Viburnum vulgaris is a shrub (less often a tree), reaching a height of up to 4 meters. Viburnum loves shady moist forests, however, it also takes root well in gardens and parks. It blooms with bright white clusters of small flowers.
Red viburnum, viburnum ripened
By the way,
viburnum flowers in Russia were a symbol of girlish beauty, purity, innocence, and in early summer, flowers were decorated at home during weddings. And viburnum itself was considered a symbol of a married woman, her difficult fate, a symbol of motherhood. A huge number of poems, beliefs, proverbs are devoted to such a seemingly unremarkable plant. So, it has long been believed that when a family moves to a new house, the first thing the owner should plant a bush of viburnum under the windows, otherwise there will be no happiness in the house. And when a woman expects a baby, then from a twig of viburnum you need to make a pipe, and play in the evenings on this pipe. Then a boy will certainly be born! Well, in the latter case, it is clear that this is nothing more than a beautiful belief, but the benefits of viburnum in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases are more than reliable.
Guelder-rose in traditional medicine
So when and how is viburnum used? Vodka tincture is perhaps one of the most popular recipes for traditional medicine. Decoctions of bark or berries are also used. Tincture of vodka from viburnum is used to lower blood pressure, to raise immunity, like a vitamin drink, and also to treat colds.
The healing properties of viburnum have been known since the 16th century. Mention of recipes from berries and bark of viburnum was found in herbal books of the times of Kievan Rus. In late autumn, viburnum flaunts with crimson tassels in gardens, forests and parks. By the way, this is not only a joy for the eyes of passers-by, but also an excellent food for bullfinches and other birds.
Vodka tincture is prepared in the winter, after the first frost. Previously, the harvest of viburnum is not collected, as the berries do not have time to lose their bitterness. She leaves only after short frosts. It should only be remembered that it is more likely a drug, not an alcoholic drink, and it should be used extremely moderately.
In small quantities - medicine, in large - poison!
So, viburnum (tincture of vodka) is prepared as follows. You will need a glass, tight-fitting container. The volume of it does not matter. If there is a bottle of dark glass with a tight cap - use it. The berries of viburnum, as we have already said, are picked only after the first frost, scattered on my paper and dried on paper. We take about 1/3 of the volume of the container and squeeze the berries a little with a wooden or porcelain crush. Do not use metal. Top up the remaining volume with vodka. We clean in a dark warm place for three weeks. So the viburnum is prepared on vodka. The recipe can be modified by adding cognac instead of vodka. Tincture is used for colds, bronchitis, hypertension, as a remedy, 3 times a day, on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon.
How else is viburnum used in folk medicine? Vodka tincture is not the only recipe. For children, tea or a decoction of viburnum is brewed. For its preparation, a handful of washed berries is poured with a glass of boiling water, mint is added, it is slightly cooled, and then a spoon of honey is dissolved. A drink helps to restore strength after an illness, such as concomitant treatment for bronchitis, SARS.
Guelder- rose - tincture on vodka, broth from berries - an excellent remedy, which can and should be used. However, it should be remembered that the doctor should prescribe treatment after an appropriate examination. Self-medication can lead to irreversible consequences!