red vine

The vine has always been closely linked to the Mediterranean culture. Vestiges of up to six thousand years old are known that account for the cultivation of this plant in Egypt. The Phoenicians, the Greeks and later the Romans introduced it to Europe.

The vine (Vitis vinifera) is a woody and climbing plant that can reach up to 20 meters high, but when cultivated it does not exceed two meters. The trunk is thick and twisted, the leaves are webbed, and the flowers are minute and pale green.

It is cultivated on plains and slopes, it flowers in spring and the fruits, which ripen in summer, are collected at the end of this season or at the beginning of autumn. for medicinal purposes the leaves, the fruits or grapes and the oil are used of the seeds.

Red vine medicinal properties

Among the active principles of the red vine, the presence of anthocyanosides, flavonoids and tannins in the leaves stands out; carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, dextrose and levulose), flavonoids, cellulose, minerals and vitamins A, B and C in the fruits; and unsaturated fatty acids, catechins, a proanthocyanidin called resveratrol, and vitamins C and E in the seeds. These are its main uses in phytotherapy:

The importance of the leaves, in infusion or extract, is highlighted for its venotonic, vasoprotective and astringent properties for the ttreatment of circulatory problems such as hemorrhoids, phlebitis and varicose veins, as well as edema and menstrual disorders. It also soothes tired legs. Grape seed extracts, which come in oil pearls, capsules, and tablets, are prescribed as an antioxidant, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory remedy in arthritic and rheumatic conditionsto reduce the high LDL cholesterol levels and to combat the allergic outbreaks.The red vine is also very effective for avoid fluid retention and tackle persistent diarrhea.

Natural remedies with red vine

Herbal tea for phlebitis and varicose veins: A formula can be made based on 30 g of red vine leaves, 40 g of ginkgo, 20 g of witch hazel, 10 g of butcher’s broom and 10 g of green anise, in the proportion of one tablespoon of the mixture per 200 ml of water (a glass). How to prepare it: Boil for 10 minutes and drink a cup three times a day.To take the pressure off your legs: And also in the case of non-severe hemorrhoids, sitz baths that are prepared with vine leaves, cypress and horse chestnut in equal parts are recommended. How to prepare it: Four tablespoons of the mixture are boiled in two liters of water for 5 minutes and then strained. Once tempered, the bath is applied.Diuretic and antidiarrheal herbal tea. To benefit from one or both properties, it is enough to prepare the following formula: combine red vine, condurango, blueberry leaves and loosestrife, in equal parts, and add two level tablespoons per liter of water. How to prepare it: Blanch the mixture for 1 minute, let it rest for 10 more minutes and strain. The resulting infusion will be taken throughout the day, in small sips, while the problem lasts.

How is it used

The great nutritional contribution of the red vine can be taken advantage of by taking grapes once or twice a day or by making a autumn cure.

The red vine is also marketed in the form of oil pearls, capsules and tablets. It is very common to find it in capsules or cream as an effective remedy to activate circulation in the legs.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”