Birch leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Perhaps not a single tree has received such attention in literature and creativity as birch. She draws attention to herself and evokes emotions with her beauty. Meanwhile, if you look at this tree from a practical point of view, it turns out that it has a huge number of useful properties. For medicinal purposes, you can use all parts of the plant - from the buds to the bark. Birch leaves alone have so many advantages! No wonder birch is firmly among the plants whose beneficial properties are undeniable.

Chemical composition

Birch leaves are a real treasury of vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that a person needs for life and health. So, for example, the leaves are rich in vitamin C, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the body's immune forces and helps to renew the supply of its protective forces. There is more Vitamin C than in rosehips.

They contain leaves and nicotinic acid, which is responsible for the regulation of metabolism. It is she who helps a person taking funds based on birch leaves to lose extra pounds.

An organic compound such as glutamic acid is also present. She is responsible for the normal functioning of the muscles. In the last century, doctors even recommended it for dystrophic lesions of the muscular system.

A person cannot do without such components of birch leaves as aminoacetic acid, since it contributes to better absorption of minerals in the body, as well as fructose, which stimulates biochemical reactions.

In addition, there is still a whole range of components that have a more specific and narrow effect. So, the bactericidal ability of leaves is explained by the presence of phytoncides in their composition, which destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi. Phytoncides are also called natural antibiotics.

The ability to stop diarrhea and stop the blood leaves gave tannins. Thanks to their presence, birch leaves also fight inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration. Ascorbic acid also stops blood quickly, in addition, this component of birch leaves strengthens the walls of arteries and other vessels.

The calming effect of essential oil is complemented by its own ability to provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The ability to relieve spasms and enhance the activity of the heart muscle is achieved due to the presence of special glycosides - flavonoids. With the help of organic compounds of a complex structure - saponins - birch leaves acquire not only anti-inflammatory, but also expectorant properties. Niacin contained in the leaves, actively participates in the work of the nervous system and helps withstand stress, protects the body from nervous breakdowns.

Improve the appetite and establish the impeccable work of the gastrointestinal tract special substances - bitterness. These are special complex components with a characteristic bitter taste.

In the leaves collected in May, the concentration of nutrients is especially high. In addition, there is still a large amount of vitamin E (as it is also called, tocopherol). It is considered to be the vitamin of youth, since it participates in metabolic processes and prevents the cell walls of the body from premature destruction of both mechanical and chemical nature.

May leaves also have a lot of carotene, which is known for its antioxidant abilities.It promotes the binding and elimination of free radicals from organs and tissues, thereby reducing the negative burden of adverse ecology.

With all the rich set of nutrients, the calorie content of the birch product is very low: in 100 g of dried leaves, only 7 kcal.

Collection and storage

Only the correct preparation and storage of birch leaves can guarantee the preservation of medicinal properties. In order not to be disappointed in the quality of the raw material, its harvesting should be carried out in May, when the birch begins to bloom, blossoms lovely, beautiful earrings, and the leaves are still quite young, not having time to become rough. A sure sign of high-quality raw materials ready for collection - the leaves should unfold, but still remain slightly sticky. From fresh leaves at this time you can make tea.

It is in the last decade of May - the first decade of June that they are most valuable.

It is better to collect leaflets on a sunny day, before lunch. They are torn off with their hands and put into a basket or a cardboard box during collection. In no case, it is impossible to collect in a plastic bag, since they can fog up, which is unacceptable. The collected leaflets are then laid out on paper in a shaded place, under the roof, in a ventilated room - a barn, a terrace. Dried raw materials are packaged in cotton bags and put away in a dry place, such as a dark cabinet. If the bags are in normal conditions, they will retain their qualities for two years.

The healing properties of birch leaves

Compositions based on birch leaves are mainly used in the complex treatment of a disease, but can sometimes be used as an independent treatment. In general, healing fees are included additionally in the complex of therapeutic measures, but in certain cases they are considered as an independent type of treatment.

1. Birch leaves are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The tree is considered a natural antiseptic. Compositions based on birch leaves perfectly cope with various deviations in the functioning of the kidneys and excretory system - cystitis, nephrosis or nephritis, as well as urolithiasis. Since this healing plant has the ability to remove excess water from the body, it is used to get rid of edema, lower protein in the urine and remove stones. But for this purpose, it is necessary to use funds from birch leaves very carefully. They act very powerfully and actively, therefore, without consulting a doctor, you should not be treated.
2. Leaves are often used to treat skin problems, this application is based on their antiseptic and wound healing effects. External use of birch is safe; pregnant women, lactating women, and mothers for their children can safely include it in their wellness plan. Compress, lotion, application, rubbing and even baths - any method of using a medicinal plant is good. In this way, they also cope with banal scratches and acne, treat more serious problems - burns, skin ulcers, abscesses, boils, lichen, neurodermatitis, dermatitis. Birch accelerates healing and prevents the spread of infection.
3. Widely used traditional medicine and birch leaf for hair treatment. To do this, prepare masks, tinctures for rubbing into the scalp, decoctions for rinsing hair.
4. Birch leaves tidy up the digestive system, normalize the processes taking place in it and become a salvation for those who have gastritis or a stomach ulcer. The birch leaf copes with liver cleansing and its healing, and is also used for cholecystitis, since the medicinal plant has a choleretic effect.
5. Bronchitis, laryngitis and other respiratory diseases are also included in the field of application of birch leaves due to their expectorant ability. Broths are gargled, taken orally, you can even breathe hot steam - all means are suitable when you need to remove inflammation and accelerate recovery.
6. With a cold, you can wash your nose with leaf decoction or infusion.These drugs can also cope with sinusitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis - with these diseases, compounds with birch leaves are used as an adjunct to the main treatment prescribed by a doctor.
7. Birch leaves have a restorative effect. So, the alcohol tincture made from them stimulates the body's immune forces, helps it resist colds and viral diseases, which is especially valuable during periods of seasonal rampant flu and SARS. The presence of a large number of vitamins in the leaves allows you to use them as a food supplement, in particular tea is brewed for the treatment and prevention of scurvy.
8. Birch compounds are used as rinses for stomatitis, periodontal disease or gingivitis and as compresses for toothache.
9. Birch leaves are also used externally to eliminate gynecological problems, such as cervical erosion, endometritis, etc.
10. For the treatment of joints, muscle pain and discomfort in the ligaments, traditional healers actively use medicinal compositions from the leaves both externally and internally. With gout, rheumatism, arthritis, you can make compresses or lotions, as well as take baths.
11. Birch leaves are able to put in order the circulatory system, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, which has a beneficial effect on the work of all other systems and organs. Birch leaves can even slow down the aging process, since they have a complex effect on the body: they improve the elasticity of blood vessels and their patency, create conditions for the withdrawal of cholesterol. Improving the quality of life is influenced by the antioxidant and antihistamine properties of the leaves. Ultimately, this increases the life expectancy of a person.
12. The ability of the leaves to expel parasites was also noticed, but the birch alone could not cope with this task, therefore it is recommended to use medicinal compounds as an additional treatment to speed up the process.

For women

First of all, women use birch leaves for cosmetic purposes - for washing, rinsing the head after washing. Birch raw materials are also included in weight loss programs - the ability of leaves to improve the metabolism helps to lose extra pounds.

The antifungal and antiseptic properties of birch leaves are used in gynecology. Douche with birch decoctions and infusions are performed in douching for various diseases of the female reproductive system, such as cervical erosion, thrush, inflammatory processes, and even infections.

For women, decoctions and tinctures are useful in the postpartum period, during the approaching menopause or in case of malfunction of the menstrual cycle. They are drunk to establish metabolic processes, stabilize the hormonal background, improve the mood and, accordingly, the woman's sex life.

For men

Life-loving men are not used to denying themselves an extra dose of alcohol, an extra piece of fatty meat or a salad with a fair portion of mayonnaise. Such nutrition is detrimental to blood vessels. To cleanse the vessels in a timely manner, birch leaves are brewed.

Decoctions and infusions from birch leaves will also help to cope with infections of the male genital area. With diseases of the prostate gland (prostatitis and prostate adenoma), birch compounds will improve blood circulation and alleviate symptoms. In addition, to successfully get rid of diseases of the prostate gland, it is necessary to comply with the zinc intake rate, and birch leaves give men this necessary trace element. Birch foliage is considered the best natural store of zinc. For such treatment, you can use both birch leaves and combine them with chamomile, immortelle, and St. John's wort.

Bathtubs perfectly complement the internal use of decoctions or infusions for the treatment of prostate disease.For the bath, you can also add clover, cinnamon, thyme. If it is not possible to take a bath, lotions on the area of ​​the diseased organ will help out. They need to be made hot. In addition, enemas with birch compounds are an effective supplement.

The leaves have another quality that is very valuable for men's health. Since they contain flavonoids - compounds that have the ability to prevent prostate cancer, with the regular use of birch remedies, the risk of this serious disease is reduced by about 30%.

During pregnancy

A bath with birch leaves or a pleasant mask to improve the complexion will not harm a pregnant woman, but on the contrary, they will cheer you up and help maintain beauty.

But pregnant women should not take formulations based on birch leaves inside, especially if puffiness has appeared. The fact is that edema of pregnant women indicates a serious pathological process in the body of a future mother. Therefore, you can not prescribe treatment yourself, you must definitely show swelling to the doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable!

For kids

Birch leaves are also used to treat children. Most often, compositions based on them are used as external agents. They effectively act in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections: they gargle, wash their nose. Doctors prescribe decoctions and infusions of leaves and for more serious diseases, such as tonsillitis or sinusitis, but in combination with other drugs.

When skin rashes are useful for children, baths or wiping with birch decoctions or infusions.

It is possible to take medicinal products from birch and inside, but only strictly as prescribed by the doctor. The doctor can prescribe a decoction if the child is sick with bronchitis. A good result is the use of birch compounds to get rid of roundworms or pinworms. But still, we must remember that it is better to do with alternative methods before 12 years of age.

When losing weight

The most pleasant and quite effective procedure for losing weight is going to the bathhouse. A session of cooling a body with a birch broom is able to replace more than one massage: blood is accelerated, metabolic processes are activated, as a result, weight begins to decrease, cellulite formations decrease. This is the first part of a medical complex for losing weight.

The second part - baths with birch decoctions. About 400 g of fresh leaves should be poured with 2 liters of water, brought to a boil and turned off. After 30 minutes, pour into the bath - right with the leaves, without filtering, and then bask in fragrant water for 20 minutes. It is best to repeat this procedure once every two days with a general course of up to 15 sessions.

Another version of the bath is with the addition of nettle and burdock leaves, chamomile grass, string, horsetail and dandelion root to birch. Each ingredient must be taken one handful, brought to a boil in 3 liters of water, filtered and poured into a bath. The time for taking such a bath is 20 minutes, repeat the procedure once every two days, the general course is up to 15 sessions.

The third component of the complex for weight loss is the intake of birch decoctions and infusions. You can cook these products from leaves alone and with the addition of raw materials from other herbs. You can drink such formulations for no more than 45 consecutive days, then take a break for a month and repeat the course again. At the same time, it is advisable to change the composition of the herbal collection every 2-3 weeks.

Important: Those who want to lose weight should do this under the supervision of a specialist. It must be remembered that kilograms disappear due to the fact that fluid leaves the body, and uncontrolled intake of birch potions can cause dehydration.

Birch leaves in folk medicine

The therapeutic effect of birch leaves extends to different systems of the human body, which is why they are used for many purposes.Herbalists know that this medicinal plant copes equally well with both the problems of the urinary system and the digestive tract, joint diseases and others. The strength of birch leaves to pacify colds, increase the body's resistance to viral infections, bacteria and fungi.

Traditional healers recommend their recipes based on birch leaves to get rid of the symptoms of bronchitis, radiculitis, cystitis, for which decoctions and infusions of leaves are prescribed.

External use of these same funds is effective for tonsillitis, runny nose, toothache, if you rinse your mouth and throat, rinse your nose. If you regularly rinse their head after washing, you can easily cope with problems such as oily and dull hair, excessively strong work of the sebaceous glands, and enlarged pores on the skin.

Birch leaves are also used in the form of herbal preparations, especially in those cases when it is required to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system - rheumatism and polyarthritis. Compresses are also made from such fees to alleviate the condition of people after fractures, dislocations or other injuries. Thus, it is possible to achieve faster healing of injuries and early rehabilitation of the patient.

Juice of birch leaves helps relieve swelling, relieves joint pain, and is also used in the treatment of skin problems. They smear sore spots 3-4 times a day. To squeeze the juice (otherwise called extract), young leaves are finely chopped or passed through a blender, and then squeezed through a rag. It turns out a little healing fluid, it can not be stored, it must be used immediately. Moreover, if irritation occurs from the drug, it can be diluted with water.

Treatment with birch leaves is becoming increasingly popular, as they act on the human body gently and almost without side effects.

Types of healing compounds

Infusion

1. To get rid of lamblia. To prepare this composition, you need fresh young leaves - no more than 1.5 cm in diameter. A handful of such raw materials is poured with 250 ml of boiling water and covered for 30 minutes with a blanket for warmth. The strained infusion is divided into three parts and they are drunk during the day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is one month. You can use another method: drink the entire prepared infusion on an empty stomach, and then lie down on the right side for half an hour and put a warm heating pad under it.
2. With diseases of the prostate gland. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a container with 1 tablespoon of leaves. Cover and leave to brew for 30 minutes. Take in equal portions 5-6 times a day.
3. Infusion for weight loss. Another delicious option for weight loss. There are practically no calories in it, so you can also afford half a teaspoon of honey for such a drink. To a tablespoon of birch leaves, add the same amount of curly parsley root, nettle, and violet. Pour this mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water, insist about 30–35 minutes. Before taking the strain, strain and slightly warm. Drink warm three times a day in half a glass, not tied to a meal time.

Tincture

1. Tincture of rheumatism. In addition to alleviating the suffering of rheumatism patients, this remedy can be used to treat skin diseases. It is necessary to fill in 50 g of well-washed and dried birch leaves with 0.5 liter of good vodka in a dark glass dish. For 2 weeks, the container should be in a dark cabinet in a cool place, from time to time it must be shaken. Tincture in the form of compresses is used: gauze folded in several layers is moistened in tincture and applied to the sore spot for 20 minutes. Then the compress is removed, and the skin is rinsed with warm water.
2. With cardiovascular diseases. To get such a tincture, a glass jar is densely filled with dried birch leaves more than half and filled with vodka. The jar is sent to a dark place for a month, from time to time it is shaken. Then filtered, poured into a dark glass bottle. Drink the minimum doses - 1-2 drops before meals, diluting the tincture with a small amount (about 30-50 ml) of boiled water.

Decoction

1. To strengthen the immune system. 2 tablespoons of leaves and a tablespoon of birch buds pour 200 ml of boiled water, put on a low heat and boil for 2 minutes. Remove and leave, do not remove medicinal raw materials from water. Drink a tablespoon three times a day for a month. Before each dose, heat the required amount of the composition in a water bath.
2. With kidney and liver disease. For such a decoction, in addition to leaves, birch buds will be required. Pour a large spoonful of buds and 10 leaves with a pinch of soda 250 ml of freshly boiled water and boil for 3-4 minutes. Cover, wrap in a towel or blanket and leave for 50-60 minutes. After straining, drink 2 tablespoons before meals.

Tea

1. Plain tea. Tea from birch leaves is an excellent tool for restoring strength and awakening immunity. Brewed like ordinary tea - take 250 tablespoons of boiling water 5 tablespoons of dry leaves. Cover the kettle with a towel and let the healing drink brew. Drink, diluted with hot boiled water. You can drink no more than six times a day.
2. Slimming Tea. Pour 2 teaspoons of dry birch leaves into a cup and pour boiling water over them. After 10 minutes add a teaspoon of honey - and you can drink it!
3. Blackberry tea. Since the same means of getting rid of extra pounds cannot be taken for a long time, you need to change them from time to time. Another slimming tea option is offered. To brew it, in addition to birch proper, you need leaves of blackberry and coltsfoot. Take birch and coltsfoot in one piece, blackberries - four times more. All raw materials must be dried. Pour the vegetable mixture into the teapot and pour boiling water. After 15 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious aromatic drink.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, birch leaves are valued for their ability to heal wounds, for the manifestation of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, decoctions, infusions and tinctures from birch foliage are good for skin care.

They wash their face with birch broths, use them instead of tonics or lotions. Alcohol tinctures effectively fight acne and acne. Do not use with dry skin.

Compositions based on birch leaves stimulate blood circulation, regulate blood microcirculation, which helps to rejuvenate the skin, give it a fresh and healthy appearance, remove age spots.

Birch leaves are also useful for hair. On a birch basis, they make masks, alcohol tinctures for treating the scalp, and simply rinse with a decoction after washing, which helps strengthen the hair follicles.

Mask for dry skin

You can nourish dry skin with a mask, in which an infusion of birch leaves is added, for which you need to grind and brew a teaspoon of fresh leaves with boiling water (50 ml). After a couple of hours, mix with any nutritious cream in the amount that is usually used at a time, apply to the face and lie down with this mask for 10-15 minutes.

From acne

In a glass bowl, mix 20 g of birch leaves and a glass of vodka. Insist in the dark for 2 weeks, then strain. Using a cotton swab, treat problem areas on the skin.

Mask for strengthening hair

Prepare a simple decoction of leaves: boil dry leaves (1 tablespoon) in a glass of water for half an hour over low heat. Strain and take 5 tablespoons of this decoction, mix them with yolk. Add 2 tablespoons of dry mustard and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, preferably olive. How to beat the composition - either with a mixer or with a whisk for the test, apply to hair, put on a shower cap and wrap a towel on the head for warmth. After 45-50 minutes rinse off the mask. If you repeat this procedure 1-2 times a week, then in a month the hair will become strong, shiny, and dandruff will disappear.

Tincture for hair

Grind a glass of freshly picked leaves, put them in a jar, pour 200 ml of vodka into it and put it in a dark place. After 2 weeks, the composition is ready. Rub it once a day into the scalp. After 1.5–2 weeks, dandruff will disappear.

Bath

To give the skin a healthy look, heal wounds and scratches, remove irritation and calm the nerves will help the healing bath. It is best to do it for the coming dream. But first you need to prepare an infusion. In a large 10-liter pan, boil a kilogram of fresh, freshly ripped birch leaves. After an hour, pour the contents of the pan into the bathtub, where warm water has already been poured. You can go to the healing bath and relax. Repeat such procedures a couple of times a week. But people suffering from heart and cancer, they are contraindicated.

Why birch bath brooms are useful

Perhaps the fans of the Russian bath do not realize that their favorite birch brooms are nothing but an excellent therapeutic tool. And not only due to the massage effect, which makes the blood move faster and, accordingly, accelerate the metabolism. Birch broom is also the strongest natural antiseptic. Because the cold in Russia from time immemorial drove a birch broom broom. Experienced attendants say that in this way you can even expel mucus from the lungs. He breathes sniffling and coughing with hot steam with aromas of birch, heals the healing antibacterial spirit through the respiratory tract - you see, in the morning he will clear the ailment by hand.

In addition, nutrients from soaked and steamed birch broom nourish the skin more effectively than a healing bath. Those who have made bathing days a good habit, weekly ruthlessly whips themselves with a broom, get rid of such troubles as excessive sweating, excessive oiliness of the skin and the accompanying ulcers, boils, acne.

Relieves joint and muscle pain with a hot broom, and if there are cuts, scratches or abrasions on the skin, it accelerates healing.

Since ancient times in Russia, brooms began to be stocked from the Trinity - they cut branches with leaves, knitted them in bouquets and hung them in the attic, in the sennik or on the veranda. Before use, the dry broom was lowered into a wooden tub with hot water in the bathhouse to make it more plastic and give off its aroma and nutrients.

Contraindications

1. It is strongly not recommended to use leaves for therapeutic purposes for people prone to allergies to birch.
2. Patients suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system, during periods of exacerbation, should also not consume birch compounds inside.
3. It is not recommended to use decoctions or infusions for pregnant women and children under 12 years of age.
4. If the skin is sensitive, be careful with cosmetic procedures.

Photo of birch leaves