-2 briquettes per night, and the briquettes are chewed and washed down with non- big amount water. In children's medical practice, fig fruit syrup is used as a mild laxative.

At home, with constipation, the following recipe is recommended. Take 0.5 kg of dry figs and plums, pour 3 liters of water, boil until it evaporates to 2.5 liters; drink 100 g before and after meals and eat a few plums and pieces of figs. The rest of the decoction and thick to take a little during the day and the next day. Option: boil 0.5 kg of figs for 30 minutes in 1.5 liters of water, drink this decoction every 2 hours for 100 g, and eat figs.

Contraindications. There is a lot of fiber in figs, so you should not use it for acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and because of sugar - for diabetes. It is also contraindicated for gout, since it contains a lot of oxalic acid (up to 100 mg%).

The diuretic properties of figs have been known for a long time. It has been used to improve digestion and as a means to increase urination, especially in gout, which is associated with impaired uric acid metabolism.

At present, decoctions and jams from figs are taken in folk medicine as a diaphoretic and antipyretic affinity. A decoction of inflorescences boiled in milk or water (2 tablespoons of dry inflorescences per 1 glass of milk or water) is considered a good remedy for gargling with sore throat, hoarseness and dry cough, and as an expectorant - for oral administration with tracheitis and bronchitis. The same decoction is drunk half a glass 2-4 times a day for kidney diseases and urinary tract. Sometimes a decoction of figs is advised to drink with gastritis, constipation. Outwardly, a decoction is used for poultice with abscesses, flux, etc. Sometimes, to speed up ripening, fresh or soaked dried fruits are applied to abscesses.

The steamed fruit is an excellent compress for an abscess on the gums and gumboil. Similarly, half of the steamed fruit can be applied to any suppuration, boil or carbuncle.

IN Lately figs are also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. "Ficin" has a fibrinolytic effect and is used to treat thrombosis. From the milky juice of the leaves, the drug Furoden is obtained, recommended in the treatment of leukoderma.

Infusion of fig leaves helps with bronchial asthma and in kidney disease. An aqueous decoction of the leaves of young branches is used as an antihelminthic, and fresh leaves figs are applied to boils. In the folk medicine of Armenia, tincture of leaves on vodka is drunk for malaria.

In medical practice, the drug "Psoberan" from fig leaves is approved for use. It contains a mixture of furocoumarins and has a photosensitizing ability (increases skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays), enhancing pigment formation in the skin. It is prescribed for the treatment of skin diseases - vitiligo and alopecia areata. You-let in tablets and in the form of an alcohol solution.

In Armenian folk medicine, when coughing, as well as diarrhea, they use a decoction of dried leaves fig tree. In Georgia, a decoction of a mixture of fig leaves and nettle is given for dysentery. The milky juice of figs is used to treat wounds and remove acne. Fig seeds are known as a laxative - for constipation, a single dose of 10-15 g of seeds is prescribed.

Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Maria Telnova