The birch or white birch, easily recognizable by its white bark, is a tree native to the northern hemisphere and therefore very resistant. Discover the benefits, uses and contraindications of birch.
Where does birch come from?
THE birchfrom the scientific name Betula pubescens, is a tree that can reach 20 to 30 m in height, with a trunk of a characteristic white color. It is found in the northern hemisphere, in other words in almost all of Europe. In internal or external use, birch is very popular in herbal medicine.
This tree is also known as the “tree of wisdom” and its sap has been used since the Middle Ages for its medicinal properties. Its leaves, its buds, its sap and its bark, everything is used in birch.
What are the benefits of birch?
Birch is a tree with multiple benefits:
- Her bark is rich in flavonoids (polyphenol, in particular hyperoside), potassium, vitamin Cphenolic acids and tannins.
- His buds have a relatively high content of vitamin C, polyphenols and amino acids.
- Her sap contains many minerals (copper, zinc, calcium, etc.), polyphenols, sugars (fructose, galactose), proteins and even amino acids.
These various components give curative properties to birch: it is both diuretic And depurative, anti-inflammatory And healing.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are used to fight against articular rheumatism, gout attacks,osteoarthritis. Indeed, the consumption of birch makes it possible to eliminate the uric acid responsible for articular inflammations so that it also prevents urinary lithiasis.
His character diureticrecognized by the European Medicines Agency, is prized for fighting against edema and the kidney stones or bladders.
Its antiseptic virtues are called upon to drain the kidneys, combat bacterial urinary tract infections (kidneys, bladder, urethra, ureters).
In what forms should birch be used?
Birch is consumed in the form of tisane of birch leaves, at the rate of three cups a day away from meals. Or in the form of poultice leaves against dermatological conditions (eczema, psoriasisburns, boils, warts, skin diseases). Or in the form of beverage (birch sap).
Why do a birch sap cure?
THE birch sap cures are very popular in the spring when this nutrient-laden liquid is harvested from birch trees. Praised for its detox and slimming effects, birch water can be found on supermarket shelves. But what is it really?
No, birch water does not lose weight but its action on water retention and its very low calorie content make it a good slimming ally as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
The use of birch sap for health is above all traditional, there are no scientific studies about it. Its draining properties and its richness in minerals would make it possible to boost immunity coming out of winter.
What are the contraindications of birch?
The use of birch must be subject to certain precautions, as with any consumption of plants. Thus, the European Medicines Agency advises against birch:
- to children under the age of 12;
- people allergic or hypersensitive to birch pollen;
- in case of edema caused by heart failure or renal, it is strongly recommended not to consume birch.
Last precision: birch being strongly diuretic, it is advised to those who consume it to drink a lot to compensate.
Source :Vidal Encyclopedia
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