Viburnum vulgaris is a shrub (rarely a tree), reaching a height of up to 4 meters. Viburnum loves shady moist forests, but it also takes root well in gardens and parks. Blooms bright white clusters of small flowers.
Kalina red, ripe viburnum
By the way, viburnum flowers in Russia were a symbol of girlish beauty, purity, innocence, and at the beginning of summer, houses were decorated with flowers during wedding celebrations. And the 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 do is plant a viburnum bush under the windows, otherwise there will be no happiness in the house. And when a woman is expecting a child, then you need to make a pipe from a sprig of viburnum, and play this pipe in the evenings. Then a boy will be born! Well, in the latter case, it is clear that this is nothing more than a beautiful belief, but the benefits of viburnum intreatment and prevention of numerous diseases is more than reliable.
Kalina in folk medicine
So when and how is viburnum used? Vodka tincture is perhaps one of the most popular traditional medicine recipes. Decoctions of bark or berries are also used. Viburnum vodka tincture is used to lower blood pressure, to boost immunity, as a vitamin drink, and also to treat colds.
The healing properties of viburnum have been known since the 16th century. References to recipes from viburnum berries and bark were also found in herbal books from 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 winter, after the first frosts. Previously, viburnum is not harvested, as the berries do not have time to lose their bitterness. She leaves only after short frosts. It should only be remembered that this is more of a drug, not an alcoholic drink, and it should be used extremely sparingly.
Small quantities are medicine, large quantities are poison
So, viburnum (tincture of vodka) is prepared as follows. You will need a glass, tightly closed container. Its volume does not matter. If you have a dark glass bottle with a tight lid, use it. Viburnum berries, as we have already said, are collected only after the first frost, washed and dried, scattered on paper. We take about 1/3 of the volume of the container andwe crush the berries a little with a wooden or porcelain crush. Metal cannot be used. Top up the rest with vodka. We clean in a dark warm place for three weeks. This is how viburnum is prepared on vodka. The recipe can be modified by adding cognac instead of vodka. The 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. To prepare it, a handful of washed berries is poured with a glass of boiling water, mint is added, cooled slightly, and then a spoonful of honey is dissolved. Such a drink helps to restore strength after an illness, as a concomitant treatment for bronchitis, SARS.
Kalina - tincture of vodka, a decoction of berries - an excellent remedy that can and should be used. However, it should be remembered that the treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after an appropriate examination. Self-medication can lead to irreversible consequences!
