Nutrients, Calories, Benefits of Birch

Birch sap is a liquid that flows in the trunk of a tree. From the point of view of nutritional value the product is very useful, it contains a number of substances necessary for the human body. The leaves, buds, twigs and sap of birch have been used since ancient times in folk medicine. Wood is a valuable medicine, as its bark is used to make activated carbon, tar, xylitol (sugar substitute).

Composition of birch sap

The birch liquid is famous for its rich vitamin and mineral composition and strong beneficial properties. It contains vitamins, saponins, organic acids, tannins, saccharides, enzymes and phytoncides.

The juice contains salts of magnesium, sodium, silicon, potassium, calcium, aluminum, copper, manganese, iron, titanium, barium, nickel, phosphorus, zirconium and strontium. Traces of nitrogen were also found.

Useful properties of birch sap

Due to the variety of nutrients, birch sap has a complex effect on the body. It is used for beriberi, to strengthen health and restore strength, to increase tone and purify from toxins.

Phytoncides in the liquid increase the body's resistance to viral infections, kill bacteria and microbes, strengthen immunity. The anti-inflammatory properties of the juice are based on this.

Birch sap improves metabolism, speeds up metabolism, tones the nervous system, helps fight seasonal melancholy and depression. It is also used for weight loss, it is used in the treatment of obesity to varying degrees.

With regular consumption of the valuable fluid, the blood is purified, hemoglobin is increased, slags, toxins and harmful substances are removed. Thanks to birch sap, wounds heal better.

The drink has a beneficial effect on kidney function, which is important in pyelonephritis and kidney stones.

Fresh birch sap strengthens and tones the body, fights chronic fatigue, drowsiness. Used for sore throat, cough, headache, joint disease. It is one of the best means to improve metabolism and stomach function. It is good to take in diseases of the respiratory system, rheumatism, tuberculosis, gout, gallstones and kidney stones, also in edema, because it is a diuretic.

Use in cosmetics

Birch sap is also used externally. With its help you can erase pigmented skin areas, fight acne and pustules, wounds and ulcers, abrasions, can help treat eczema, purulent and other inflammations. Birch sap tones the skin and removes its oiliness.

In combination with honey, the liquid is used for dry skin, which acquires a healthy and beautiful appearance. Birch sap is also good for hair because it supports its growth, removes brittleness and dandruff. For these purposes, it is rubbed into the scalp, and a decoction of birch leaves is applied.

Chaga mushroom grows on birch bark, which is also characterized by a number of health benefits. 

Chaga birch fungus grows on the bark mostly on birches (but is also found on other trees), has an irregular and unattractive shape. The sponge is black and the inside changes color to dark brown. It is found in the forests of Korea, Russia, North America, Canada and Eastern Europe.

The plant has healing properties, so it is no coincidence that in Siberia it is defined as "King of Plants", "Mushroom of Immortality", "Gift of the Gods", in Japan - "The Diamond of the Forest".

Composition

The flesh of the mushroom contains all kinds of acids (formic, butyric, oxalic, acetic and others), tannins and minerals, polysaccharides, melanin, lipids, alkaloids, phytoncides, flavonoids and cellulose. Due to its composition, it has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Healing properties:

• improves the general condition, increases the body's immunity and resistance to infectious diseases;
• calms the nervous system, fights restless sleep, insomnia and mental illness;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• prevention is against the development of malignant tumors, used in the treatment of existing ones;
• therapy is for diseases of the intestines, liver, stomach, lungs and urinary tract;
• improves the condition of psoriasis, eczema, acne, frostbite and burns;
• raises blood pressure, used in anemia;
• improves vision;
• prevention is against women's diseases, is used in the treatment of such;
• slows down the aging process;
• improves appetite;
• reduces pain;
• lowers blood cholesterol levels;
• fights inflammatory processes;
• has hemostatic, choleretic and diuretic properties.

From mushroom Chaga prepare tea, alcoholic infusions, decoctions, bath solutions, ointments (ointment) and oils.

While taking products that contain the mushroom, it is good to change some eating habits, limiting the consumption of certain foods and beverages and emphasizing others:

• to exclude from the menu all smoked, canned and fried products;
• to limit the consumption of meat and meat products;
• not to abuse spicy food, including onions and garlic;
• to avoid sweets;
• smoking and alcohol are strictly forbidden.
• enrich the diet with fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

Contraindications and side effects

Excessive use of Chaga mushroom in various forms can lead to digestive disorders and nervous excitability. Symptoms resolve after dose reduction or discontinuation.

Pregnant and lactating women and children should not use birch sponge, because in the developing organism and in the body of the future mother there is a process of active cell division, and the product stops their development and growth.

The use of Chaga is not recommended during treatment with antibiotics, glucose intake, dysentery, colitis and diarrhea.

Today in the pharmacy network can be found both the dried mushroom in the form of tea and various food supplements that contain it, but in the presence of serious health problems it is necessary to consult a doctor before switching to their use.

Do not use in case of individual intolerance.