Let’s talk about all the strawberry leaf benefits that you have probably never heard of. And learn how to make yummy strawberry leaf tea.
Use Up Your Garden
It’s fall, and I’m cleaning out my garden, putting some plants to bed while dividing and resetting others. This is the time of the year that I like to redo my strawberry beds. Some ever-bearing varieties are still producing an occasional berry or two, but most will benefit with a refresh. Any of the older plants that are not doing well go into a bucket and those will be cleaned and made into tea. Why? I’m glad you asked!
And many, many more actions too numerous to mention.
Strawberry Leaf Tea and More
You can use them for more than just tea!
Strawberry Leaf Tea
Make a tea, or more correctly, a tisane, from dried strawberry leaves. Steep up to 10 minutes and add honey or another sweetener if you wish. I make tea, as stated above, in large batches and then freeze the bulk of it. That way I can use it in the winter months when most of my plants are dormant or under snow and ice.
I used the strawberry leaves from my garden but you can also use wild strawberry leaves or purchase some from here.
Because the leaves of the strawberry can be tannic in nature, I wouldn’t steep them for more than 10 minutes. Otherwise, your brew may turn bitter and “dry” tasting.
Freeze the Tea for Other Things
I drop a few strawberry leaf tea ice cubes into a batch of hot chocolate or a warm, hearty bowl of chili. The mild fruity flavor isn’t enough to overpower most foods, so feel free to use it where you can. You can also heat a few cubes to make a soothing tea.
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Salads and Desserts
You can eat fresh strawberry leaves in salad or chopped into desserts. Just be sure they are clean and very fresh. If they start to wilt and dry out, save those to dehydrate and use for tea.
Strawberry Leaf Benefits
We all know that strawberry fruit is chock full of nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. But what surprises a lot of people is the fact that the leaves are just as good as the berries for providing you with health benefits. While spring and summer leaves are more fruity and tender, fall leaves have more nutrients in them. Partially dried leaves can be bad for you, but fresh or completely dried is not a problem. I use mine fresh, strain them and then freeze them in cubes to use in other drinks and desserts. The strawberry leaf tea leaves have more healing properties than I ever imagined.
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antimicribial
- Astringent
- Nervine
- Tonic
- Vascular
Pain Killing Properties
You can also add dried strawberry leaf tea leaves to your bath to help soothe away aches and pains. They reputedly have mild pain-killing properties. For me, I just love the fruity aroma and the extra vitamin C doesn’t hurt your skin either!
Poultice For Bites and Wounds
Crushed fresh leaves can also be used as a poultice. Use them on bug bites, scratches, and minor wounds. The tannins can help to draw the skin together and can help close up wounds faster than time alone.
Tincture For Acne
Strawberry leaf tea leaves can be made into a tincture for treating acne. It’s probable that high amounts of vitamin C are responsible for the healing action. Steam made from the leaves can also help to control oily skin, sebum in particular. Use the cooled water from the steam for a facial toner.
Fight Anemia and Menstural Issues
Strawberry leaves also contain a lot of iron. A tea made from the leaves can help to fight anemia. The leaves are helpful with menstrual issues due in particular to the iron content.
Stimulant and Antiinflammatory
Strawberry leaf tea leaves contain caffeic acid, an alkaloid similar to caffeine. And like caffeine, it can be a mild stimulant. Will it help keep you awake? The studies aren’t complete, but it’s pointing towards yes, though not as much as caffeine. Caffeic acid is also an antioxidant, helping your body to stay healthy. It can possibly slow or reverse inflammation as well.
Who knew that strawberry leaves were so good for you? As strawberry leaf tea and many other ways!
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Source: DIY Natural – Food
