Kalina: how is it used and how does it affect the human body?

Many are familiar with the bright red berries of viburnum. This article will tell you more about Kalina, as well as how it can be used and how it affects the human body.

Kalina is a plant that people have “met” for a long time. She became so fond of the people that they even began to compose verses and compose songs about her. And in our time, this wonderful plant is a favorite and often grown.

Ordinary viburnum is an indispensable attribute that was used in many rites in Russia. It was believed that this plant helps the newlyweds. Viburnum berries were also used in some folk celebrations. Interestingly, the bones of bright red berries resemble small hearts. That is why the viburnum berries were used to decorate wedding loaves, which were baked on the occasion of the wedding celebration of some couples.

Kalina can be attributed to the family of woody flowering plants Adoxovy. In Latin, this plant is called Viburnum. Currently, there are quite a lot of different types of viburnum. So, some of them are used primarily for therapeutic purposes, while others - for the manufacture of a number of cosmetics. Also, some varieties of plants are used only for decorative purposes.

Kalina is a tree or shrub that grows in many cities. The leaves of this plant are opposite, they are also called whorled. At a certain period of growth, viburnum buds appear. In winter, they are covered with scales.

Bush viburnum has a relatively small size. So, the average height of this plant is usually 2-3 meters. There are more undersized specimens. Viburnum bushes can often be found in deciduous and mixed forests. Also, shrubs covered with bright red berries often grow near natural water bodies.

Kalina lives in nature for quite some time. In a favorable habitat for her, this plant can live up to 50 years.

Flowering begins, as a rule, from the end of May and lasts until the middle of the next month. In the cold and excessively rainy season, viburnum may bloom somewhat less in time. The first bright red berries usually appear on shrubs by early September. The first frosts, as a rule, contribute to the fact that the berries begin to crumble. However, not all bright red fruits with the arrival of night frosts fall to the ground. Many berries remain on the bushes, continuing to please the eye.

Inflorescences have an interesting feature in this plant. So, not all the flowers appear in the future berries. Some of them perform in many respects only a decorative function. It so happens that of the less beautiful and even unsightly on the appearance of the flowers "tied" berries. Of the bright white large flowers, located on the edges of the inflorescence of viburnum, while usually the berries do not appear.

The diameter of each inflorescence, as a rule, ranges from 6 to 10 cm. Its shape is umbrella-shaped. It is believed that in one inflorescence about 100 fruits ripen.

The yield of one shrub may be different. It depends on a huge number of various factors. Thus, the number of berries grown on one bush of viburnum strongly depends on the natural conditions where a tree grows. On average, from one bush under favorable conditions, you can collect up to 30 kilograms of useful berries.

Viburnum is appreciated mainly for its berries. Their color is varied and depends largely on the plant variety. So, viburnum berries can be bright red and even black.

Especially contrasting berries look in winter, when the first snow falls on a branch of viburnum. Berries get a real "bloody" shade. Fruits scattered on the snow look almost like droplets of blood. This game of color is used by many artists when drawing landscapes. Sometimes viburnum fruits yellow berries. Inside these fruits is also a bone.This plant variety is found in our country much less than red viburnum.

The taste of berries - specific. That is why many people do not use viburnum in its pure form. Due to the high content of biologically active substances, the taste of the pulp of berries has a specific bitterness. Sweetness in the fruit appears already, as a rule, after the arrival of the first frost. Night frosts contribute to the fact that the berries of viburnum become more juicy and less bitter.

However, amateur gardeners advise that it is not worth overly delaying picking viburnum berries. If they stay on the tree for a long time, they can simply overripe. To collect the fruits of viburnum is better in late autumn. Early harvested berries can be very bitter and do not yet have enough vitamins and minerals.

To date, scientists have identified more than 160 species of viburnum. Note that most of them grow in the northern regions. For active and productive growth Kalina does not require any greenhouse conditions. A tree can quite calmly endure cold and windy winters without dying. Even after wintering, it would seem, in very unfavorable weather conditions, viburnum retains its vitality and continues to delight the appearance of red berries with a specific taste.

This plant perfectly survives not only in Russia. Viburnum bushes can be seen in Southeast Asia or in some countries of South America. Such prevalence of these shrubs is explained by the fact that each variety of viburnum has its own specific properties. Some plants prefer climate with a mild and shorter winter. As a rule, such species grow in countries where the climate is more temperate.

Kalina red is one of the most common species often used for cultivation. It is believed that this plant has a fairly large range of beneficial effects on the human body. Kalina red grows in some European countries, in Siberia, in the Caucasus, as well as in Central Asia.

The distribution area of ​​red viburnum is quite extensive. People love this plant for its beneficial properties and beautiful appearance, so it is often possible to meet this beautiful tree in gardens and on private plots. That is why viburnum "moved" from its original habitat and began to grow almost everywhere. In Russia, there are even several places where large areas are allocated for planting viburnum. They are located in Ussuriysk, Solikamsk and Arkhangelsk.

Viburnum berries contain invert sugar. Its amount is up to 30% percent. It should be noted that such a moderate sugar content does not allow attributing viburnum fruits to sweet berries. Give the specificity of the taste of berries and special organic acids. Their content is only 2%, but this is quite enough to give the fruit sourness.

Every person who tasted viburnum berries to taste at least once in his life, definitely noted their special tartness. This is due to the fact that the fruits of this plant contain tannins. They are contained not only in the pulp of the berries, but also in pits.

Of particular note is another chemical substance - the glycoside viburnin. It is this biologically active ingredient that makes viburnum berries seem bitter.Viburnin is very useful for the human body, as it has a number of remarkable healing effects.

When choosing bushes viburnum for cultivation should not give preference to the most sweet varieties, as they contain much less of this useful glycoside. It is better to choose for growing varieties that produce more tart and bitter fruits. Gastronomic pleasure from their use, as a rule, is small, but the health benefits are enormous.

Viburnum fruits are an excellent source of vitamins. The fruits of this plant contain vitamins A, E, K, C and P. Each of these biologically active substances is very important and performs a number of important functions.

So, vitamin A is necessary for a person for good vision and healthy skin. Vitamins E and C are powerful antioxidants that are necessary to maintain health for many years. Ascorbic acid is an essential component to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system. Adequate intake of vitamin C in the cold period is an excellent means of preventing various viral and bacterial infections.

Viburnum fruits also contain useful minerals. They are necessary for the human body daily. The cells of the body use them for their work. In the fruits of viburnum there is manganese, iron, phosphorus, zinc.

Each of these biologically active substances is very important. So, iron helps to normalize the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, also helping to prevent a rather insidious state - anemia. Without manganese, many metabolic processes in humans slow down. That is why this mineral should be ingested with food regularly. Zinc is an important trace element that is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. It also helps to speed up the regeneration of damaged tissues in various diseases.

Viburnum fruits can be safely attributed to dietary products. 100 g of berries contain only about 30 kcal. Such a rather “scanty” caloric content contributes to the fact that viburnum berries can be included in the diet of a slimming person.

The fruit of the plant contains only 7 g of carbohydrates (per 100 g). The content of fat and protein is so low that, as a rule, it is not taken into account. The fruits of the plant are quite juicy. This is due to the fact that the fruit pulp contains quite a lot of moisture.

The benefits of viburnum for human health is enormous. Not only women can use this plant, but also men. The fruits of viburnum are shown to people suffering from various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Juice made from the fruits of this plant helps to normalize high blood pressure. That is why many hypertensives use Kalina for home therapy.

Biologically active components that make up the berries of Viburnum, can have a wound-healing effect. They also improve urine and biliary excretion.

The abundance of beneficial antioxidants in viburnum fruits contributes to the fact that women have been using them quite successfully for many years for cosmetic purposes. It is believed that viburnum juice has a rejuvenating effect and contributes to the preservation of youth and beauty for many years. Apply this "home" cosmetics is still neat, so as not to harm your skin.

Viburnum fruits can also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. This is largely due to the high content of vitamins and a number of trace elements. Eating viburnum berries helps to strengthen the immunity of all family members.Tea made from the fruit of this plant helps to improve the immune system during the period of flu and colds.

Viburnum berries have a positive effect on women's health. Our ancestors believed that eating the fruits of this plant should be women who have certain diseases of the reproductive organs. Eating viburnum berries helps to normalize hormonal levels. Such changes occurring in the body of a woman when eating viburnum berries help to improve the course of the disease, and in some situations even contribute to recovery from the disease.

Eat the fruits of viburnum should not only the fair sex, but also men. According to statistics, it is among them that the incidence of cardiovascular pathologies is quite high. In our country, the death rate from heart disease is still frighteningly high.

Vitamin P contained in Kalina and a number of organic acids have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels. Regular intake of viburnum contributes to the fact that they become more durable and smooth. Blood flows well through such vessels, and the risk of blood clot formation decreases significantly.

It is worth noting the fact that the berries of Viburnum have a positive effect on the urogenital system. That is why the representatives of the stronger sex, who suffer from a number of urological diseases, should include them in their diet. However, before changing your diet, you should always consult with your doctor.

Kalina affects sexual desire. It is no coincidence that our ancestors used this plant as an amulet for the newlyweds. The beneficial substances contained in viburnum berries improve libido, as well as increase the reproductive functions of the body. Couples who are planning to conceive a baby soon should think about including these healthy fruits in their diets.

Viburnum berries also have a positive effect on the blood vessels that feed the brain. That is why viburnum berries should be used by older people with a number of age-related changes. The use of viburnum berries, as a rule, improves memory and attention. Also, these fruits can help reduce forgetfulness and will help improve mood.

Before you apply Kalina, you must definitely think about whether there are any restrictions on the part of the state of health for its reception.

The fruits of this plant can not be taken to people who have individual intolerance. Another contraindication for eating berries - the presence of allergic diseases. It is highly undesirable to use the fruits of this plant to people who are allergic to any red berries. Allergy sufferers can take the fruits of viburnum only after a mandatory consultation with an allergist.

Viburnum berries can be harmful in gout, arthritis, urolithiasis. People who suffer from these diseases, before using viburnum should always consult with your doctor.

Future mothers who are carrying babies should be careful when eating viburnum berries. The fruits of this plant can contribute to changes in hormonal levels, which during pregnancy can greatly harm the process of fetal development. There are berries Viburnum pregnant women should, after consultation with the gynecologist.

Similar recommendations are made for women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding their babies. The use of viburnum berries by the mother during lactation can trigger the appearance of her baby, especially in the very first months of his life, signs of diathesis or an allergic rash.

Carefully eat Kalina should also be people who suffer from calculous cholecystitis. The fact is that by using the fruits of this plant increases biliary excretion. If there is a calculus (stone) in the gallbladder, then after eating viburnum berries, it can begin its movement. If the stone is large enough, it can even block the lumen of the bile duct, leading to the development of dangerous complications. One of these is obstructive jaundice.

In order to prevent this from happening, people suffering from gallstone disease should always go to a gastroenterologist or general practitioner before eating viburnum berries and consult a doctor about it. The presence of stones in the gallbladder is one of the serious contraindications for eating viburnum berries.

People who suffer from increased secretion of gastric juice should not include viburnum fruits in the menu. Eating berries that contain organic acids can further increase the acidity, which will lead to aggravation of the disease. In this case, pain in the epigastric region may increase, as well as nausea or heartburn.

It should be noted that not only viburnum berries are used for medicinal purposes. For the treatment of many diseases is also used and the bark of the plant, as it contains a huge amount of various useful components, for example, plant resins, organic acids, ascorbic acid, vitamin K, tannins, and flavonoids. All these biologically active components help the body to fully function and maintain immunity in good condition.

Viburnum flowers have medicinal properties. Decoction made from them, has long been used to restore the lost voice.

In folk medicine, viburnum flowers are prescribed to be used for the treatment of a huge number of diseases in which there is a loss of voice or a change in its timbre.

Rich in biologically active substances and leaves of viburnum. They are also able to benefit the body when used properly. Thus, the leaves of this plant contain ursolic acid, tannins, arbutin, vitamin C, as well as a number of useful microelements. Among the minerals that are contained in the leaves of viburnum, you can select magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, selenium, and many others. All these trace elements contribute to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, thus improving its work.

Specialists of traditional medicine recommend using juice made from leaves of viburnum, with the aim of a speedy recovery from severe infections and diseases. In some cases, it is prescribed to women during menstruation in order to reduce pain.

Juice made from viburnum leaves is recommended to be used externally. It helps to cope with furunculosis and lichen. To achieve the effect, the affected skin area should be treated several times a day.

People have long known about the healing properties of viburnum. This plant is a real helper in the treatment of various diseases.However, viburnum berries can not only be used to treat or prevent any disease. The fruits of this plant have found their use in cooking, as well as in cosmetology.

Kalina has long established itself in the treatment of various viral and infectious diseases. Phytoncides and other biologically active substances contained in the fruits of this plant, can successfully combat the elimination of extremely uncomfortable symptoms of a cold. Warming drinks made from the fruits of this plant help to fight viruses and other pathogens that during infection get into the human body and contribute to the development of the inflammatory process in it.

Kalina has an expectorant effect. That is why the fruits of this plant are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a huge number of diseases of the throat and respiratory tract. Eating the fruits of viburnum helps cough and helps reduce redness in the sore during infection.

The hemostatic effect of Viburnum is also used to treat nosebleeds. Specialists of traditional medicine believe that the use of juice from the fruits of this plant helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels that are in the nasopharynx. In order to achieve this effect, it is required to use viburnum juice for several weeks.

Viburnum is of particular importance in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. People who suffer from high blood pressure should include healing drinks and jams made from the fruits of this plant in their diet. Also, the healing properties of the leaves and possess this truly unique shrub.

It is used viburnum and for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. So, the berries of this plant are recommended for people suffering from gastritis with low secretion. Eating berries in this case will help improve digestion and reduce the adverse symptoms of dyspepsia.

Since the fruits of viburnum can enhance biliary excretion, they are often used to treat various pathologies of the liver. Our ancestors believed that one handful of bright red berries a day is enough to completely cleanse the blood in the whole body. Of course, modern official medicine does not share this opinion. However, the fact that Kalina contains a number of biologically active substances that normalize the chemical composition of blood can not be argued.

For many years now, viburnum berries are used to prepare a huge number of delicious dishes. Specific bitterness when properly carried out culinary processing is lost. At the same time, the main purpose of cooking is to preserve as much as possible the specific taste of viburnum without losing its main healing properties for the body.

From the fruits of this wonderful plant you can make a variety of teas and decoctions. Morse, made from viburnum berries, has a special tart taste and has an invigorating effect on the body. Additionally, sweeten drinks made from the fruit of viburnum, you can use regular sugar. You can do this in a more useful way by adding some honey to the finished drink.

Viburnum berries do not have a bright sweet taste, but this does not prevent cooks all over the world from using them to make various desserts. So, from the fruits of this plant you can make delicious marmalade, marshmallow, jam and jam. Such delicacies will be not only delicious, but also extremely useful.

To eat such sweets should be neat. Especially careful should be people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. They should not add too much sugar to it when making homemade jam or jam from viburnum berries. The use of such a dessert can provoke a sharp jump in blood glucose, which is highly undesirable for a person suffering from such a disease.

Most often, the harvest of viburnum is frozen or dried. In the future, from such raw materials you can cook a huge variety of healthy dishes. It can be used to make delicious cakes or other pastries.

Useful properties of plants can be used for cosmetic purposes. Many women have already managed to evaluate how effective such procedures are using fruits of viburnum.

Viburnum berries can be used in different ways. Most often, the fruits of a plant are ground in a special container before the formation of a slurry. Such puree, as a rule, is added to the mask, which are superimposed on the face. Their use allows the skin to look well-groomed. The biologically active substances contained in the berries promote the regeneration and rejuvenation of skin layers.

Apply berries viburnum and strengthen hair. The mask, prepared using the berries of this plant and applied to the scalp, helps to improve the blood supply to the hair follicles, which leads to increased hair growth. Hair after such use becomes smoother and shiny. To achieve and maintain this effect, hair masks with the use of viburnum berries are best carried out regularly and systematically.

Virtually every woman is familiar with the problem of the section of the ends of the hair. Specialists of traditional medicine claim that the use of viburnum juice, mixed with any vegetable oil, helps to reduce this manifestation.

Viburnum berries can have a beneficial effect on the nails. In the pulp of the fruit is quite a lot of biologically active components that contribute to faster growth of the nail.

To achieve this effect, you can add a few drops of juice made from viburnum berries in the bath during a manicure. This procedure will not only promote the fortification of the nails, but will also have a beneficial effect on the cuticle. It will become softer, which means that the number of burrs will be less. This care will help your hands look more well-groomed.

First of all, you should decide at what time it is better to pick viburnum berries. This should be done in late autumn. It is better to pick berries in clusters. So in the future they will be easier to handle.

The collected fruit should be thoroughly rinsed. It is more convenient to carry out this procedure in a conventional pelvis. When washing the fruit water should be changed 2-3 times. After the berries are washed, they should be thoroughly dried. To do this, they should be laid out on a flat surface, previously laid out with a towel or other clean cloth.

Save the harvest in different ways. One of them is freezing. Prepared fruits are poured into special containers or bags for freezing and placed in the freezer.

Frozen berries are convenient to use in winter. The required number of fruits can, if necessary, be taken out of the container and used to make a useful fruit juice or tea.

Berries can be dried. Dried fruits are kept quite well. With proper storage, they can retain their useful properties even for a whole year. In order for the dried berries not to spoil, they should be stored in a cool and dark place.

Lovers of viburnum know a huge number of various ways to prepare tasty drinks and dishes from it. Connoisseurs of this berry can prepare even alcoholic beverages from the fruits of this useful plant. People, having tasted a wine or tincture made from the fruits of viburnum, necessarily mark the particular specific taste of the drink, which cannot be confused with any other.

For making wine, berries, sugar and plain water are used. For the manufacture of such a wine drink will also need patience.

An easier way to use berries is to make tea. This warming drink is especially suitable in the period of colds. Making tea is quite simple. This will require 1 tbsp. l berries and a glass of boiled water. You can use both fresh and frozen fruit.

Berries, prepared for the preparation of a warming drink, should be crushed. The resulting puree is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for a couple of minutes. This berry warming drink can be further sweetened with honey. Making tea does not take much time, but it will bring great benefits to the body.

You will learn about the benefits of viburnum and its preparation from the video below.