The word "viburnum" is of ancient Slavic origin. Scholars differ in their interpretation of its meaning. Some suggest that this was the name of the plant growing along the edges of the swamps, while others claim that the name indicated the bright color of the fruit. The red color served as the symbol of happiness, love and beauty for the Slavs, so there is nothing surprising in the fact that it was viburnum that became a wedding attribute.
Viburnum is a bush, but sometimes it grows in the form of a tree. Snow-white or pinkish flowers, collected in bunches, adorn the bush from May to June. The view of the blooming viburnum is unusually beautiful, but when the bright red berries ripen, the sight becomes simply amazing.
The plant is very unpretentious, so it can be planted in places with any lighting and soil, as well as in the vicinity of other plants. Viburnum is found in Europe and the forests of Russia.
Kalina is well known for its medicinal properties, and the opinion that only bush berries are useful is not entirely correct. In folk medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used: flowers, fruits, bark, leaves, roots, which are dried in a well-ventilated place (under a canopy). Store such dried raw materials in boxes or paper bags.
The berries are harvested only after the first frost in dry weather, when the bitterness leaves them. To remove the bitter aftertaste from viburnum berries, you need to hold them for 5-7 minutes in boiling water.
Viburnum berries are rich in various vitamins (C, E, K, P), iron, phosphorus, carotene, as well as tannins, saccharides, fatty oils, ascorbic and acetic acids. Shrub fruits are classified as diabetic foods. Viburnum fruits are used in the treatment of liver, digestive system, nervous disorders. The plant is capable of exerting anti-inflammatory, diuretic, astringent and hemostatic effects, and the high content of biologically active substances has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and normalizes blood pressure.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, a specialist consultation is required. This will help to correctly diagnose and select drugs, to identify the tolerance of this drug, to eliminate all risks.
Viburnum is not only a wonderful medicinal plant, it is widely and readily used in cooking. Since ancient times, viburnum fruits have occupied a significant place in Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. On holidays, pies and cheesecakes were baked with her, kvass and jelly were prepared. Now a variety of dishes, sauces, cereals with honey and viburnum are also prepared from the fruits.
For homemade preparations, jam, jam, jams, jellies are cooked from berries, they are frozen, dried and dried, and they also make compotes, mousses, juices. Viburnum berries are low in calories, therefore, for those who follow the slimness of the figure, they are an excellent means for losing weight.
In addition to medicine and cooking, viburnum is used in cosmetology as a tonic, as well as to restore and rejuvenate the skin, strengthen hair. Fresh juice is an excellent remedy for acne, shingles, acne removal, skin whitening, discoloration of freckles and age spots, and an infusion of plant flowers replaces a lotion that is suitable for all skin types.
Kalina is an effective remedy to fight wrinkles. To do this, you just need to freeze the juice of berries in molds and wipe your face with pieces of ice every morning. The result will not be long in coming.
