Birch

Birch (Betula pendula) is a slender deciduous tree known for its white crust. It grows in all parts of Europe and Asia and is of great importance in herbal medicine. It has always been respected in many nations around the world, especially among Indians and Siberians. In 12th century, sacred Hildegard recommended birch flowers against wounds and ulcers with slow healing. In 16th century Italian doctor Mattioli discovered the outstanding performance of birch against kidney and bladder stones , calling it "the tree against kidney disease." Birch from Siberia are known for extremely medicinal parasitic fungus – chaga, which grows on them.

Healing properties of birch

Birch is the most valued as a diuretic and is used to promote urination, against the stones, kidney pain, and albuminuria. Encourages sweating and treats bladder disorders. Birch is also recommended in the treatment of flu, colds and chronic sinusitis. Lowers the temperature, relieves headaches and strengthens the immune system. Various herbal preparations of birch improve circulation and break down the thrombus.  They are recommended for treatement of thrombophlebitis, skin inflammation, pneumonia, bronchitis. Birch is also used for diseases caused by radiation. Birch also improves concentration, strengthens attention and reinforces the body.

Birch leaves reduce cholesterol, clean the blood and act against liver diseases. Cardiac edema caused by a weakened circulation, arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis are also treated with the help of birch.

Birch leaves and buds contain saponin, tannins, essential oils, sucrose, betulin, resin, vitamin C.

In birch tar are found guaiacol and cresol - substances that have medicinal and antiseptic effect and is often used to treat skin diseases.

Birch leaf tea is excellent against high blood pressure. Also, it rejuvenates tissue and accelerates healing without scars even deep wounds. 

Birch preparations

Birch preparations can be used locally and orally. For treatment are used preparations of leaves, buds, crust and juice, and significant are its resin and coal. It is best to collect them in the spring when medicinal substances are most active. Pick the biggest ones buds and softest leaves.

The juice is collected from a birch with diameter larger than 20 cm at a height of one meter above the ground. To collect the juice, in the spring saw one branch. If it is long enough it can give four to five liters, which should be poured into a glass bowl.

Remove the crust so that it naturally separates, in a circular strips. Pick fringe before male flowers release pollen, and female fertilize.

Birch leaves

Birch leaves have a strong diuretic effect. Dried are used as a tea for diseases that occur due to excess water, and the young leaves can be used for salad.

Birch juice and wine

Have powerful detoxifying and diuretic effect, that helps in atherosclerosis, obesity, cystitis, edema, kidney stones and other kidney diseases. The recommended dose is one tablespoon.

Birch crust

Used for the preparation of medicinal baths for various skin ailments. Good as a diuretic, digestive and antipyretic.

Birch buds

Clean the kidneys and have antimicrobial, diuretic and antibiotic action.

Useful recipes

Tea made from birch leaves

Pour 4 cups of hot water  over a small handful of fresh birch leaves. Strain after ten minutes. Drink three cups a day. Treatment with birch tea is best combined with birch baths.

Birch buds tincture

Pour 4 cups of 40% spirit over 100 grams of buds. Soak for two weeks and shake every day. Use this to massage the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Bath for weight Loss

In the warm bath water, add fresh birch leaves in the ratio half a fist on every liter of water. Spend 15-20 minutes in the bath.

Birch stupe

Use fresh birch leaves stupe against skin diseases and to heal wounds several times a day.

Birch for beauty

Birch, because of blood cleansing abilities, helps with all kinds of skin diseases: acne, pimples, dermatitis, eczema, which resist all other treatments.

In cosmetics it is used as a tonic for cleansing against sun freckles.

Birch juice can be used to massage the scalp against hair loss, various diseases of the scalp and to remove dandruff.

Oil of birch and gel combined with her tea are the most effective treatment for cellulite.

Birch removes excess water, toxins and uric acid from the body. That promotes the elimination of cellulite and weight loss and increases the tension and elasticity of the skin and tissues.

However, this is not the end of the healing properties of birch. When you see the white birch, be sure to hug her, because according to Russian scientists, it is the grantor of positive energy.