The birch is a very appreciated and respected tree in Russia since ancient times. Their myths and legends have their reason for being. Its medicinal properties are really impressive. In the herbalists, recipes for the treatment of edema, skin and heart diseases abound. The cortex and the leaves, sprouts and sprigs of birch confer health benefits.
Chemical composition and caloric content of the decoction
Pharmacists recognize that all parts of this tree have medicinal qualities. Often the decoction of birch leaves is used in therapies, whose benefits are due to the presence of these substances:
- essential oils;
- resins;
- vitamin C;
- flavonoids;
- butyl alcohol;
- phytonicides;
- nicotinic acid;
- tannins;
- bitterness;
- saponins
The caloric value of dry birch leaves is only 7 kcal per 100 grams of raw material.
The properties of birch leaves
If you buy a birch sheet in a pharmacy, the container will indicate diuretic and diuretic qualities. Actually, the property list is much broader.
Medicinal benefits and properties
The medicinal substances contained in the birch leaves provide the following effects of the decoction on the human body
- ant i-inflammatory
- antiseptic
- Colerético
- diuretic
- anesthetic;
- healing;
- restorative.
The leaves collected in early spring are the most beneficial for the body. They are rich in organic acids, tannins, nicotinic acid, vitamin E and carotene.
Damages and contraindications
They are not birch leaves themselves that cause damage, but their reckless use. For example, replace the treatment scheme, which was prescribed by the doctor. This therapy for dental diseases is also not recommended. Decoction will calm the pain for a while, but the fabric will continue to deteriorate. This can lead to tooth extraction.
The use of the decoction of birch leaves by pregnant women can also be harmful. The fact that swelling in women in pregnancy is often a symptom of a serious malfunction in the body. Therefore, you must consult a doctor to examine it and not sel f-medicate.
Specialists do not recommend taking a birch sheet to lose weight. Weight loss is due to fluid excretion. And the thoughtless use of this method can cause dehydration.
Contraindications for birch sheets include:
- The presence of allergic reactions to birch;
- Gastrointestinal diseases during the exacerbation period;
- Childhood, pregnancy or breastfeeding (use only by medical prescription);
- urogenital system diseases;
- sensitive skins (for cosmetic treatments).
How to prepare a decoction of birch leaves
To prepare a decoction of birch leaves, it is needed
- Machacated dry leaves – 2 tablespoons;
- Boiling water – 0. 5 l.
The mixture must be poured into a container and fill it with water. After that, it is necessary to boil over low heat. After 10 minutes it is necessary to remove the pot of the pot and leave an hour to infuse.
Special applications
To prescribe a decoction of birch leaves and decide what helps this remedy can only be a doctor. He will be able to evaluate the condition of the body, the presence of contraindications and the stage of the disease. Sel f-medication for many diseases can be very dangerous.
Decoction of birch leaves and outbreaks used throughout the year. For its preparation it is fresh and dry (pharmaceutical) raw materials. When preparing leaves and birch outbreaks at home, it is important to take into account the recommendations and advice on the collection. An incorrect collection can cause the loss of the medicinal qualities of the raw material.
It is often recommended to use the bold leaf along with the tree yolks. This increases the therapeutic properties of the final decoction. It will help more softly and will not cause any damage. The diuretic effect will be stronger and the kidneys will not be affected.
Industrial birch leaves are mainly obtained from birch. They are intended for the preparation of infusions and other remedies by themselves. The container contains instructions for use, dosage and duration of treatment.
The decoction is taken three times a day before meals. Remember that the daily intake of leaves considerably increases the number of urination. Therefore, it is important to promptly increase the amount of water that is drink. Preferably, it must be water without gas.
In popular medicine
The decoction of birch leaves has medicinal qualities that condition its use to
- cardiovascular diseases, including arteriosclerosis
- kidney diseases;
- gastric ulcers;
- Genital diseases in women
- anemia;
- giardiasis;
- vitamin deficiencies;
- liver diseases
It is also an excellent diuretic. It is used for the treatment and prevention of scurvy. It is good for dysentery, burns, soft tissue bruises. The decoction is used for the treatment of rheumatism. For external use, the remedy is adequate as a treatment of skin conditions. It rins in the head after washing the hair.
For kidney and liver diseases
A decoction of 10 leaves and 1 tablespoon of birch outbreaks can help in these cases. A pinch of sodium bicarbonate can help neutralize tar flavor. Pour this mixture into a glass of boiling water. Next, the container is covered and let stand for an hour. After this time, the infusion must be sneaked. The remedy must be used 2 tablespoons (50 ml) before meals. The decoction acts as a choleretic agent and hepatoprotector.
To stimulate urination and renal treatment, the decoction of several birch sheets is used (the amount depends on the desired power of the remedy). They infuse a glass of boiling water and let stand for 3 hours. The decoction is taken in the morning and at night.
In cardiovascular diseases
In cardiovascular system diseases, birch leaf tincture is used. It is made from medicinal alcohol or vodka. To prepare this product, it must be filled in a glass jar with dry leaves at 2/3, then fill them with vodka or 70%alcohol.
Leave the bottle in a dark place for 30 days and shake periodically. After time, the remedy must be filtered. The infusion should be stored in a dark glass container. Drink it before meals, 1-2 drops, diluted in a small amount of cold water. If necessary, increase the dose to 1 teaspoon.
With peptic ulcer
With peptic ulcer Use a mixture of equal parts of the leaves and birch sprouts. In a 50 grams glass container from the pour 0. 5 liters of vodka. Insist for a month, periodically stirring the container. After filtering and taking three times a day before meals, 20 drops diluted in water.
Giardia
To get rid of the giardia use infusion of fresh, freshly open birch leaves. Its size should not be greater than a ten cents. They infused a glass of boiling water and leaving act for half an hour, the container is covered and heated with a towel. Then strain the infusion and take 100 ml three times a day for half an hour before a meal. Continue the treatment must be one month.
The same decoction is used with an empty stomach. Only after taking it, you must go to bed on the right side, putting a hot thermal pad under it. Stay in this position for half an hour.
Prostate disease
To treat the prostate, a decoction of a tablespoon of crushed leaves is used in 0. 5 liters of boiling water. It is left infusion for half an hour and drinks 5-6 times a day, previously dividing the entire volume into equal parts.
In homemade cosmetology
Birch leaves have been used for homemade cosmetic treatments since ancient times. In the past, birch leaves were placed in a linen bag and applied on skin lesions, and were used to make ointments, lotions and compresses. Now this ingredient is actively used in the manufacture of masks, lotions and creams.
Dry facial mask
To nurture dry skin and tuning will help mask with the addition of decoction. Pour 50 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of crushed fresh leaves and is left for two hours. After that, 1 tablespoon of your favorite nutritional cream is added to the porridge and mix. The prepared mask is applied evenly on the face for 10-15 minutes.
An alcoholic tincture of birch leaves is good for acne problems. To do this, 1 tablespoon of crushed dry leaves are poured into a glass container and pour a glass of vodka. The remedy must be infused for fifteen days, stirring the container periodically. After the strain and treat the affected areas of the skin with a cotton swab.
Mask to strengthen hair
Birch leaves are also often used for hair care. Decoction of them helps get rid of dandruff, strengthens hair. To rinse the hair is adequate the decoction of a tablespoon of crushed raw materials and a glass of boiling water. It must be boiled for 25 minutes over low heat. After cooling, add half a glass of warm water and strain. Rinse hair after washing.
To strengthen hair it is recommended to prepare a mask based on a decoction of birch leaves. Five tablespoons of the product should be mixed with an egg yolk, three tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of dry mustard. The mixture must batter with a blender and then apply on the hair under a hat. The head must wrap with a towel. The mask must be maintained for 0. 5-1 hours. To achieve results, the procedure can be done 1-2 times a week. Visibly strengthened hair, as well as the disappearance of the dandruff.
How to reap birch sheets
The therapeutic properties of the medicinal parts of the birch remain only if they are harvested correctly. It is allowed to buy the raw material in the pharmacy, but many believe that the self-recall is more reliable. But this is only true if recommendations and advice are followed during the collection process:
- Birch outbreaks can be collected in early spring. To do this, they carefully separate from the twigs and dry in the shade. Birch outbreaks can only be collected in areas where trees have been carved. The raw material collected and dried according to all standards can be stored in natural fabric bags up to two years.
- Birch leaves flourish in April. During the tree flowering period (in May) the leaves can be collected. At this time you can also collect the raw material by drying it. You can also prepare tea with young leaves.
- Birch leaves can be collected in summer and autumn. But the beneficial components vary between spring and autumn leaves.
- The leaves collected at the end of May or early June are the most valuable. They are collected, dry in the shade, in a well ventilated place. The raw material is stored in natural tissue linen bags.
- When collecting the sheet it is important to keep in mind that not all birchs have medicinal properties. Therefore, before collecting it it is important to consult a herbalist and find out how to distinguish the variety of the tree. Only four of the one hundred twent y-two birch species have medicinal properties.
The leaves must be collected by hand and very carefully. When collecting them, they must be placed in a basket or paper bag. In no case should the leaves be placed in polyethylene, otherwise they will accumulate moisture, which is undesirable.
The decoction of birch leaves is a remedy for many ailments, heals the skin problem and improves hair quality. But do not get involved without thinking about sel f-medication, apply decoctions and tinctures allowed only after the designation of a doctor. In some diseases, such treatment instead of good can cause serious damage to the body. Birch sheets must be harvested according to the recommendations, in order to preserve their therapeutic qualities.
