The birch is a tree of the order of the fagales, which is part of the family of the Betuláceas. The genus to which birches belong, on the other hand, is called betula.
There are different species of birch. The common birch (Betula pendula) is native to Southwest Asia and is also found on the European continent, Canada, the Caucasian region and other areas. Its growth usually occurs in places with humid soil and temperate climate.
The yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), the gray birch (Betula populifolia), the black birch (Betula nigra), the dwarf birch (Betula nana), the paper birch (Betula papyrifera), the downy birch (Betula pubescens) and birch Erman’s (Betula ermanii) are other species of birch.
At a general level, it can be said that the birch reaches a height of up to thirty meters, with female and male flowers and rhomboidal-shaped leaves. Its branches have silver-colored bark and are characterized by their flexibility.
Due to its characteristics, the birch is a tree that is used in different ways. They can both benefit their timber as the roots, the leaves and sap to make buildings, produce food and develop medical treatments, to name a few possibilities.
Thanks to the impermeability of the bark, birch was traditionally used to build boats, clogs, ropes and containers of different types. The flexibility of the branches, on the other hand, makes the tree suitable for making baskets and baskets.
Finally, various peoples attributed purifying properties to the birch and therefore used its branches to ward off spirits and demons.
Medicinal properties of birch
Among the components of the birch we find vitamin C, betulin, methyl salicylate, resins and essential oil, each with various beneficial characteristics for the care of our body and the fight against a large number of diseases. Some of the disorders that we can combat with the help of this plant are listed below:
* overweight and obesity: there are many weight loss diets that include birch decoctions to help with weight loss. Although it should be taken in addition to an adequate change in diet, its use makes a difference;
* fluid retention: since this tree has remarkable diuretic properties, it is ideal for stimulating the kidneys. Furthermore, being a natural product, its contact with our body is not aggressive;
* osteoarthritis and arthritis: these diseases can mark a before and after in a person’s life, especially those that use their body intensively for practicing a sport or playing a musical instrument. Birch has proven to be a suitable supplement to treat, thanks to their properties diuretic and antiinflammatory because desinflaman joints and cooperate with the removal of liquid held there;
* kidney stones: to combat this disorder, many people make use of birch sap, which is able to help dissolve the stones. To obtain it, it is necessary to make a cut in the trunk during the last stage of winter, and then drink two small doses a day;
* Cystitis: It is difficult to think of a more annoying and irritating problem than cystitis, especially in the context of a life with obligations such as study and work outside the home. Fortunately, in addition to industrial medicines, there is birch, whose bacterial action in combination with its aforementioned anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for treating inflammation of the bladder caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms;
* diarrhea: it is recommended to drink a birch decoction three times a day. To prepare it, just add a tablespoon of bark per cup of water.
