Birch and pine - the health properties of trees

More and more often you can hear about the health properties of birch or pine. And it's not just about hugging trees, famous of its time. The obtained juices, syrups and oils can have a great impact on our health. But how to use them and how can they help? When should you introduce pine and birch extracts into your diet and medicine cabinet? What parts of them should we pay attention to. Read our article and learn about the healing properties of birch and pine!

Birch for health

More and more often we can see it on store shelves, but the healthiest one will be the one we get ourselves. Birch sap can be obtained from the trunk, leaves or buds of this tree. The fresh juice that is obtained from the stump is called whetstone. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 4 days after it is removed from the tree. Its use turns out to be very wide, because it contains a lot of vitamins and mineral salts, thanks to which it has a positive effect on our health. It is certainly worth emphasizing that a glass of such juice already covers the demand for ingredients such as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. Therefore, birch is recommended for people suffering from anemia.

Additionally, the juice strengthens the immune system, which is why it helps in preventing viral infections. Therefore, it is recommended for people who have weak immunity and are susceptible to diseases in the period of increased risk of disease. Consuming birch sap can also prevent diseases such as thrombosis, because it contains natural antioxidants, which improves the work of the circulatory system. In addition, the juice can also help to alleviate women's discomfort during menstruation, as well as improve and improve the work of the kidneys.

Not only bark juice has many healing properties. It is also worth taking a closer look at the leaves of this tree. First of all, they can help not only in the form of juice, but also as compresses. They will then help to combat and soothe rheumatic pains. In turn, birch leaf extract can be used in hair care. It will also help in the treatment of skin conditions.

Birch is also a great solution for people who want to lose weight. First of all, both the juice and the infusion of birch leaves have a diuretic effect, thus helping to detoxify the body. If the infusion is consumed regularly, it will help fight cellulite and accelerate digestion. In addition, the diuretic effect means that drinking birch sap can prevent the appearance of urinary stones. The aforementioned infusion can also be used as a poultice for the eyes, as it reduces inflammation and removes signs of fatigue. However, it can only be used when there is no allergy to birch.

Birch juice can also be obtained from buds. It has an antipyretic effect and may also reduce pain. It will be useful mainly in the treatment of flu and infections, helps to beat high body temperature, reduces pain in muscles, bones and throat.

You can also get an ointment from birch sap. It helps with severe muscle pain, e.g. during the so-called sciatica.

Xylitol - natural birch sugar

Listing the health properties of birch, it is impossible not to mention xylitol - sugar obtained from the bark of this tree. Although it looks very similar to the most popular sugar, because they are small, white crystals, it is much healthier.

First of all, it has a much lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Its calorific value is also lower by approx. 40%. Xylitol does not spoil the teeth and does not contribute to the formation of caries because it does not ferment in the mouth. It is also worth mentioning that thanks to it, calcium is better absorbed by the bones. With all this, however, you must not forget that too much is unhealthy - too much xylitol in a meal can cause diarrhea.

Scots pine syrup

Not only birch can be great for our health, pine is also good. Again, you can use multiple parts of the tree. The most common ingredient in pine syrup, however, is its shoots. The best time to harvest them is the beginning of May. It is enough to collect the shoots and lay them with sugar in a jar. Turn the jar on and put it back in a warm place. For a week, the shoots should be allowed to release what is healthiest in them. Then drain the contents and pour the syrup into a separate bottle. It is also worth collecting pine buds that appear on trees at the end of winter and at the very beginning of spring. They can be dried, but it is worth remembering that the temperature should not exceed 35 degrees C. The resin, bark and oil from this tree may also be useful.

Scots pine - health properties

We already know how to prepare pine syrup. However, it is worth taking a closer look at how pine affects our health. First of all, the syrup can help in the fight against weakness, chills that appear along with the disease and the flu. The buds and shoots also have an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect, so remember about the pine tree when you have a sore throat, hoarseness and runny nose. The syrup will also strengthen the body's immunity.

Not only the syrup has a number of health properties. It is also worth taking a closer look at the oil from this tree. Inhalation with the addition of pine oil may help with respiratory problems. Rubbing it into sore spots can relieve neuralgia and pains associated with rheumatism.

The oil can also be used while bathing. Importantly, however, 10 to 15 drops of this specificity should be directed under the water stream to separate into the smallest parts, because the combination of molecules can irritate the skin. However, if you decide to take such a bath, it will help you relax and give you energy. It is also believed to help with urinary problems.

It is worth taking a closer look at the health properties of trees. Juices, syrups, oils and ointments have a number of advantages, thanks to which we can feel much better, increase our immunity, cleanse the body, and even help ourselves in the fight against extra kilos. Therefore, pine and birch, as long as we are not allergic to these trees, should go to our kitchen, first aid kit and bathroom. They are natural ingredients in the fight for health.