These are beautiful berries, but don `t let the children eat Phytolacca.

Phytolacca is a plant not only decorative, but also medicinal. It is included in the state pharmacopoeias of the United States and Japan. For medical purposes he uses rhizomes, leaves and fruits. Its medicinal properties are due to the high content of biologically active and extractive substances, so that phytolacus can be called a "laboratory on the vine". Medicinal preparations from it are present tonic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and laxative.

However, self-medication unacceptable. The fact is that all parts of the plant, except for mature berry, are highly poisonous. Only mature fruits are considered conditionally edible, to taste like the fruits of black elderberry, but in large quantities to eat them is not recommended. Especially curious adults can eat a few ripe berries, but the seeds are better not to swallow. Do not let children get into Phytolacca any way - its fruits are too seductive. From the use of berries in home cooking is also better to abstain.