Strawberries — a valuable source of vitamin C. Strawberry fruits contain sugars (up to 10%), citric, malic and salicylic acids (1.6%), tannins and coloring substances, pectin. In addition, they are characterized by a high content of Fe, K, Mn, P, Ca, Co biologically active substances, essential oils. Strawberry fruits and leaves are rich in vitamins, the fruits contain vitamin C (up to 60 mg%), carotene (0.08 mg), vitamin B1 (0.03 mg), vitamin 132 (0.1 mg), vitamin K (0.1 mg %), PP. Strawberry leaves can also be used as a source of vitamin C (400 mg%). Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) This fragrant and useful berry has been known since prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence convincingly proves that strawberries were on the menu of primitive man. Virgil and Ovid mention them. The first records about the medicinal properties of berries were made by the Roman Apuleius as early as 124 AD. e. In an old Russian herbalist it was written: "Water from strawberry berries strengthens the heart, and gives strength, and destroys the stone inside". Ancient sages assured: in a house where strawberries are eaten, a doctor is not needed — strawberries bring health. Fresh strawberries are held in high esteem by the people. It must be said that folk medicine does not attach any healing value to numerous garden forms of strawberries. Naturally, forest berries are fragrant, richer in vitamins and minerals, but garden strawberries, especially some of their forms, are not without value. Folk medicine recommends fresh wild strawberry berries for diseases of the heart, liver and gall bladder, for nervous exhaustion, anemia and weakness, for gout and rheumatism, for acne and chronic constipation. They also have an anthelmintic effect. Tea made from strawberry leaves is known to purify the blood, promote hematopoiesis and calm the nerves. In addition, it has a reputation (largely due to the knowledge of the old herbalists) as a healing agent for hemorrhoids, spleen and liver ailments, women's diseases and dropsy. With its help, they try to achieve success even with asthma and chronic bronchitis. Tea from rhizomes is recommended for diarrhea and jaundice. However, you should not attach too much importance to the advice of folk medicine. Fruits and leaves are used internally, — ripe berries up to 3 kg per day throughout the strawberry season; decoction (20 g of leaves per 200 ml of water) — 2— 3 tablespoons 3— 8 times a day or fresh juice — 4— 8 tablespoons on an empty stomach; and externally, — crushed berries are applied to the affected area of the skin or lotions are made from juice or steamed leaves (fresh leaves are applied in summer).
