Birch (Betula L.) regulates metabolism, cleanses the liver and kidneys, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and at the same time strengthens the body. These he alth-promoting properties are mainly found in birch sap and infusion of birch leaves.
Birch( BetulaL.) has been valued and used for he alth-promoting purposes for centuries. Already the Slavs considered birch a sacred tree, symbolizing life, femininity, fertility, fertility and wisdom.
They used it in many rituals or rituals, because it was believed to protect against "evil spirits", and at the same time ensure prosperity.
It was believed that birch heal not only the body, but also the soul, so far many people believe that being among birch trees brings relief, restores inner balance and peace.
- TREES improve well-being and have a healing effect
Birch (there are several dozen of its species all over the world) is a tree that is not very demanding when it comes to the substrate, because it occurs on dry, sandy, as well as clay and moist soils.
It grows best in sunny locations, but it tolerates weather variability quite well - trees are resistant to both frost and heat.
Popular birch species in Poland:
- warty birch
- sugar birch
- dusty birch
- black birch
they reach a height of ten to even 30 meters and can be found both in forest groves, around fields, meadows and city parks.
For pro-he alth purposes, both leaves and birch sap are used, also known as oskołą. You can get it yourself - the juice is collected in early spring, before the leaf buds appear.
Birch leaves - infusion for he alth and beauty
Not only is birch sap famous for its pro-he alth properties, but also its leaves, which can be prepared as an infusion. Birch leaves prepared in this way, when used internally, have similar he alth properties to the sap of this tree.
They work as a diuretic, strengthen the immune system, but also remove excess water and toxins from the body. Thanks to this, they work not only on he alth, but also beauty, because they contribute to the improvement of the appearance of the skin.
Additionally, you can use the infusion externally, because it soothes acne lesions, inflammations andskin irritations, and at the same time has an anti-aging effect, because it increases the production of collagen and elastin.
You can also use eye compresses because they reduce dark circles under the eyes and puffiness. Cool infusion of dried birch leaves can also be used on hair, because it regulates the work of sebaceous glands, thus preventing greasy hair and the appearance of dandruff.
It also has cleansing and disinfecting properties, while making the hair softer and stronger. Regularly used rinses of this type also accelerate their growth.
- How to make an infusion of birch leaves?
Infusion of fresh birch leaves
Pour one tablespoon of fresh leaves (necessarily young ones) with a glass of boiling water and leave it to brew for 15-20 minutes. The drink prepared in this way can be drunk three times a day, but not more than 4-5 tablespoons at a time.
Infusion of dried birch leaves
You can also prepare an infusion of dried birch leaves. Two tablespoons pour half a liter of boiling water, cook for about 5 minutes, and then set aside for a quarter of an hour.
Birch sap - obtaining and using
Birch juice is a rich source of vitamin C, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, B vitamins, and also contains citric and malic acid, tannins, flavonoids and mineral s alts.
Thanks to these ingredients, it supports the functioning of the urinary, digestive and circulatory systems. It regulates metabolism, cleanses the liver and kidneys, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and at the same time strengthens the immune system, making the body less susceptible to viral infections. It is also recommended for people suffering from rheumatism and sciatica, gastric ulcer, hypertension, and anemia.
- How to check if there are already "juices" in the birch?
It is best to cut a small twig and see if the juice is flowing out of it after a dozen or so seconds. If so, we can drill a small, several centimeter hole in the trunk, insert a tube or a trough into it and place a vessel into which the juice will flow.
Once we get the right amount, cover the hole with clay, protect it with wood or apply a garden antifungal ointment to avoid exposing the tree to infection.
It should be remembered that the time for consumption of such juice is quite short, usually 3-4 days if stored in the refrigerator.
In many stores, however, you can buy ready-made birch juices, pasteurized, which, under appropriate conditions, can be stored longer than those collected by yourself.