Wild plum (Sloe or black thorn) for a healthy and strong heart, urinary infections and inflammatory conditions of the throat
The wild plum grows all over the world, although it originates from the territory of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. Astringent blue beans are useful in phytotherapy and in the alcoholic beverage industry (for the preparation of gin and wine) and in the production of anti-aging cosmetic products. Wild plum is rich in vitamins A, B, E and C, minerals, tannins, pectins, organic acids, flavonoids. People harvest wild plum en masse during the ripening season. The ingredients of this fruit suppress inflammatory conditions and neutralize the effects of oxidative stress. This reduces the risk of the occurrence and spread of numerous diseases (especially heart diseases), digestive organs, kidneys and urinary bladder.
Wild plum is rich in minerals, especially potassium
That is why it is an excellent fruit in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which reduces the risk of a heart attack. These conditions can be caused by various factors, and stress is one of those factors. Teas and tinctures with wild plum have a beneficial effect on the organism in a state of tension (because they calm the organism, alleviate the feeling of fatigue and chronic exhaustion). These preparations are useful against insomnia, mild depression and feelings of disorientation (which are very characteristic of menopause in women).
Wild plum is an excellent helper in fighting bacteria due to its high content of vitamin C, various types of organic acids and tannins. It helps against inflammation of the throat and urinary infections.
Wild plum is the ultimate bowel cleanser
It contains 2 types of fiber (soluble and insoluble), which play an important role in the digestive process, appetite regulation and maintaining the health of the digestive tract. Namely, insoluble fibers speed up intestinal movements and help their emptying (which alleviates complaints for people who have problems with digestion and flatulence). These components have a depurative effect because they harden the fecal content (which, when passing through the intestine, presses on the walls of this organ, which encourages the release of accumulated toxins and impurities from its folds). Soluble fibers absorb liquids with which they come into contact (when they enter the body). As a result, viscous gelatinous substances are formed that swell, which increases the feeling of satiety. Consuming preparations made from foods rich in fiber (wild plum) is useful because it prevents the development of diseases (for example, type 2 diabetes). Fiber regulates lipid and glucose levels in the blood.

The fruit and other parts of the wild plum plant (leaves, bark and flower) are used in the preparation of various medicinal preparations for the prevention (or relief) of various ailments.
Wild plum is a deciduous, dense bush that is branched and thorny. The bush is very resistant and can grow up to 3 meters. The bark is dark (most often black), while the elongated leaves are egg-shaped and arranged oppositely. The leaves are covered with hairs on the underside. The bush is rich with many flowers and made of 5 cream or white petals. The round dark blue fruits have a sour and pungent taste.
Wild plum does not require excessive care. That is why it is present in many places, but most often on the edges of forests, lands after deforestation, on slopes and hedges and around river banks. It tolerates various types of soil well, except for acidic soil.
The plant blooms from March to April. Then the flower should be picked, and preferably when the flower has not yet fully opened. The best time to collect flowers is in the morning. Drying is in a shady place with a draft. The plant is stored in hermetically sealed containers. It is not advisable to store the flower for a long time because its healing properties weaken over time. The fruit is collected during autumn, ie before the first frosts. They are used fresh or dried. The fruit should be washed well, put in a dryer or oven if you want to dry the fruit.
The leaves and bark of the wild plum are collected at any time of the year