Content
Viburnum berries have been used in Rus' since ancient times to treat many diseases. Therefore, this deciduous shrub was grown everywhere. But even now he has not lost his popularity. It was found that not only its fruits are valuable, but also the beneficial properties of viburnum leaves are widely used in folk medicine. This makes it possible in some cases to carry out therapy without pills.
The leaves of the shrub are used fresh and dried for medicinal purposes.
Chemical composition
This plant material contains many beneficial components for human health.
The chemical composition of viburnum leaves includes:
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin A;
- complex of minerals;
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- ash.
In addition, viburnum leaves contain saponins and phenols in small quantities. And also the glycoside arbutin, which causes a bitter taste.
What are viburnum leaves used for and what are the benefits for the human body?
The beneficial properties of red viburnum leaves are due to their rich chemical composition. Based on them, you can prepare healing tea, as well as juice.The drinks are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Beneficial properties of viburnum leaf tea
Tea made from viburnum leaves retains all the vitamins and minerals of plant materials. Therefore, when used correctly, it helps solve many health problems.
The main beneficial properties of the drink:
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- improves sleep quality;
- increases appetite;
- promotes the preservation of cell membranes;
- strengthens bone tissue;
- increases the body's resistance to infections, bacteria, viruses;
- quickly restores strength after physical activity;
- reduces pain during menstruation;
- mobilizes the body's energy resources;
- improves mood and stress resistance.
Tea based on viburnum leaves is recommended for the treatment of neuroses. It also normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, and with regular use, it improves the structure of nails and hair, and increases skin elasticity.
The high content of ascorbic acid in the drink made from viburnum leaves allows it to be used for the treatment and prevention of colds. This component also promotes the absorption of iron in the body, which makes it possible to use tea to treat vitamin deficiency and anemia.
The healing drink is also distinguished by its high content of ursolic acid, which, when it enters the human body, activates anabolic hormones that promote the growth of muscle tissue. Therefore, tea from viburnum leaves is recommended for athletes who want to improve their shape.
Ursolic acid also helps normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels. And tea made from viburnum leaves is a good preventative against atherosclerosis and obesity.
The high content of zinc, calcium and magnesium in plant materials has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle and helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
The daily norm of drink consumption for an adult is 1-2 cups
Methods of preparation and use
In order for viburnum leaves to bring maximum benefit to the body, you need to know how to properly prepare medicinal products based on them. Moreover, it is important to comply with all specified dosages and preparation times. Otherwise, their use may cause side effects.
Tea
To prepare this healing drink, you can use freshly picked and dried viburnum leaves. It is recommended to drink tea half an hour before meals or in the evening before bed. The daily dosage can be taken in several doses.
Cooking process:
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water 1 tsp. dried or 2 tsp. crushed viburnum leaves.
- Infuse the tea for 10-15 minutes in a glass or ceramic teapot.
It is not recommended to add sugar to the healing drink. To improve its taste, you can use honey. Add it after the drink has cooled to a temperature of 30 °C.
Tea made from viburnum leaves should be drunk warm.
Juice
The juice from viburnum leaves is also used for medicinal purposes. It can be used as an independent healing product, or added to other products.
Cooking process:
- Wash viburnum leaves and dry slightly.
- Pass the vegetable raw materials through a meat grinder.
- Squeeze the resulting mass through gauze folded in several layers.
- Pour the juice into a glass container.
The shelf life of freshly squeezed juice is three days when stored in the refrigerator. Take the medicine three times a day, 50 ml. It speeds up the recovery of the body after serious illnesses. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
The juice is also recommended for external use. It should be applied pointwise to skin rashes, boils, and lichens. Provide therapy as needed.
To increase the shelf life of this healing drink, it is necessary to mix it with 40% alcohol in a 1:1 ratio for external use, and for internal use with honey in the same proportion. In this case, the juice can be stored for six months in the refrigerator.
Juice is a highly concentrated product, it must be consumed in doses.
Contraindications to the use of viburnum leaves
The medicinal properties of viburnum leaves are not always beneficial, since there are contraindications for their use. To avoid negative consequences, you need to familiarize yourself with them.
Contraindications:
- age up to 14 years;
- individual intolerance;
- ulcer;
- hypotension;
- thrombophlebitis;
- gastritis with high acidity;
- liver and kidney dysfunctions;
- urolithiasis disease;
- gout;
- arthritis.
If you ignore the rules for taking products based on viburnum leaves, side effects may occur. In this case, a person feels drowsiness, nausea, general weakness, heartburn, and diarrhea. If such signs appear, it is necessary to stop therapy and increase the amount of water consumed.
Collection and preparation
In order for tea made from viburnum leaves to be beneficial and not cause harm to the body, it is necessary to properly prepare the plant material. Collection is recommended to be done in the second half of August. During this period, the concentration of beneficial components in the leaves is maximum. They need to be prepared with petioles.
After this, wash and place on a flat surface in a dark, well-ventilated place. Turn the leaves over periodically. When the raw material dries, it needs to be crushed. Readiness can be determined by the fragility of the leaves with little physical impact.
It is necessary to store medicinal raw materials in an airtight container or linen bags. Optimal conditions: temperature +5-25 °C, humidity 50-60%. The shelf life of dried raw materials is 24 months.
Conclusion
Knowing the beneficial properties of viburnum leaves, you can use them to treat and prevent many diseases. But, like any medicinal raw material, the product can be used taking into account recommendations and contraindications. Only in this case will the maximum effectiveness of therapy be achieved without harm to health.
