Birch leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Perhaps no other tree has received such attention in literature and creativity as the birch. It attracts attention to itself and arouses emotions with its beauty. But if we take a practical look at the tree we will see that it has a huge number of useful properties. All parts of the plant - from buds to bark - can be used for medicinal purposes. The birch leaves alone have so many advantages! Not without reason, the birch is firmly included in the number of plants, whose beneficial properties are undeniable.

Chemical Composition

Birch leaves are a real treasury of vitamins, trace elements and other natural substances necessary for human life and health. For example, the leaves are rich in vitamin C, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the body's immune system and helps to renew its reserve of defenses. There is more vitamin C here than in rosehips.

The leaves also contain nicotinic acid, which is responsible for regulating metabolism. It is it that helps a person taking birch leaf remedies to shed extra pounds.

There is also such an organic compound as glutamic acid. It is responsible for normal muscle function. 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, because it promotes better assimilation of minerals in the body, as well as fructose, which spurs biochemical reactions.

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

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

Soothing effect of essential oil is complemented by its same property of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. The ability to relieve spasms and strengthen the heart muscle is achieved through the presence of specific glycosides - flavonoids. With the help of organic compounds of complex structure - saponins - birch leaves acquire not only anti-inflammatory, but also expectorant properties. Nicotinic acid contained in the leaves is actively involved in the nervous system and helps to resist stress, protects the body from nervous breakdowns.

The appetite is improved and the perfect functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is improved by special substances - bitterness. These are special complex components that have a characteristic bitter taste.

In the leaves collected in May, the concentration of useful substances is especially high. In addition, there is also a large amount of vitamin E (as it is also called, tocopherol). It is rightly considered the vitamin of youth, as it is involved in metabolic processes and prevents the cell walls of the body from premature destruction, both mechanical and chemical.

May leaves are also rich in carotene, which is known for its antioxidant properties. It helps to bind and remove free radicals from the organs and tissues, thereby reducing the negative effects of adverse environmental conditions.

With all the rich set of nutrients, the caloric value of the birch bark product is very low: 100 g of dried leaves has only 7 kcal.

Collection and storage

Only proper harvesting 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, it should be harvested in May, when the birch begins to bloom, blooms lovely beautiful earrings, and the leaves are still quite young and have not had time to coarsen. A sure sign of high quality raw material, ready for harvesting - the leaves should unfold, but still remain slightly sticky. This is when you can make tea from the fresh leaves.

The last ten days of May and the first ten days of June are when they are at their most valuable.

It is best to harvest the leaves on a sunny day before lunch. They are picked by hand and put in a basket or cardboard box. Do not put them in a plastic bag under any circumstances, as they can get sweaty, which is unacceptable. The collected leaves are then laid out on paper in a shady place, under a roof, possibly in a ventilated room - a shed, a terrace. The dried raw material is packed in cotton bags and stored in a dry place, such as a dark closet. If the bags will lie in normal conditions, they will retain their qualities for two years.

Therapeutic properties of birch leaves

Compositions based on birch leaves are mainly used in the complex treatment of a particular disease, but can sometimes be used as an independent treatment. Basically, medicinal gatherings are additionally included in the complex of therapeutic measures, but in certain cases 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 abnormalities of the kidneys and the excretory system - cystitis, nephrosis or nephritis, as well as urolithiasis. As this healing plant has the ability to remove excess water from the body, it is used to get rid of edema, reduce the protein in the urine and remove stones. But for this purpose, apply birch leaf remedies very carefully. They act very powerful and active, so it is not worth treating without consulting a doctor.
2. Leaves are often used to treat skin problems, this use is based on their antiseptic and wound-healing action. External use of birch is safe, it can safely include in your health plan and pregnant women, and nursing, and mothers for their children. Compress, lotion, application, rubbing and even baths - any way of using the medicinal plant is good. Thus cope with banal scratches and pimples, treat more serious problems - burns, skin ulcers, abscesses, boils, herpes, neurodermatitis, dermatitis. Birch speeds up healing and prevents the spread of infection.
3. Widely used in folk medicine birch leaf and for the treatment of hair. For this purpose, they prepare masks, tinctures for rubbing into the scalp, decoctions for rinsing hair.
4. Birch leaves are good for the digestive system, normalize the processes going on in it and become a salvation for those who are diagnosed with gastritis or stomach ulcers. The birch leaf also manages to cleanse the liver and its recovery, and is also used for cholecystitis, as the medicinal plant has a choleretic action.
5. Bronchitis, laryngitis and other respiratory diseases are also included in the scope of birch leaves due to their expectorant ability. Decoctions gargle the throat, take internally, you can even breathe hot steam - all means are suitable when you need to relieve inflammation and accelerate recovery.
6. If you have a cold, you can wash your nose with a leaf decoction or infusion. These remedies are also able to cope with maxillitis, tonsillitis, sore throat - with these diseases compositions with birch leaves are used as an adjunct to the main treatment prescribed by the doctor.
7. Birch leaves have a restorative effect. So, made of them alcoholic tincture stimulates the immune system, helps him resist colds and viral diseases, which is especially valuable during the seasonal rush of flu and SARS. The presence of a large number of vitamins in the leaves allows using them as a food supplement, in particular tea brewed for the treatment and prevention of scurvy.
8. Birch compositions are used as rinses for stomatitis, periodontal disease or gingivitis and as compresses for toothache.
9. Birch leaves are also used externally to treat gynecological problems such as cervical erosion, endometritis, etc.
10. To treat joints, muscle pain and discomfort in the ligaments, folk healers actively use healing compositions of 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 adjust the circulatory system, to cleanse the body of toxins, which has a beneficial effect on all other systems and organs. Birch leaves can even slow down the aging process as they have a complex effect on the body: they improve the elasticity of blood vessels and their permeability, create conditions for cholesterol withdrawal. The antioxidant and antihistamine properties of the leaves have an impact on improving quality of life. Ultimately, it increases a person's life expectancy.
12. The ability of the leaves to expel parasites has also been noticed, but the birch cannot cope with this task alone, so it is recommended to use healing compositions 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. Included birch raw materials and in weight loss programs - to lose extra pounds helps the ability of the leaves to improve the metabolic process.

Antifungal and antiseptic properties of birch leaves are used in gynecology. Birch decoctions and infusions in weak concentrations are used for douches 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 impending menopause or with menstrual irregularities. They are taken to adjust metabolic processes, stabilize hormonal background, improve mood and, consequently, sexual life of women.

For men

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

Decoctions and infusions of birch leaves will also help to cope with infections of the male genitalia. With prostate diseases (prostatitis and adenoma of the prostate) birch compositions will improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms. In addition, to successfully get rid of prostate diseases it is necessary to observe the rate of intake of zinc, and birch leaves give men this necessary microelement. Birch leaves are considered the best natural accumulator of zinc. For such treatment, you can use both birch leaves and combine them with chamomile, immortelle, St. John's wort.

Baths will perfectly complement the internal use of decoctions or infusions for the treatment of prostate disease. For the bath you can also add clover, wheatgrass, thyme. If there is no opportunity to take a bath - will help to apply lotions to the area of the diseased organ. They should be done hot. In addition, enemas with birch compounds are an effective addition.

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

When pregnant

A bath with birch leaves or a pleasant mask to improve the complexion will not hurt a pregnant woman, but on the contrary - will lift your spirits and help maintain beauty.

But taking compositions based on birch leaves internally should not be taken by pregnant women, especially if there is swelling. The fact is that the swelling of pregnant women indicates a serious pathological process in the body of the expectant mother. Therefore it is impossible to prescribe treatment by yourself, it is necessary to show the edema to the doctor. Self-treatment is unacceptable!

For children

Use birch leaves and for the treatment of children. Most often, compositions based on them are used as external remedies. They are effective in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections: they gargle the throat and wash the nose. Doctors prescribe decoctions and infusions of leaves and for more serious illnesses, such as sore throat or maxillary sinusitis, but in combination with other drugs.

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

It is possible to take medicines from the birch and inside, but only strictly on the prescription of the doctor. The doctor may prescribe a decoction if the child has bronchitis. A good result gives the reception of birch compounds for getting rid of ascarids or pinworms. But still it is necessary to remember that up to 12 years of age it is better to do without alternative methods.

When losing weight

The most pleasant and quite effective procedure for thinners is a trip to the bath. A session of grooming the body with a birch broom can replace more than one massage: the blood is pumped up, metabolic processes are activated, and as a result the weight starts to fall, cellulite formations are reduced. This is the first part of the therapeutic complex for slimming people.

The second part - baths with birch decoctions. About 400 g of fresh leaves need to pour 2 liters of water, bring to a boil and turn off. After 30 minutes, pour it into the bath - directly with the leaves, without straining, and then soak in fragrant water for 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure is best every two days for a total of up to 15 sessions.

Another version of the bath - with the addition to the birch leaves also nettle and burdock, chamomile herb, succession, horsetail and dandelion root. Each ingredient should be taken in one handful, bring them to a boil in 3 liters of water, strain and pour into the bath. Time of taking such a bath - 20 minutes, repeat the procedure every other day, the total course - up to 15 sessions.

The third component of the complex for weight loss - receiving birch decoctions and infusions. You can prepare these means from just the leaves and with the addition of raw materials from other herbs. Drink such compositions can be no more than 45 days in a row, then make a break for a month and then repeat the course. It is desirable to change the composition of the herbal collection every 2-3 weeks.

Important: Those wishing to lose weight should do so under the supervision of a specialist. It is necessary to remember that kilograms are lost due to the fact that the body eliminates fluid, and uncontrolled intake of birch medicines can cause dehydration.

Birch leaves in folk medicine

The therapeutic effects of birch leaves extend to different systems of the human body, so they are used for many purposes. Herbalists know that this medicinal plant equally well copes with problems of the urinary system and the digestive tract, diseases of the joints and others. Birch leaves have the power to quell colds, increase the body's resistance to viral infections, bacteria and fungi.

Folk healers recommend their recipes based on birch leaves to get rid of symptoms of bronchitis, sciatica, cystitis, for which they appoint decoctions and infusions of leaves.

External application of the same remedies is effective for sore throat, runny nose, toothache, if you rinse your mouth and throat, rinse your nose. If you regularly rinse your hair with them after washing, you can easily cope with such problems as oily and dull hair, excessive sebum, enlarged pores on the skin.

Birch leaves are also used in the form of herbal mixtures, especially in those cases where you want to heal diseases of the musculoskeletal system - rheumatism and polyarthritis. Make of such collections and compresses to alleviate people after fractures, sprains or other injuries. Thus, it is possible to achieve more rapid healing of injuries and speedy rehabilitation of the patient.

Birch leaf juice helps relieve swelling, relieves joint pain, it is also used to treat skin problems. They smear it sore spots 3-4 times a day. To squeeze the juice (otherwise known as extract), the young leaves are finely chopped or passed through a blender and then squeezed through a cloth. The healing liquid is not much, you can not store it, you must use it at once. In this case, if there is irritation from the potion, 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 medicinal compositions

Infusion

1. For getting rid of giardia. To prepare this composition, you need fresh young leaves - no more than 1.5 cm in diameter. A handful of such raw materials pour 250 ml of boiling water and cover for 30 minutes with a blanket for warmth. Stored infusion divided into three parts and drink them during the day for 30 minutes before a meal. The course of treatment is one month. You can use another technique: drink the entire prepared infusion on an empty stomach, and then lie on the right side for half an hour with a warm heating pad placed under it.
2. In diseases of the prostate gland. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a container with 1 tablespoon of leaves. Cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Take in equal portions 5-6 times a day.
3. Infusion for weight loss. Another tasty option for weight loss. There are almost no calories in it, so to such a drink you can allow yourself and half a teaspoon of honey. To a tablespoon of birch leaves you need to add the same amount of parsley curly root, nettle, violet. Pour this mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water, to insist about 30-35 minutes. Before taking the infusion strain and warm a little. Drink warm three times a day for half a glass, not tied to the time of the meal.

Tincture .

1. Tincture for rheumatism. In addition to alleviating the suffering of patients with rheumatism, this remedy can be used to treat skin diseases. Need 50 g of well-washed and dried birch leaves, pour 0.5 liter of good vodka in a dark glass container. 2 weeks the container should stand in a dark closet in a cool place, from time to time it must be shaken. Tincture is used in the form of compresses: gauze, folded in several layers, soaked in tincture and applied to the sore spot for 20 minutes. Then remove the compress and rinse the skin with warm water.
2. For cardiovascular diseases. To obtain such a tincture, a glass jar is densely filled with dried birch leaves more than half and poured with vodka. The jar is sent to a dark place for a month, shaking it from time to time. Then filtered, poured into a dark glass bottle. Drink in small 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 brought to a boil with water, put on low heat and boil for 2 minutes. Remove and leave, the medicinal raw material from the water do not take out. Drink a tablespoon three times a day for a month. Before each reception, heat the necessary amount of the composition in a water bath.
2. For kidney and liver disease. For such a decoction, in addition to the leaves, you will need birch buds. A large spoonful of buds and 10 leaves with a pinch of soda pour 250 ml of just boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes. Cover with a lid, wrap in a towel or blanket and leave for 50-60 minutes. After straining, drink 2 tablespoons before eating.

Tea

1. Regular tea. Tea made from birch leaves is an excellent remedy to restore strength and awaken the immune system. Brewed as an ordinary tea - for 250 ml of boiling water take 5 tablespoons of dry leaves. Cover the kettle with a towel and let the healing drink steep. Drink by diluting with hot boiled water. Within a day you can drink no more than six times.
2. Tea for weight loss. Pour two teaspoons of dried birch leaves into a cup and pour boiling water over them. After 10 minutes add a teaspoon of honey - and you're ready to drink!
3. Tea with blackberries. Since the same remedy for getting rid of extra pounds cannot be taken for a long time, you need to change them from time to time. One more variant of tea for weight loss is offered. To brew it, in addition to the birch leaves themselves, you will need leaves of blackberries and mother-and-bloodwort. Take one part each of birch and mother-and-bloodwort, four times as much of blackberry. All raw materials should be dried. Pour the plant mixture into a teapot and pour boiling water over it. After 15 minutes, you can enjoy an aromatic delicious drink.

Cosmetic applications

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

Birch decoctions wash the face, use them instead of tonics or lotions. Alcoholic tinctures are effective against acne and pimples. Do not use them when the skin is dry.

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 pigment spots.

Birch leaves are useful for hair. On the basis of the birch make masks, alcoholic tinctures for the treatment of the scalp, and just rinse with decoction after washing, which helps to strengthen the hair follicles.

Mask for dry skin

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

For acne.

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

Hair Strengthening Mask

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

Tincture for hair

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

The bath .

Give your skin a healthy look, heal wounds and scratches, remove irritation and calm the nerves will help therapeutic bath. It is best done at bedtime. But first you need to prepare an infusion. In a large 10-liter saucepan boil a kilogram of freshly picked birch leaves. After an hour, pour the contents of the pot into the bathtub, where it is already poured warm water. You can lie down in the healing bath and relax. Repeat such procedures can be a couple of times a week. But people suffering from heart disease and cancer, they are contraindicated.

What are the useful birch brooms for the bath?

It is possible that fans of Russian baths don't realize that their favorite birch brooms are nothing but an excellent therapeutic tool. And not only because of the massage effect, which makes the blood move faster and, consequently, speeds up the metabolism. Birch broom - it is also a powerful natural antiseptic. That is why for ages people in Russia kicked out colds with a whipping birch broom. Experienced bathhouse attendants say that it is even possible to expel mucus from the lungs. Huffing and coughing hot steam with the scents of birch, expelled through the respiratory tract antibacterial spirit - and you see, in the morning the disease will be as good as gone.

In addition, useful substances 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 whipping themselves with a broom, get rid of such troubles as excessive sweating, excessive oiliness of the skin and accompanying it pustules, boils, acne.

Whipping with a hot broom relieves joint and muscle pain, and if there are cuts, scratches or abrasions on the skin, it speeds up their healing.

Since ancient times in Russia brooms were stocked at Trinity - they cut off branches and leaves, knitted them into bundles and hung them in the attic, in the hayloft or in the veranda. In the bath, dry broom before using it was dipped in a wooden tub with hot water so that it became more malleable and gave off its fragrance and beneficial substances.

Contraindications for use

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

Photo of birch leaves