The Blackened Jewel, Black Nightshade Benefits: The Secret to Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects (Yonggyu)

Hello.

Do you have memories of picking and eating small, black-ripened berries on countryside roads or field edges as a child? That sweet yet slightly bitter taste belongs to 'Kkamajung.' Did you know that this common plant, often regarded as a weed, is actually a jewel-like herb with the potent ability to manage inflammation and prevent aging in our bodies? Today, we will delve into everything about this nostalgic berry, Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum), which is known as 'Yonggyu' in traditional medicine.

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Rediscover the great healing power of nature contained in a small, black berry.

What good does Black Nightshade (Yonggyu) do for our body?

Black Nightshade is a plant in the Solanaceae family, and every part of it, from the berries to the leaves and stems, can be used as medicine. It is especially outstanding for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are essential for modern people.

[Summary of Benefits]

• Powerful antioxidant effect for anti-aging and cell protection
• Excellent anti-inflammatory and detoxification action (for dermatitis, rhinitis, etc.)
• Improves blood circulation and promotes vascular health
• Expels waste products through diuretic action

1. Powerful Antioxidant Effect (Anti-aging)
The reason Black Nightshade turns black when ripe is due to a powerful antioxidant compound called 'anthocyanin.'

This component, also abundant in blueberries and aronia berries, is excellent at removing 'free radicals' that cause our body's cells to age and become diseased. Regular consumption can help slow down skin aging and keep cells healthy, aiding in the prevention of various diseases.

2. Excellent Anti-inflammatory and Detoxification Action
Since ancient times, Black Nightshade has been used topically for boils and dermatitis, attesting to its superb anti-inflammatory effects.

It can help alleviate chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopy, rhinitis, and bronchitis by suppressing inflammatory responses in the body. It also has a detoxifying effect, breaking down and expelling toxins accumulated in the body.

Precautions for Black Nightshade Intake (Are there any side effects?)

Just because it's a nostalgic berry doesn't mean you can eat it indiscriminately. There is a golden rule you must follow.

[Summary of Precautions]

• Unripe green berries are toxic (solanine) and must never be consumed.
• Only consume fully ripened black berries.
• It has a 'cold' nature, so those with a 'cold' constitution should avoid excessive intake.

1. Unripe (Green) Berries are an Absolute No! (Solanine Toxicity)
This is the most crucial point. 'Solanine,' the same toxic compound famous for being in potato sprouts, is found in high amounts in the unripe green berries and stems of Black Nightshade.

Ingesting it can cause severe poisoning symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Therefore, when using Black Nightshade, you must only use the fully ripened black berries that have received plenty of sunlight.

2. 'Cold' Nature
Black Nightshade has a 'cold' property. If individuals who are naturally cold, have a weak digestive system, and experience frequent diarrhea consume it excessively, it may make their abdomen colder or cause stomachaches, so it's best to start with small amounts.

How can you use Black Nightshade healthily? (How to Eat)

If you follow the safety rules, Black Nightshade can be an excellent healthy ingredient.

• 1. Drink as a Tea (The most common method)
  • Ingredients: 20-30g of well-ripened and dried Black Nightshade berries or the whole plant, 2 liters of water.
  • How to Brew: Rinse the ingredients and boil them with water in a kettle. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and steep for 30-40 minutes. Drink it frequently like water.
    
    
• 2. Use Young Shoots as a Side Dish (Namul)
  • The young shoots of Black Nightshade, which have very little toxicity, can be blanched in boiling water to remove bitterness, then seasoned with soybean paste or chili paste to be enjoyed as a vegetable side dish.
    
    
• 3. Make a Fermented Extract (Enzyme)
• Mix the fully ripened black berries with sugar in a 1:1 ratio, place them in a container, and let it ferment for 3-6 months to create a delicious extract.

In Conclusion

Today, we explored the amazing benefits of Black Nightshade, a common plant whose value we often overlook. Isn't it amazing that such a small, black berry holds the powerful force to prevent aging and manage inflammation?

As long as you remember the precautions regarding 'solanine' toxicity, Black Nightshade can be a wonderful gift from nature to us.

[References]

• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea, Food Raw Material List, 'Solanum nigrum'
• Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, 'Kkamajung'
• Jeong, J. B., & Jeong, H. J. (2010). The effects of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of a-solanine from Solanum nigrum L. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition, 39(8), 1113-1118.

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