Birch buds are considered a unique natural remedy that helps to get rid of many diseases. They are considered quite effective, environmentally friendly and accessible to most patients. Birch buds have a diuretic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body and serve as a source of vitamin C. Before starting treatment with such a folk remedy, it is necessary to study its therapeutic properties and possible contraindications.
When birch buds are harvested
Freshly harvested birch buds are valuable plant raw materials that are valued for their many beneficial properties. The best time for their preparation is considered the end of February and the beginning of March, before the appearance of the first leaves on a birch tree. It should be remembered that when opening at least one leaf on a birch tree, further collection of plant materials does not make sense.
It is recommended to harvest only the swollen buds of the plant, since they are the source of various useful substances. In that case, if you start collecting them before the start of sap flow, then the product will be completely useless.
To collect it is recommended to use a knife with which to cut off each kidney at the base. To engage in harvesting should be exclusively in dry weather.
Since the collection of birch buds occurs in early spring, there are difficulties with their drying. To do this, you must choose a room with good air circulation, protected from direct sunlight and at room temperature. Drying the collected raw materials is allowed in electric dryers at a temperature of not more than 40 degrees. It is best to store the harvested plant for two years in glass or paper bags.
What is contained in
Birch buds contain many phytoncids that are present in the leaves and buds.
Another valuable component of the plant is balsamic oil, which serves as a source:
- tannins;
- alkaloids;
- fatty acids;
- betulinic acid;
- resinous compounds;
- carotene;
- vitamins;
- trace elements.
The combination of biologically active substances in the composition of birch buds is a powerful complex that activates the metabolic processes in the body. In addition, the plant enhances reparative functions and triggers tissue regeneration.
Healing and beneficial properties
Traditional medicine recommends the use of birch buds as a dermatological and diuretic.
The field of application of plant materials in traditional medicine is much wider, and this is due to its unique composition. Birch buds have the following effects:
- diuretic;
- choleretic;
- expectorant;
- tonic;
- wound healing;
- disinfectant;
- diaphoretic;
- pain reliever.
Kidneys are widely used in the treatment of various diseases of the skin. For this purpose, it is recommended to make baths with infusion of the plant and prepare an ointment that needs to be rubbed into the affected areas of the body. Alcohol tincture helps to arrest the inflammatory process in the joints and is considered an effective tool in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout and lumbago.
Some traditional healers recommend the use of birch buds in the treatment of diabetes and to eliminate age spots. With the help of herbal remedies, it is possible to cope with colds, normalize the process of digestion and remove all excess fluid from the body.
Use in traditional medicine
Traditional medicine offers various options for using birch buds for the treatment of many pathologies. Most of them prepare decoctions, ointments and tinctures, which are subject to certain rules. A simple and effective remedy is considered to be tea from birch buds, which is recommended to drink during epidemics and during beriberi. It is necessary to brew a teaspoon of vegetable raw materials with 200 ml of boiling water and infuse for at least 10-15 minutes.
Tincture
Traditional medicine offers two options for preparing birch buds tinctures: for external and internal use.
For the preparation of alcohol tinctures for internal administration it is necessary:
Finely chop 20 grams of dry plant materials and pour 100 ml of vodka or moonshine.- Put the mixture in a dark place for 21 days.
- Shake the alcohol tincture every week to better infuse it.
Finely chop 20 grams of dry plant materials and pour 100 ml of vodka or moonshine.After 3 weeks, the tincture is filtered. Drinking herbal remedy is recommended for 15-20 drops several times a day shortly before meals.
For the preparation of tinctures intended for external use, you must:
- Grind in a mortar to a powdered state 40 grams of kidneys.
- Mixture pour 200 ml of alcohol and put the mixture in a dark place for a week.
- After a time, the tincture is used for medicinal purposes, and it is not necessary to filter it.
On the basis of birch buds, you can prepare an oil tincture, which helps to cope with hemorrhoids. Its daily use with the appearance of external formation in the rectal area accelerates its opening and healing.
You need a glass of chopped or frayed birch buds to fill with 600 ml of vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and put in the closet for 40 days. After a while, extract the infusion and add 50 grams of St. John's wort and medicinal chamomile. Leave the mixture again for 3 weeks in a dark place. After a while, boil the oil tincture for 30 minutes and again insist 3 weeks.
This drug is recommended for treatment of various types of hemorrhoids, and for the fight against dermatitis.
Decoction
To make a decoction you need:
- 5-6 birch buds brew 200 ml of hot water.
- Mixture put on fire and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove broth from heat, cool to room temperature and filter.
The drug is recommended to drink daily for 1/2 cup between meals. With its help, it is possible to get rid of colds and flu, and it is also considered to be a source of large amounts of vitamins and nutrients. In addition, a decoction of birch buds can be used to gargle with sore throat for tonsillitis, periodontal disease and stomatitis. It helps reduce puffiness of the mucous and has a pronounced choleretic and diuretic effect.
Ointment
Birch buds ointment can be prepared according to the following recipe:
- In an enameled bowl in the same layers, thick in a finger, put birch buds and 700-800 grams of unsalted butter.
- Cap the lid, wrap in foil and put in a preheated oven for 24 hours.
- In the prepared ointment to increase its effectiveness, you can add 5 grams of camphor.
Birch buds ointment can be prepared using another recipe that is considered more simple. It is necessary to pour into the dishes 1 part of vegetable raw materials and pour 2 parts of boiling water. After 10-15 minutes, the mixture is filtered and add melted lanolin to the infusion. The mixture should be thick enough so that after curing it forms a cream, not a suspension. This tool is recommended for the treatment of pathologies of the joints and eczema.
Features of use in women, men and children
The benefits of birch buds for women lies in the fact that they facilitate the release of blood during menstruation, accelerate healing after childbirth and eliminate the symptoms of menopause.
In addition, funds based on birch buds help lose those extra pounds, and this effect can be achieved by activating metabolic processes in the body. The herbal remedy helps excrete toxins and toxins from the body, and also has a pronounced diuretic and choleretic effect. Broths based on green buds are considered effective means by which it is possible to restore the beauty and strength of the hair.
Men are recommended to use birch buds to restore the level of hormones in the body. In ancient times, this herbal remedy helped to cope with long-term non-healing wounds and recuperate after exhausting hikes.
In childhood, birch buds are useful in helping to activate metabolic processes in the body and improve brain activity. The plant-based decoction is used for bathing young children, as it has a calming effect.
Internal reception means prescribed in the treatment of dysentery and giardiasis, as well as to restore the intestinal flora.
Possible harm and contraindications
Oral administration of birch buds will have to be abandoned during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It should be remembered that the start of treatment with the help of such herbal remedies is allowed only after the mandatory consultation with the doctor to patients who have pathologies of the excretory system and renal failure.
