Birch sap: benefits and harm to the body

The birch drink is a clear liquid that begins to stand out from the tree trunk when the bark is incised. In place of such an incision, a tube is usually inserted, through which the healing drink flows into the prepared dishes. After the collection of juice is completed, the incision site is sealed with wax to prevent the plant from drying out. Juice begins to accumulate in early spring, as soon as the buds open, and the fluid collection lasts a month and a half, starting from the first of April.

This product tastes like spring water, but at the same time has a sweet woody flavor due to the presence of a small amount of natural sugars.

Composition and calorie content

The benefit of such a drink is its unique composition.

1. Organic acids are necessary for a normal acid-base balance in the body. They provide the assimilation of nutrients while eliminating toxins and toxins.
2. Phytoncides are designed to disinfect dangerous viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases of the respiratory system.
3. Fructose in the composition of natural juice is a source of energy, glucose takes part in metabolic processes, and also stimulates cardiac activity.
4. Essential oils found in a birch drink have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and the psychoemotional state of a person. In addition, these substances have a bactericidal effect. They can harm the body during lactation, as well as with a tendency to allergies.
5. Saponins are elements that affect the body's absorption of various compounds, and also positively affect the hormonal background. Scientists believe that saponins can act as prevention of cancer.
6. The birch product contains tannins, which contribute to a decrease in the excretory function of the gastrointestinal tract. Regular intake of such a fluid slows down intestinal motility and improves absorption of various nutrients.

In addition, the composition of birch sap includes various minerals. For instance:

1. Potassium is responsible for the functioning of the muscles, cardiovascular system. The constant use of such a remedy is the prevention of chronic stress.
2. Calcium provides the functioning of the thyroid gland, pancreas, pituitary gland.
3. Sodium regulates the activity of the nervous system, as well as the musculoskeletal system. In addition, this substance is characterized by a vasodilating property.
4. Copper has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The benefit of this substance is that it ensures the proper functioning of the digestive tract, as well as the endocrine glands.
5. Iron is considered a multifunctional compound. It retains oxygen in the blood, promotes the removal of carbon dioxide, cleanses the liver of harmful substances.

Also found in the product are aluminum, silicon, manganese, titanium and others.

The calorie content of the juice varies depending on the tree itself. So, it can be from 9 to 21 kcal per 100 ml of liquid. This allows you to use the drink in diet food.

What is useful birch sap

General benefit

1. As already mentioned, birch sap contains potassium and magnesium, which are responsible for the correct activity of the heart and circulatory system. Therefore, the drink is useful for people suffering from pathologies of the heart, as well as after a stroke or heart attack.
2. Useful components from birch are often included in various medicines that inhibit the development of cancer. This is due to the ability of enzymes to prevent the flow of blood to cancer cells, thereby stimulating the process of self-destruction of tumors.
3. Systematic consumption of juice helps to cleanse the blood, the production of red blood cells. It is useful to drink such a drink with severe intoxication, acute respiratory and chronic infections.
4. The benefit of the product is the content of a number of B-group vitamins. They have a beneficial effect on the emotional health of a person. Thus, to eliminate the symptoms of stress and depression, it is enough to drink a little juice before bedtime.
5. If there is no individual intolerance, you need to take such a drink in moderation. This will help strengthen immunity, increase the body's resistance to various bacteria, infections and viruses. As a result, it will be much easier for a person to transfer the season of colds.
6. Such a plant composition is characterized by a diuretic property. This allows you to use it to combat swelling of the legs. The product promotes the rapid removal of excess fluid from the body, improving the functioning of the urinary system. These same qualities of the drink make it possible to use it with urolithiasis.
7. Birch sap is indicated for people who have pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. During the remission of chronic ailments, such a drink is considered a real find, since it protects the mucous membranes and enhances the process of digestion of food.
8. Saponins prevent the deposition of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, therefore, such a liquid is a prevention of atherosclerosis.
9. Due to the presence in the drink of natural sugars, represented by fructose and glucose, which are responsible for mental activity and good mood, it is useful to drink juice for those whose work is associated with loads on the brain.
10. Birch sap will help get rid of bad breath, acting as a prophylactic of oral diseases. Fresh is useful to drink to strengthen the gums, with stomatitis and caries.
11. A drink of plant origin has a number of positive properties that bring great benefits to the human body. The product normalizes metabolic processes, which leads to weight loss. Juice also contributes to the healing of hair, dermis and nail plates.

It is interesting that birch sap can be consumed in large volumes, without fear for side effects. This is due to the fact that the drink does not irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach. So, even with an ulcer, it is recommended to drink a little of such a useful product.

Birch drink helps reduce blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the body and eliminating edema. In addition, the normalization of pressure indicators is also ensured by the fact that such juice increases the level of hemoglobin.

Juice is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, pneumonia. Urologists advise using it as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic in the complex treatment of pathologies of the genitourinary system.

For women

The use of a birch drink will help women to normalize their body weight, restore health to hair, nails and skin. The use of such juice in the diet will help reduce the strength of menstrual pain. During menopause, it is also recommended to drink such a liquid. This will help reduce the frequency of hot flashes, pressure surges, and also reduce sweating.

For men

It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of such a product for men's health.The intake of such a natural healing agent promotes the synthesis of testosterone, which is considered the main hormone in the stronger sex. There is a positive effect on increased sexual desire and on the quality of sperm.

Among the benefits of drinking it is still possible to highlight the improvement of potency and the normalization of the psychoemotional background of a man. It is important that such a product is practically harmless. Therefore, before using it in the diet, there is no need for prior consultation with a specialist.

During pregnancy

To date, there is no single answer to the question of whether it is possible to use birch sap in the diet of a pregnant woman. Some believe that such a drink is completely contraindicated during the period of gestation. Official medicine has denied such a false opinion.

Many useful compounds have been found in the birch product. Its systematic use allows future mothers to cope with severe toxicosis. To achieve this effect, you should drink a glass of juice from birch three times a day.

If a pregnant woman is prone to jumps in blood pressure, you can also take advantage of the beneficial qualities of this tool. Such a product is useful both under reduced and high pressure. To normalize these indicators, you need to drink 250 ml of fluid an hour before a meal. The product will help eliminate swelling, for which you should drink 3-4 cups of healing composition throughout the day. After a while, the woman will feel an improvement.

In addition, another important useful property during this period is that the drink will help maintain weight at the right level, protecting the body from a set of extra pounds. If you drink juice in the third trimester, this will serve as a stimulation for further lactation after the birth of the baby.

When breastfeeding

Proper consumption of birch sap during lactation contributes to the production of high-quality breast milk. In order not to develop individual intolerance, it is necessary to start the introduction of such a drug in small quantities, for example, from 50 ml per day. After this, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the baby's body and mommy herself.

Such a product is indicated for use after the birth of the baby. This will also protect the woman from problems with overweight.

It is forbidden to use the product only in case of an allergic reaction to it in the baby, as well as with urolithiasis.

During breastfeeding, you should drink only a fresh drink. Canned juice does not retain in itself all those useful substances that are found in a fresh product. The most useful is the juice in the first hours after its collection.

For kids

Children are also shown drinking birch sap. The composition of the drink has a restorative effect. Birch fluid will help protect your baby’s body against seasonal vitamin deficiency and common infections.

Young children are more often exposed to various diseases, so such a product must be present in their diet. It is recommended to gradually accustom children to the new component, starting with small portions. It is necessary to mix 50 ml of juice in equal quantities with water. Begin to give the child birch sap should be one and a half years old, with the beginning of spring.

When losing weight

Nutritionists advise including birch sap in your diet for weight loss. The vitamins and minerals found in the drink have a positive effect on metabolic processes. As a result of using the drug, metabolic processes are accelerated, the general condition of a dieter improves. This product gives vigor, which is especially necessary when conducting physical exercises. Weight loss is provided by reducing edema.

In the absence of allergies and digestive diseases, it is allowed to drink such a natural medicine in an amount of two liters.The caloric content of nectar allows you to use it without harm to the waist. Juice from birch can replace tea. Losing weight using such a drink will allow the body to clear itself of toxic substances.

The maximum benefit is achieved by consuming a natural and fresh drink. Canned birch nectar has less healing properties.

Birch sap in medicine

Due to the healing properties of the fluid secreted by birch, it can be used in the complex treatment of a number of diseases. For example, it is possible to cure pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders in the activity of the genitourinary system. Anemia, vitamin deficiency, hormonal disorders, dry skin are also treated with this composition. Birch sap is used for disorders of the musculoskeletal system, overweight, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as malignant and benign neoplasms.

With diabetes

The beneficial qualities of birch nectar make it possible to use it in the diet of diabetics in optimal doses. Herbal medicine accelerates the metabolism, provides the patient with the necessary vitamins and mineral compounds. In order not to harm, you should consult your doctor.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease that is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Such a disease can occur in acute and chronic form. Juice from birch has a positive effect on the work of this body, allowing you to cleanse the blood of toxins and other harmful substances.

With gastritis

Chronic pathologies of the digestive tract are not a restriction on the consumption of a birch drink. Juice does not harm with moderate consumption. If gastritis is detected, 50 ml of nectar should be drunk on an empty stomach. Such a product does not increase acidity in the stomach. Also, a birch drink is characterized by a painkiller.

With gout

Gout is characterized by the deposition of excess uric acid in various body tissues. First of all, with this disease, the joints suffer. Most often, such a pathology affects men after 35 years. In the treatment using birch sap as an adjuvant, metabolic processes are regulated, in violation of which gout develops.

With a cold

This product is useful for diseases of the throat. To do this, you need to drink a warm drink three glasses a day. You can use it to rinse as an antiseptic.

Birch nectar is indicated for bronchitis and even for pneumonia. It contains vitamins and minerals that enhance immunity and stimulate rapid recovery.

Experts advise taking this remedy when the first symptoms of flu and a cold appear. Useful drink and with an increase in body temperature. The use of such a remedy during this period helps to prevent dehydration of the body, which should not be allowed with fever.

To facilitate breathing in chronic runny nose, a natural potion should also be used. In this case, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of liquid. If you mix this juice with milk, you can get rid of a protracted cough.

With anemia

A decrease in hemoglobin in the blood can provoke the development of various painful conditions. As already mentioned, birch sap contains a complex of necessary useful elements, among which is iron. To cure iron deficiency anemia, which can be life-threatening, dilute natural birch sap with carrot or apple squeeze.

Symptoms of anemia will disappear if you take 50 ml of this therapeutic composition 10 minutes before a meal. Drink a drink for a long time.

With hypertension

The benefit of birch sap at high blood pressure is due to the fact that the product has a diuretic effect. Removing excess water from the body helps reduce edema and lower blood pressure. Such juice improves the general condition of a person. Regular consumption of the drink will help get rid of pain in the heart and migraine.

For the liver

It is scientifically proven that a natural medicine from birch promotes the synthesis of bile. In addition, the usefulness of such a product is to remove toxic compounds and substances from the body that can be dangerous to human health. The product is especially useful in cases where a person works in adverse conditions.

For the kidneys

Natural fluid from birch has a beneficial effect on the fragmentation of kidney stones. The systematic use of the drink will help prevent the appearance of urolithiasis. Use the product should be at least three months, three times a day. In the morning, drink juice before meals, which will improve the effect of this method of prevention.

Application in cosmetology

Nectar collected from birch is called the elixir of youth due to its many beneficial qualities. Beauticians recommend using such a tool for the beauty of hair and dermis, as well as for the health of nails.

Cosmetic compositions based on birch sap are used for brittle and dull curls, as well as for their loss, the presence of dandruff, dry skin.

1. To give the hair a healthy and beautiful appearance, birch bark is used as an integral part of most masks and conditioners. For example, you can mix a drink with vodka and add a decoction of burdock root to the mixture. Such a solution should be rubbed into the roots of curls. The systematic use of the recipe will add shine, strength and elasticity to the hair. Fresh juice is used as a rinse aid, and it is not necessary to rinse it off afterwards.
2. To restore the water balance of the dermis of the head and eliminate dandruff, you can use the product with the inclusion of honey. Such a composition should be applied to the scalp.
3. To prevent hair loss, a mixture of birch sap, cognac and infusion of burdock roots is suitable. Apply this product for 25 minutes, then remove with warm water.
4. To strengthen the hair, you can brew birch leaves, strain the broth, and add juice to it. So rinse your hair 2-3 times a week after washing your hair.

For the health of the skin on the face and decollete, you can use a special tool, for which you need only undiluted natural nectar from birch. It is used for washing or preparing pieces of ice, which are then wiped. The benefit of this tool is that birch sap helps whiten the skin, eliminate freckles and age spots that occur against the background of hormonal changes in the human body.

1. An effective remedy is a lotion, for the manufacture of which it is necessary to mix a glass of birch bark and six drops of lemon juice, as well as 1 tsp. honey. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator. She should wipe her face twice a day using a cotton pad.
2. A birch drink is used to eliminate acne. To do this, apply the product obtained from birch nectar, the protein of one egg and honey to the affected areas. As a preventative measure, you can simply treat your face with undiluted juice twice a day.
3. In order to smooth out fine wrinkles and cope with the first symptoms of aging, a cream mask is recommended, to obtain you need to mix 2 tbsp. natural juice, 50 g of wheat in sprouted form and a glass of crushed sea buckthorn.
4. For dry skin types, a mask will be useful, for the manufacture of which you need to mix juice and honey in equal amounts. Remember that all masks should be applied to pre-cleansed skin for 15–20 minutes and washed off with warm water.
5. As an anti-aging agent, you can use a mixture of birch drink, sour cream and honey.Apply this mixture for 15 minutes, then remove with cool water. As a result of such procedures, the skin becomes elastic, acquires a healthy matte shade.

Harm and contraindications

Along with a large number of healing qualities, there are cases when nectar from birch can be dangerous to humans. Often, a drink can be harmful if used too much.

The product is not contraindicated in any disease, however, it is important to observe the dosage. Birch nectar has the ability to split stones, so if the optimal amount is exceeded, their movement can begin, which provokes pain.

Exceeding the recommended doses of birch sap can harm with ulcers and gastritis, causing an exacerbation of the pathology. This is manifested by the occurrence of pain in the stomach. There may be a violation of the stool in the presence of gastroduodenitis.

In rare cases, the product provokes allergic reactions that can seriously harm. Typically, this reaction of the body is observed with intolerance to birch pollen.

Natural birch should be given with caution to children up to a year, as this can be dangerous for a small organism. After drinking a child, it is important to monitor his well-being. It is recommended that you first dilute with water such a healthy natural product.

How and when is birch sap collected?

The benefits of a birch drink are directly related to the conditions of collection and preparation of the liquid. The collection of the drink should be carried out from March to the end of April. To check whether the tree secrete juice, it is necessary to puncture the bark of the plant with an awl. If, as a result of this, transparent droplets of liquid are released, this indicates that the time has come to collect nectar.

When collecting such a valuable drug, it is important to follow some rules that will protect the tree from danger.

1. First of all, the cut should be done correctly. In this case, you cannot use an ax. For such purposes, a drill with a drill up to 1 cm in diameter is suitable. A small hole will not lead to the death of the whole tree.
2. Collecting a drink is recommended from several birches. One tree can give no more than a liter of useful product. Otherwise, it will weaken and may even die.
3. An open hole in the tree remains accessible to various bacteria that are dangerous to birch. Therefore, after collecting nectar, it is imperative to close it using a special cork.
4. Juice from mature birch will be more beneficial. In addition, the taste of such a product is much better.
5. Of great importance is also the selection of capacity and a place for an incision, which should be located at a height of about 20 cm from the soil. It is recommended to collect birch in large plastic bottles using grooves. Such dishes can be changed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Is it possible to collect birch sap in summer

Typically, birch sap is harvested during the period when the buds open. You can collect it in the summer, but the most delicious nectar in the spring, when there is a thawing of the soil. Later, the taste of the natural product is not so pronounced, it is more like water.

Collect nectar should be before the leaves on the tree. Then the juice already flows not so well, since everything goes into foliage development. Therefore, it is not recommended to collect birch juice later than mid-April.

How to store

To make juice from birch at home is not so difficult. However, it should be noted that the shelf life of such a product is not so long. To get the maximum benefit from the drink, it should be consumed fresh. Doctors advise drinking it instead of water. In the hot period, as well as after physical exertion, this composition will help quench your thirst.

Since a natural drink belongs to perishable products, it can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. In order to preserve at least part of the beneficial properties of a liquid, it can be preserved, frozen, or kvass made from it.

In the cellar, a birch product can be stored for about a month. After that, it can harm the body.Preservation contributes to the loss of some healing qualities, while freezing makes it possible to preserve most of the useful vitamins and mineral elements.

How to drink birch sap

Of course, drinking natural juice from birch is better than fresh, without adding any flavor enhancers, sweeteners. By itself, this drink is transparent, with a sweetish aftertaste. Since a fresh drink can be drunk only during the collection period of nectar, it should be preserved. This can be done by several methods, for example, making blanks. To do this, boil the juice and pour it into jars using citric acid as a preservative. To improve the taste of the drink, you can add some sugar to it.

Also, to extend the shelf life of birch nectar, a concentrate should be prepared. For this, the mass must be boiled until the volume decreases several times and canned in the usual way. When used, it must be mixed with water.

Freezing is also used to preserve the benefits of the product.

How much can I drink per day

If there are no contraindications, you can drink up to two liters of birch sap per day. Even the presence of urolithiasis, inflammatory processes in the organs of the digestive tract is not a contraindication to the use of this nectar. In such cases, you just need to reduce the amount of the composition.

For children, it is necessary to plant birch bark with water in order to exclude the appearance of allergies. The first time you take this natural component, you should make sure that you are not intolerant.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

Birch sap has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect, which is especially appreciated in the treatment of arthritis, gout, rheumatism, trophic ulcers and varicose veins. In this case, it is necessary to drink 50 ml of a birch product diluted with water in a ratio of 2: 1 30 minutes before a meal, three times a day. If we talk about taking this drink just before bedtime, it is important to consider the diuretic property of the juice, which can disrupt rest.

On an empty stomach, birch nectar can be consumed, since it has an enveloping property that will prevent irritation of the mucous membranes.

What can be made from birch sap: recipes

There are many recipes based on birch sap, which are characterized by many beneficial qualities. Drinks from natural nectar of a birch tree have a tonic effect, they are not able to harm human health. So, from natural juice you can make kvass or syrup, and also use it to get an alcoholic drink.

Kvass

There are many ways to prepare such a drink, so it is quite difficult to choose the most successful options for making kvass. So, the most useful is bread kvass, as well as a product using juice and raisins.

To prepare a tasty drink, you will need 50 g of raisins and coffee beans, 0.5 cups of sugar, 2.5 liters of birch sap, 3 crusts of rye bread.

First you need to roast coffee grains, dry the rye bread slices in the oven, and also prepare the raisins by washing and drying it.

Next, place all the ingredients in a container, pour natural wood liquid and cover with a rubber glove, on one finger of which there is a puncture. In this form, the workpiece should be stored for several days. Kvass is considered ready at the moment the glove is lowered. Now it can be bottled and stored in the refrigerator.

Preparation of kvass using raisins is as follows: it is necessary to strain 3 liters of juice using gauze.Next, add large raisins in an amount of 20–25 pieces. After that, send the drink to a dark place for fermentation. It retains all the beneficial properties of nectar for a long period.

Wine

To make wine from birch, you need 25 liters of juice itself, 5 kg of granulated sugar, a glass of raisins, 10 g of citric acid, a glass of honey - if desired.

Three days before making a wine drink, raisin starter should be made. Instead of raisins, yeast can be used (if the latter are used, then this step is omitted). In a large container, mix sugar, birch sap and a preservative in the form of citric acid and bring to a boil. You must regularly remove the foam. As a result, about 20 liters of liquid should remain. Then cool the mass, add yeast, the honey component to it and pour everything into the dishes for further fermentation. The opening of such a container should also be closed with a punctured glove. Now transfer the composition to a dark place with a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. After a few weeks, pour the fermented mixture. The liquid should be light and the glove used should deflate. Then the drink can be poured into glass containers and put in a cool room for 2-3 weeks.

Braga

For the production of moonshine with birch nectar, 30 liters of juice and 1 tablespoon are needed. kefir or milk. Pour 3 liters of birch liquid into a separate bowl. Boil the remaining 27 liters over low heat for several hours. As a result, 10 liters of liquid should remain, which must be cooled. After that, mix it with 3 liters of fresh drink set aside, and add kefir (milk) to it. Pour the resulting mixture into containers for further fermentation. At the same time, it is necessary to store the dishes with the future brew in a room with a temperature not exceeding 28 degrees.

If after a couple of days there are no signs of fermentation, it is recommended to add 60 g of dry yeast. After two weeks, the fermentation process is completed, now the brew can be overtaken. An additional cleaning procedure is to pass the composition through the coal from birch.

Birch syrup

Typically, the syrup is made with the addition of sugar, as for the birch drink, then in this case it is not necessary to use a sweetener. It is only necessary to achieve evaporation of excess fluid.

For work, you need a large bowl. It is necessary to pour juice into half of the container volume and put it on the stove. It is worth noting that the process of preparing sweet syrup is quite lengthy, since initially in wood nectar contains only 3 percent sugar, and in the finished product the concentration of this substance should be 65–70. A foam will form on the surface of the drink, which is important to constantly clean. This is necessary so that the finished drink is transparent. The finished product takes on a light yellow color or amber color. By consistency, birch syrup becomes viscous, like honey. This indicates the readiness of the goodies.

Usually, almost 100 liters of birch bark are required to produce a liter of syrup. To boil a large quantity, even a small pan will do, you only need to gradually pour liquid into the mass as the quantity decreases.

It is better to store the finished drug in a container made of glass. When hot, pour liquid into pre-sterilized bottles and close the lid. Syrup obtained without the use of sugar is useful for both adults and children. Dentists claim that there will be no harm to the teeth, moreover, such a drink will help prevent tooth decay due to tannins. Such a drink can be added to tea as a sweetener, and used for watering ice cream.

For those who do not have time for prolonged boiling of birch sap, there is a recipe for making syrup using granulated sugar.In this case, it is necessary to filter out the fresh nectar of the birch tree through cheesecloth. Pour the cleaned mass into a pan and transfer to a fire. Boil the solution for 60 minutes, while constantly removing foam. Then add sugar, based on the calculation of 200 g of sugar per liter of juice. Next, cook the mass until it acquires the desired consistency. A sweet drink can be rolled up in the same way as in the first case.

To highlight a delicate forest aroma, you can add lemon, mint or raisins to the drink. A small amount of such substances will reveal the taste without interrupting it.

Interesting facts about birch sap

1. The name of the tree "birch" comes from the Old Slavonic verb, which means "to whiten."
2. Birch trees can reach a height of 40–45 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m. But for this genus shrub plants are also characteristic, which are barely noticeable at ground level.
3. The seeds of this tree are very light, up to 5 thousand seeds can be contained in 1 g, which are carried away by the wind over long distances from the tree.
4. Most species of birch trees can grow even in permafrost. By the way, in the world there are about a hundred varieties of such a tree. In Russia, such a plant is considered one of the most common.
5. Birch trees grow on almost any type of soil, whether it is wet soil, dry, or marshland.
6. Birch live on average about a century, individual species can live up to 4 centuries.
7. In the birch wood lives the so-called stag beetle, which belongs to the largest beetles in Europe.
8. Orthodox Christians often use birch tree branches to decorate their homes and the Holy Trinity Church.
9. Yellow birch leaves and alum are made for wool.
10. Previously, timbers made of this wood were used to illuminate a peasant dwelling, since such a tree burns brightly, but at the same time practically does not smoke.
11. Brooms from birch branches are used not only in Russian baths, but also as animal feed for the winter.
12. As for the construction of a structure made of such material, this is not recommended, since this wood undergoes rot very quickly.
13. The bark of this plant was often used in antiquity instead of paper, since it is not at all afraid of moisture. It is thanks to this property of this material that various records of 11–15 centuries have reached modern humanity.

Photo of birch sap