Birch leaf

Description

Warty birch (white birch, European white birch - lat. Betula verrijcosa Ehrh) - monoecious tree with white bark, triangular-rhombic biserrate leaves and male and female inflorescences-catkins. Height up to 20 m.

Chemical composition

The buds contain resin, essential oil, betuloretinic acid, saponins, tannins, grape sugar, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and phytoncides. The leaves contain betuloretinic acid, tannins (5-9%), saponins (up to 3.2%), hyperoside, triterpene alcohols — folientriol and folientetrol, carotene, essential oil (up to 0.05%), ascorbic acid and phytoncides.

Application

Buds, birch leaves and birch juice have long been used in folk medicine. Water infusion and decoction of the buds have a diuretic, diaphoretic, choleretic, "blood purifying", analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. Decoction of the buds and infusion of the buds and leaves enhance the secretory activity of various glands, the ease menstruation and accelerate their beginnings. Decoction of the buds also has a helminthic effect in round worms. It is believed that birch buds, leaves and birch juice favourably affect the metabolism in the body and contribute to the removal of various toxic substances from it.

Water infusion, decoction and alcohol tincture of the buds are used for dropsy, edema, various diseases of the urinary bladder, stomach ulcer, functional disorders of the stomach, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, gout, various joint disease and as an internal "blood purifier" for skin diseases (various rashes, acne, lichen, itching of the skin). Buds infusion is used for chronic kidney diseases, especially in the formation of kidney stones. Alcohol tincture of the kidneys in the form of drops with water is also taken for colds, stomach and intestinal pain, and hiccups. Long-term use of infusions of leaves and buds of birch can lead to kidney irritation. Birch buds and leaves are part of some diuretics.

As an external analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent, alcohol tincture of the buds is used for rubbing and compresses for rheumatism, gout, joint pain, low back pain, bedsores and as a wound healing agent — for abrasions, cuts and poorly healing wounds. Birch leaf baths bring assistance with articular rheumatism and gout. Fresh or dry steamed leaves are repeatedly used for compresses and poultices for rheumatic diseases. Birch juice is used externally for eczema.

Birch leaves, put in the clothes, protect it from moths.

In scientific medicine, a decoction of the buds and leaves is used internally as a diuretic and choleretic, and a decoction or infusion of leaves - for vitamin deficiency (beriberi). Clinical studies have shown that the infusion of leaves gives good results in the treatment of edema of cardiovascular origin. Hot baths with the addition of alcohol tincture of the buds are used for the treatment of acute and chronic eczema.

Method of application

1. 1 teaspoon of birch buds infuse 1 hour in 1/2 glass of boiling water, strain. The infusion is divided into 3 parts. The entire portion to drink for the day in 3 portions.

2. 5 g of birch buds boil for 15 minutes in 1 glass of water, infuse for 1 hour, strain. Take half a glass 4 times a day 1 hour after meals.

3. 15 g of birch buds infuse in 1/2 liter of alcohol or vodka. Take 15-20 drops with water 2-3 times a day.