Birch has long been considered a Russian tree, which can not only delight the eye with the beauty of its weeping crown and thin graceful branches, but also provide humans with valuable medicinal raw materials. In spring, you can often find people collecting buds from this tree. For what purposes do they cut off the unopened birch buds? What can be prepared from them and how can they be used correctly in the treatment of diseases? You can learn about all this and more from this material.
Birch buds are usually brownish-brown in color, acquiring a greenish tint at the base. The smell of the buds is balsamic, which intensifies when rubbed. The essential oils they contain give birch buds such an unusual aroma. But the taste when brewing and obtaining products from birch buds is tart and resinous, due to the content of the same aromatic oils, bitterness and resinous substances. Often, when ingesting products made from birch buds, honey is added. When collecting, the main thing is not to confuse birch buds with brunkas (a special type of inflorescence not suitable for treatment).
Depending on the climate zone, birch buds begin to be collected at the end of February or in March, when nature is just beginning to wake up from hibernation. The main thing is that the first leaves on the tree do not have time to bloom. If this happens, the moment of collection has already passed. But it is also not worth collecting material too early, since the buds that have not yet swollen contain a small amount of nutrients, and they will not bring much benefit in treatment. To collect birch buds, a sharp, well-sharpened knife is usually used, which is used to cut them at the base. Of course, it is much more convenient to cut off the entire thin branches and then cut off the buds from them, but it is better not to do this with plants and not to cause additional damage to them, but to take only the material that is needed for treatment. Collection is carried out only in dry weather conditions, without rain.
It is clear that to collect medicinal raw materials, you should choose trees located far from cities, highways and industrial enterprises. Buds collected from such birches contain large number chemicals and heavy metals, the presence of which in raw materials will not help in any way to cure, and can even harm the body.
The collected material is pre-dried at room temperature in a well-ventilated place, protected from sunlight, and then placed in storage containers: bags (paper or canvas), glass or ceramic containers with lids. Birch buds can be stored for no more than two years after collection.
Thanks to his chemical composition, which has long been studied in detail by scientists, birch buds have a huge spectrum medicinal properties. In this regard, birch buds are used as raw materials for the preparation of various infusions, decoctions, ointments and other products not only for traditional medicine, but also for traditional ones. The effects that taking birch buds have on the human body:
Despite the fact that the list of these contraindications is not too long, before taking kidneys it is better to familiarize yourself with it so as not to harm yourself. Taking birch buds is contraindicated for the following groups of people:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- persons with renal failure;
- persons with acute urinary tract diseases;
- children under 12 years of age when taken orally.
The use of birch buds in folk medicine
Long ago, our ancestors discovered the beneficial properties of birch buds and used them as a cure for many diseases, and over time, their range of uses only increased. And in our time, people continue to make various products on their own, actively using traditional medicine recipes. Classic remedies from birch buds are decoctions, infusions, tinctures and teas for internal and external use.
Birch bud tincture recipes
Depending on what diseases the use of birch bud tincture is aimed at treating, you can prepare it according to one of the recipes below.
It is necessary to take birch buds and an alcohol base (alcohol or vodka) in a ratio of 1:5, respectively. The buds need to be crushed - crushed in a mortar or passed through a coffee machine. After this, they are poured with an alcohol base and left to infuse for a week in a dark, cool room. This tincture can be used to treat skin diseases, toothache, rheumatism, gout, bedsores, as well as back and joint pain.
Recipe 2. Classic
It is prepared in the same way as the first tincture recipe: crushed buds and alcohol are taken in a ratio of 1:5, mixed, but the time for infusion increases to three weeks, during which you need to periodically shake the bottle with the tincture and squeeze out the remainder. This product is used for gastrointestinal diseases, colds, bronchitis, to remove bile from the body, etc. It is recommended to use the resulting tincture internally three times a day before meals, diluting 20...30 drops of the product in 1 tbsp. water.
A decoction of birch buds is used both internally to treat a wide range of diseases and even for oncology, and externally as applied compresses. It is prepared at the rate of 10 g of birch buds per 1 glass of boiling water. The raw materials are poured with water and boiled for 15 minutes over low heat, then removed from the heat, filtered and taken 1 tbsp. up to four times a day depending on the disease.
Tibetan elixir using chamomile, St. John's wort, immortelle and birch buds
This elixir is a decoction prepared from a medicinal collection that includes chamomile, St. John's wort, immortelle and birch buds. Even taken individually, these ingredients are medicinal, but together they give a unique effect: they cleanse blood vessels and strengthen their walls, cleanse the body, removing waste and toxins from it, promote weight loss, relieve inflammation, improve not only the appearance of the skin, but also general condition body, improve immunity.
In order to take such an elixir, you must first prepare a brew for brewing. To do this, you need to take 100 g of each ingredient, mix and grind. It is best to store the resulting collection in a glass jar with a lid. And to prepare yourself a portion of the healing decoction, just take 1 tbsp. collection with a slide and brew in 0.5 liters of boiling water. The decoction is left to brew for 30 minutes, after which it is filtered. The elixir is drunk, sweetened with 1 tsp. honey
There is only one recipe for preparing the decoction, but the methods for using it can be different:
- Drink 250 ml of the decoction at night, and the remaining half in the morning half an hour before meals, after heating the medicine in a water bath;
- drink only 1 glass warm in the evening before bedtime;
- an hour after meals, 1/3 glass three times a day.
Recipe 1. Treatment of colds
For effective treatment colds, as well as prevention during epidemics of airborne diseases, it is recommended to brew tea from birch buds. To prepare it use 1 tsp. crushed raw materials, which is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 5...7 minutes.
Recipe 2. Treatment of hemorrhoids
One glass of crushed birch buds is poured into 0.6 liters of any vegetable oil and left for 1.5 months in a dark place. It is advisable to shake the mixture at least occasionally. After the infusion procedure, 5 g of St. John's wort and yarrow chamomile in dry crushed form are added to the solution, and again sent for infusion for three weeks. Then the resulting mixture is boiled for half an hour and left to infuse for three days. After all these operations, the substance is ready for use; microenemas are done twice a day.
Recipe 3. Treatment of rheumatism
The most effective remedy here is ointment, which can be prepared in the following way: lard or unsalted butter is placed in a pan in a layer 1.5...2 cm thick, and topped with a layer of chopped birch buds 1...1.5 cm thick. The pan is covered with a lid, additionally wrapped in foil and sent to the oven for a day (if chopped pork is used) lard, then for 12 hours). Then a little camphor is added to the ointment, and the resulting substance is rubbed on the sore joints.
The benefits of birch buds for men
First of all, products prepared on the basis of birch buds can effectively fight prostatitis, relieve pain and inflammation in many diseases of the male reproductive system. It is also recommended to rub a decoction of birch buds on balding men to strengthen and improve hair growth.
Taking decoctions and teas based on birch buds helps female body recover quickly after childbirth, however, you should remember that during lactation, as well as pregnancy itself, taking these drugs is prohibited. Taking the decoction internally will help regulate the menstrual cycle, as well as reduce pain during menstruation. Taking birch buds has a very good effect on normalization hormonal levels and metabolism.
In ancient times, the use of birch buds for food was practiced in Rus'. They were used to prepare soups, salads, okroshka, casseroles, and were also added to pickles, fish, meat, and vegetable dishes as a seasoning and natural preservative. But, of course, the main purpose of this birch “delicacy” is not culinary, but medicinal. How is this plant material useful? For what diseases is it most effective? Can it harm the body?
Description and procurement of medicinal raw materials
There are about 65 species of birch. For medicinal purposes, birch buds are collected, as well as leaves, bark, and sap from species such as silver birch, downy birch, flat-leaved birch, and squat birch. They are most common in the European part of Russia.
Harvesting and storage of birch buds
It is important that the industrial procurement of raw materials is carried out in places of sanitary, planned felling, in agreement with the forestry department, so as not to cause damage to nature.
- When to collect birch buds? Do it early spring at the beginning of sap flow. But beneficial substances are retained in the kidneys even in winter. At this time of year they are often collected when cutting down birch trees.
- How to collect? The buds are cut off along with the young branches. They need to be tied into bundles and dried in a dry, ventilated area. Drying lasts from 3 to 4 weeks. Dry buds smell pleasant, have a brown appearance, and are easy to thresh. Remove by hand or thresh from dry branches, clearing leaves and catkins.
- How and for how long to store? Useful properties Birch buds last 2 years. They are packed in linen bags and protected from dampness.
Healing and pharmacological action
The healing properties of birch buds are explained by their unique chemical composition:
- phytoncides;
- rich complex of vitamins and minerals;
- flavonoids;
- resins;
- Sahara;
- saponins;
- tannins;
- organic acids.
It is known that when distilled by steam, birch buds give a good yield of essential oil. It is a dark yellow liquid with a resinous aroma and taste. Essential oil is used in dermatology and cosmetology.
Pharmacological action:
- antiseptic;
- choleretic;
- diuretic;
- disinfectant;
- expectorant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- diaphoretic;
- hematopoietic;
- blood purifying.
Also recently there has been talk about the antitumor properties of birch buds. Therefore, they are found in folk recipes for benign and malignant tumors.
Most positive reviews about the treatment of diseases with birch buds gastrointestinal tract and urinary system. In pharmacology, this drug is most often defined as a choleretic and diuretic.
Contraindications to the use of birch buds: pregnancy, lactation, children under 12 years of age (oral intake), patients with exacerbations of renal diseases, chronic renal and heart failure. Rarely, an allergic reaction to a herbal remedy occurs due to its irritating effects. Itching, burning, and redness of the skin are possible.
Features of the use and preparation of birch buds
The use of birch buds in traditional medicine is officially included in the treatment protocols for many diseases - primarily as a diuretic, choleretic, and antiseptic. However, there are many folk methods of treatment with birch buds. How to prepare medicine from birch buds at home?
Decoction and infusion
Used internally and externally in various concentrations and dosages.
How to prepare an infusion of birch buds
- Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
- Pour 1 tbsp. boiling water
- Leave for 1.5–2 hours.
It is an effective anti-inflammatory and diuretic.
How to prepare a decoction
- Take 1 tsp. dry raw materials.
- Pour 1 cup boiling water.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Leave for 30 minutes.
Before use, strain the decoction. Also, decoctions of buds and leaves are used for medicinal baths for extensive skin lesions and rheumatic diseases. Then large volumes of raw materials are taken - 10 liters of water per 1 kg.
How to take decoction and water infusion?
- Drink warm.
- Decoctions can be drunk in the following dosage - ¼ cup 3 times a day (before meals!).
- Infusions are often drunk according to a different scheme - ½ glass 6 times a day.
- The course of treatment and dosage is determined by the doctor.
- The treatment regimen depends on the diagnosis and age of the patient.
- Stronger decoctions and infusions can be used externally - gargling, oral cavity, lotions.
- For children, less concentrated solutions are used.
- Prepared medications are stored for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.
Tincture
Tincture of birch buds is considered an excellent external antiseptic, but it is also prescribed for oral administration for stomach ulcers, digestive disorders, kidney diseases, dropsy, and for worms. It stops vomiting well, relieves rheumatic and muscle pain when rubbed and compressed.
Preparation
- Take 4 tbsp. l. dry raw materials.
- Pour in 0.5 liters of vodka (preferably 70% alcohol).
- Leave in a warm place for at least 7 days.
Take 1 tsp. before meals, diluted in a small amount of water.
Ointment
Based on birch buds, you can prepare an ointment that is used for diseases of muscles and joints. The recipe for this remedy is recommended by the famous herbalist M. A. Nosal.
Preparation
- Prepare a clay pot.
- Prepare unleavened dough.
- Place 800 g of lard and 400 g of birch buds in layers in a pot.
- Close and cover the lid with dough to seal.
- Simmer in a hot oven (oven) for a day.
- Strain the contents.
- Add 10 g camphor (powder) and mix.
The ointment is stored in the refrigerator; it relieves swelling, inflammation and pain well. Can be used as a wound healing medicine.
Features of use in women, men and children
- For women. Birch buds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tonic properties. This product cleanses the blood well, restores a woman’s health after childbirth, and normalizes metabolism. It can be prescribed for hormonal disorders during the premenopausal period and menstrual cycle irregularities. Let us emphasize once again - during pregnancy and lactation, the product is contraindicated due to resins, bitterness, local irritation, side effect on the urinary system.
- For men. The product is effective for diseases of the male genitourinary system, helps relieve inflammation and pain due to prostatitis. Also, decoctions and infusions are rubbed into the scalp to treat and prevent baldness.
- For children. Despite the fact that the instructions indicate a clear age limit (cannot be taken orally under 12 years of age), doctors still sometimes prescribe decoctions of this medicinal raw material for diseases of the urinary system and cough, as a moderate anthelmintic for roundworms and pinworms. Only a doctor can justify the benefits of the prescribed treatment. Externally, decoctions are used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent for instillation into the nose, rinsing the throat and mouth. The decoctions are bitter and, to put it mildly, are not to the taste of small children.
Birch buds are an effective folk remedy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, skin diseases of the most varied nature, rheumatic pain. This is a powerful natural antiseptic that is used externally in dermatology, cosmetology, otolaryngology and dentistry.
Birch has gained well-deserved fame among experts in alternative medicine. In particular, we're talking about about her kidneys. This product with a large number of components is characterized by a wide spectrum of action. Therefore, for lovers of folk recipes, it is important to use birch buds correctly, as well as to know their medicinal properties and contraindications.
The list of biologically active components in birch buds includes a lot of vitamins and nutrients. However, essential oils are considered the main component. For this reason, buds are collected in the spring, namely from late April to early May. At this time, the concentration of oils is highest.
To effectively use birch buds, it is important to first collect them correctly if you do this yourself. The twig needs to be cut very carefully and sent to dry. Once the collection has dried, you can separate the buds. The home remedy keeps well in paper bag for several years.
In addition to essential oils, the product is rich in phytoncides, tannins, organic acids, saponins, as well as resins and vitamins. This entire outstanding set of substances makes birch buds unique. It is important to consider their medicinal properties and contraindications for use before starting treatment, no matter what health problems are being discussed.
Variety of healing qualities
Not only folk, but also professional medicine has long recognized the amazing healing effect of birch buds. The following product properties are distinguished:
- anti-inflammatory;
- healing;
- antispasmodic;
- diuretic;
- expectorant;
- anthelmintic;
- choleretic;
- antitumor;
- antibacterial.
A wide range of properties has made birch buds a universal component used in the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases. Products based on natural products are effective for:
- diseases of the urinary system;
- colds;
- use as an antipyretic;
- edema caused by heart disease;
- used for blood purification;
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- taken as an antispasmodic;
- deficiency of vitamins in the body;
- metabolic disorders;
- stomach diseases;
- inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract and other health problems.
Today on pharmacy shelves you can find a lot of products based on birch buds. However folk recipes with this product, which makes it possible to treat an impressive number of diseases, to this day they enjoy unprecedented success. The list of specific ways to improve health with birch buds could go on for a long time; we will give only a few examples.
Compositions based on natural medicines are used in the following common cases:
- to combat atherosclerosis, drink a tablespoon of herbal decoction three times a day;
- People over 50 years old are recommended to drink the infusion daily as a preventive measure for problems with blood vessels and the heart, dividing half a liter of the product into three parts;
- for colds, alcohol tincture, which is taken on a teaspoon three times a day until complete recovery, has demonstrated particular effectiveness;
- rinses with tincture cope with diseases of the oral cavity, eliminate inflammation of the gums and pain;
- alcohol tincture is used for rubbing for rheumatism, radiculitis, arthritis and joint inflammation;
- decoctions and infusions can be drunk over a long period as a general tonic, and also to restore vitamin balance.
How to prepare a homemade potion?
To prepare a herbal infusion, you need to pour 2 tbsp. l. birch buds 0.5 liters of boiling water, then leave for 6-7 hours. The strained liquid is ready for further use.
To prepare the decoction you will need 10 g of product and a glass of water. After boiling the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, add another glass of warm water. Strain the broth before use.
An alcohol tincture made from birch buds is particularly successful. Take a small amount of birch product and alcohol, then mix the components in a ratio of 1:5. The product is infused for 7 days, after which it is filtered and applied externally or internally.
Who should refrain from using it?
The abundance of biologically active components always means the versatility of the product, but at the same time it also implies a number of contraindications. Thus, it is advisable not to use drugs with birch buds in the following situations:
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- at allergic reactions for pollen;
- with cholelithiasis;
- with renal failure;
- in case of individual intolerance to the components of the product.
In the absence of contraindications, birch buds are actively used in practice by different groups of the population. The older generation prefers to collect the “material” on their own, while younger people do not neglect the pharmacy option. The kidney tincture for the treatment of rheumatic pain has won particular trust. According to reviews, tea based on this “gift from the birch tree” is advisable to use in the spring as a medicine against vitamin deficiency. Also, adherents of home recipes note the effectiveness of this remedy for combating drowsiness and depression.
Natural remedies still attract attention and enjoy popular love to this day. Nature contains the most valuable resources for our health, and birch buds are undoubtedly one of them. Simple recipes tinctures, infusions and decoctions based on them allow you to be treated at home without extra effort and expense.
Birch has been known for its healing qualities since ancient times. Our ancestors also actively used its bark, juice, as well as leaves and buds to treat a wide variety of diseases. Birch buds, the beneficial properties and contraindications for use of which we will consider in this article, are well known to modern pharmacists. So, they include them in numerous fees. You can also find ways to benefit from them at home.
What are the benefits of birch buds?
Birch buds retain their medicinal properties and a lot of useful substances if they are properly prepared. They have the following properties:
Application
Treatment with birch buds is very effective. Traditionally, they are used to treat a variety of colds. Due to the presence of vitamins in them, as well as a pronounced antibacterial effect, they serve as an excellent tool in the fight against respiratory infections. A decoction prepared from one teaspoon of kidneys is especially suitable for this purpose. They need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for several minutes. The resulting decoction can be consumed instead of tea. It is also used to gargle for sore throat. In addition, the infusion prepared in this way has a diaphoretic effect. If you take it at night when you have a cold or flu, then the next morning the patient’s well-being will be significantly stabilized.
Preparation of alcohol tincture
Birch buds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which were known to our ancestors, are actively used to treat diseases such as laryngitis, bronchitis and even tuberculosis. For such cases, it is necessary to prepare an infusion with alcohol. A handful of buds is placed in a glass container and filled with one hundred milliliters of seventy percent alcohol. After that, the dishes are tightly covered with a lid and the mixture is infused for three weeks. The resulting product must be consumed twenty drops three times a day before meals. If the patient suffers from ulcers or other gastrointestinal diseases, then water must be added to the infusion. Otherwise, the regimen for its administration remains unchanged.
It should be noted that alcohol tincture can be stored for quite a long time. In addition to the cases listed above, it also helps with bruises and joint pain. It is enough to rub it twice a day into the affected area, and the unpleasant symptoms will quickly disappear.
Preparation of ointment
Birch buds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are known in folk medicine, are also indispensable for the treatment of rheumatism. In this case, it is recommended to use a special ointment. To prepare it you will need eight hundred grams of butter without salt and five grams of camphor. The oil and birch buds must be placed in an enamel pan in even layers no thicker than the index finger. Camphor is added to the last layer of oil. After which the pan is tightly covered with a lid, wrapped in foil and placed in a well-heated oven for 24 hours. The resulting ointment should be wiped every evening on sore joints.
The ointment can also be prepared in another, easier way. Pour boiling water over the buds, then strain them and add melted lanolin. After the mass hardens, liquid will appear on its surface, which should be drained. The resulting ointment helps well with eczema, dermatitis and other skin diseases.
Application of ointment
Birch bud ointment is very popular. It has proven itself well for the treatment of rheumatism. So, if you rub it twice a day into the joints, the pain will decrease significantly. It also helps with hemorrhoids.
Application in cosmetology
Birch buds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been known for a long time, are traditionally used by many women for cosmetic purposes. It's no secret that many popular hair products are made with their infusion. Therefore, buds are primarily used to strengthen and improve the condition of the hair. In addition, a decoction of them is used to reduce facial swelling. And when combined with chamomile, they have a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
Birch buds, the healing properties of which are widely used in cosmetology, are especially effective in caring for dry and aging skin. The oil infusion has proven itself very well, for the preparation of which you will need an incomplete glass of olive oil and three large spoons of kidneys. They must be filled with oil and left to infuse in a dark place for twenty-one days. After which the mixture is filtered, and the resulting oil is used as a night facial care product.
The healing properties of birch have an extremely beneficial effect on human skin. It is not without reason that since ancient times a birch broom has been considered an invariable attribute of bath procedures. In addition, herbal baths have a positive effect. To prepare them, you need to add two glasses of birch bud decoction to the water. It is recommended to take a bath for thirty minutes.
Benefits of birch buds for hair
What are the benefits of birch buds for hair? They can be used to improve their structure. Ointment made from birch buds, chamomile and nettle is considered especially effective. To prepare it you will need one large spoon of buds and herbs, as well as a third of a glass of olive oil and half a spoon of lanolin. Mix all ingredients and simmer over low heat for half an hour. While the mass is still warm, add the yolk and juice of one lemon. The resulting mixture is applied to the hair for an hour, after which the head should be wrapped in a towel and then washed with shampoo.
In addition, the decoction can be used to rinse hair. To get it, just pour a glass of boiling water over a handful of buds and then strain. It must be said that such decoctions are very often included in various hair care products.
Preparation of skin care products
How are birch buds useful in skin care? They have proven themselves excellent in the fight against acne. Particularly effective is a mask made from buds, as well as calendula and chamomile flowers. These ingredients must be taken in equal proportions and mixed with boiling water until a paste forms. The resulting mass is wrapped in gauze, wrung out a little and in this form applied to clean facial skin. The positive effect of this procedure is noticeable after the first time.
In addition, birch buds have a rejuvenating effect on facial skin. To smooth out and make crow's feet in the eye area less noticeable, you need to hold gauze soaked in the broth on your eyelids in the evening. And you can use the infusion as a cleanser.
Birch buds: contraindications
In some cases, the use of birch buds should be limited. This primarily applies to pregnant women and young mothers who are breastfeeding. They are also recommended for careful use by people who suffer from various diseases of the urinary system. You can start taking products containing birch buds in one form or another only after consulting your doctor.
It should be noted that treatment folk remedies on birch buds is of an auxiliary nature. Their use does not replace traditional treatment with medicines which are prescribed by the doctor.
When and how to collect birch buds?
Birch buds retain their beneficial properties if they are properly harvested. You can buy them at the pharmacy all year round. But not everyone wants to use a ready-made product. Some people prefer to prepare their own remedy. When to collect birch buds? This will be discussed further. They are prepared in compliance with all rules that ensure the complete safety of the beneficial substances contained in them.
When to collect birch buds? How to do this correctly? A number of rules must be followed:
- The best time for collection is considered to be from February to April. At this time, the buds swell and become resinous, but leaves do not yet appear on them;
- To harvest raw materials, you need to choose dry weather. This applies not only to birch buds, but also to any other medicinal herbs;
- Young trees or new shoots on an old birch tree are best suited for collecting buds;
- it is desirable that the birch forest be located as far as possible from sources of pollution, for example, a busy highway or an industrial enterprise;
- After collecting the buds, they are dried in a dark place at room temperature and then ground. This process will help preserve their beneficial properties for as long as possible. If the raw material is prepared correctly, it will emit a specific balsamic smell;
- in any case, you should not store raw materials for more than twelve months. It's too much long-term storage leads to the loss of most of their qualities.
Birch buds: reviews
As reviews indicate, quite a lot of modern people use birch buds for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Very often, tea is prepared from them, which has proven itself as an excellent remedy for fatigue, irritability and weakness. Dentists advise rinsing your mouth with a decoction, because due to the tannins and flavonoids contained in the kidneys, they perfectly relieve inflammatory processes in cases of stomatitis, periodontal disease and other diseases of the oral cavity.
Birch buds are widely used for the treatment and prevention of colds. Inhalations are considered especially effective. In addition, drinking even a simple infusion saturates the body with vitamins, which, in turn, helps strengthen the immune system.
Birch buds, the properties and contraindications of which are already known to you, you can now use for the necessary purposes. Health to everyone!
Hello everyone!
Birch is one of those trees whose medicinal properties are recognized by any medicine (folk, official, Chinese, Indian, etc.)
Particularly valuable medicinal raw materials in birch are birch buds, collected during the period of their swelling from late April to early May, during sap flow, while they have not yet opened, which is very, very important!!!
Let's take a closer look at the medicinal properties of birch buds and their use in medicine and cosmetology.
From this article you will learn:
Medicinal properties of birch buds and methods of their use
Birch (lat. Bétula) is a genus of deciduous trees and
shrubs of the birch family (Betulaceae).
Birch is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere; in Russia it is one of the most common tree species. wiki
The most valuable component in birch buds is their essential oil, which has phenomenal healing power and is a thick balsamic liquid with a very pleasant smell.
It contains a large number of biologically active components that have a huge healing effect on our body as a whole.
This oil has a huge number of useful medicinal properties that can restore the functioning of damaged organs and systems of the human body.
I read in one source that birch bud oil can turn any skin into velvet!
You will almost never find a ready-made herbal balm or elixir that does not contain birch buds.
For what diseases is it useful to use birch buds?
Traditional medicine gives them a wide range of medicinal properties that really prove their effectiveness.
- Diuretic
Birch buds are effectively used as a diuretic for various diseases of the genitourinary system and edema of cardiac origin.
- Choleretic agent
An infusion of birch buds is used for diseases of the liver, biliary tract, and cholecystitis.
- Gastric remedy
The effectiveness of using birch bud infusion for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has been proven.
- Expectorant
To do this, make inhalations with an infusion of birch buds and use them for.
- For skin diseases
Birch buds are very effective remedy for various skin diseases: eczema, furunculosis, acne, dermatitis, erosions, wounds, burns, bedsores, etc.
To do this, use medicinal baths with infusion of birch buds and prepare an ointment that is rubbed into diseased areas of the skin.
- For joint diseases
Alcohol tincture of birch buds very effectively relieves inflammation and pain in the joints and can be used for rheumatism, gout, lumbago, arthritis, joint pain
- For diabetes
- General strengthening agent
Birch buds can be used as an infusion during periods of weakening of the body after suffering serious illnesses, during a cold accompanied by bronchitis and fever, loss of strength and energy, and fatigue.
- Cosmetological properties
An infusion of birch buds can replace a tonic for dry skin, is very useful for acne and helps treat age spots
Birch buds in oriental medicine
Birch buds are widely used in Eastern medicine for the treatment and harmonization of the entire body as a whole.
According to Eastern medicine, birch buds harmonize the condition hollow organs: stomach, small, large intestine, gall, bladder, three heaters.
Affect endocrine system: pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, testicles.
And also for all properties and pathological conditions systems
Dosage forms from birch buds
Liquid medicinal forms are prepared from birch buds: infusions, decoctions, teas, ointments and liniments are made.
- Infusion of birch buds
Since buds are soft plant materials, it is best to prepare an aqueous infusion from them rather than a decoction.
- To do this, half 1 tsp. crushed birch buds are poured with half a glass of boiling water.
- Leave in a boiling water bath in a sealed container for 15 minutes.
- Cool for 45 minutes at room temperature, strain and take 3 times a day.
- Store for 1 day in the refrigerator.
With this method of preparing infusions (applies to any herbs), all beneficial substances are completely transferred from medicinal raw materials into the infusion, which makes it possible to obtain a full therapeutic effect
- Alcohol tincture of birch buds
- Birch buds are infused in a ratio of 1:10 for two months in 70% alcohol, shaking occasionally, in a dark place.
- Then filter.
- Store in a cool place, protected from light
- Tinctures from birch buds are just as useful as tinctures from propolis.
- Homemade ointment from birch buds
Effectively helps with inflammatory skin diseases and joint pain.
- You need to take unsalted and kidneys.
- Place in a small saucepan in layers: a layer of butter, a layer of kidneys (the thickness of the layers is 1 cm) and so on until it is filled.
- Close the lid.
- Place it all in a warm place for 14-18 hours (you can use a stove, oven or hot radiator).
- Then you filter it all and squeeze it through cheesecloth.
- Store the finished ointment in a cool place.
- Apply by rubbing into painful areas of the body in the evening before bed, once a day.
Tibetan elixir of youth with birch buds
I think you have already heard more than once about this recipe for the Tibetan elixir of youth, found by the UNESCO expedition in 1971. in Tibetan monasteries, which was written on clay tablets back in the 5th century BC...
Today it has been translated into all languages and tested by more than one thousand people, including me personally.
But I won’t go into this, I described everything in detail in the picture, it enlarges and everything can be read.
How to collect birch buds?
This video explains very well how to properly collect birch buds.
Contraindications to the use of birch buds
Birch buds are contraindicated for the following diseases:
- Kidney failure
- Gallstones.
- Pregnancy.
- Individual intolerance and allergies.
And finally, when collecting buds, please do not break off branches, take care of the birch trees
And then they will bestow us with their healing power and endless beauty more than once again!
Alena Yasneva was with you, bye everyone!
Photo on the cover of the post @ sever180
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