Birch leaves - medicinal properties and contraindications

Birch has always personified the beauty of Russian open spaces. The Slavs have many legends and beliefs associated with this graceful tree. But not only myths and legends became famous for birch, its healing properties have long been used by traditional healers. And this fact is documented: in ancient Russian herbalists, birch leaves are mentioned as an effective remedy for heart edema and skin diseases. However, for medicinal purposes in Russia, other parts of the tree were also used: bark, buds, young branches.

In the spring, juice necessarily gathered, and the tree itself went to the procurement of charcoal and tar. But nevertheless, for birch leaves there was greater use, especially in the spring. Young leaves were added to salads and soups. Their spicy aroma and light bitterness gave the dishes a unique taste. And at the beginning of summer, each owner prepared birch brooms for the Russian bath for the coming winter. The hygienic procedure, combined with the intense broom bumping, relieved colds and rheumatism. The tradition of being treated in the bath with the help of a birch broom has been preserved in our days. Also, from generation to generation, folk recipes are carefully passed, healing from a variety of diseases.

Healing components

The official medicine does not deny the healing properties of birch leaves. Often, modern Aesculapius, along with traditional therapy, is prescribed to enhance the therapeutic effect of decoctions and tinctures from buds or leaves. These two components of a birch tree are often used in combination. The dosage forms prepared according to traditional recipes are widely used in almost all areas of medicine. To understand why a birch leaf is so attractive, you need to study its composition. Of particular value are fresh leaves that contain a lot of useful elements:

• bitterness;
• carotene;
• saponins;
• plant polyphenols (flavones);
• essential oils;
• tanning, astringent components;
• the vitamin component is represented by acids: nicotinic, ascorbic.

All of these elements are contained in birch leaves in relatively large quantities, which provides a positive result in the treatment of a variety of pathologies. The popularity of the leaves is also explained by the fact that they act on the human body very gently and practically do not give side effects.

Pharmacological properties

• antiseptic;
• regenerative;
• general strengthening;
• choleretic;
• sweatshops;
• immunostimulating;
• soothing;
• antioxidant;
• painkillers.

The medicinal compositions prepared on the basis of leaves can be used as the main means or included additionally in the course of therapy in order to solve some additional problems.

Application area

Probably, all areas of application of birch foliage are difficult to name. Let us dwell only on those where he repaired really impressive results.

1. Dermatology. It is successfully used to treat a number of fungal processes, complex dermatitis, psoriasis.Since phytoncides are present in the composition, the leaf has pronounced disinfecting properties, which makes it possible to treat open and burn wounds, pressure sores, acne eruptions and even skin furunculosis. For external use, a therapeutic solution is usually prepared, and then in the form of lotions, applications and compresses, an effect on the problem area of ​​the body is carried out.
2. The digestive system and intestines. Due to the astringent properties of the leaves, a decoction of them helps to establish digestion and normalize the intestines. It is recommended to drink it for dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis and other gastrointestinal pathologies.
3. Respiratory system. Decoctions help accelerate the elimination of infectious processes of the respiratory tract, and also contribute to the discharge of sputum from the bronchi.
4. Genitourinary sphere. Possessing powerful diuretic properties, birch leaves in the composition of dosage forms relieve all types of edema. They help to cope with signs of inflammation of the urinary system.
5. Dentistry Applications and lotions when exposed to the area in need of treatment (teeth, gums) relieve inflammation and pain.
6. Otolaryngology. Effectively rinse the throat with a treatment solution for tonsillitis, as well as rinse the sinuses with sinusitis and rhinitis.
7. Joint diseases. Healing compounds are included in the complex treatment of arthritis, rheumatism. They successfully treat systemic lesions of the musculoskeletal system, such as gout and other joint problems. More often used external methods of treatment: baths, lotions.
8. Exchange functions. Birch leaves activate metabolic processes, and also remove toxins and excess fluid from the body. These properties that improve metabolic activity are used for home weight loss.
9. Fight against parasites. Although the birch leaf does not belong to powerful anthelmintic agents, it is quite effective for ascariasis, pinworms, and giardiasis.
10. General strengthening effect. The rich composition of this natural component has made it indispensable for various forms of vitamin deficiency. Vitamin drinks are also used as a fortifying agent.

The unique properties of birch leaves are used not only for therapeutic purposes. The modern beauty industry on their basis produces a wide range of cosmetology products designed to care for body skin and hair.

Usage restrictions

Any drug, including formulations created according to folk recipes, must be considered in the future in terms of possible complications. The ability to gently affect the human body has made birch leaf a very popular tool for home treatment, but even the enormous benefits do not preclude restrictive measures. Extreme caution should be used when using medicinal compounds with a birch leaf, if:

• a person does not tolerate at least one of the structural elements of plant composition;
• the patient suffers from chronic renal pathology with systemic disorders.

For severe renal dysfunctions, you need to consider home treatment options carefully. But the most sensible approach is to always keep your healthcare provider up to date.

Important: If there are contraindications for the internal use of infusions or decoctions, therapeutic forms can be used for external use.

Therapeutic compositions and features of their use

Taking into account the experience accumulated by the people, modern traditional medicine actively uses herbal compounds to treat a huge number of diseases. And this practice gives many good examples. In general, healing fees are included additionally in the complex of therapeutic measures, but in certain cases are considered as an independent type of treatment.

In phyto directories, where the most popular folk recipes are collected, you can find a description of effective products based on birch leaves. Healing infusions, decoctions, tinctures are prepared from this natural and very useful raw material. But the appropriateness of taking each remedy and its safety should be considered individually in each case. Here are some recommended recipes to help improve your condition and get rid of serious problems.

Cleansing Broth
Since the birch leaf is recognized as a natural antiseptic, it is recommended to use it for external treatment of problem areas of the skin and mucous tissues. Preparation of funds consists of several stages:

• First, the raw material (1 l. Art.) Is poured with a glass of plain water.
• The mixture is put on fire and brought to a boil.
• The solution is infused for an hour.
• Drink half a glass of healing infusion shortly before meals.

Important: The shelf life of this product should not exceed two days.

Composition for a therapeutic bath
Improving the skin, and at the same time strengthening the nervous system, can be done using a very useful water treatment. Such a therapeutic bath is best done before bedtime. You need to prepare for the procedure, namely, prepare the solution according to the following recipe: pour 1 kg of leaves into a large-capacity container (it is better to use fresh raw materials), fill the workpiece with water (10 l), boil. After an hour of infusion, the useful solution is completely poured into the bath with a water temperature of 36-39 degrees. Pleasant relaxing sessions can be taken twice a week, if the doctor permits.

Important: Healing baths according to this technique are contraindicated for people with cardiac and oncological pathologies.

Wellness drink
A vitamin-rich composition allows the use of birch leaves as an effective prophylactic. To prepare a vitamin drink, you must first chop the leaves. You can use pharmacy raw materials or dry it yourself. But the best option is freshly ripped leaves. To prepare an elixir of health, you will need about 10 tablespoons (tablespoons) of green mass and half a liter of chilled, boiled water. The resulting mixture after two hours of infusion is well filtered. To strengthen the body, you need to drink 100 ml up to 3 times a day.

Diuretic
With the permission of the doctor for problems with the urinary system, you can use a simple prescription. To prepare an effective diuretic composition, in addition to leaves, birch buds will also be required.

• The green mixture is taken in the amount of 1 tbsp. spoons.
• The raw material is curled with boiling water (200 ml).
• The solution should be infused for 3 hours.

After filtering, you can drink a warm drink up to 5-6 times. At one time, it is recommended to drink half a glass.

Alcohol tincture
Alcohol-based dosage forms always show a more pronounced effect than aqueous solutions. Therefore, regarding the use of such powerful medicinal tinctures, you should always consult a doctor.

To prepare the remedy for this recipe, only kidneys are often taken, which, in fact, are not yet leafy leaves. From birch buds an extract is obtained, which is popularly called "birch". The tincture is intended for external use. A combination option is proposed here when the composition is based on two components: birch buds and leaves.

Production process: a tablespoon of the dry mixture is poured with vodka or 70% alcohol. After a week exposure, the solution is carefully filtered. Store the product in the refrigerator. Take a teaspoon before meals.

Tincture has a powerful anti-inflammatory, as well as diuretic effect.

To eliminate gynecological problems
Although in gynecology the birch leaf is not considered as a herbal preparation of priority choice, its antiseptic and antifungal qualities are highly valued in this area. Usually, doctors recommend that women with inflammatory processes of the genital area use a low concentration solution to exert local effects on problem areas by douching. Carrying out such procedures is effective for candidiasis, erosive manifestations on the cervix. Drinking tinctures and decoctions is useful in the postpartum period and before menopause. This type of treatment normalizes the menstrual cycle, stabilizes hormonal functions.

Pediatric Use
Pediatricians do not recommend young children to drink any healing solutions based on herbs. Of course, this type of treatment in exceptional situations can be prescribed. But for topical use, decoctions and infusions are excellent. With a healing solution with birch leaves, you can wash your child's nose with a cold or gargle when the baby is suffering from a sore throat. But in any form, alternative methods are only an effective element of complex treatment. Parents must take this nuance into account.

Children older than 7 years can be taken orally with decoctions with a small concentration of plant components for bronchitis, helminth infections, dyspeptic manifestations.

Cosmetic Care

As already noted, the modern beauty industry makes extensive use of the healing properties of birch leaves. Today, this industry produces all kinds of skin care products, therapeutic creams and lotions, hair-strengthening shampoos and other products aimed at maintaining youth and beauty. This category of goods is always in demand and to one degree or another proves its effectiveness. But many people prefer home cosmetics to products manufactured in industrial volumes. According to old recipes on herbs, they prepare cosmetics for their own needs.

A few examples from this “piggy bank” of folk secrets:

1. A decoction for hair is prepared from birch leaves, juice and buds. Such a herbal composition after several times of application strengthens the hair structure, refreshes their appearance, gives the curls a healthy shine, and most importantly - eliminates dandruff. Healing hair rinse after washing. The preventive course is about a month.
2. Means for problem skin. Porous facial skin or acne - many of these unpleasant manifestations cause a lot of trouble. Wanting to get rid of such symptoms of unhealthy skin, people spend fabulous amounts on the acquisition of exclusive cosmetics. And more often the costs do not justify themselves. But there is always a way out, even from a situation where the most popular cosmetic products do not help. An effective treatment can be prepared from birch leaves at home in the kitchen. Alcohol tincture is more suitable for problem skin: 1 l. Art. raw materials per 200 ml of liquid containing alcohol. Inflamed areas need to be treated several times with a cotton pad.
3. For a deeper effect and nutrition, a treatment mask is suitable: a teaspoon of green mass prepared from fresh leaves is filled with a small amount (50 ml) of freshly boiled water. For two hours, the solution is infused, then 1 l is added to it. Art. any nourishing cream, after which the composition is applied evenly to the face. This method is more suitable for healing dry skin.

Buds and leaves of birch are natural products created by nature itself. They can provide invaluable assistance to the human body: restore health, cope with the disease, strengthen the person’s resistance to the negative effects of the environment.But you need to remember that any positive result in treatment is provided by two conditions - a reasonable approach and strict adherence to the required rules.

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