By: Ivana Dragica |
Birch – a tree that heals |
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Birch (Lat. Betula pendula) is a slender deciduous tree with distinctive white bark.
It grows in all parts of Europe and Asia and has an important role in herbal medicine.
It has forever been appreciated among many peoples around the world, especially among Indians, Native Americans and Siberians.
In the 12th century St. Hildegarda recommended birch flowers for treating wounds and boils that were healing slowly.
In the 16th century Italian doctor Mattioli discovered birch’s efficiency in treating kidney and gall bladder stones, for which he dubbed birch as "a tree that fights kidney diseases".
Siberian birches are famous because an extremely healing parasitic mushroom called chaga mushroom grows on their bark.
Healing properties
Birch leaves and buds contain saponins, tannins, essential oils, saccharose, betulin, resin and vitamin C.
In birch tar we find guaiacol and cresol, compounds with healing and antiseptic effects which are often used against skin diseases.
Birch is most famous as diuretic and is used for enhancing urination, against kidney stones, kidney pains and albuminuria. It enhances sweating and cures bladder diseases.
Birch leaves reduce cholesterol, clean blood and are effective against liver diseases. Heart edemas caused by weakened circulation; furthermore, arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis are also treated with the help of birch.
Birch is also recommended for treating flu, common cold and sinus inflammations. It lowers temperature, alleviates headaches and strengthens the immune system.
Tea made of birch leaves are great against high blood pressure.
Various herbal preparations made of birch enhance circulation and decompose thrombus. They are recommended against tromboflebitis, skin inflammations, pneumonia and bronchitis.
Birch is also used for treating diseases caused by radiation.
Teas made of birch leaves and buds successfully rejuvenate the tissue and accelerate wound healing without leaving scars, even the deepest wounds. Furthermore, birch enhances concentration, strengthens attention and strengthens our organism.
Birch preparations
Birch preparations can be used orally or locally. A preparation made of birch leaves, buds, bark and juice is used in treatment, while birch resin and chalk are also very important.
It is best to collect them during the spring period when healing compounds are the most active. Pick the largest buds and softest leaves.
Juice is collected from birches that are more than 20 cm in diameter and on the height of 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the ground level.
In order to collect birch juice, saw of one branch in spring. If it is sufficiently large, such branch can produce 4 to 5 liters of juice. Place that juice into a glass container.
Remove bark using natural techniques, remove it in circular strips. Collect fringes before the male flowers release their pollen and female flowers are inseminated.
Birch leaves
Birch leaves have a strong diuretic effect. Dried leaves are used for making tea for treating diseases caused by excess water, while young leaves can be used for making salads.
Birch juice and wine
They have powerful detoxification and diuretic effects, help with atherosclerosis, obesity, cystitis, edemas, kidney stones and other kidney diseases. Recommended daily allowance is one spoon.
Bark
It is used for making healing baths that are used for treating various skin conditions. It is also good diuretic, digestive and antipyretic.
Buds
Birch buds clean kidneys and have anti-microbial, diuretic and antibiotic effects.
Useful recipes
Birch leaves tea
Pour hot water over a handful of fresh birch leaves. Filter the mixture after 10 minutes. Drink three cups of this tea every day. Birch leaf tea treatment is best used in a combination with birch baths.
Birch decoctions
- for concentrated decoction, put four handfuls of buds into one liter of water and cook until half of the water evaporates. Drink two to three cups of the mixture every day, for kidney cleansing.
- for anti-cellulite decoction use a handful of leaves and buds. Steam them for ten minutes in a liter of water. Drink three cups everyday.
- for decoction for treating high temperature and digestion enhancement use a handful of birch bark for every liter of boiling water. Mix the bark in the water and leave it for ten minutes. Drink three cups of this mixture every day.
Birch bud tincture
Pour one liter of 40% alcohol over 100 g of birch buds. Leave the mixture for 2 weeks and shake it every day. Use for scalp massages as a mixture for hair growth enhancement.
Slimming baths
In the warm bath add fresh birch leaves in the ratio of 1 handful of leaves for every one liter of water. Stay in the tub for 15-20 minutes.
Birch wraps
Use fresh birch leaf wraps for treating skin disease and for healing wounds several times a day.
Birch in the service of beauty
Due to its ability to clean the blood, birch is useful against all types of skin diseases: acnes, pimples, dermatitis, eczema and similar diseases that are resistant to all other treatment methods.
It is used in cosmetics as a face-cleaning tonic and a preparation against sun spots.
Birch juice is used for scalp massages for prevention of hair-loss, various scalp diseases and for removing dandruff.
Birch oil and gel in a combination with birch tea are the most effective cellulite treatment.
Birch removes excessive water, toxins and uric acid from organism. That enhances cellulite treatment and weigh—loss and enhances skin and tissue elasticity and firmness.
But, these are just some of the birch's healing properties. When you see birch, make sure to give it a hug, because according to Russian scientists, birch is a provider of a positive energy.
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