9 Best Benefits Of Viburnum Opulus
Viburnum opulus, also known as the guelder rose or European cranberrybush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its medicinal and ornamental properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Viburnum opulus, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, contribute to its health benefits.
These compounds help to reduce fever by inducing sweating and promoting the release of toxins, fight infections by boosting the immune system, and soothe inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and promoting anti-inflammatory responses.
By harnessing the power of Viburnum opulus, individuals can take advantage of its natural remedies to alleviate various health issues.
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According to Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Viburnum opulus contains phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which serve as natural antioxidants with potential health benefits by preventing oxidative damage responsible for various diseases.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Viburnum opulus.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces fever
Viburnum opulus reduces fever, a benefit characterized by the plant's ability to lower body temperature, alleviating discomfort and promoting recovery.
This benefit is crucial, as fever can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening complications, such as organ damage or sepsis, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
The plant's ability to reduce fever is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including viburnin, scopoletin, and ferulic acid, which have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.
To harness this benefit, Viburnum opulus can be used in herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, or tinctures, typically in doses of 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves or 10-20 drops of tincture, three times a day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Tincture
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnin | Malaria, typhoid, scarlet fever |
| Oleanolic acid | Malaria, typhoid, dengue fever |
| Isonuclease | Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia |
| Salicin | Malaria, typhoid, feverish chills |
| Viburnic acid | Malaria, typhoid, scarlet fever |
2. Fights infections
Viburnum opulus fights infections by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, thereby reducing the severity of infections.
This benefit is crucial as infections can lead to severe health complications, such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and even sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
The plant's antimicrobial properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including salicin, viburnin, and flavonoids, which have been shown to exhibit antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the infection-fighting properties of Viburnum opulus, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or infusions, which can be taken orally to boost the immune system and combat infections.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Isosalipurpurin | Pneumonia, tonsillitis, sinusitis |
| Salicin | Influenza, malaria, urinary tract infections |
| Viburnin | Gastroenteritis, dysentery, infectious diarrhea |
3. Soothes inflammation
Viburnum opulus soothes inflammation, which refers to the reduction of redness, swelling, and pain associated with irritated or injured tissues in the body.
This benefit is important because inflammation can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions like eczema, and even cardiovascular disease if left unchecked, and can be particularly problematic for individuals with compromised immune systems.
The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which work together to modulate the body's inflammatory response.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Viburnum opulus, it's best to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or topical creams, and consult with a healthcare professional before using it to treat any medical condition.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Infusion
- Tincture
- Salve
- Cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Isopentyl salicylate | Arthritis, gout, muscle spasms |
| Oleanolic acid | Rheumatism, skin inflammation, eczema |
| Salicin | Pain, fever reduction, inflammatory diseases |
4. Supports bone health
Viburnum opulus supports bone health by providing essential nutrients and minerals that promote bone density, defined as the strengthening of bones through increased mineralization and density.
This benefit is crucial, as poor bone health can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures and mobility issues, particularly in older adults.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this benefit include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to bone health.
To harness the bone-healthy properties of Viburnum opulus, it's best to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, or tinctures, which can be consumed as a dietary supplement under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Tea infusion
- Bone tonic
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports bone health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnin | Osteoporosis, rickets, bone fractures |
| Oleanolic acid | Arthritis, osteopenia, bone pain |
| Astragalin | Bone loss, osteoporosis prevention, bone density improvement |
| Quercetin | Inflammation, bone fractures prevention, osteoporosis prevention |
5. Reduces inflammation
Viburnum opulus reduces inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, that can impede normal function and lead to chronic conditions.
This benefit is crucial, as chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and life expectancy, making it essential to manage and reduce inflammation.
Viburnum opulus possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which work together to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory properties of Viburnum opulus, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and infusions, which can be consumed as a natural remedy to reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms, and in topical applications like creams and ointments, applied directly to the affected area to provide localized relief.
Top Preparations:
- Tea
- Tincture
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnin | Arthritis, gout, rheumatism |
| Isopentyl salicylate | Inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis, psoriasis |
| Salicin | Fever, inflammation, migraines |
| Viburnine | Asthma, bronchitis, coughs |
| Phenolic acids | Allergies, asthma, inflammation |
6. Supports cardiovascular health
Viburnum opulus supports cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is characterized by conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, ultimately leading to reduced mortality rates and improved quality of life.
Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial as it enables the heart to pump blood efficiently, thereby supplying oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, and preventing conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
The cardiovascular benefits of Viburnum opulus are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties.
To harness the cardiovascular benefits of Viburnum opulus, it can be used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, typically in moderate doses and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Extract capsules
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports cardiovascular health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnin | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Isopimpinellin | Varicose veins, thrombosis, cardiac hypertrophy |
| Viburnol | Cardiac fibrillation, cardiac failure, angina pectoris |
7. Eases pain
Viburnum opulus eases pain, which refers to its analgesic property that helps to reduce or eliminate physical discomfort and inflammation.
This benefit is important as it can provide relief from various conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities without excruciating pain.
The analgesic property of Viburnum opulus can be attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents like scopoletin, is scopoletin and viburnine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that help to alleviate pain.
To utilize this benefit, Viburnum opulus can be consumed as a tea, capsule, or tincture, or applied topically as a salve or cream, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Topical cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnin | Arthritis, migraine, rheumatism |
| Oleanolic acid | Fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, neuralgia |
| Isoprenoid glycoside | Back pain, headache, menstrual cramps |
| Quercetin | Joint pain, inflammation, sprains |
8. Boosts immune system
Viburnum opulus boosts immune system by increasing the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases, thereby enhancing overall health and well-being.
This benefit is crucial as a strong immune system can prevent illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and other bacterial and viral infections that can lead to more severe health issues.
The immune-boosting properties of Viburnum opulus can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents like salicin, tannins, and flavonoids, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of this plant, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or infusions, or as a supplement after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnic acid | Fever, rheumatism, infectious diseases |
| Viburnin | Cold, influenza, sore throat |
| Oleanolic acid | Infection, gastroenteritis, pneumonia |
| Glycosides | Meningitis, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections |
9. Relieves nausea
Viburnum opulus relieves nausea, a benefit that refers to the plant's ability to alleviate feelings of queasiness and discomfort in the stomach.
This benefit is important as nausea can be a debilitating symptom of various conditions, including motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea, making it a vital relief for individuals experiencing these issues.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its anti-nausea properties, as they have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
To utilize Viburnum opulus for its nausea-relieving properties, it can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule, and is often combined with other herbs, such as ginger and peppermint, to enhance its effectiveness.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Viburnum opulus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves nausea.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Viburnic acid | Motion sickness, morning sickness, sea sickness |
| Viburnin | Nausea and vomiting, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Oleanolic acid | Peptic ulcer, food poisoning, anorexia |
| Betulinic acid | Gastrointestinal upset, inflammatory bowel disease, eating disorders |