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Viburnum berries have been used in Our Country since ancient times for the treatment of 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 of value, 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 tablets.
The leaves of the shrub for medicinal purposes are used fresh and dried.
Chemical composition
This vegetable raw material contains many useful components for human health.
The chemical composition of viburnum leaves includes:
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin A;
- a complex of minerals;
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- ash.
In addition, small amounts of saponins and phenols are present in viburnum leaves. As well as the glycoside arbutin, which causes a bitter taste.
What are viburnum leaves used for and what are the benefits of viburnum leaves for the human body
The beneficial properties of red viburnum leaves are due to the rich chemical composition. On their basis, you can prepare healing tea, as well as juice. Drinks are suitable for internal and external use.
Useful properties of viburnum leaf tea
Tea from the leaves of viburnum retains all the vitamins and minerals of vegetable raw materials. Therefore, when used correctly, it helps to solve many health problems.
The main beneficial properties of the drink:
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- improves the quality of sleep;
- increases appetite;
- contributes to 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, stress resistance.
Tea based on viburnum leaves is recommended for the treatment of neuroses. It also normalizes the work of the digestive organs, and with regular use improves the structure of nails and hair, increases skin elasticity.
The high content of ascorbic acid in a 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 for the treatment of beriberi and anemia.
The healing drink is also distinguished by a high content of ursolic acid, namely, when it enters the human body, it activates anabolic hormones that promote the growth of muscle tissue. Therefore, viburnum leaf tea is recommended for athletes who want to improve their shape.
Ursolic acid also helps to normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels. And tea from viburnum leaves is a good prophylactic against atherosclerosis and obesity.
The high content of zinc, calcium and magnesium in vegetable raw materials has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle, helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
The daily intake of a drink 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 observe all the indicated dosages and cooking times. Otherwise, their use may cause the development of 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 going to 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 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 cooling the drink to a temperature of 30 ° C.
Viburnum leaf tea should be drunk warm.
Juice
For medicinal purposes, juice from viburnum leaves is also used. It can be used as an independent healing product, as well as added to other products.
Cooking process:
- Wash the viburnum leaves, dry slightly.
- Skip 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, if 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 the course of treatment is 5-7 days.
Juice is also recommended for external use. It should be applied pointwise for skin rashes, boils, lichen. Provide therapy as needed.
To increase the shelf life of this healing drink, it is necessary to mix it with 40% alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1 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, you need to use it in doses.
Contraindications to the use of viburnum leaves
The medicinal properties of viburnum leaves are not always beneficial, as there are contraindications for their use. To avoid negative consequences, you need to familiarize yourself with them.
Contraindications:
- age of 14 years;
- idiosyncrasy;
- ulcer;
- hypotension;
- thrombophlebitis;
- gastritis with high acidity;
- violations of the liver, kidneys;
- urolithiasis disease;
- gout;
- arthritis.
In case of ignoring the rules for taking funds based on viburnum leaves, side effects may occur. In this case, a person feels drowsiness, nausea, general weakness, heartburn, diarrhea. When such signs appear, it is necessary to stop therapy and increase the amount of water consumed.
Collection and Procurement
In order for tea from viburnum leaves to benefit and not harm the body, it is necessary to properly harvest plant materials. Collection is recommended to be done in the second half of August. During this period, the concentration of useful components in the leaves is maximum. They need to be prepared with petioles.
After that, wash and lay out on a flat surface in a dark, well-ventilated place. Turn the leaves periodically. When the raw material dries, it must 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, they can be used to treat and prevent many diseases. But, like any medicinal raw material, the product can be used subject to recommendations and contraindications. Only in this case will the maximum effectiveness of therapy be achieved without harm to health.
