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Herbs |
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Herb name: Birch, Betula pendula Family: Betulaceae Useful plant parts: leaves Description: Birch is a common medicinal plant that is easily recognizable thanks to its white crust, which can be peeled from the trunk in form of circles. Birch can grow over 20 meters in height, and it is known to grow better in dry habitats. It has hanging branches, and it is also important to mention that on younger branches, resin glands can be found.
Collecting period and locations: For medicinal purposes, young leaves should be picked, starting from May. The leaves are dried in a shady and airy place. Concerning locations where it can be found, birch is a relatively widespread and easily recognizable tree that can be located in deciduous forests. Since it doesn't like excessively wet habitat, it is easier to found this tree at somewhat higher altitudes. Medicinal properties and applications: Tea made from dried leaves of birch is a very good diuretic (a substance that raises and benefits the excretion of urine). There are also claims that it helps in removing bladder and kidney stones, although for now there is still not enough solid evidence. Due to its diuretic properties, birch is often used in tea blends used for the cleansing of the body.
Active compounds: Flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, saponins, vitamin C, various organic acids, betulin, phytosterol. Recipe: Tea can be prepared by taking two teaspoons full of dried birch leaves and adding them to 1/4 liters of boiling water. The tea is left like that for 10-15 minutes, and after that, it can be used. One should drink this tea several times a day.
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