Content
- Hanging birch - leaves are old medicinal herb
- Fine leaves are characteristic of hanging birch
- Birch water and birch sap are not the same
- Birch leaf tea as a health cure
- Prepare birch leaf tea
- Tips
The leaves of the hanging birch have long been used as a remedy
Hanging birch - leaves are old medicinal herb
Already our ancestors appreciated the hanging birch (Betula pendula) very much. For example, the early-flowering tree was regarded as a spring bird and served as a symbol of fertility - which is why, for example, in some countries (such as Finland or some regions of Russia), birch branches are used to "flog", and thus to boost circulation, just after a sauna session ,
Fine leaves are characteristic of hanging birch
Just as on its trunk, the hanging birch is also recognizable by its leaves. The egg-shaped, up to six inches long leaves have a serrated leaf margin and are quite thin. In spring, birch leaves are typically light green, but darken during the summer and finally turn golden yellow in the fall. Young leaves feel slightly sticky, as glands all over the leaves secrete a resinous, slightly fragrant secretion.
Birch water and birch sap are not the same
Probably for millennia, the hanging birch is used both as a food and in cosmetics or in medicine. The two most well-known products are birch sap and birch water, which terms are often used interchangeably. However, it is by no means one and the same thing, but two completely different ones.The sweet birch sap is the hemorrhagic juice of the hanging birch, which is usually tapped from the stem in spring. Birch water in turn - especially known as a hair remedy - can be obtained from the leaves.
Birch leaf tea as a health cure
Furthermore, birch leaf tea is said to have a health-promoting effect. The ingredients of the leaves stimulate the kidney function, which is why the infusion is traditionally used to flush the kidneys for infections of the urinary tract and to purify the blood. Even with hair loss, dandruff of the scalp and rashes flushing with birch water should be helpful. Birch leaves contain u. a. Flavonoids, saponins, salicylic acid, tannins and vitamin C.
Prepare birch leaf tea
For a tea made of fresh leaves, you collect the delicate, sticky leaves shortly after the shoot. Incidentally, you can also eat these in salad or on a sandwich. On the other hand, the slightly firmer leaves collected in June can be dried and used all year round. Pour the finely chopped leaves - about one to two heaped teaspoons per cup - with hot but no longer boiling water and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Tips
If the hanging birch suddenly gets yellow leaves and throws them off, it's either autumn - or your tree is too dry. Birches need a lot of water and should therefore be watered, especially on hot summer days.