Our ancestors already appreciated the silver birch (Betula pendula). For example, the early flowering tree was seen as a herald of spring and served as a symbol of fertility - which is why, for example, in some countries (e.g. Finland or some regions of Russia) birch branches are still used to "whip" after a sauna session, i.e. to stimulate the circulation .

Silver birch leaves have been used medicinally for a long time

Fine leaves are characteristic of silver birch

As well as its trunk, the silver birch can also be recognized by its leaves. The ovate leaves, up to six centimeters long, have a toothed edge and are quite thin. Birch leaves are typically light green in spring, but darken over the course of summer, eventually turning golden yellow in fall. Young leaves feel slightly sticky as glands located throughout the foliage secrete a resinous, slightly fragrant secretion.

Birch water and birch sap are not the same

The silver birch has probably been used for thousands of years both as food and in cosmetics and medicine. The two most well-known products are birch sap and birch water, although these terms are often used interchangeably. However, they are by no means one and the same thing, but two completely different ones. The sugary birch sap is the bleeding sap of the silver birch, which is usually tapped from the trunk in spring. In turn, birch water - best 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 kidney function, which is why the infusion is traditionally used to flush the kidneys in urinary tract infections and to cleanse the blood. Rinsing with birch water should also be helpful for hair loss, dandruff on the scalp and skin rashes. Birch leaves contain i.a. Flavonoids, saponins, salicylic acid, tannins and vitamin C.

Prepare birch leaf tea

For a tea made from fresh leaves, collect the tender, still sticky leaves shortly after they have sprouted. You can also eat them in a salad or on bread and butter. On the other hand, slightly firmer foliage collected in June can be dried and used all year round. Pour hot, but not boiling water over the finely chopped leaves - about one to two heaped teaspoons per cup - and let the brew steep for about 10 minutes.

tips

If the silver birch suddenly gets yellow leaves and sheds them, then it's either autumn - or your tree is too dry. Birch trees need a lot of water and should therefore be watered from time to time, especially on hot summer days.

Category:

Trees