Guelder Rose

Guelder Rose
Viburnum opulus L.
Adoxaceae Family

Description of Guelder Rose

Guelder rose is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 1.5–4 m in height. The root system is branched, penetrating to a depth of 50–80 cm. The bark on the trunk and branches is gray with cracks. Leaves are opposite, three- or five-lobed, 5–10 cm long, green, turning red in autumn, with serrated edges. Flowers are white or creamy, gathered in corymbose inflorescences 5–10 cm in diameter; marginal flowers are large and sterile, central ones small and fertile. The fruit is a bright red drupe, 8–10 mm, juicy, with a bitter-astringent taste. Flowering occurs in May–June, fruiting in August–September. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, or layering. Varieties include ‘Roseum’ (ornamental), ‘Compactum’, and ‘Xanthocarpum’ (yellow-fruited).

 

Distribution and Ecology of Guelder Rose

Guelder rose is distributed across Europe, Western and Eastern Asia, and North Africa. In the wild, it grows in forests, on edges, along riverbanks, and in marshy areas. It is cultivated in temperate regions (Russia, Europe, North America). It prefers moist, fertile soils (pH 5.5–6.5), partial shade or sunny locations. Optimal growth temperature is 15–25 °C; it withstands frosts down to -30 °C. Berry yield: 2–5 kg per bush. Maintenance includes watering (10–15 L/m² every 7–10 days), organic fertilization (5–10 kg per bush), pruning, and protection from aphids and viburnum leaf beetles. Propagation by seeds (sown in autumn) or cuttings (summer). Ecologically, it enriches the soil, attracts birds and pollinators. It is not invasive.

 

Raw Materials from Guelder Rose

Raw materials: berries, bark, flowers, leaves, juice. Berries are harvested in August–September after the first frosts (to reduce bitterness) and dried at 40–50 °C (yield 15–20%). Bark is collected in spring (April–May) and dried at 30–35 °C (yield 20–25%). Flowers and leaves are gathered in May–June and dried in shade (yield 10–15%). Juice is extracted from fresh berries (yield 50–60%). Quality: berries red, mold-free, moisture <12%, organic/mineral impurities ≤0.5%, total ash ≤6%; bark gray-brown without darkening; flowers and leaves without yellowing. Store berries and bark in dry containers (1–2 years), flowers and leaves in cloth bags (1 year), juice in refrigerator (2–3 days). Berry aroma faint, taste bitter-sour; bark and flowers have herbaceous scent.

 

Chemical Composition of Guelder Rose

Berries: water (80–85%), carbohydrates (7–10%, glucose, fructose), organic acids (2–3%, ascorbic, valeric), vitamins (C up to 70 mg/100 g, A, E, K), flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins (2–4%), pectins (1–2%), minerals (potassium, calcium, iron). Bark: glycosides (viburnin), tannins (5–7%), resins, essential oil (0.1–0.3%). Flowers and leaves: flavonoids, vitamin C (up to 50 mg/100 g), essential oil. Juice: vitamin C, anthocyanins, organic acids. Caloric value of berries: 25–30 kcal/100 g.

 

Uses and Benefits of Guelder Rose

Guelder rose exhibits anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antispasmodic, hypotensive, and immunostimulatory effects due to viburnin, anthocyanins, and vitamin C. Berries are used for colds, hypertension, bronchitis, anemia, and menstrual disorders. Bark is applied for uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids, neuroses, and spasms. Infusions of flowers and leaves have anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects, used for sore throat and skin rashes. Guelder rose juice strengthens immunity, improves digestion, and lowers blood pressure. Externally, berries and juice lighten skin, treat acne, and heal minor wounds. Guelder rose is included in diets to strengthen blood vessels and the heart.

 

Precautions for Using Guelder Rose

Large quantities of berries (>200 g/day) or juice (>100 ml/day) may cause nausea and diarrhea due to organic acids. Bark infusions (>100 ml/day) may enhance hemostatic effects, dangerous in thromboses. Store berries and bark at humidity <12% to prevent mold. Give to children under 3 only ≤10 ml/day of juice or infusions. Individuals with hypotension should limit intake due to blood pressure-lowering effects. Do not combine with anticoagulants or hypotensive drugs without medical consultation. Test juice externally for allergies.

 

Contraindications for Using Guelder Rose

Guelder rose is contraindicated in allergies to Adoxaceae, hypotension, thrombophlebitis, peptic ulcers, urolithiasis (due to acids), pregnancy (risk of uterine contractions), and children under 1 year. External use of juice or berries is prohibited in eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds.

 

Medicinal Recipes with Guelder Rose

1. Juice for colds. Mix 100 ml berry juice with 10 g honey; drink 50 ml twice daily for 7 days.
   
2. Bark infusion for bleeding. Pour 10 g bark with 200 ml boiling water, infuse 1 hour; drink 50 ml twice daily for 5 days.
   
3. Flower infusion for sore throat. Pour 10 g flowers with 200 ml boiling water, infuse 30 min; gargle 3 times daily for 7 days.
   
4. Berry pulp for skin. Mash 50 g berries, apply to face for 10 min, rinse; use once daily for 5 days.
   
5. Berry decoction for hypertension. Boil 20 g berries in 200 ml water for 10 min; drink 100 ml once daily for 10 days.
   

 

Cosmetic Uses of Guelder Rose

Berries and juice are used in cosmetology for antioxidants, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, which lighten skin and reduce inflammation.

1. Face mask. Mix 50 g berry pulp with 10 ml yogurt, apply to face for 10 min, rinse. Use once weekly.
   
2. Skin toner. Mix 50 ml juice with 50 ml water; wipe face once daily for 7 days.
   
3. Body scrub. Grind 20 g dried berries, mix with 10 ml olive oil, massage skin 5 min, rinse. Use once weekly.
   
4. Hair mask. Mix 50 ml juice with 10 ml honey, apply to roots for 20 min, rinse. Use once weekly.
   

 

Culinary Uses of Guelder Rose

Guelder rose berries are used in cooking for juices, fruit drinks, jams, jellies, and sauces. Bitterness is reduced by freezing or adding sugar. Store berries at 0–5 °C for up to 3 months, dried for up to 2 years. Varieties: ‘Roseum’ (ornamental), ‘Compactum’ (for processing).

1. Fruit drink. Pour 200 g berries with 500 ml water, boil 10 min, add 50 g sugar, strain, serve chilled.
   
2. Jam. Mix 500 g berries with 500 g sugar, cook 30 min, jar, store up to 1 year.
   
3. Meat sauce. Blend 100 g berries with 10 g sugar and 5 ml vinegar; serve with meat.
   
4. Jelly. Mix 200 ml juice with 200 g sugar and 10 g gelatin, heat to dissolve, cool.
   

 

Other Properties of Guelder Rose

Guelder rose is an ornamental plant for gardens, especially the ‘Roseum’ variety. Berries attract birds. Bark and berries are used in folk medicine and homeopathy. The plant is employed in landscaping and soil stabilization on slopes.