Kalina: health benefits and harms

In ancient times, it was the gifts of nature that were the main means of combating diseases. It is not surprising that in our time, traditional medicine does not lose its relevance. Not only in the wild, but in many garden areas today you can find such a plant as viburnum. But not everyone knows what tremendous benefit this shrub brings.

Useful and healing properties of viburnum

Viburnum red, or ordinary, has a rich vitamin composition. In a sense, it can be called unique, since it is very difficult to find analogues among plants by the concentration and presence of micro and macro elements. Viburnum is known primarily for its berries, which are a storehouse of nutrients. However, leaves and roots also have healing properties. We can say that it is all beneficial.

What is useful for children

Guelder-rose is actively used in the fight against colds. That is why it is extremely useful for children who are most susceptible to SARS. Only a few berries per day will provide the child with a daily norm of vitamin C. Kalina will not only help cure bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, flu, but also improve overall health. Viburnum juice is also often used to increase hemoglobin levels. Important! Viburnum berries in most cases do not cause allergies. However, they may be individually intolerable to the child.

What is useful for adults

  • In a more mature age, in addition to strengthening the immune system, viburnum:
  • reduces the excitability of the nervous system and improves sleep;
  • normalizes kidney function;
  • helps to eliminate toxins and other harmful substances;
  • reduces migraine pain

Vitamins contained in viburnum

In the fruits of viburnum there is the following vitamin composition:

  • Vitamin C - the content of this vitamin is two times higher than in citrus fruits, it is responsible for the body's resistance to infections and viruses;
  • Vitamin A - improves vision and prevents the development of ophthalmic diseases. It also favorably affects the condition of the skin;
  • Vitamin E - positively affects the circulatory system of the body and prevents the development of fatty deposits on the internal organs;
  • Vitamin K - promotes the absorption of calcium and strengthens bones;
  • Vitamin P - strengthens blood vessels, makes them more flexible and elastic.

Contraindications

  • Guelder-rose can be harmful in the following cases:
  • it is highly not recommended for women to bear a child, since the production of female hormones increases - abortion may occur;
  • with hypotension - due to the ability to lower blood pressure;
  • with gastritis and ulcers - berries can increase acidity;
  • with gout and arthritis;
  • people with high blood viscosity - an excess of vitamin K enhances platelet formation and thickens blood

What heals from

There is a saying: "Who is friendly with viburnum, that doctor is not needed." This plant can actually cope with many ailments.

With viral infections

As mentioned earlier, the plant contains many vitamins. And thanks to the presence of ascorbic acid, viburnum is actively used in the treatment of various respiratory diseases, such as flu and tonsillitis. For treatment, you can prepare a decoction or jam. Did you know? Viburnum with honey is often used by vocalists before concerts. It softens the vocal cords and soothes the throat.

For diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Infusions from bark, fruits and flowers are used to treat and prevent bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia. The bark, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces swelling and helps to remove sputum from the bronchi. And vitamins help eliminate bacteria and speed recovery.

With diseases of the liver and digestive tract

People with low acidity can use decoctions and infusions from gastritis and intestinal diseases. Berries strengthen the intestinal walls, increase the production of gastric juice and relieve inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of ulcers. In diseases of the liver, viburnum promotes the production of enzymes that remove toxins from the body and increase the production and outflow of bile. Tannins help get rid of diarrhea.

With dermatological problems

The tanides contained in the berries have a wound healing effect. Cuts and abrasions can be treated with infusions of leaves and bark. And dried flowers and berries kill bacteria, thereby protecting the skin from acne and purulent formations. Masks from this berry are often used in cosmetology - they remove acne and tone the skin of the face.

With diseases of the heart, blood vessels and internal bleeding

The berries of this plant make blood vessels and heart stronger thanks to vitamin E. Tannins and minerals also strengthen the tissues of internal organs and eliminate diseases associated with bleeding, such as hemorrhoids.

Important! Berries have a bitter aftertaste. To remove the bitterness, they need to be collected after the first frost.

How to consume viburnum

Berries can be consumed both raw and dried. Harvest fruits at full maturity. They need to be torn off with stalks to prevent rapid decay. Also, in addition to fruits, leaves, flowers, twigs and the bark of the shrub itself are suitable - they make decoctions, tinctures and teas.

Cooking recipes

From viburnum prepare a lot of delicious and healthy dishes. First of all, compotes and decoctions are made from it, and juices are prepared. Berries are also used as a filling and decoration for pies and cakes, marmalade and pastille are made from them.

We recommend that you learn how to cook and consume viburnum syrup.

Viburnum juice

Juice from viburnum is prepared in two variations: freshly squeezed and canned. Fresh is done standardly using a juicer. If it is not, then you can skip the berries through a meat grinder and strain with a sieve.

For canning you will need:

  • 1 kg of berries;
  • 300 ml of water;
  • 200 g of sugar or a substitute.

Shredded fruits, sugar and water are poured into one pan. Then the mixture is put on fire and brought to a boil. During boiling, remove the foam, and the juice is kept on fire for 3-4 minutes. Then the juice is poured into sterilized jars and corked with lids.

Viburnum with honey

This recipe is especially relevant during an exacerbation of colds. Viburnum puree is mixed with heated honey in proportions one to one and poured into sterilized containers. The tool can be used on an ongoing basis for prevention, eating in the morning before breakfast in the amount of one tablespoon.

It is not necessary to abuse, as a rash can be a side effect.

Viburnum fruit juice

Fruit juice from viburnum is a combination of fresh juice with a decoction. To get 1 liter of drink, you need to prepare:

  • 300 g of fresh berries;
  • 1000 ml of water;
  • honey to taste.

Video: viburnum juice

First, squeeze the juice from the berries. Then the remaining cake is boiled in water. It does not need to be kept on fire for a long time - approximately 2 minutes. The cake should be discarded, and pour juice into the finished broth. When the drink cools down to a temperature of 30 degrees - add honey.

Viburnum with sugar

K alina, grated with sugar, is a healthy and tasty treat. But it is worth remembering that this prescription is contraindicated for diabetics. The preparation is very simple: sugar and washed berries are taken in equal amounts, and then crushed to a homogeneous mass.

It is not recommended to use metal tools and utensils, as the ingredients are not subjected to heat treatment and may oxidize. The finished mixture is poured into glass jars and sent to the refrigerator. This product can be stored for several months.

Tea with viburnum

Hot drinks can be prepared not only from viburnum itself, but also in combination with other plants. For example, if you add several grated berries to black or green tea, you will get an excellent immunostimulating agent. And for a greater effect, you need to pour tea with viburnum with boiling water and let it brew for about an hour. You can also use dried leaves of the shrub itself.

Jam from viburnum

To make jam, you will need:

  • 1 kg of sugar;
  • 1 kg of selected berries;
  • 400 ml of water;
  • cinnamon to taste.

Video: viburnum jam

The berries are washed and separated from the seeds by passing through a juicer (you can squeeze it by hand, putting the berries in cheesecloth). Then the pulp is covered with half sugar, poured with water and left for 8 hours. Then the mixture is boiled for 5 minutes and removed from the heat, and then the remaining sugar is added to it. After two hours, the jam is returned to the fire and again boiled for 5 minutes, then cinnamon is added to it. The jam is left alone for 5 hours, and then boiled again for 5 minutes. The finished product is distributed in washed sterilized jars and allowed to cool slowly in the casing from the old blanket.

We recommend reading about viburnum in cosmetology.

Viburnum filling

This classic restorative remedy protects the body from viruses and colds. But you need to use liquor in moderation. For cooking you will need:

  • 1 liter of vodka or moonshine;
  • 1 kg of berries;
  • 200 g of sugar (optional).

Kalina needs to be crushed and covered with sugar. Then pour vodka and the container is tightly closed with a lid. Infusion should be infused at room temperature for two months. After the expiration of the finished drink is filtered and poured into small glass bottles, preferably with a narrow neck.

Viburnum broth

There are a lot of decoctions from viburnum, and most often they are aimed at treating a specific ailment. For example, a decoction of bark is used to treat a rash, and a decoction of berries strengthens the circulatory system.

To prepare a remedy for the treatment of skin defects, you need to insist one tablespoon of crushed bark in one glass of water in a water bath for half an hour. Then strain the broth and dilute with a small amount of water, so that in the end it turns out 200 ml. Take a decoction inside for 2 tbsp. tablespoons three times a day after meals.

Viburnum freeze

Freezing is used so that the berries can be used fresh at any time of the year. To do this, sort the viburnum, rinse and put it in a container for freezing. After all the procedures, the fruits are put in the freezer for at least 9 hours. Then they get it on demand.

Did you know? Viburnum serves as a natural filter for water. To disinfect the liquid, you need to put a bunch of viburnum on the bottom of the container and leave it for 1 hour.

The benefits and harms of viburnum seeds

Viburnum seeds are recommended for kidney diseases. During the day they need to be eaten in the amount of 8-10 pieces, but not at a time, since in this case they are harmful to the digestive tract. Bone decoctions will be useful for tuberculosis, liver problems, high blood pressure.

However, the bones must be properly stored, they are washed from the remnants of the pulp and dried, and then transferred to a paper bag. In this case, they will retain their useful properties.

Viburnum leaves: properties and applications

Most often, decoctions are brewed from the leaves, which help to fight skin diseases. Often use infusions for the general strengthening of the body, increase immunity. Sometimes leaf juice extracts are used in cosmetology, it is an ingredient in masks, creams and skin lotions. Read also about the beneficial properties and contraindications of viburnum leaves. Nowadays, viburnum is undeservedly forgotten. Everyone knows what it is, how it looks, where it can be found. But most often it just dies in the winter under the snow or becomes food for birds. Knowing about its healing properties, you can turn this plant into a real home doctor and not delete the berries from the list of preparations for the winter.

Interesting Articles