The benefits of viburnum fruit drink and methods of preparation

A little botany

Red or common viburnum is a perennial shrub up to 4 meters high. Loves floodplain forests, undergrowth, swamps and banks of reservoirs in the temperate climate zone.

It blooms for 2-3 weeks, starting from the end of May, with lush white or slightly pinkish inflorescences. In their place, by the end of summer, clusters of bright red, less often black or yellow, juicy berries ripen. Ripe fruits remain on the branches until frost, decorating the forest and helping birds survive the winter.

The leaves are carved, three-lobed, up to 10 cm wide, and in the fall they are colored with bright orange and purple colors.

The value of viburnum is that all parts of the plant have a healing effect. Among more than 160 species of viburnum, there are not only medicinal, but also ornamental shrubs. They are used in landscape design to create hedges and delight the eye with rich flowering.

Harm and contraindications of viburnum juice

The juice from this berry has beneficial properties. But it also has contraindications. Fresh viburnum is contraindicated in the following cases:

• increased susceptibility to thrombosis;
• decreased blood pressure;
• increased blood clotting (not possible with thrombophlebitis);
• pregnancy (the drink can cause involuntary contractions of the uterus, which leads to miscarriage or premature birth);
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• a predisposition to allergic reactions (sometimes vitamin C can cause allergies);
• individual intolerance to natural bitterness and alkaloids that are part of fresh juice.

To avoid any harm from straight-pressed juice, you should consult your doctor before drinking it. He will tell you how much to drink this drink and how to do it correctly. Exceeding doses of herbal medicine is harmful and dangerous. The juice must be used for its intended purpose, and then it will have a beneficial effect.

Plant composition

Viburnum is so saturated with substances beneficial to health that it can cope with, perhaps, any ailment.

It contains:

• vitamins C, E, K, group B;
• carotene;
• organic acids;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• catechins;
• fatty acid;
• sucrose;
• fructose;
• glucose;
• fatty oil;
• pectin;
• cellulose;
• resins;
• coumarins;
• trace elements – iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, molybdenum;
• macroelements – magnesium, potassium, calcium.

The highest concentration of these components is in fruits and bark, from which medicinal products are prepared.

The benefits of freshly squeezed viburnum juice for the body

The extract of this red berry contains:

• a large number of microelements beneficial to health - copper, chromium, manganese, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium;
• healthy carbohydrates;
• vitamins - ascorbic acid, carotene, B vitamins, as well as P and K.
• organic acids (in particular, rare valeric acid, which brings great benefits to the body and has a beneficial effect on metabolism even in small dosages);
• pectin substances that act on the digestive tract;
• tannins;
• resinous esters.

The calorie content of the drink is 26 kcal per 100 ml. It contains much fewer calories than other berry products.

The alkaloid viburnine is valuable for health. It has healing properties. Thanks to it, the berries have a characteristic bitter taste. It is noteworthy that some people do not like berries and freshly squeezed juice from them because of this bitter taste. It can be extinguished by adding a little lime or lemon to the drink.

This medicinal drink is indicated for use in:

• colds, including runny nose;
• kidney pathologies;
• high blood pressure;
• eye diseases;
• cysts.

The benefits of taking this drink are expressed in the following:

1. Improves the well-being of a person with insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
2. Reducing the level of low-density lipoproteins - the so-called bad cholesterol.
3. Accelerates recovery from sore throat.
4. Relieves coughing attacks during pneumonia.
5. Facilitates the patient's condition with bronchial asthma.
6. Improves the function of the digestive tract in case of stomach diseases: it begins to work perfectly.
7. Stops heavy uterine bleeding.
8. Normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, having a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body.

The juice can also be consumed for opisthorchiasis.

Homemade dosage forms

The taste of viburnum berries is astringent, bitterish-sour, so they are usually combined with honey. And this is very useful, since honey enhances the therapeutic effect of viburnum.

Juice

The most popular and universal folk remedy is juice. The washed berries are ground through a sieve or passed through a juicer, and honey is added to taste. This product should be kept in the refrigerator for no longer than a month. For longer storage, the juice must be boiled with sugar and a small amount of water and rolled into sterile jars.

Syrup

The method of preparation of syrup is similar to juice. Berries and sugar are ground in equal proportions in a blender. The resulting slurry is infused for one and a half hours, stirring occasionally. Then squeeze through cheesecloth and store in a glass container in a cool place.

Or another way. The berries are poured with water so that they are completely submerged. Boil over low heat for 20 minutes. Then pour into a fine sieve and leave overnight without squeezing. The resulting juice is mixed with sugar in a ratio of 1 liter per 1 kg and boiled for 20 minutes. The thickened syrup is filtered and poured into jars.

Vodka tincture

To prepare an alcohol tincture, 0.5 kg of ripe berries is poured into 0.5 liters of high-quality vodka. Leave in a dark place at room temperature for a month. After this, the tincture is filtered, the berries are squeezed out and the resulting product is bottled for permanent storage. Shelf life – up to 3 years.

Dried berries

To dry viburnum at home, you can use an electric dryer or oven. In the first case, the device is heated to 60 degrees and after 6 hours the berries will be ready. In the second, the temperature is required higher, up to 80 degrees, and the time is about an hour longer. The oven door should be kept ajar.

You can do without heat treatment. Then the viburnum is scattered in an even thin layer on a clean horizontal surface. The room should be well ventilated. During the drying process, the berries are stirred periodically. If the stalks are not removed, the viburnum can be dried by hanging it in clusters under a canopy.

Dried berries are stored in glass containers, linen bags or paper bags for 4 years.

What can be prepared from red viburnum?

There are many recipes for preparing dishes from viburnum and with its addition as an ingredient, we will focus on the most popular and simple, tasty and beneficial for the health of the body.

Red viburnum with honey is easy to prepare, and its healing and healing effect is truly impressive; it is especially effective for hypertension. Decoctions and infusions of viburnum with honey, juices and teas, fruit drinks and other drinks have a beneficial effect on the heart, dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune system. The easiest to prepare are vitamin tea and juice: honey and viburnum berry juice are mixed in equal parts, such tea (juice) is taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before the main meal.

Red viburnum tincture is made with vodka, sometimes with honey or sugar. For vodka tincture, you need 0.5 liters of vodka and 0.5 kg of ripe large viburnum berries:

• the berries are sorted, thoroughly washed under running water, and dried;
• in the prepared glass container, the berries should occupy half the volume;
• pour in enough vodka to completely cover the berries;
• The container is tightly closed with a lid and placed in a warm place for a day;
• after a day, the remaining vodka is added to the container;
• the mixture is infused for a month or more, after which it is filtered;
• The tincture is ready for use.

The longer the viburnum is infused with vodka, the more beneficial the tincture will be.

Red viburnum with sugar is also easy to prepare - rolled into jars, it will last all winter and will be an excellent aromatic addition to tea or pies, revealing its true taste. To prepare you will need 1 kg of viburnum berries, 700–800 g of sugar, sterilized jars. The cooking process will take literally 5–10 minutes:

• Sort the berries, remove spoiled fruits and twigs;
• Wash the viburnum in a colander or sieve under cold running water;
• Place a couple of tablespoons of sugar on the bottom of a sterilized jar, then some berries;
• the viburnum is sprinkled with sugar, a layer of berries is laid out again, sugar again, etc. - the last thick layer will be the remaining sugar.

If long-term storage is expected, then the jar can be rolled up with a metal lid; If the viburnum will be consumed immediately, a plastic or screw-on tin lid is sufficient.

Red viburnum tincture

What does a bright berry cure?

To list what fresh viburnum and its preparations help with, you will have to write a whole reference book:

• decoctions of bark and branches are used in the treatment of respiratory and viral infections, female diseases, malignant neoplasms;
• leaves are included in anthelmintic preparations;
• flowers are used in antiseptic infusions and decoctions for external use, and also as an expectorant and diaphoretic for colds;
• the seeds are able to relieve intestinal spasms and have a laxative effect;
• the roots of the plant are used for medicinal baths for rheumatism and their decoction is drunk for insomnia;
• berries, in a nutshell, cure “everything” – from the runny nose to oncology.

Let's limit ourselves to the most common ailments that viburnum successfully copes with.

Cardiovascular problems

Viburnum has firmly established its reputation as one of the best remedies for alleviating the condition of a patient with hypertension. It not only relieves symptoms, but effectively reduces and stabilizes blood pressure. Moreover, to achieve a sustainable therapeutic effect, no complex recipes or treatment regimens are required. It is enough to regularly drink juice, mashed berries with honey, or viburnum tincture with vodka.

Diabetes

Ripe berries are rich in fatty acids, pectin compounds and sugars, the absorption of which does not require insulin. Viburnum helps normalize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and regulates insulin synthesis in the body.

For diabetes, viburnum is indispensable because it lowers glucose levels while simultaneously saturating the body with substances necessary for health. For treatment, fruit juice and tea made from fresh and frozen berries or a decoction of bark are suitable.

Colds and flu

Viburnum has an antipyretic effect. And it contains one and a half times more vitamin C than lemon. This makes it great for treating colds and flu. When pureed with sugar and added to tea, it relieves symptoms and restores strength during illness.

Berries in combination with honey and mint help to quickly cope with colds and coughs. Fresh juice, two drops, is dropped into the nose throughout the day to treat a runny nose. Drinking plenty of water with the addition of viburnum juice helps eliminate toxins released by viruses.

Allergic reactions

A decoction of the plant’s bark is recommended to be added to medicinal baths for complex treatment of allergies. Taking them for 10 minutes every 2-3 days can get rid of skin rashes. In addition to external symptoms, viburnum remedies successfully cope with other manifestations of the disease.

The biologically active components of the plant enhance metabolic processes in the body, promoting the elimination of allergens. Sedative properties help relieve stress and depression that accompany the disease. Decoctions and infusions of fruits and bark are well suited for treatment.

The benefits of viburnum berries

Viburnum berries are useful for preventive purposes against colds and viral diseases. This is due to the richness of vitamin C with antioxidants. Due to its bitter-sour taste, it cannot be called a popular berry, but it has found its place in the form of fillings in baked goods, compotes, jams and fruit drinks, which, when properly prepared, retains all the positive aspects for the body:

1. The product helps strengthen all organs and systems, filling you with energy and performance.
2. Viburnum in any form is a sedative that relieves insomnia and stress.
3. The diuretic properties of the berry solve problems of the kidneys and gall bladder.
4. Consuming viburnum will relieve wounds and ulcers, eczema, ulcers and boils.
5. The bark is useful in the form of tinctures and decoctions to stop bleeding.

The benefits of viburnum berries also extend to the seeds, which contain approximately 20 percent oils. Tree bark contains many acids - butyric, formic, cerotinic and others. The foliage and flowers are also endowed with medicinal properties.

Useful properties of viburnum seeds

Viburnum seeds cleanse the body of harmful elements and strengthen intestinal microflora and muscles. By regularly taking them internally, in a short time you will feel lightness throughout your body, migraines will stop tormenting you, fatigue, constant colds and rapid heartbeat will disappear.

Viburnum seeds restore youth, renewing the entire body. Their abilities are equal to a variety of berries, fruits and spice plants that fill a person with health, restoring the joy of life. These include pomegranate, grapes, dogwood, dill and others.

This product, when overcooked, even replaces coffee, charging the body with energy and vigor.

Jam - beneficial properties

Tannins, vitamin C, pectin and organic acids give viburnum jam benefits for the human body. This especially applies to strengthening the immune system, which protects against colds.

Adding honey can help treat jaundice and liver problems, including intestinal disorders. Jam relieves pain from ulcers and gastritis. You should know that viburnum jam is healthier when prepared with the seeds. This has a preventive effect against the formation of stones in the kidneys and gall bladder.

The product can also eliminate heartburn - a tablespoon of jam is diluted in water (1 glass). At the same time, the amount of liquid is not limited, which allows you to safely consume it without fear of negative consequences.

There are many recipes for preparing healthy delicacies:

1. Classic version and Five Minute.
2. With the addition of honey and pumpkin.
3. With orange and lemon.
4. Raw jam.
5. Jam and confiture.

To get rid of seeds, you need to rub the berries with a sieve before cooking.

Viburnum juice

Viburnum juice relieves all organs and systems of the body from all kinds of ailments, including cardiac activity, brain activity, tidying up the nerves and digestive system, lungs and genitourinary area, blood vessels and skin.

The drink reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, providing a preventive effect against atherosclerosis. Allergic reactions and cancer are indications for drinking viburnum juice. It is also endowed with a diuretic and choleretic properties.

In ancient times, brewed viburnum tea with honey was used to relieve fever. Ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids and cough were treated with freshly squeezed viburnum juice.

Viburnum juice

Viburnum juice is used for low acidity, skin problems and high blood pressure. Due to the presence of antioxidants, the drink prevents premature aging of the body. And, of course, it is an excellent remedy for colds.

Making viburnum juice is quick and easy:

• Fresh viburnum berries – 2 cups;
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup;
• Water – 1 liter.

Wash the viburnum and rub it with a sieve to remove the outer shell and seeds. Dissolve sugar in boiled water, then add the resulting juice, followed by cooking the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes. The drink is covered with a lid and infused while cooling. Fruit juice tastes best after being in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Benefits and harms for the human body

Now let's look at the effect the plant has on female, male and children's bodies. Given physiological and age differences, viburnum affects us all differently.

Pros and cons for women's health

Viburnum has been used by many generations of women for the treatment and prevention of gynecological ailments. Decoctions of bark and berries have an astringent and hemostatic effect.

The plant is prescribed for heavy menstruation and in the postpartum period to reduce the intensity of bleeding. Viburnum contains phytoestrogens and regulates hormonal levels, relieving painful periods and menopause.

In general, this property of the plant has a beneficial effect on the female body. However, during pregnancy it is better to refrain from using viburnum preparations. There is a risk of increased uterine tone, miscarriage or abnormal development of the fetus.

In addition to its widespread use in gynecology, viburnum is often used by women to combat extra pounds. The plant’s ability to improve peristalsis and accelerate metabolic processes helps cleanse the body of waste and toxins.

Berries correct lipid metabolism, and excess fat stops accumulating in the waist and hips. The plant also has a diuretic effect, removes excess fluid, but does not wash away electrolytes.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the berry are actively used in cosmetology. Viburnum extract is included in anti-aging creams and serums. Whole series of products are produced to combat age spots, freckles and other skin imperfections.

For men's health

Viburnum normalizes the condition of the genitourinary system, which is no less important for men than for women. By improving blood circulation in the pelvic organs, plant preparations help cure erectile dysfunction. An infusion of berries is effective in the complex treatment of prostatitis, as it has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

However, if you are too fond of viburnum, lethargy and drowsiness may develop due to the sedative properties of the plant. This can negatively affect male sexual performance.

Viburnum for children

For children, viburnum is useful not only as a general tonic, but also as a natural antiviral agent. She successfully copes with such childhood diseases as:

• acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
• bronchitis, tracheitis;
• anemia;
• stomatitis;
• scrofula;
• dermatitis.

Children of any age will love viburnum jam. And for babies, a fruit drink or viburnum compote is suitable, which can be given from 8 months.

Although viburnum is hypoallergenic, you still shouldn’t let your guard down and give it to children uncontrollably. Berry should be introduced into the diet little by little, observing the reaction of the child’s body. If there are no manifestations of allergies, the dose can be gradually increased.

Useful properties of viburnum

The widest list of pharmacological effects of the use of viburnum makes the plant a popular remedy in folk and official medicine.

• In gynecology. Viburnum's ability to regulate hormonal levels is very important for women. The plant can be prescribed during the postpartum period to accelerate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. In general, viburnum has a positive effect on estrogen levels, and therefore eliminates the symptoms of menopause and painful menstruation.
• For digestion. Red viburnum can improve digestion, normalize stomach acidity, and also eliminate signs of dysbiosis. As a protective and anti-inflammatory agent, the plant is prescribed for damage to the gastric mucosa: gastritis, ulcerative lesions. Among the indications for use of the plant: colitis of any cause and a tendency to constipation, hemorrhoids.
• For the kidneys. Viburnum red can be used as a mild diuretic suitable for men. Anti-inflammatory properties help eliminate swelling of the prostate gland during prostatitis, as well as facilitate the process of urination. The ability of viburnum to relieve inflammatory processes localized in the kidneys has been noted.
• For the oral cavity. The antibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of viburnum are actively used in dentistry for the treatment of gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontal disease.
• For skin diseases. The plant and preparations from it can assist in the treatment of any skin diseases, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, as well as skin lesions complicated by bacterial or fungal infections. For allergic dermatitis, photodermatoses, diathesis in children, viburnum is useful for taking medicinal baths. For eczema, psoriasis, lichen, furunculosis, pustular rash, compresses and lotions with viburnum are used.
• For the nervous system. Viburnum viburnum is used to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. It eliminates nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, including migraines. Helps overcome apathy, improves mood, prevents seizures. Used to eliminate initial forms of hypertension.
• With ARVI. Most colds, as well as their complications, are also treated with viburnum. A mild expectorant and bronchodilator effect allows you to get rid of coughs due to bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The plant eliminates shortness of breath and improves blood oxygen saturation. Providing a diaphoretic effect, viburnum helps eliminate the symptoms of fever, accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
• For immunity. The immunostimulating properties of viburnum, its ability to saturate the body with vitamins and microelements, and improve the biochemical composition of the blood are often used to restore the body after illnesses and operations. And also to speed up recovery from infectious and colds.

People often use viburnum for weight loss. Getting rid of excess weight occurs due to the acceleration of metabolic reactions, as well as a complete restructuring of lipid metabolism, as a result of which much less excess fat is deposited on the waist. Also relevant to the diet is the ability of viburnum to regulate digestion and improve motility of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), remove accumulated fluid, without the risk of loss of electrolytes.