Dry birch leaves application. With cholelithiasis, atony of the gallbladder

Birch leaves , like any other plant, has medicinal properties and contraindications, which we will tell you about in our article.

Enough already for a long time people have learned to use plants to improve their health, and birch is no exception. Birch leaves are actively used in folk medicine for treatment various ailments at home. Only in this case you need to know how to properly collect birch leaves so that they bring as much benefit as possible.

And it is necessary to collect birch leaves immediately after they have unfolded and lost their sticky layer. Birch leaves are usually collected in early spring and dried in the bright sun. You can, of course, use an electric dryer or oven, but in this case the birch leaves will lose large number useful substances.

Now let's try to figure out what medicinal properties birch leaves have.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of birch leaves have long been noticed and adopted. Based on birch leaves, they are constantly creating medications and tinctures that help in the treatment of many diseases.

In general beneficial properties birch leaves are quite extensive. Let's try to look at them in more detail. So, birch leaves are capable of:

have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect;

used as a diuretic;

used as a choleretic agent;

help treat diseases gastrointestinal tract;

treat inflamed joints.

Thanks to such a wide range of action, birch leaves are considered a very valuable raw material in folk medicine. You can make a lot of them various infusions and decoctions according to folk recipes, and we will now tell you about the most effective and common of them.

To prepare a decoction of birch leaves, you need to calculate the dose according to your weight: up to 50 kilograms you should take one tablespoon of birch leaves, from 50 to 80 you should take two spoons, and after 80 - three tablespoons of birch leaves. Required quantity pour one liter of leaves cold water, put on fire and bring to a boil. Boil for ten minutes and then leave to steep for an hour. This decoction should be taken in case of disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in case of disruption bladder.

Another good recipe suggests the presence of not only leaves, but also birch buds. You need to take 30 grams of each, put it in a container, then pour it all with 500 milliliters of strong alcohol and leave to infuse for 10 days. One and a half teaspoons should be taken one hour before meals three times a day. This infusion helps cure stomach ulcers and other problems of the digestive system.

Contraindications

In addition to medicinal properties, birch leaves also have contraindications. It is not recommended to use infusions and decoctions based on birch leaves if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. Treatment should also be taken with caution if the patient has kidney or gallstones. In other cases, medicinal birch leaves can only bring benefits.

In folk medicine, birch is known as a source of many useful components. Its (inflorescences), bark, and tar are used. Wood is used to make the most common anti-poisoning remedy: activated carbon. Birch leaves are also beneficial for humans.

Compound

Birch leaves contain vitamins, useful macro- and microelements (minerals). This includes the following components:

Vitamins: niacin (B3), ascorbic acid (C). There is beta-carotene, which is involved in the synthesis of vitamin A.
Micro- and macroelements: manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium.
Fructose.
Organic acids: aminoacetic, glutamic, betulorethinic.
Tannins.
Phytoncides.
Saponins.
Flavonoids.
Plant resins.
Essential oils.

The composition varies depending on the growing conditions of the plant. European birch leaves are often used in medicine. They also collect the foliage of downy birch, flat-leaved and Manchurian.

Useful properties

Birch leaves have a number of beneficial properties. Ascorbic acid helps fight infections, accelerates wound healing and bone tissue restoration. Beta-carotene has a positive effect on human vision. Nicotinic acid reduces blood cholesterol levels, normalizes metabolic processes in the body.

Complex impact substances contained in the leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect. They also work as a diuretic. And the presence of flavonoids and phytoncides allows the use of birch foliage for skin rejuvenation.

Application of birch leaves

European birch leaves are used in the treatment of many diseases. They are used in following cases:

Treatment pulmonary diseases: pneumonia, mild forms of tuberculosis, etc.
Fighting colds.
Getting rid of fungi and pathogenic bacteria.
Normalization of digestion.
Problems with bladder and kidneys.
Accelerates the healing of cuts, wounds, burns and bruises.
Birch leaves are recommended for complex treatment various diseases associated with bones and connective tissue.
Recovery assistance cardiovascular system.
Treatment of weak forms skin diseases: furunculosis, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Activation recovery processes cells bone marrow.
In cosmetology it is used to strengthen hair roots and rejuvenate facial skin.

It is also known to use birch leaves for hygiene procedures. Baths based on them rejuvenate the skin and strengthen the body. And the classic way to use them is in the form of birch brooms in baths.

Tea

The simplest recipe is tea made from birch leaves. Fresh or dried raw materials are used for brewing. It is advisable to take young, green leaves. The crushed raw materials are poured with boiling water and brewed for 15-20 minutes. Proportions depend on personal taste preferences. If desired, you can add sugar, mint, etc. to the tea.

Usually used for kidney inflammation or urinary tract. Tea is also useful as a diuretic when cleansing the body. It is used in the treatment of colds, as a mild sedative. Helps strengthen the immune system. Also, tea on birch leaves is useful for people suffering from excess weight and those who want to lose weight.

Decoction

It is recommended to prepare a decoction of birch leaves in a water bath. Take 3-4 tbsp. l. leaves, pour a liter of cold water into a small saucepan. Place in a larger container, also filled with water. In the second pan, the liquid should not touch the bottom of the first container. Put on fire. The water in the smaller container should boil. Remove from heat 10-15 minutes after boiling.

The cooled broth is used to rinse the gums. It reduces inflammation and works as a mild pain reliever. The decoction is taken internally to strengthen the immune system. They also wipe the feet and palms to reduce sweating and fight fungi. The product is also used to cleanse the skin. They wipe their face before going to bed to remove acne.

Infusion

To prepare the infusion, you need to take 2-3 tbsp. l. leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a thermos. Leave for 2-3 hours. Drink 0.5 cups 3 times a day, 10-15 minutes before meals. The product is used for prevention kidney stone disease and normalization of kidney and bladder function. An infusion of birch leaves also stimulates liver function and improves digestion.

The product is recommended for use in cases of increased blood clotting. It helps in the fight against blood clots, dilates blood vessels, and reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol. Doctors prescribe it for heart disease, but only as a therapeutic agent used in combination with other drugs.

For swelling of the legs, take 0.5 teaspoon of honey per 1 glass of infusion. Warm up to room temperature and drink instead of tea, 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is at least one month. To increase effectiveness, it is recommended to combine it with rubbing the feet with a decoction of the leaves (the recipe is listed above).

For atherosclerosis, milk infusion is recommended. Take 0.4 kg of fresh birch leaves and pour a liter of hot, boiled milk. The product is aged for 1-1.5 hours. The finished infusion is taken an hour before meals, 3 times a day. The course of admission is 45 days. The break between courses is one week.

Tincture

Vodka tincture on birch leaves is recommended for skin diseases, for external use. Fresh raw materials are taken, the juice is squeezed out of it and filled with vodka. A liter of alcohol is taken per 200 g of leaves. The components are mixed, poured into a glass container, which is then tightly sealed. The tincture is aged for 1.5 weeks in a dark and cool place.

The mixture is filtered and poured into a new container. The tincture should be stored in the refrigerator. Ready-made product wipe the skin in the affected area. Rubbing is done twice a day, morning and evening. The course of treatment is 2 months, then a break for 2 weeks. Tincture of birch leaves helps on early stages skin cancer

Compresses

Birch leaf compresses are usually used for foot diseases and skin problems. For joint diseases, take 2 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and cool to room temperature. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area, screwed with cellophane and left for 10-12 hours.

Fresh leaves are used against foot fungus. They are placed between the fingers, changing the compress every 6-7 hours. It is advisable to use young foliage. The course of treatment is at least 1-2 months. For winter use, raw materials are stored in the freezer. Then defrost in warm water and apply to the sore spot.

For rheumatism, chopped leaves are used. The prepared raw materials are placed in woolen socks. They are worn for 2-3 hours, morning and evening. Raw materials change daily. You can do similar compresses at night.

Masks on birch leaves

Birch leaf masks are used to cleanse facial skin and strengthen hair roots. In folk medicine, there are several similar recipes that allow you to rejuvenate and improve your skin.

Mask for dry skin

To prepare a mask for dry skin, take 1 tsp. birch leaves and pour half a glass of boiling water. Leave for 2-3 hours, then strain. The resulting liquid is mixed with 1 tbsp. l. butter. The mask is applied to the face and washed off after 30 minutes.

Rejuvenating face mask

For a rejuvenating mask, take 1 tbsp. l. chopped young leaves, mixed with 1 tsp. oatmeal and 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil(flaxseed, nut or olive). The finished mixture is applied to the skin of the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. Rinse your face warm water.

Hair mask

For a mask that strengthens hair roots, take 200 g of young leaves, 1 tbsp. l. starch and one chicken egg. The leaves are crushed to a mushy state, mixed with starch and egg white. Ready mask applied to the scalp. Wash off after 20-25 minutes. Full course treatment takes 10-14 days.

Contraindications and harm

Birch leaves do not contain poisons or toxins. Therefore, they are not capable of causing direct harm. But they also have a number of contraindications. Here are the cases in which they should be taken with caution (or not taken at all):

Kidney failure. At chronic disease Taking products based on birch leaves can lead to a serious aggravation.
Any kidney disease. Here it is advisable to consult with a specialist before starting treatment.
Breast-feeding child. A number of substances contained in birch leaves are not absorbed by the baby’s body. At a minimum, you need to consult a doctor.
Pregnancy. In certain cases, the use of formulations containing birch leaves can harm the fetus.
Allergy or individual intolerance components.

Another point concerns the collection of leaves. It is necessary to collect raw materials in the forest, away from roads, landfills and industrial drains. Birch trees easily absorb various toxins that accumulate in the leaves. Therefore, they should not be used for treatment under any circumstances.

While admiring the beauty of the white birch, few people think about its many medicinal properties. But this is a tree - natural pharmacy. Tar is obtained from wood, and from cuts on the trunk - healthy drink. In the catalogs of traditional medicine there are many recipes using swelling in early spring. In the same row with them is a birch leaf. Like kidneys, it has a beneficial effect on the human body, but it acts more gently, without causing irritation.

Harvesting of young leaves is carried out in May. To collect raw materials, clean places are chosen, far from industrial zones and highways.

Dried leaves spread out thin layer, in attics, under sheds or in well-ventilated areas.

Store plant materials in linen bags or glass containers. The place should be dry and dark. Shelf life - no more than 2 years.

Nutrients

What is remarkable about the composition of birch leaves? Which ingredients are healthy?

Essential oil. In the foliage its amount is not as significant as in the buds - only 0.05%, but this is enough to be felt healing effect. The oil contains sesquiterpenes - organic compounds, which are used in medicine as a remedy for helminths. A aromatics Birch trees contain methyl salicylate, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Coumarin. Its derivatives are used in blood thinners and as sleeping pills.
Dammaran derivatives- compounds found in birch and ginseng. Thanks to them, plants have stimulating and tonic properties.
Tannins. They have an astringent, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.
Flavonoids, including quercetin, which can reduce capillary permeability and fragility.
Vitamins. Fresh birch leaves are rich. 100 g of foliage contains up to 300 mg of vitamin C. There is much less of it in dried raw materials.
Phytoncides- biologically active substances With bactericidal effect. They are released by fresh leaves. By suppressing the growth and development of bacteria and fungi, phytoncides destroy the pathogenic environment. That is why it is so easy to breathe in a birch grove.

Impact on the body

Birch leaves have found application in cosmetology. A decoction of plant materials is used in some shampoos for oily hair.

At home, the decoction is used as a lotion, rubbing the face at night, and also makes foot baths to get rid of sweating. And if you chop 200 g of young leaves and add a tablespoon of egg white to them, you will get a wonderful face mask. It will tighten the pores and cleanse the skin of acne.

From time immemorial the best broom for the bathhouse is birch. It helps with aching bones and gout, treats colds. Contacting steamed skin, the leaves cleanse it of dead cells and activate blood circulation.

Let us list the beneficial properties of this unique phyto-raw material. The effect that birch leaves have on the human body:

Antiseptic;
Anti-inflammatory;
Pain reliever;
Wound healing;
Choleretic;
Diuretic;
Blood purifying;
General strengthening.

These properties show that the vegetation of the white-trunked tree could find practical use in medicine, which, incidentally, happened.

Medicinal use

IN folk recipes Birch leaf is a proven remedy for renal and cardiac edema. This happens due to the diuretic effect. This ability is used in pharmacology. Main purpose pharmacy fees from birch leaves: a diuretic to relieve swelling.

The medicinal plant is indicated for cystitis. It relieves inflammation and fights pathogenic microbes.

How soft astringent, birch leaves are good for the intestines. They normalize digestion and help in the treatment of dysentery. In combination with birch buds, the foliage is prescribed for gastritis, inflammatory processes in the liver, stomach ulcers.

A decoction of birch leaves with buds is drunk for bronchitis and pneumonia. They gargle with it when they have a sore throat and chronic tonsillitis. Healing liquid wash your nose when you have a runny nose and to prevent colds.

The healing properties of birch leaves help with diseases of the joints and muscle tissue. The product is taken internally to relieve inflammation, as well as externally, in the form of compresses, baths and lotions.

Eczema, lichen, boils, psoriasis, burns and other skin lesions can be treated thanks to the strong disinfecting properties of birch. Lotions with a decoction will relieve toothache, will help with stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

As a remedy for helminths, birch leaves relieve ascariasis and pinworms, and in complex therapy they help expel Giardia.

Alcohol tincture and decoctions from the leaves are used for.

Features of use for women

Antiseptic and antifungal properties plants are valued in gynecology. After consulting with your doctor, women can douche with a weak decoction for cervical erosion, candidiasis, and various sexually transmitted infections.

In the postpartum and premenopausal period, the drug is taken to normalize hormonal levels, menstrual cycle disorders.

Treatment of diseases in children

Unlike birch buds, there are no age restrictions for taking preparations from the leaves. The pediatrician may prescribe healing decoction for rinsing the nose, gargling, and for external use.

Birch leaves will help children with intestinal upset, bronchitis and the presence of helminths. Decisions about the appropriateness of treatment and dosage should be made after consultation with a doctor.

Recipes

For health purposes, take tinctures, infusions and decoctions. The cooking recipes are quite simple.

Alcohol tincture. Made from birch buds, but for strengthening therapeutic effect you can add foliage. For 1 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials use 1/2 cup of vodka or alcohol. Leave for a week in a dark place, then filter. Drink 1 tsp 3 times a day before meals as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Infusion. The leaves are poured cooled boiled water, based on 0.5 liters per 10 tbsp. l. phyto raw materials. Infuse for at least 2 hours and take half a glass three times a day, as a fortified drink and to enhance diuresis. If necessary, the dose can be increased up to 6 times. The infusion is also used as an external remedy.
Decoction. Boil 1 tbsp. l. raw materials in 200 ml of water, cool and strain. The broth is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Take in the same way as an infusion.

Except classical methods preparation there are other interesting recommendations.

Remedy for joint pain

This is the recipe alternative medicine. Renders therapeutic effect thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and warming effect. What needs to be done?

Fill a canvas bag with fresh chopped leaves.
Apply the bag to the sore spot for 2-3 hours.
Tie with a woolen scarf, and additionally insulate with a blanket.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

Pour 200 g of birch leaves with 0.5 liter of boiling milk.
Wait until the infusion cools down.
Strain.
Take 100 ml one hour before meals.

Treatment is continued for 1.5 months, then a break is taken. You can conduct 4 courses per year.

Hair mask

Prepare a decoction of birch leaves.
Mix 5 tbsp. l. decoction with honey, castor and burdock oil- 1 tsp each
Before washing, apply the mixture to the scalp and distribute through the hair.
Wash off the mask after 15 minutes.

The treatment mask is used for a month.

Contraindications

There are few restrictions on the use of birch leaves. In the instructions for pharmaceutical drugs The main contraindications are listed:

Pregnancy;
Lactation period;
Chronic kidney disease in the acute stage;
Individual intolerance.

Nature gives us simple and available funds from various diseases. White birch is one of these unique plants and its opportunities are worth taking advantage of.

IN old times(since 1144) the beginning of the new year of the Slavs of Rus' was counted from the month called “berezolol”, today it is April. In Ukraine today the name of March is birch, as a symbol of spring.

Blooming buds and tiny birch leaves personified rebirth vitality Mother Nature was a real holiday for people. Sick people sincerely prayed to live until spring, because they knew: fresh leaves, juice, tree buds they will cure all their old ailments.

Today there are pharmacies at every turn, but only babies don’t know what kind of trouble pills sometimes bring, so everyone more people When treating diseases, she resorts to the help of precious gifts of nature.

What are the medicinal properties of birch leaves, and are there any contraindications?

Especially for those who think traditional medicine obscurantism, I inform you that currently scientists from all countries are confident that drugs created from plants have a mild therapeutic effect and are therefore safe. A complex and diverse chemical composition has a comprehensive and effective effect on all parts of pathological processes.

Today, thanks to the creation of highly sensitive instruments and methods for studying phytochemical compositions, new bioactive compounds are being identified. useful elements Therefore, doctors call for the use of birch leaves as a remedy for many diseases.

What are tender leaves rich in from a scientific point of view?

Thanks to the rich medicinal composition Birch leaves have medicinal properties across a wide variety of effects.

Phenolic compounds (flavonoids) – anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, capillary-strengthening effects.

Proanthocyanidins (tannins) – have powerful antiradical activity and high immunomodulatory properties.

Arthrosis, arthritis - lotions, compresses, baths, decoctions, tea, water infusions.

Atherosclerosis, vascular, blood, prostate and thyroid glands, cancer prevention - infusion, tea with birch leaf.

Diseases of the skin and hair associated with infection by microorganisms can be cured with solutions, lotions, creams, and lotions.

General beneficial properties:

diaphoretic,
antipyretic,
diuretic,
anti-inflammatory effect.

As well as normalization of metabolism, especially in obesity.

Recipes for use

In order for birch leaves to reveal their medicinal properties, without harmful consequences and contraindications, you need to properly prepare medications.

How to do this?

Tea made from the first young leaves is anti-inflammatory

1 tbsp. l. crushed leaves, brew 250 ml of fresh boiling water in a thermos.
After 30 minutes, dilute the tea 1:2 and drink before meals 4 - 6 times a day.

Infusion without boiling to reduce swelling

pour half a glass of crushed leaf into 0.5 liters. water,
put it under a cover in a dark place overnight,
drink in portions of 100 ml 5 times a day.

Infusion of dried leaves to improve blood circulation, treat the prostate gland

0.5 l. boiling water pour 1 tbsp. l. birch leaf powder for half an hour,
drink 5 - 6 times a day on an empty stomach.

Local application externally

Compresses, poultices, lotions

2 tbsp. l. Brew leaves from the tree with boiling water (250 ml),
After half an hour, apply the soaked cloth to the sore area,
wrap it in a woolen scarf.

Bath brooms

You need to brew with boiling water for 10 minutes, dilute and wash in the same water. Birch leaves provide remarkable healing properties, without contraindications, if you breathe steam in a bathhouse. To do this, water from the brewed broom is splashed onto the heater. As an alternative - home inhalation - breathe over a saucepan.

When birch leaves can cause harm

The medicinal properties of birch leaves are not available if there are contraindications:

during exacerbations chronic illness liver, kidneys,
during pregnancy, lactation,
for individual sensitivity, intolerance.

Some people only find it useful birch sap, buds, this is not so: young birch leaves have unique medicinal properties, and there are much fewer contraindications for their use than buds and other plants with the same medicinal value. Be sure, as soon as the first greens hatch, collect them, dry them and add them to your home medicine cabinet for storage.