Birch: medicinal properties and benefits, remedies and contraindications

The birch It is a tree native to Southeast Asia and is also distributed throughout the forests of Europe. The birch belongs to the family of the Betuláceas, and its scientific name is Betula Pendula.

From the birch both the leaves and the bark are taken to prepare natural remedies. When it comes to collecting the leaves, it must be done in late spring or early summer.

Birch leaves are used to treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis. On the other hand, the active principles that the birch contains are the following: bitter principles, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and essential oil. In addition, it is a plant with antiseptic, diuretic, depurative and tonic action.

The benefits of birch

The birch due to the diuretic properties it contains is an effective plant to eliminate liquids and also to improve the cases of urinary infections such as cystitis.

Other benefits that are attributed to birch is to be used to treat conditions such as rheumatism, depurative, arthritis pain, gout, being a purifying plant.

To prepare natural remedies in cases of cystitis or other urinary infections, the leaves of the birch are used.

In contrast, to alleviate cases of muscle or joint pain, the bark of the birch is used and in preparations to be applied externally.

The birch can be easily obtained in any store that dispenses natural products such as herbalists, parapharmacies, online.

As with other medicinal plants, we will find it available in several formats: sachets with dried leaves, dry bark, ointments, liquid extract, capsules and oil (external use, ideal for massages, promoting circulation and for cellulite).

In addition to the already prepared formats of birch, such as the extract, ointments, capsules or oil for external use, we can use both dried leaves and bark to prepare natural remedies at home.

Whether we prepare them, or if we buy any of the birch formats, we must consult with the therapists or the doctor before using them and let us guide you through their guidelines and advice as well as follow their instructions.

How to prepare 3 natural remedies with birch

Infusion of birch leaves to eliminate liquids

One of the properties that contains the birch among others is to be diuretic, property that comes in handy when it comes to needing to eliminate liquids.

We will prepare this infusion with dried birch leaves.

Ingredients:

A cup of mineral water.
2 teaspoons of dried birch leaves

preparation:

We bring the water to a boil and once it starts to boil add the teaspoons of dried birch leaves. Remove from heat, cover the infusion and let it rest for 10 minutes.

We uncover the infusion, we strain it and when it is warm we can take it. From this infusion we can take a cup 3 times a day.

Infusion with anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties to relieve joint pains

This infusion is suitable to reduce the inflammation that occurs in the joints in conditions such as arthritis or osteoarthritis.

In addition to reducing inflammation will help us eliminate the liquids that tend to accumulate in the joints.

We will prepare the infusion with dried birch leaves.

A cup of mineral water.
2 teaspoons of dried birch leaves

preparation:

In a saucepan we put the water to heat. Once it starts to boil add the teaspoons of birch. We extinguish the fire, cover the infusion and let it rest for 10 minutes.

We fill the infusion and when it is warm we can take it. We can take 2 or 3 cups during the day.

Birch gargles for tonsillitis

Gargling with this medicinal plant is effective to treat the condition by angina and help improve since one of the properties that the birch contains is the der antiseptic.

To prepare the gargles we need to make a decoction of dried birch bark.

Ingredients:

A cup of water.
A spoonful of dried bark of birch.
4 drops of lemon

Steps to follow:

We put the water in the heater to the fire and add the birch bark to the water. We bring to a boil, lower the heat and keep boiling for 10 minutes.

Cover the preparation and let it rest for 10 minutes. We strain the preparation and let it cool. Once cold, we can gargle.

Pour the preparation into a glass. We put a little of the preparation in the mouth, we lean back behind the head and we perform the gargles without swallowing the liquid.

Repeat until the contents of the glass are finished. We can gargle 3 times a day.

Contraindications of birch

Whenever a responsible use and consumption is made following the guidelines indicated by the professional therapists or the doctor, the birch is not toxic, nor does it present contraindications.

On the other hand, for the cases indicated below, the birch is contraindicated: