Medicinal properties of birch sap. Birch sap: benefits and harms to the body, calories and recommendations

Birch sap is a Russian seasonal delicacy. In continuation of the topic of the healing properties of representatives of the plant world, I would like to dwell on such an amazing and unique product as birch sap. This is a primordially Russian drink that our ancestors used for many centuries in a row.

A real seasonal delicacy, capable of enriching and saturating the human body with a huge amount of important and necessary substances in a short time of active sap flow.

Nature miracle

Today, birch sap is not as popular as it used to be - it has been lost in the variety of supermarkets and retail outlets. But the industrial collection continues, and birch can be purchased, however, only in canned form - pure or with additives.

Natural birch sap can be tasted away from big cities and industrial zones where mature birch groves have been preserved. It can only be extracted from thick birches, whose diameter has grown to 18-20 cm.

The roots of such trees managed to go far deep into the earth away from the poisoned outer layer, so there is no doubt about the purity of the juice. In addition, large trees recover faster after an injury, without which it is impossible to get a drink.

Up to 3 liters of juice are taken from one birch per day. The duration of sap flow is 4-6 weeks - from the beginning of March (and if the winter is warm, then from the second half of February) until mid-April, until the leaves bloom.

Birch molasses tastes like plain sweet water with a woody aftertaste.. The extracted juice retains freshness for only two or three days, and then, if you keep it in the refrigerator. All non-drinking liquid is sent for processing - canning or fermentation.

Many tasty and healthy drinks are prepared on the basis of birch sap, the forgotten old recipes of birch kvass are especially good, in which the benefits and rich taste of natural raw materials are preserved.

During canning, most of the nutrients, of course, disappear, but the juice is still rolled up, adding sugar, berries, mint to taste. This product is very good with chamomile.

A bit of history

Birch grows everywhere, its dwarf species have managed to adapt even to the harsh northern regions. Despite their hardiness and unpretentiousness, birch trees prefer sunny places, so they often die in the shade of coniferous trees.

In addition to Russia, birch sap is consumed in Canada and the United States, although in much smaller volumes. In Russia, birch was and is very popular. The tree is an energy donor, it grew in almost every estate.

If a person fell ill, then he would definitely lean against a young birch tree so that it would take on all the ailments. They bathed small children in case of illness, and poured some water under the birch - so the baby would recover sooner.

16. Actively used by cosmetologists all over the world. Helps to get rid of acne, fine wrinkles, dry skin, dandruff.

17. Improves the therapeutic effect in the treatment of traditional medicine.

It is known about the contraindications of birch sap that it should not be used by those who are allergic to birch pollen, have stomach and duodenal ulcers, have cholelithiasis or kidney stones.

In all other cases, moderate seasonal consumption will bring exceptional benefits and pleasure.

Do not forget that it is necessary to extract juice carefully and civilly., without the use of an ax and other rough tools.

A small (about 1 cm in diameter and up to 5 cm deep) hole with a bundle of dry grassy straws inserted into it will help collect the necessary nectar and will not destroy the tree.

To prolong the freshness of the juice, it can be frozen into small cubes and then used as needed. Be healthy.

Birch sap is a product familiar to almost every one of us. early childhood. It tastes like pure water with a slight woody flavor and sweetness due to the content of natural sugars. And the main value of this drink is that it is absolutely natural, and contains many substances necessary for health. Despite the natural origin of the product, in some diseases it should be drunk with great care.

What are the benefits and harms of birch sap, and how to use it correctly?

Composition, benefits and harms of birch sap

Birch sap has a beneficial effect on the body

The benefits of this drink are due to the large number of nutrients, vitamins and trace elements, due to which it has a beneficial effect on almost all body systems.

Chemical content

The chemical composition of birch sap is diverse. It contains natural sugars essential oils, phytoncides and other substances

100 g of the invigorating drink contains essential oils, tannins, natural acids, saponins and other bioactive substances.

There are no fats in the product, and the protein content is minimal, so the calorie content of 100 ml of juice is only 8 calories.

Beneficial features

Regular consumption of birch nectar has the following effects on the body:

• cleanses the kidneys, improves the functioning of the urinary system, eliminates stones;
• normalizes the activity of the digestive tract, facilitates the processes of digestion and assimilation of heavy food;
• stops inflammatory and infectious processes;
• eliminates beriberi, depression and insomnia, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the nervous system;
• activates the immune system;
• removes toxins and toxins, has an antioxidant effect;
• tones the body, increases efficiency and relieves chronic fatigue;
• heals wounds and cuts, slows down the aging process, maintains healthy skin, hair and nails.

Juice is useful for women: it relieves inflammation of the genitourinary system, eliminates oily skin, reduces the number of skin rashes

For women, birch sap is primarily useful in that it normalizes the function of the genitourinary system, relieves inflammation, and, due to the content of phytoncides (natural antibiotics), fights pathogenic microorganisms. Diseases of the genitourinary system, due to the special structure of the urethra, are much more common in the fair sex than in men, and with regular use of birch sap, the risk of such pathologies is significantly reduced. In addition, the product is often used in cosmetology to eliminate oily skin and hair, reduce the number of wrinkles and rashes.

During pregnancy, the drink normalizes kidney function, relieves edema, toxicosis and blood pressure surges (common problems among expectant mothers), and when breastfeeding, it increases the amount of milk and improves its quality.

In men, when drinking a drink, blood sugar levels normalize, metabolism is restored, and the activity of the sex glands improves.

In the stronger sex, birch sap is often used to improve sexual function. The beneficial substances that make up the product contribute to the normalization of blood sugar levels and body weight, restore metabolism and purify the blood of toxins, thereby improving the production of testosterone. This helps to increase potency, libido and the activity of the sex glands that produce seminal fluid.

Juice stimulates the immune system, replaces carbonated drinks and reduces the risk of obesity and destruction of tooth enamel in babies

In childhood, birch sap will be an excellent substitute for harmful carbonated drinks, to which all kids are not indifferent. It contains natural sugar and acids, due to which there is practically no risk of developing obesity, destruction of the gastric mucosa and tooth enamel when using it. In addition, the drink is rich in vitamin C, stimulates the immune system and protects against colds. It is best to give children juice that was collected on their own in early spring - after a long winter, the body especially needs an increased amount of vitamins and trace elements.

Contraindications

There are no direct contraindications to the use of birch sap - it is an absolutely natural product that will not cause serious harm to health.

With caution, this drink should be consumed by people with urolithiasis and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract - due to the presence of organic acids in it and the diuretic effect, they can exacerbate the pathological process.

In case of diabetes, especially in severe form, it is necessary to consult a doctor before drinking birch sap.

In people who are allergic to pollen from flowering birch, it can cause unwanted reactions in the body.

Rules for the use and collection of the drink

Nuances of consumption

Juice should be drunk with caution and no more than three glasses a day

The optimal amount of birch sap for healthy people is 1 glass per day, you can drink a maximum of 2-3 glasses.

Before drinking a drink, it is necessary to take into account all the important nuances of the use of the product and the state of human health.

1. During pregnancy. In the absence of allergies and normal tolerance of the drink, birch sap can be consumed at any time. In the first trimester, he will get rid of toxicosis and will become a good source of vitamin C, and in the later stages it normalizes body weight, blood sugar levels and the functioning of the urinary system. The main thing is to observe the measure and not get carried away with the product too much: expectant mothers are advised to drink no more than a glass a day.
2. When breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, birch sap can be consumed when the baby is 2 months old. For the first time, it is allowed to drink half a glass of juice diluted with boiled water, and then observe the reaction of the baby. If there are no allergic manifestations or problems with the stool, you can gradually increase the amount of juice and reduce the amount of water. Nursing mothers are advised to drink birch nectar in a glass no more than twice a week.
3. For feeding. It is not recommended to give any juice to babies under the age of one year, including birch (with the exception of apple) - the best food and drink in the first months of life is mother's milk. Upon reaching the age of one, you can give the child a teaspoon of juice diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1. If there is no negative reaction, the volume is gradually increased to a tablespoon 1-2 times a week. Children aged one to three can be given 100-150 ml of drink 2-3 times a week, and after three years the optimal amount is 1 glass.
4. With various diseases. People who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system are advised to take half a glass of pure birch sap daily before meals (can be divided into several doses), the course of treatment is a month. For colds, the optimal dosage is also half a glass, but the liquid should be slightly warmed up, add a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon, and hold it in your mouth a little before swallowing the juice. Inflammatory gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, are also successfully treated with birch sap - you need to rinse your mouth with a slightly warmed drink 2-3 times a day.
5. For weight loss. Birch sap does not have special fat-burning properties, but it is often used in combination with diet and exercise for weight loss. The recipe is simple - you need to drink a glass of birch sap before each meal. It will reduce appetite and the amount of food consumed by filling the stomach, and also provide the body with those vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in dietary nutrition. When using birch sap for weight loss, you need to monitor your own condition and the reaction of the body - in some people it causes an increase in appetite due to an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood.

In case of serious acute and chronic diseases, it is better to consult a specialist before drinking birch sap. Do not forget that this healthy drink can be an addition to the complex therapy of pathologies, but not the main medicine.

When collecting juice, you should be careful - the trees should not die

The liquid is collected at the end of March, when an active movement of juices begins under the birch bark. When collecting this life-giving drink, you should be guided by the following instructions:

• Pick up the appropriate tools - a screwdriver / electric drill with a drill, a dropper / tube (vinyl or metal) and a container. If there is no screwdriver, then you can use a hammer and a tube matched to the diameter of the dropper.
• Choose a birch grove away from roads, industrial plants, villages and villages. To obtain birch sap, only an adult birch with a trunk diameter of 20 cm can be used.
• Drill a hole in a birch at a distance of 20 cm from the ground and a depth of 2-3 cm, then stick it into a dropper, previously cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
• One birch can collect 1 liter of liquid.
• After collecting the juice, the hole must be closed with moss or wax.

If you exceed the liquid collection rate, make deeper holes or do not cover them up after the end of the process, then the tree may die.

A fresh drink can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. In order to prepare it for future use, you need to boil the product and roll it into sterilized jars. Such juice can be stored for about six months, but it must be kept in a cool and dark place.

Video repetition: benefits, harms and features of the collection

Birch sap is a liquid flowing inside the trunk of birch trees. In terms of nutritional value, it is very useful product, containing many substances necessary for the body.

From ancient times, the Slavs honored, respected and loved birch as a source of valuable and healing components. The leaves, buds, twigs and sap of the birch have been used in folk medicine as a powerful medicine.

Birch remains a valuable medical product - activated carbon, tar, xylitol, a sugar substitute, are made from its wood. A mushroom grows on a birch -.

Birch sap is famous for its rich vitamin and mineral composition and powerful beneficial properties. The juice contains vitamins, saponins, organic acids, tannins, saccharides, enzymes and phytoncides.

Birch sap contains salts of magnesium, sodium, silicon, potassium, calcium, aluminum, copper, manganese, iron, titanium, barium, nickel, phosphorus, zirconium, strontium. The juice also contained traces of nitrogen.

Due to the variety of nutrients, birch sap has a complex effect on the body. It is used for beriberi, to improve health and rejuvenate, to increase tone and cleanse toxins.

Phytoncides contained in the juice increase the body's resistance to viral infections, kill bacteria and microbes, and strengthen the immune system. This is based on anti-inflammatory beneficial features juice.

Birch sap improves metabolism, speeds up metabolism, tones up the nervous system, helps to cope with seasonal blues and depression.

Birch sap is used for weight loss. No wonder they say “slender as a birch tree” - using birch sap, you can easily restore the harmony and flexibility of the figure, because the nutritional value of the drink is high, and the energy value is low - 24 calories per 100 ml of juice. Birch drink is used in the treatment of obesity of varying degrees.

With regular use of birch sap, blood is cleansed, hemoglobin rises, toxins, toxins, decay products and harmful substances are removed. Improves healing of wounds, skin lesions and scarring ulcers.

The drink has a positive effect on kidney function, which is important for pyelonephritis and urolithiasis.

How birch sap is extracted and stored

Sap is extracted from birch trunks in early spring, as soon as sap flow begins and buds begin to swell. In a strong tree with a spreading crown and a trunk diameter of at least 20 cm, a hole is made 2-3 cm deep, and a container is placed into which the juice begins to drip. From one tree you can collect 1-2 liters of juice. It is not recommended to collect more so that the tree does not die.

Store freshly harvested juice in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days, for further storage of juice it is frozen or canned.

Birch sap contraindications

Such a useful product has no contraindications for use, it can be drunk by everyone, except for people who are allergic to birch pollen.

Birch sap, birch tree is a drink that has a beneficial effect on the entire human body. The benefits of birch sap were noticed by our ancestors, and the secrets of birch sap treatment are passed down from generation to generation. Birch sap has a healing composition, because birch is one of the most medicinal trees in our country. Read about the benefits of birch sap below.

In the spring, for about three weeks, the birch shares its “tears” with us and helps a person heal the body. The secret and popularity of birch sap is that the forces accumulated during the winter in the birch trunk are given to humans with birch sap.

Composition of birch sap

Birch sap contains sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), organic acids, enzymes and substances with high antimicrobial activity (phytoncides). There is also a lot in birch sap and mineral elements that the body weakened by spring hypovitaminosis needs. Having drunk birch sap, we replenish the body with a supply of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper.

Properties of birch sap

• Since birch sap contains enzymes and biological stimulants, it strengthens the immune system.
• Potassium, calcium, magnesium, contained in birch sap - are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.
• Tannins of birch sap - have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Easily digestible sugars are good for brain function.

The properties of birch sap make it an indispensable tool for healing the human body and strengthening the immune system.

What are the benefits of birch sap

Spring birch sap can be considered one of the best dietary remedies. Systematic taking birch sap has a tonic effect. If you drink at least a glass of birch sap a day, you will feel more cheerful and energetic. Drowsiness, depression, fatigue will disappear.

The benefits of birch sap and that birch sap is a good tonic for a variety of diseases. Among other things, it has a diuretic effect, stimulates kidney function. Birch juice promotes the release of uric acid, increases diuresis. It is useful for people with kidney and urinary tract diseases. Birch juice strengthens the strength of those who have lung disease, arthritis or bronchitis. However, people with urolithiasis and stomach ulcers should consult a doctor before expecting benefits from drinking birch sap.

Birch sap is recommended to drink with skin problems - eczema, lichen, furunculosis. Rinse with birch sap throat with angina, proven benefits birch sap in the complex treatment of headache, cough, joint diseases. birch sap the ability to purify the blood and remove toxic substances is inherent, therefore it is real benefits of birch sap with intoxication of the body. Also Birch juice alleviates the condition of infectious diseases.

Undoubtedly, benefits of birch sap is obvious, but it is worth understanding: this juice is not a medicine, but a good supporting agent donated by nature, which should be used in complex treatment.

Harm of birch sap

Birch sap can be harmful if: collected near highways, collected in the city, in a place with unfavorable ecology. Also, birch sap can be harmful to those who are allergic to birch pollen!

The benefits of birch sap - folk recipes

What does birch sap treat, how to be treated with birch sap, what diseases does birch sap treat... Recipes for treatment with birch sap were collected and preserved by our ancestors. The people were often treated with birch sap.

Anemia - treatment with birch sap
Birch sap contains a large amount of vitamins, microelements, including iron and natural sugar, so it is indicated for low hemoglobin levels.
Mix fresh birch sap in equal proportions with apple, carrot or beetroot and you will get a remedy that effectively increases hemoglobin. Take 50 ml (this is about 1 stack) 15 minutes before meals 3 times a day, during the entire time of birch sap flow.

Reduced immunity - treatment with birch sap
A drink consisting of birch sap, milk (in equal proportions) and with the addition of a small amount of starch perfectly helps to raise immunity.

Tumors - treatment with birch sap
In the presence of various tumors ethnoscience recommends mixing 2 parts birch sap with 2 parts yarrow herb juice, 2 parts carrot juice, 1 part hemlock herb juice, 1 part St. John's wort herb juice, and 1 part meadowsweet herb juice. Take 1 tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach with milk, and 1 tablespoon at night with milk.

Diseases of the digestive system - treatment with birch sap
With heartburn and gastritis with low acidity, dyskinesia of the biliary tract, exacerbation of peptic ulcer, with flatulence and chronic inflammation of the pancreas, birch sap is taken as follows: 50 ml in pure form or diluted with warm boiled water in a ratio of 2: 1 - drink per day.

High blood pressure - treatment with birch sap
For hypertension with high blood pressure, accompanied by swelling, pain in the heart, headache and dizziness, drink 1/2 cup of birch sap 2 times a day. The juice acts as a mild diuretic, removing excess moisture from the body.

Diseases of blood vessels and joints - treatment with birch sap
The diuretic function of birch sap, coupled with an anti-inflammatory effect, makes it possible to consider it as a good remedy for arthritis, arthrosis, gout, rheumatism, varicose veins of the legs, and trophic ulcers. In this case, the juice should be drunk 50 ml in pure form or diluted with water in a ratio of 2:1 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. The effect of therapy will be enhanced if you drink a glass of warm milk on an empty stomach and before going to bed.

Pulmonary diseases - treatment with birch sap
For bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, birch sap is drunk as follows: 75-100 ml 2 times a day. For colds (pharyngitis, laryngitis) and tonsillitis, birch sap, in pure form or diluted with warm water, is useful on an empty stomach and gargle after each meal. At high temperatures, birch sap can also be used as a local antipyretic - in pure form or with cold water (2: 1). Gauze or cotton flaps are moistened in juice, slightly squeezed and applied to the elbows, armpits and inguinal areas, under the knees, wrapped around the ankles and wrists and changed as they dry until the patient's temperature subsides.

Skin diseases - treatment with birch sap
As an external agent, birch sap is used for eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, furunculosis, acne, fungal diseases and poorly healing wounds. In these cases, birch sap is used in the form of washings, rubbing, lotions, compresses on problem areas and places. The external action of the juice can be duplicated by ingestion in its pure form, 75-100 ml before meals and at night.

Diseases of the genitourinary system - treatment with birch sap
In diseases of the kidneys - chronic pyelonephritis, the presence of sand or small pebbles - birch sap should be drunk daily on an empty stomach, 1 cup undiluted.
With urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, birch sap should be taken with caution, first finding out the composition and size of the stones. Otherwise, being a strong "stone-cutting" agent, birch sap can drive a large stone into a narrow duct and provoke colic. However, this applies only to stones of oxalate and uric acid origin. But birch sap, on the contrary, dissolves phosphate and carbonate stones, only for this you need to drink it for at least 3 months, 1 glass on an empty stomach and an hour before bedtime.

Hair loss - treatment with birch sap
If you began to notice that your hair was weakened and began to fall out, then rubbing a mixture of birch sap with vodka and a decoction of burdock root in equal parts into the scalp will help stop this process. Birch sap also helps to fight dandruff, for this you need to wash your hair with birch sap.

Birch sap contains many useful components. Among the main ones: trace elements, vitamins and organic acids. But can you drink it? How and why to use? All the secrets are already in the material!

Grade

Birch sap has many different properties. For example, it improves metabolism and has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach. A transparent sweetish drink is recommended for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It also speeds up the process of removing excess fluid from the body.

Birch sap is an indispensable assistant for beriberi. It consists of: vitamins, fruit sugar, organic acids and more than 10 enzymes that have antimicrobial properties.

Fresh birch sap is clear and water-like, but has a sweetish taste. A few days after extraction, birch water ferments and acquires a more sour taste.

Birch sap is not as thick as maple syrup. Its consistency is often compared to coconut water.

Nutrients in birch sap

The nutrient profile may vary depending on the type of birch, as well as environmental and anthropogenic factors. Generally, all varieties of juice contain a combination of several nutrients, including small amounts of sugar and amino acids.

Birch sap is known to contain up to a dozen minerals that provide many health benefits. Calcium and potassium are the minerals that are found in the greatest amount in birch sap.

One liter of birch sap contains at least 150 mg of calcium, potassium and magnesium. In one study, a liter of silver birch sap provided up to 40% of the daily requirement for copper, 17% zinc, 2% calcium, 4% magnesium, and 0.04% sodium. Another study showed that the concentrations of manganese, phosphorus and zinc in birch sap exceed 1 mg per liter.

Despite the high mineral content, birch sap is not rich in vitamins, although some types of trees contain a certain amount of folic acid in their sap.

Birch sap is low in calories and high in antioxidants. Birches located in areas with poor ecology and grown in soil with a high concentration of heavy metals may have a higher antioxidant activity of the sap.

Health benefits of birch sap

Perhaps the most important health benefit of birch sap is its moisturizing properties. In addition, historically it has been used as a diuretic and for this reason it has been claimed to have "cleansing" and "detoxifying" properties.

Listed below are some of the other health benefits that birch sap has:

• Promotes good digestion and reduces bloating.
• Helps strengthen the immune system.
• Has anti-cancer properties.
• Supports heart health by controlling cholesterol levels.
• Reduces joint pain.
• Helps maintain oral health.
• Promotes healing of wounds.
• Optimizes kidney and liver health.
• Prevents kidney stones.
• Protects against gout.

Despite its potential medical and dietary uses, there is no conclusive scientific evidence. More human studies are needed.

However, some animal and lab studies have shown that birch sap has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, likely due to its antioxidant and mineral content.

The use of birch sap for cosmetic purposes

Birch sap tones and helps cleanse the skin. Use instead of regular water. Another option is to make ice and wipe some areas. Also this component can be used for . You will need: white or blue clay. Mix it with birch sap to the consistency of thick cream. Apply on face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with birch sap. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

Birch sap improves blood circulation and normalizes the nutrition of body cells. Excellent prevention against cellulite!

Birch sap will also replace hair conditioner balm. After washing your hair, rinse your hair with juice. This simple procedure and elasticity.

You can cook Mix birch sap and burdock oil in a ratio of 3:1. Wrap your head and wrap in a towel. After 20 minutes, wash off with shampoo.

How to use and store birch sap

Drink juice should be 1 glass 3-4 times a day half an hour before the main meal. In a glass jar (in the refrigerator), juice can be stored for no longer than 2-3 days. Birch sap is collected from March to April, when there are no leaves on the branches yet, but they should appear soon. The most "fruitful" hours for harvesting are the period between noon and 18 hours. After the juice is collected, be sure to close the holes so that bacteria do not get there. Holes can be sealed with wax.

Who is contraindicated in birch sap

No negative effects have been reported from drinking birch sap. However, people with allergies should be careful.

Avoid drinking excessive amounts of birch sap. In some areas, birch trees can accumulate heavy metals that can cause adverse health effects when consumed in large amounts. That being said, birch water is resistant to toxic minerals, so it is unlikely to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.

In addition, birch water is a perishable product, so it should be consumed within 5-7 days after extraction. Consuming birch sap after fermentation may not be safe for some, especially those with weakened immune systems.