Tincture of birch leaves. Birch in medicine: application, properties, recipes, contraindications Birch leaves tincture in oil

leaf tea fruit trees has as his beneficial features and contraindications. We will cover these properties in this post. But the main thing is that these teas have a strong healing effect on a par with medicinal herbs...

CHERRY

Cherry has a wide range of medicinal properties. Cherry leaves contain organic acids (malic and citric), tannins, coumarin, sucrose, dextrose, anthocyanins, vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B9 ( folic acid). They have expectorant, diuretic, antiseptic, sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Their infusion is used for inflammation respiratory tract, with anemia, as a laxative for constipation, to reduce fermentation processes in the intestines and as a general tonic.

Cherry leaves also have diuretic and astringent properties. They are used for nephrolithiasis, joint diseases, edema, diarrhea.

A decoction of young leaves is used for diarrhea, chronic colitis, and also in the complex treatment of intestinal atony. Vitamin tea is brewed from spring leaves, which has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and hemostatic effects.

People with gastritis or gastric ulcer, 12 duodenal ulcer with high acidity of gastric juice during an exacerbation of the disease should take decoctions and infusions with caution.

chokeberry

Chokeberry (chokeberry) has hypotensive, antispasmodic, diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, capillary-strengthening properties, and also lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, stimulates the homeostasis system.

It is indicated for hypertension stage 1 and 2, various disorders in the blood coagulation system (hemorrhagic diathesis, capillary toxicosis), bleeding, atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, diabetes mellitus, allergic diseases.

The pectins contained in chokeberry remove radioactive substances from the human body heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, eliminate spasms, normalize bowel function. The contained complex of vitamins (a combination of vitamin P and C) helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improves their elasticity and firmness.

In the formation of stones in the kidneys and urinary ducts, chokeberry leaves can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Its hemostatic, laxative, diaphoretic actions are known. Rowan leaf tea is useful for kidney and liver diseases.

PEAR

Pear is rich in fructose, glucose and sucrose, organic acids, tannins, pectin, nitrogenous substances, carotene and vitamins A, B, P, PP, C and B. Pear leaves contain a large amount of iodine. Infusion of pear leaves has a diuretic, fixative, disinfectant, expectorant and antipyretic effect, helps to normalize the digestive tract.

APPLE TREE

Apple leaves, due to their rich chemical composition, have many beneficial properties for the body: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, improve metabolism in the body, and are useful for edema.

The leaves of the apple tree, as well as the fruits, contain phenolic compounds that strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their fragility and permeability, promote the absorption of vitamin C. Infusion of the leaves of the apple tree is used for colds, coughs, hoarseness, nephritis, problems Bladder and in kidney disease.

PLUM

Decoctions and lotions from the leaves of this plant are used by healers as a means for healing wounds.

Plum fruits and leaves contain coumarins. These substances have the ability to prevent thrombosis and have a therapeutic effect on existing thrombosis. The effect exerted contributes to the expansion of the coronary vessels.

MAPLE

Maple leaves contain essential oil, betuloretinic acid, saponins, tannins, hyperoside, carotene, essential oil, vitamin C, phytoncides. Young maple leaves have a white, sweetish, pleasant-tasting sticky juice rich in vitamin C, which has antiscorbutic, tonic, choleretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, tonic, analgesic and diuretic effects.

Clen is an excellent antidepressant, well relieves nervous tension caused by stress, reduces aggression, harmonizes, restores energy, enriches the body with useful substances. In addition, this is an excellent drug for crushing stones in the bladder, kidneys.

There are no contraindications for clen.

HAZEL

Hazel (hazelnut) leaves contain sucrose, essential oil, myricitrosil, vitamins. Hazel is a laxative, so it is used for constipation. The plant has antipyretic and astringent properties. Hazel is used as a means that dilates blood vessels. This medicinal plant dissolves kidney stones, stimulates all body functions.

Tinctures and decoctions of hazel leaves can increase arterial pressure.

Infusion of garden and wild strawberry leaves have a tonic, sedative, vasodilating, tonic, hematopoietic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, anti-sclerotic, hypoglycemic properties. Inside it is taken as a tonic, antispasmodic for neurasthenia, leukemia, enuresis, polymenorrhea, laryngeal carcinomas. Infusion of leaves slows down the rhythm and increases the amplitude of heart contractions, dilates blood vessels, and helps to remove salts from the body. In scientific medicine, an infusion of strawberry leaves is recommended to be taken to reject necrotic masses in decaying tumors.

IN folk medicine infusion of leaves is used for gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, hypertension, weakness of the heart, palpitations, diseases of the kidneys, liver, edema, neurasthenia, insomnia, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, gout, stones in the liver and kidneys, skin rashes, rickets, scrofula, hemorrhoids. Also, the infusion is taken for colds, which are accompanied by high temperature and cough, with anemia, beriberi, hepatitis, diarrhea, atonic constipation, diseases of the spleen.

Outwardly, an infusion of strawberry leaves is used as a rinse for purulent inflammation of the mouth and throat, as compresses in the treatment of weeping, bleeding wounds that do not heal for a long time.

CURRANT

Currant is a storehouse of vitamins.

The berries and leaves of this unique plant contain provitamin A, essential vitamins B and P, as well as pectin substances that are important for the body, healthy sugars, phosphoric acid, carotene and essential oil. Currant leaves contain a large amount of magnesium, phytoncides, manganese, silver, sulfur, lead and copper.

Currant leaves are used to treat diseases of the liver, respiratory tract. Infusions of leaves perfectly increase resistance to colds. They have tonic and antiseptic properties due to the content of tannins and biologically active substances, vitamins and essential oils. The leaves of this shrub contain more vitamin C than its berries, so they are used for gout, gastritis, and also for cardiovascular diseases. Traditional medicine strongly recommends the use of decoctions for eye diseases and various dermatitis.

Due to the high content of unique phenolic compounds and vitamin K, the use of currants is contraindicated in thrombophlebitis.

RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are an invaluable treasure for health.

It contains in its composition five organic acids: salicylic, malic, citric, formic, caproic. Raspberries are rich in tannins, pectin, nitrogenous substances, potassium, copper salts, vitamin C, carotene, and essential oils.

Raspberry leaves have antipyretic, diaphoretic, antitoxic and hemostatic effects. Infusions of raspberry leaves are used for colds, acute respiratory infections, influenza, sciatica, fever and neuralgia. They are also an ingredient in the preparation of diaphoretic teas. Raspberry leaves are also used for atherosclerosis, diseases of the kidneys, stomach, intestines, hypertension and heart dysfunction, diarrhea and bleeding. Infusion of raspberry leaves can be used to gargle and oral cavity in various inflammatory processes.

Use with caution in nephritis and gout.

BLACKBERRY

Leaves are best harvested during the flowering of the plant. They especially contain a lot of tannins, leucoanthocyanides, flavanols, ascorbic acid, important amino acids and minerals. Blackberry tea improves metabolism and is an excellent remedy for diabetes.

With gastritis and gastric bleeding, a decoction of blackberry leaves is especially useful. An infusion on blackberry leaves is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and hypertension, as a sedative in hysterical conditions. This infusion is also recommended for rinsing in the treatment of sore throats, inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, in diseases of the upper respiratory tract (has an expectorant effect), and in pulmonary bleeding. Also, an infusion of blackberry leaves is used for too heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, normalizes sleep, reduces excitability, and improves well-being.

MINT

Mint leaves have antispasmodic, sedative, choleretic, antiseptic, analgesic, weak hypotensive properties. It improves appetite, enhances the secretion of the digestive glands and bile secretion, reduces the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestines, as well as the biliary and urinary tract.

An infusion or tea from mint leaves is indicated for nausea of ​​various origins, vomiting (including in pregnant women), gastrointestinal spasms, heartburn, diarrhea, flatulence, spasms in gallbladder, biliary and urinary tract, cholecystitis, cholangitis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis, states of nervous excitement, insomnia, pain in the heart, cough, to increase appetite.

Also, infusion and tea from mint inhibit fermentation processes in the digestive tract and, by relieving spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine, contribute to the free passage of food. Due to the fact that mint stimulates the bile-forming function of the liver and enhances the secretion of other digestive glands, its preparations (infusion or tea) will be useful for those people who have poorly digested fatty foods.

In some people, the pungent smell of mint preparations can cause respiratory distress, bronchospasm, pain in the heart area. In the treatment of the upper respiratory tract in children under 5 years of age, drugs containing menthol should not be used, as this can lead to reflex respiratory arrest! Peppermint should not be used by people with increased nervousness or insomnia. You can not use mint for people with low blood pressure (arterial hypotension). It is not recommended to use it for men either, as it can reduce male libido. Mint should be avoided by people suffering from drowsiness. With infertility, mint can not be used either.

MELISSA

Lemon balm leaves contain essential oil, tannins, bitterness, sugar, succinic, oleanolic, ursolic acids, mineral salts. Melissa has sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic properties. It stimulates the appetite and secretion of digestive juices, relieves tension in the smooth muscles of the intestine. In folk medicine, lemon balm is used for nervous excitement, insomnia, hysterical seizures, poor digestion, palpitations, vegetative-vascular dystonia, anemia, painful menstruation, dizziness, delayed menstruation, gout, as an antiemetic for pregnant women.

Despite the low content of toxins, taking lemon balm is not desirable in case of hypotension. Also, using lemon balm for treatment, one should abandon those serious activities that require a good mental reaction, maximum attention and concentration. Among the possible side effects of using the plant are vomiting and nausea, muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, convulsions, heartburn, lethargy and loss of concentration, itching, constipation, etc.

PINE

Pine is a truly healing tree.

It is rich in chlorophyll, carotene, vitamin K, phytoncides, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes. Infusions and concentrates are prepared from it for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and beriberi. Also, infusions of pine shoots are used as a disinfectant, expectorant and diuretic.

Swollen and not yet blossomed pine buds (pine shoots) are accumulators of biologically active substances: resins, essential oils, starch, bitter and tannins, mineral salts. Decoction and infusion of pine buds have long been treated for rickets, chronic inflammation of the bronchi, rheumatism, chronic rashes. Infusions of pine shoots help to remove stones, they have diuretic and choleretic properties and reduce inflammation in the bladder. Extracts of pine buds kill the pathogenic microflora of the nasopharynx and oral cavity. The decoction is used for inhalation in pulmonary diseases.

In the pagan pantheon of Slavic deities, Bereginya occupied one of the key places. She was considered the mother of all things, the patroness who protects the living. The symbol of Beregini, the onset of spring, the victory of life over withering was a birch, which later acquired the status of an exclusively "Russian" tree. Birch bark - birch bark was used as paper. The wood was used to build houses.

Tar - the result of "dry" processing of birch bark, is still used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant. Birch sap was collected at the height of sap flow and used as a diuretic for kidney diseases. Brooms were collected from birch branches, the use of which enhanced the healing effect of the Russian bathhouse. From birch buds and leaves, decoctions, infusions, tinctures and now undeservedly forgotten tea were made.

Medicinal properties and biochemical composition

Any herbalist or healer knows that birch leaves occupy a special place in folk medicine. To enhance the effect of therapy, they are often mixed with birch buds. The leaves are high in the content of such components as:

1. tannins and flavonoids;
2. vitamin C and vitamin PP (nicotinic acid);
3. essential oils;
4. mineral complex of zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium;
5. phytoncides, glycosides and saponins.

In a small concentration in the leaves and in a large concentration in the bark, there is a unique hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor substance - betulin. The list of medicinal properties of birch leaves is due to the rich chemical composition of raw materials:

• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• blood-purifying;
• choleretic (secretory soft action);
• diuretic and diaphoretic;
• disinfectant;
• tonic and immunostimulating;
• sedative.

If foliar therapy is combined with treatment with birch bark, sap and buds, then the healing effect is doubled, and the list of useful properties is increased. By the way, it is on birches that chaga grows - a black fungus that helps with ulcers, gastritis and alleviates the condition of patients with malignant tumors. Do not confuse it with a tinder fungus.

Indications for use for various diseases

Due to the light astringent effect, medicines based on birch leaves are recommended for patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer. The active ingredients normalize the digestive processes and treat the symptoms of dysentery (dirty hands disease).

Also, the use of birch leaves is recommended by urologists, as part of complex therapy with nephrosis and nephritis. Birch leaves are used for edema, as the remedy quickly and effectively removes excess water from the body. With a number of dermatological diseases (lichen, furunculosis, acne, psoriasis), compresses are made from the product.

Due to the antioxidant effect, masks from crushed birch leaves are used for the face and problem areas of the skin that are most susceptible to aging (neck, hands). Of course, the remedy will not stop age-related changes, but the skin condition will noticeably improve after one or two procedures. To speed up the metabolism and improve the composition of the blood, getting rid of cholesterol, systematically use "birch" tea.

During bronchitis, colds, diseases of the upper pulmonary tract, inhalations on a decoction of birch leaves will save you from coughing, and tea will reduce body temperature due to fluid loss during sweating.

Freshly picked, young birch leaves are used for joints. They simply cover the sore spot, after kneading it in a bowl, so that the healing juice goes.

Application for specific cases + recipes

Birch leaves are used to make infusions, tinctures, decoctions, fragrant teas, and even ointments and soaps with tar. To prepare birch leaf tea required:

1. 15-20 fresh leaves;
2. 200 gr of boiling water.

Castings are thoroughly washed with clean water and crushed to such a state that juice appears. Then they are placed in a container with a lid and poured with boiling water. Infuse tea for about 10 minutes. If the treatment is carried out in winter and it is not possible to get fresh leaves, then 1-2 teaspoons of dried raw materials can be used.

With the help of birch tea, they eliminate digestive problems, treat kidney and liver diseases, relieve swelling and relieve colds. For treatment, a more concentrated tea is used, which has a pronounced bitterness and a special bouquet of aroma. For prevention and weight loss, the content of the birch component can be slightly reduced.

When the specific taste of tea is not at all to your liking, then it is combined with fragrant thyme, rosehip and a couple of spoons of honey for sweetness. If needed tincture of birch leaves on vodka then take:

1. 25 gr dried birch leaves.
2. 250 gr of vodka.

If you need a little ready-made tincture, then simply reduce the number of components, but in proportions of 1:10 (leaves: vodka). The mixture is placed in an opaque container, tightly sealed with a lid or cork and allowed to rest for 10 days. After the expiration of this period, the medicine can be consumed.

Vodka infusion on birch leaves is drunk 1-2 times a day before meals, 20-25 grams, which are diluted in 0.5 cups of water. Inside, the remedy is taken for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, weakened immunity. The external use of the tincture is resorted to in diseases of the joints, since the remedy has an analgesic and warming effect.

For rheumatism and arthritis, compresses prepared according to a different recipe are used. To do this, you need fresh, young leaves. They are washed with water and doused with boiling water. Then, still warm leaves are wrapped in a soft, natural cloth (gauze, napkin) and applied to the sore spot. Hold the compress for 2-3 hours.

To prepare a health-cosmetic decoction for hair, you will need:

1. 1-2 tbsp dried leaves;
2. 500 gr of boiling water;
3. a pinch of thyme;
4. a pinch of chamomile;
5. a pinch of celandine;
6. a couple of nettle branches.

Herbs and leaves are mixed into a dry aromatic mass, which is poured with boiling water and infused for about 20-30 minutes. After washing the head, it is rinsed with a healing decoction, the hair is slightly squeezed and dried. Additionally, it is not necessary to rinse off the product after treatment.

Soda dissolves the resins contained in natural raw materials. The crushed leaves are mixed with buds and soda. The mass is allowed to stand for 5-10 minutes, and then poured with boiling water. The broth is allowed time to cool to room temperature. Then it is filtered and the medicine is ready for use. Drink a decoction of 0.5 cups a day before meals. The course of treatment lasts no more than one and a half weeks, followed by a week break. After its expiration, treatment is resumed again for another 1.5 weeks.

An alternative recipe suggests the use of oppression. To prepare a decoction, you only need 500 grams of boiling water and 50-60 grams of birch leaves. They are washed, placed on the bottom of a bowl and poured with boiling water, and then closed with a lid and pressed down with a load. From above, the structure is wrapped with a warm towel so that the broth cools as slowly as possible. The remedy is infused for almost 12 hours, after which the oppression is removed, the liquid is filtered and poured into a clean jar.

Collection and preparation of birch leaves

To prepare a quality medicine from birch leaves, you need to know when to collect raw materials. Although there are many types of birches, the same rules for harvesting leaves apply to all:

• The leaves must be dry during picking. The optimal time is the period from 12 to 16 hours, when the dew dries completely by noon. If it rained generously, then the collection is transferred to sunny weather.
• Harvesting is carried out in mid-May, when birch buds bloom, and the leaves are still young and exude rich, fragrant dope. By the way, at the same time, a sticky coating often forms on them - pad. From it, bees make honeydew honey, dangerous for themselves and extremely useful for humans.
• The collection should be carried out only from trees growing away from busy roads, dirty industries and industrial facilities. Leaves can accumulate harmful substances, which are abundant in such areas.
• Each leaf is detached from the branch manually.

After harvesting, the raw materials are knocked down into small piles, which are dried either in the attic with good ventilation, or on the street in the shade. They need to be shaken up periodically.

When the amount of work is large, in order not to pinch off each leaf individually, you need to take hold of the base of the branch at the trunk, squeeze your hand around it and hold it to the very tip. Then all the leaves will detach at once.

When collecting raw materials, try not to bare the whole trees, this can cause irreparable harm to them, therefore, on each birch, it is worth peeling off a maximum of 2-3 branches. Leaves have an average shelf life of 2 years if properly packaged in breathable canvas bags.

Do not leave raw materials in rooms with stale air, as mold may appear on the leaves, which will make them unsuitable for consumption.

Possible contraindications

Since birch leaves have a diuretic and choleretic effect, they are not recommended for people during exacerbations of kidney and liver diseases. Pregnant women, women during breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age are also not advised to be treated on their own without a doctor's verdict with birch leaf-based products. The active components of the drug can be passed from mother to infant, and the body of a pregnant woman is characterized by an unpredictable reaction even to familiar products. Another taboo on the use of medicines based on birch leaves will be intolerance to its individual components of an individual nature.

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Medicinal properties due to its rich composition:

• phytoncides;
• vitamin C;
• tannins;
• a nicotinic acid;
• vegetable glycosides.

Infusion of birch leaves - medicinal use

IN medicinal purposes, traditional healers, most often use a rich infusion of leaves. The essential substances of the leaves have an antimicrobial effect, and can resist viruses. Infusions have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of tannins. Phytooxidants (phytoncides and flavonoids) rejuvenate tissue cells by absorbing free radicals.

Young leaves of the tree are collected, which still have a sticky surface. Leaves are plucked from branches in May-June. For drying, a platform is constructed on which paper is spread, and foliage is poured on top with a layer no more than three centimeters thick. Dried leaves are packaged.

Important! With proper harvesting, the leaves retain their qualities for three years. Fresh leaves are also used medicinally, but dried leaf infusions are used throughout the year, unlike fresh leaves.

How to make an infusion of birch leaves for cholecystitis

This disease can last for years. The infusion will help alleviate the condition. Take off unpleasant symptoms. For cooking, young sticky leaves are taken. Suitable as freshly picked leaves and dried. Two teaspoons of ground leaves are added to boiling water (250 g). This mixture is infused for a day. The resulting infusion must be taken throughout the day. The course of treatment with this infusion is 1 month.

How to make an infusion of birch leaves from an ulcer

The treatment is carried out with an alcohol tincture of birch leaves. To do this, take:

• 50 g birch leaves (dried or fresh);
• fill them with half a liter of vodka.

Then this mixture is placed in a dark cool place for infusion. After 10 days, the tincture can be consumed. It should be taken three times a day, 25 grams added to 200 ml of water. It is advisable to consume before meals.

Important! With the help of such a treatment regimen, gastric and duodenal ulcers are tightened. It also increases appetite and vitality.

Infusion of birch leaves for hair

Modern hair products offered by the distribution network sometimes cannot provide a really good result. Worth taking advantage natural pharmacy. Birch leaves are one such remedy. This is not a fast-acting remedy, but when used systematically, its action is effective.

Important! An infusion of birch leaves is used for increased fat content and for excessive hair loss, to get rid of dandruff. With prolonged use, their structure improves, which affects the general condition.

A decoction of birch leaves has a good effect. It is prepared in 15-20 minutes. The leaves are poured with water and boiled for the specified time. After cooling, the broth is filtered. They can rinse washed hair.

Infusion of birch leaves for the face

Masks and infusions prepared from birch leaves have a rejuvenating, refreshing effect on the skin of the face. With the addition of oil to the infusion of the leaves, a mask is prepared. Before preparing the mask, you need to grind the leaves in a blender:

Read! On the healing properties of birch tar and its contraindications. And also how to apply it for treatment.

• for infusion take 1 spoon of pre-ground leaves;
• pour a quarter cup of boiling water;
• insist about three hours;
• mix the finished infusion with butter (1 tbsp. l.);
• apply on the skin of the face for half an hour;
• remove with a slightly damp cloth.

A rejuvenating effect is provided by contrasting compresses from the infusion of leaves. For infusion you need 1 tbsp. l. leaves ground in a blender, poured with a glass of hot boiled water. After cooling, you can use. Moisten a terry towel alternately in cold and hot infusion. This method helps to improve blood circulation and make the skin soft and supple.

Infusion of birch leaves for weight loss

For weight loss, a tincture of a mixture of birch leaves, nettle, field violet, parsley root is used. All components for 1 tbsp. l. pour 500 ml of boiling water and infuse. Drink 3 times a day for 0.5 cups.

Infusion of birch leaves during pregnancy

The diuretic effect of birch leaves is used as an adjuvant for edema in pregnant women. An infusion of birch leaves is being prepared for edema from 1 tablespoon of chopped leaves and 250 g of boiled hot water. After the mixture has been infused for half an hour and filtered, it can be drunk three times a day for 50-70 g.

Important! This tincture is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent and to regulate the water-salt metabolism in the body.

Infusion of birch leaves for feet

A positive result was shown by the use of birch leaves in the treatment of leg diseases, so this recipe is often used. The best effect can be achieved with an integrated approach to treatment. A decoction is taken inside, and in the form of poultices it is applied to the legs.

The decoction is prepared from 10 g of leaves, filled with half a liter warm water and boil for 10 minutes. After the broth is removed from the stove, it cools down for half an hour, and is filtered. It should be taken three times a day with meals.

Important! Read our article about the healing properties of birch bark.

Poultices can be made in several ways.

1. From the fabric, sew bags that reach the knee. Fill them with fresh green birch leaves. Dip your feet into the bags. After a while, the heat from the feet will create a greenhouse effect. The leaves will begin to release essential substances, which, penetrating into the pores of the skin, will begin to have a healing effect.

1. Steam a birch broom, cut off the still warm leaves and apply to the sore joint. There must be at least three such layers. Then cover it up cling film or a plastic bag, and then wrap with a terry towel. You can cover yourself with a blanket. After forty minutes, you can remove the compress. This procedure can be done a couple of times a week.

If you are concerned about rheumatic joint pain, it is recommended to take a course of treatment with a more intensive method. Compresses should be applied to sore joints in the form of steamed and mashed birch leaves. After seven days of use, the pain will disappear, thanks to the healing action of birch leaves.

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Birch leaf tincture will help maintain your health

This white healer carries many useful properties, so she has become folk remedy from many diseases. Special meaning in folk medicine, they have its castings, as they are rich in vitamins and valuable medicinal substances. Therefore, tincture using birch leaves has become so popular among the people.

Birch is a unique tree, which in Rus' has always been considered the tree of life. And not without reason, because thanks to its miraculous properties, you can be cured of a whole list of diseases. In folk medicine, all its components are widely used.

One of the important healing components are birch leaves. They look like rhombuses of a rounded shape, bordered by cloves. They have enough big sizes- from 6 to 7 cm in length. If you want to protect yourself from diseases, you need to go on warm May days to collect young leaves.

Birch leaves contain many useful substances. They include essential oils, acids, vitamins C, E, PP, tannins, carotene, phytoncides and many others. Therefore, this component of birch is very valuable for health. Next, you will learn recipes for infusions, how to use them, and much more.

Recipes

It should be noted that both dried and fresh leaves can be used to prepare infusions. They do not lose their useful properties even in dried form. But you also need to dry them properly. To do this, they must be distributed on paper sheets and placed in a cool and dark place with good ventilation. In order for the leaves to dry evenly, they need to be stirred occasionally.

It is very important that they dry completely, otherwise there is a threat of mold infestation. With proper preparation, the leaves will be stored for 2 years and will be most useful in the preparation of infusions.

Recipe #1

Ingredients:

Cooking method

1. If you are using fresh leaves, they should be washed thoroughly.
2. Then they need to be crushed and poured with boiling water.
3. The remedy should be infused for 4 hours, then you need to remove the leaves from the infusion and leave it for another 6 hours.
4. Finally, you need to strain the liquid and then it will be ready for use.

Recipe #2

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. spoons of chopped birch leaves;
• 0.5 l of water.

Cooking

1. Such an infusion is prepared just before use.
2. It is necessary to pour the ingredient with boiling water and leave for an hour.

For cooking, you can use a thermos.

Recipe #3

Ingredients:

• Dried birch leaves 100 g;
• 1 liter of warm boiled water.

Cooking

1. The green component must be poured with warm water and insisted for a day.

Such an infusion must be prepared daily, since during long storage it loses medicinal properties. To enhance the healing effect, birch leaves are often mixed with herbs. For example, with cystitis, you can mix them with licorice root, corn stigmas and bearberry leaves. After 6 hours of infusion cold water, the medicine can be safely used.

Properties

The infusion is very useful for the body, as birch leaves have the following properties:

• choleretic;
• diuretic;
• bactericidal;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• antispasmodic.

Application

This drug should be used by people who are worried about:

• giardiasis;
• cholecystitis;
• kidney disease;
• avitaminosis;
• atherosclerosis.

The remedy will help in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchitis, stomach ulcers, and various viral diseases. Healing properties infusion will help with neurosis, chronic stress. They are especially useful for colds, as they well raise immunity. If you apply the medicine externally, then it will be useful in the treatment of such diseases:

• Psoriasis;
• eczema;
• mastitis;
• sepsis;
• Furunculosis.

Birch drug can improve blood circulation, destroy blood clots in blood vessels, lower blood pressure and improve microcirculation. Another infusion has a positive effect on metabolism, improves the function of female genital organs and helps with bruises and burns.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that this drug is medicinal, there are contraindications to it. It should not be taken if a person has an individual intolerance to birch sap, buds, pollen or leaves. You can not use therapeutic agents for glomerulonephritis.

It is also better not to treat children under the age of two with these remedies. It may be dangerous. If you prepare and use birch infusion correctly, it will surely help you cope with any illness!

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birch tincture

Birch has long been considered medicinal tree. Various medicinal raw materials are obtained from birch, which is beneficial in the treatment of many diseases. Useful soap is made from birch tar, infusions and tinctures are made from leaves and buds.

Birch tincture differs from birch tincture in the content of the alcohol part. Decoctions and infusions are prepared on vegetable raw materials and water, tinctures - on alcohol (of various concentrations).

As a medicinal raw material obtained from birch, buds, leaves, bark and catkins (flowers) are most often used. Birch contains a large number of useful trace elements and minerals, rich in vitamin C and B vitamins. The main properties of birch used in medicine are anti-inflammatory, choleretic and diuretic.

Indications for use

In inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, gastroduodenitis and enteritis, the tincture is used orally one teaspoon three times a day. As a diuretic, it is taken 30 drops in the morning, on an empty stomach.

In the treatment of cholelithiasis, birch tincture is taken after each meal, 10-15 drops. When taken orally, the tincture component acts at the site of inflammation. Reception should be carried out in courses, together with taking medications.

Cooking method.

To prepare birch tincture, you will need birch buds, or birch leaves, together with bark and earrings. Birch bud tincture is mainly used internally.

It is necessary to grind the birch buds (the buds are collected 5-7 days after their appearance) and pour 40% vodka, or 95% alcohol, after diluting it with water, the ratio is approximately 1: 5 (1 part of the buds, 5 parts of vodka). After 7-10 days, the tincture is ready for use. It is better to use a dark glass container for its storage.

Birch tincture on leaves and bark is more often used externally, and before use, it is pre-diluted with clean water. This solution can wipe cuts, abrasions and ulcers.

If you dilute the tincture strongly, you can use it as a facial tonic (suitable for people with oily skin acne prone). For cooking, you need to collect leaves, earrings and bark. If possible, grind the raw materials and immediately pour 70% alcohol. Infuse for 5-7 days, strain and store in a cold dark place, in a glass container.

To store any tinctures, due to their alcohol content, plastic containers should not be used. Plastic under the action of an aggressive alcohol environment is destroyed.

Birch tincture can be prepared on the basis of birch tar. To do this, you need to purchase tar in a pharmacy and add it to vodka (half a teaspoon of tar per 100 ml of vodka). This tincture is taken orally, 1-5 drops 2 times a day after meals. Tar has a healing and antiseptic effect on ulcers and erosions in peptic ulcer disease. The tincture can also be applied pointwise to inflammatory skin elements (acne, boils).

When cooking homemade soap, you can add a few drops of birch tincture on tar. Such a bactericidal soap is perfect for washing feet, as a prevention of fungal infections of the skin and nails.

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The benefits and preparation of a decoction of birch leaves

Birch is rightfully considered a healing and useful tree, which, when correct use treats a large number of diseases. And this is not surprising, because almost all the components of this tree are endowed with a mass of useful properties that the body needs during the treatment of a particular disease. A decoction based on birch leaves and buds, prescribed by a doctor, leads to an early improvement in health, cleanses the body and saturates it with a large amount of vitamins and healing elements. As a result, after a month of treatment, the patient will feel relief and reduction of pain.

Rules for the use of decoction

The use of a decoction is allowed only after the appointment of the attending physician, who will take into account the patient's state of health, contraindications and the form of the disease. Important: doctors do not recommend self-medication folk recipes, since improper use leads to a violation of the health and well-being of the patient.

Decoctions based on birch buds and leaves are prepared all year round. To do this, you can use fresh parts of birch, dried and pharmacy. If you decide to harvest the buds and leaves of this tree yourself, you should take into account the rules and tips for home drying, as improper harvesting leads to a loss of the useful properties of the tree.

You can take a decoction based on birch buds and leaves for children and adults. Depending on the age of the patient, the attending physician prescribes a dosage that should be followed as the decoctions are prepared at home. Of course, for young children and adolescents, the dose of medicinal raw materials will be much less.

What diseases does a decoction based on birch buds and leaves treat? In fact, the use of this drug is quite large-scale - the remedy treats joints, bones, internal organs, hair and other diseases. human body. In each individual case, the decoction is prescribed according to a specific recipe. Important: the use of this drug is carried out along with complex treatment with medications - the only exceptions are oral diseases and skin inflammations. Other types of diseases are treated only under medical supervision.

Tree Description

White birch - deciduous tree which is at least 25 meters high. This tree is known to everyone due to its bark - white, smooth, with black spots and minor cracks. The stems of young branches are endowed with warts. The base of the branches is red-brown.

Birch leaves are alternate, leathery, triangular-ovate, light green in color. The plant blooms from April to the end of May. At this time, flowers appear on the birch branches, which are female and male earrings. Birch fruits are fully ripe and ready for picking from August. The tree propagates by seeds and vegetatively.

Where does birch grow?

This tree is found in the South and North Caucasus, in Siberia, middle lane Russia, in the Urals. You can meet a tree in parks, alleys, along houses and roads, in mixed forests. Birch is found in fields and forest edges.

Important: birch is able to form pure stands, which are called birch forests. Often they grow on the site of clearings and burnt forests. One by one there are self-planted seedlings that have not reached "mature age.

What does a decoction based on birch buds and leaves contain?

Properly prepared decoction of birch parts has a rich chemical composition. The remedy contains:

• vitamin C;
• tannins;
• triterpene alcohol;
• phenols;
• phytoncides;
• flavonoids.

Along with this, it is worth noting that the beneficial properties of decoctions are also quite strong:

• diuretic;
• choleretic;
• painkiller;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• soothing;
• painkiller.

The use of this medicinal composition is of significant benefit to the body, therefore, using a decoction based on birch leaves and buds is on the strict recommendation of a doctor - only then can a positive result of treatment be achieved.

birch leaves

A leaf-based decoction is endowed with:

• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• ascorbic acid;
• saponins;
• coumarins;
• trace elements (potassium, manganese, zinc);
• tannins.

The leaves are able to treat coughs, stomach ulcers, beriberi, diseases of the bladder, joints and bones. A decoction as an external application treats ulcers, fresh festering wounds, skin inflammations and allergic reactions.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

From time immemorial birch was rightfully considered the tree of life, as it helped maintain and improve health. Today, traditional medicine is widely used in its effective recipes various components of this plant. Next, the beneficial properties of birch as a whole, and each of its components separately, will be considered. These recipes will help to cope with many ailments and their symptoms.

Treatment with birch

For medicinal purposes, the following birch raw materials are used:

• kidneys;
• leaves;
• tar;
• birch bark (bark);
• chaga (the so-called birch mushroom);
• Activated carbon;
• earrings (inflorescences).

The collection of buds is carried out from the beginning of February to the end of April, when they are resinous. At the same time, it is important to have time to prepare raw materials before the moment when they bloom. After drying the raw materials, carried out in a dark place at a temperature of up to 30 degrees, the kidneys should be threshed. Properly collected and harvested birch buds have a tart, resinous taste and a balsamic smell, which intensifies when rubbed.

Birch leaves are harvested in May (during this time the birch blossoms, so the leaves have a sticky structure and emit a fragrant aroma). The leaves are dried in the open air, but in the shade. Both buds and leaves are stored in sealed glass or cardboard containers (always in a dry room) for two years.

Birch sap should be collected and harvested during the period of sap flow. In order to exclude the death of the tree and not cause irreparable harm to it, the sap is collected only in places where it is planned to cut down birches. In addition, it is not recommended to collect juice from young trees.

The benefits of birch

The composition of birch includes the organic dye betulin, which contains a large amount of silver ions, due to which medications of it have excellent antimicrobial activity.

Betulin, penetrating through the skin into the blood, affects the body as follows:

• eliminates pain in the joints;
• relieves heaviness in the legs;
• increases resistance to the development of cancer;
• significantly improves liver function.

Fresh Birch juice It has been used for centuries to treat colds and skin diseases. Decoctions, infusions and drinks from birch strengthen the immune system.

Scientists have long proven the effect of birch on human health. In the course of research, it was found that people living near birch groves almost do not get colds, since volatile phytoncides have antiviral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects.

Fans of bath procedures will appreciate the properties of birch. The fact is that under the influence of hot air, its leaves secrete healing phytoncides that perfectly sterilize the air and fill it with antiseptics.

birch properties

Traditional medicine effectively uses various parts of birch to treat various diseases.

Leaves and buds of birch

Infusions and decoctions of buds and leaves have the following properties:

• choleretic;
• restorative;
• diuretic;
• expectorant;
• bactericidal;
• disinfection;
• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiscorbutic.

Birch buds and leaves are used in the treatment of such diseases:

• dysfunction of the bladder;
• atherosclerosis;
• rheumatism;
• edema of cardiac etiology;
• eczema;
• kidney inflammation ;
• bronchitis;
• bedsores;
• skin diseases;
• anemia;
• neurosis;
• dysentery;

Birch juice

Birch (or birch sap) has the following properties:

• anthelmintic;
• diuretic;
• antitumor;
• restorative;
• stimulating.

Drinking birch sap will help reduce the manifestations of the following conditions and diseases:

• general weakness;
• chronic fatigue;
• avitaminosis;
• blood diseases;
• pneumonia;
• ulcer;
• low acidity;
• rheumatism;
• arthritis;
• eczema;
• gout;

In addition, birch sap:
1. Increases the body's resistance to various colds, infectious, allergic diseases.
2. Regulates metabolism.

Birch bark

Birch bark has healing and disinfecting properties.

Also, when taken orally, tar:

• normalizes blood pressure;
• regulates metabolic processes;
• strengthens the heart muscle.

Activated carbon

Carbolene is made from birch charcoal, which is used in such conditions:

• atherosclerosis;
• poisoning, accompanied by intoxication;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergies;
• increased acidity.

Activated charcoal removes excess cholesterol, is used in the prevention of cancer, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system.

birch catkins

There are "male" and "female" earrings. The former are located in two or three pieces side by side, while the latter grow separately and are distinguished by a fine structure. For medicinal purposes, only men's earrings are used.

Birch inflorescences are used in the treatment of:

• tuberculosis;
• eczema;
• boils;
• anemia.

The use of tinctures from birch earrings helps to eliminate:

• fatigue;
• low hemoglobin level.

birch application

In folk medicine, birch is used as decoctions, infusions, tinctures, extracts and oils.

Decoction

A decoction of birch buds is taken orally as a diuretic and choleretic agent, while externally - as a lotion to help heal boils and cuts. hot tub from a decoction of birch buds is indicated for patients with acute and chronic eczema.

A decoction of birch leaves is used to strengthen and improve hair growth.

Tea with the addition of birch buds is an excellent expectorant and disinfectant, indicated in the treatment of influenza, bronchitis and SARS.

Infusion

An infusion of birch buds, as well as leaves, affects the body as follows:

• increases urination up to 2.5 liters per day;
• eliminates swelling;
• reduces shortness of breath;
• reduces the amount of protein in the urine.

Infusion of birch buds is mainly used for the following pathologies:

• inflammatory process localized in the liver;
• gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• skin diseases;
• acute rheumatism.

In addition, baths and tampons from a 20% infusion of buds or birch leaves are used to treat cervical erosion.

Tincture

Birch bud tincture, which has an antimicrobial effect, is used in the treatment of:

• furunculosis;
• abscesses;

Tincture of birch buds, aged in 90% alcohol (the ratio of buds and alcohol is 1: 5, respectively), is externally used as rubbing and compresses for such diseases:

• arthritis;
• radiculitis;
• poorly healing ulcers;
• postoperative purulent wounds;
• abrasions;
• bedsores.

birch extract

Obtained from buds, bark, and white birch leaves. The extract from the buds and birch leaves has phytoncidal properties, and therefore is used as an anti-inflammatory and vitaminizing agent.

Also, birch bark extract contains such important trace elements:

• betulin (contributes to the rapid burning of calories);
• mineral salts;
• various binders;
• useful resins.

Birch extract is widely used in cosmetology, being included in skin and hair care products.

birch oil

Essential birch oil, obtained from foliage and buds, is rich in the following elements:

• resins;
• a nicotinic acid;
• ascorbic acid;
• flavonoids;
• carotene;
• various saponins;
• tannins.

Birch essential oil has the following properties:

• antiseptic;
• painkillers;
• blood-purifying;
• diuretic;
• astringent;
• tonic;
• choleretic;
• disinfectant.

It should be mentioned that birch essential oil calms the nervous system, improving well-being and uplifting mood.

But we should not forget that birch essential oil is a potent agent that can provoke irritation of sensitive skin, so it must be used with extreme caution.

birch pollen

Birch pollen is a ready-made concentrate of natural vitamins, microelements, and phytoncides, which have a beneficial effect on the human body, ensuring its full-fledged work.

Birch pollen is especially useful for patients with cancer, as it normalizes all body functions, stimulating them. Pollen also has a positive effect on the blood.

By its properties, birch pollen is similar to adaptogenic plants (for example, with ginseng, which increases the body's resistance to various adverse environmental factors and tones it).

The daily dose of pollen is 3 g, and is consumed in 2-3 doses, while the course of treatment is 2 months, after which a two-week break is made.

birch pollen allergen

Despite its unique medicinal properties, birch pollen can trigger hay fever in people with allergies. For this reason, the use of pollen should be approached with extreme caution, after consulting with a doctor regarding doses, duration of the course and dietary features.

So, in many people who are sensitive to birch pollen, allergies are accompanied not only by sneezing and nasal congestion, but also by food intolerance to certain vegetables and fruits containing proteins related to the category related to the "main birch allergen".

These allergens include:

• cherry;
• potato.

Therefore, in order to avoid allergic reactions, it is not recommended to use such products raw - they should be subjected to heat treatment, which will help modify the structure of allergen proteins.

Contraindications of medicinal preparations from birch

1. Decoctions and alcohol tinctures from both birch buds and leaves are contraindicated in diagnosed functional renal failure due to possible irritation of the parenchyma.

2. In acute as well as chronic glomerulonephritis, preparations containing birch buds cannot be used.

3. Birch sap should not be consumed by people who are allergic to birch pollen.

4. Chaga is contraindicated in patients suffering from chronic colitis, as well as dysentery, since chaga in some cases retains fluid in the body.

In addition, it is undesirable to combine the intake of chaga with the use of the following products:

• vitamins A and B;
• smoked meats;
• spicy dishes;
• seasonings;
• sugar;
• confectionery;
• canned products;
• animal fats;
• meat products;
• alcohol.

Together with chaga, you can not receive intravenous glucose, as well as injections of penicillin, which is an antagonist of this drug.

5. Tar can not be taken with such diseases and conditions:

• acute and chronic inflammation of the skin;
• acute eczema;
• dermatitis;
• exudative psoriasis;
• furunculosis;
• acne;
• kidney disease;

Important! Treatment of children under two years of age with any herbal preparations is dangerous. Therefore, before using any medicinal plant, you should consult a doctor.

Recipes with birch

Recipes with birch buds

Tincture for stomach ulcers
Birch buds (50 g) are poured with 500 ml of alcohol, infused in a dark place for three weeks, while the tincture is periodically shaken. After the specified time, the composition is filtered, and 20 drops are taken three times a day, about 20 minutes before a meal.

Cold (flu) tincture
Raw materials in the amount of 5 tbsp. knead and pour 500 ml of vodka, after which it is infused in a dark place for 40 days (the tincture is periodically shaken). Next, the composition is filtered, 2 tablespoons are added to it. honey. The tincture is thoroughly mixed, and 1 tbsp is taken. twice a day, 40 minutes before meals.

Tincture for bronchitis, migraine, insomnia
Dry crushed birch buds (20 g) are poured with 100 ml of alcohol, after which they are infused in a dark place for three weeks, while periodically shaking. The tincture is filtered, the rest is squeezed out. The remedy is taken in 30 drops, which are diluted in a tablespoon of boiled water, three times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Decoction for liver disease
10 g of birch buds are poured into a glass of water and boiled for 15 minutes, after which the broth is removed from the heat, cooled and filtered through cheesecloth. It is taken in 1 tbsp. four times a day.

Recipes with birch leaves

Infusion from jade, neurosis, diathesis
Birch leaves are crushed, washed with cold boiled water. Next, the raw material is poured with boiled water, the temperature of which should be 40 - 50 degrees. Leaves and water are taken in a ratio of 1:10, respectively. It is infused for 4 hours, after which the water is drained, the leaves are squeezed out, and the infusion itself is infused for another 6 hours, after which the sediment should be removed. Taken half a glass three times a day.

Infusion from beriberi and long-term non-healing wounds
Birch leaves (2 tablespoons) are poured with a glass of boiling water, infused for 4 days, after which they are squeezed and filtered. The decoction is taken 100 ml three times a day before meals.

Tincture for heart disease, bedsores and burns
Fresh birch leaves (2 tablespoons) are poured with 200 ml of 70% alcohol, infused for a week and filtered. Tincture is used 30 drops twice a day. Also, tincture can be used externally, as compresses on the joints.

Recipes with birch sap

In the course of treatment and prevention of diseases, birch sap must be consumed fresh, while it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. It is taken 250 ml three times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is three weeks.

For skin diseases, as well as conditions accompanied by a rise in temperature, it is recommended to drink 3 glasses of juice per day.

Infusion from angina
Birch bark (300 g) is crushed and poured with 500 ml of boiling water, left to infuse for an hour, after which the infusion is filtered and taken 150-200 ml three times a day.

Decoction for high blood pressure
Chopped chaga (1 tsp) is mixed with 1 tsp. mistletoe herbs, after which it is brewed in 250 ml of boiling water and brought to a boil. Then the broth is removed from the heat and infused for 3 hours, squeezed and drunk 90 ml three times a day. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.

Recipes with tar

Ointment for psoriasis
To prepare this remedy, you will need the following components:

• birch tar - 1 part;
• fish oil - 1 part;
• butter - 1 part;
• copper sulfate - 0.5 part.

The ingredients are mixed until a viscous mixture (ointment) is obtained. The components are connected over low heat (the ointment is boiled for 5 minutes). Stored in a cool and dark place. The ointment is applied to the affected areas once a day.

Infusion from atherosclerosis
Tar (1 tsp) is mixed in 250 ml of warm natural milk. It is taken one glass three times a day 60 minutes before meals, for a month and a half. 4 courses of treatment are carried out per year, between which a break of one month is shown.

Recipe with birch earrings

Tincture for heart disease
The glass container is filled with birch inflorescences by two thirds, after which vodka is poured into the vessel to the brim. Infused for 21 days (required in a dark place and at room temperature). The tincture can not be filtered. The taste is pleasant, it has the aroma of tree resin. The dose is determined on an individual basis, and can vary from 20 drops up to 1 tsp. It is taken, diluted with a small amount of water, three times a day for half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks (sometimes two months). Frequency - no more than twice a year. The shelf life of the tincture is one year.

Recipes with birch leaves - video

Most medicines that could only be prepared by a pharmacist in the past are now available as finished dosage forms. Factory candles have long replaced the suppositories rolled out by the pharmacist's hand, and the tablets have replaced powders from the pharmacy counters. But there are still dosage forms that are not yet subject to industrial production.

Phytotherapy: efficiency without question

It is difficult to imagine modern medicine without herbal treatment. The roots of herbal medicine go back to the distant past - historians claim that reliable evidence has been found therapeutic use herbs as early as the 6th century BC. Phytotherapy has withstood the test of time and entered the high-tech 21st century with dignity. The effectiveness of herbal treatment has been proven in large clinical studies and is beyond doubt.

Herbal medicines, which are prepared ex tempore - as needed - have another indisputable advantage. They are completely devoid of excipients, preservatives, dyes and flavors. We already eat and drink these not the most useful substances for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, so it is important that the medicines contain only active ingredients, without additional “husks”.

Unlike many other extemporaneous dosage forms, not only a pharmacist burdened with pharmaceutical education can boil or infuse a medicine. To become involved in pharmacy wisdom, it is enough to be able to read: detailed instructions usually decorates pharmaceutical packaging with medicinal raw materials.

Herbal treatment can be indicated for a variety of ailments, and sometimes it is simply irreplaceable. So, when coughing, aqueous extracts from medicinal raw materials pursue two goals at once. The first, of course, is the mucolytic or antitussive effect. About the effectiveness of the use of coltsfoot, marshmallow and licorice, legends have already been composed and treatises have been written. By the way, often with bronchitis and tracheitis, synthetic drugs are completely helpless in comparison with herbal remedies.

The second task that infusions and decoctions successfully perform when coughing is to thin the thick tracheobronchial secret, provided by regular warm drinking. Remember that both pediatricians and therapists insist on using a large amount of warm teas, compotes and other drinks when coughing. And warm infusions and decoctions perfectly cope with this purpose.

Infusions and decoctions work great for various diseases of the stomach, nervous system, skin diseases and many other ailments.

Infusion? Or decoction?

Infusion and decoction are different dosage forms, each of which has its own nuances in the manufacture. Pharmaceutical subtleties are designed not to complicate the creative task, but to allow the most efficient extraction of active ingredients from the plant and preserve their activity during the heat treatment process.

The very word "infusion" suggests that the dosage form is prepared by infusion. Infusions are prepared, as a rule, from flowers, herbs, leaves, i.e. those organs of the plant, from which it is not difficult to extract the active substances. An exception is the rhizome of valerian, which is also insisted.

Usually, both infusions and decoctions are prepared in a ratio of 1:10, i.e. 10 parts of water at room temperature are taken for 1 part of medicinal raw materials. The resulting "semi-finished product" is heated in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, and then infused at room temperature for 45 minutes. After that, the infusion is filtered, the residue is squeezed out and the medicine is ready.

Important:
Infusions of essential oil plants - rhizomes with valerian roots, mint and sage leaves and chamomile flowers - are prepared under a tightly closed lid to preserve essential oils.

To extract useful substances from the bark, roots, rhizomes and fruits, they must be boiled. To do this, the raw material, filled with water at room temperature, is placed in a boiling water bath and boiled for 30 minutes, after which it is infused for another 10 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, without fail squeezing out the dry residue.

The shelf life of the infusion or decoction does not exceed 2 days. About how and, we talked about earlier.

Important:
1. Oak bark, rhizomes of cinquefoil, burnet should not be infused in metal dishes because of the likelihood of interaction of tannins with metals.

2. A decoction of senna leaves is completely cooled before straining. Due to this, resinous substances contained in senna, which can cause side effects, do not go into the hood.

3. A decoction of licorice root is prepared with the addition baking soda at the rate of 1 gram per 10 grams of raw materials. Baking soda helps extract the active ingredients.

In conclusion, I would like to add a few tips. Firstly, you should not buy vegetable raw materials from your hands: in the market or from tender old women who are comfortably located at the entrance to the subway. You have no idea where, when, or even what exactly the home-grown herbalists gathered, how they dried their "crop" and in what conditions they stored it. This means that extracts from such "medicinal plants" may contain an unpredictable set of active substances.

Even gathering herbs with my own hands, you run the risk of bringing home not a medicinal plant, but its counterpart, like two drops of water similar to the original. Therefore, real, high-quality raw materials, standardized and safe, can only be found in pharmacies. This is an axiom.

And secondly, starting to be treated with herbs, do not stop halfway. Take a full course of phytotherapy, not a "half" course, only then you can fully feel how wisely nature has taken care of us.

Marina Pozdeeva

Photo thinkstockphotos.com