Birch sap is a clear liquid that is released from the trunk of a tree under the influence of root pressure when the bark is broken or cut. A tube or small groove is inserted into the incision site, through which the juice flows into a prepared container. After collecting, the place of the incision is sealed with wax so that the tree does not subsequently dry out.

The movement of juices near a birch begins in early March along with the first buds, and the sap is collected for 1.5 months, from early April to mid-May. Besides Russia, this juice is drunk in Scandinavia and North China.

It tastes like fresh spring water, but with sweet woody notes due to the low concentration of natural sugars.

The benefits of birch sap are great, because it contains many minerals, vitamin C, tannins, phytoncides and essential oils... On hot days, it invigorates, quenches thirst thanks to its pleasant light taste and replenishes the supply of mineral salts that a person loses during strong sweating.

Interestingly, in the United States and Great Britain, interest in this drink has increased recently, displacing another popular tonic - coconut water.

Nutritionist Eva Kalinik says: “Birch sap is close in chemical composition, electrolyte balance, potassium and other phytonutrients to coconut water, but its main advantage is in saponins. "

It is the saponins that are responsible for most of the beneficial properties of the original Russian drink.

• Throat diseases: cough, sore throat. For treatment, it is necessary to take warmed birch sap mixed with milk and starch. It is recommended to drink a glass of this drink daily until recovery.
• To improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This spring nectar stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and enzymes necessary for normal digestion. Birch sap normalizes stool, relieves constipation.
• To relieve inflammation in the mouth and prevent tooth decay, you can rinse your mouth with this juice. Are you going to have a glass of juice? Just hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Unlike many acid-rich fruit juices, this drink does not damage tooth enamel.
• Helps relieve migraines and headaches.
• With a cold of any origin, especially a chronic one, you should take a glass of pure birch nectar daily. Natural anti-inflammatory compounds will expel disease from your body in no time.
• Edema caused by impaired kidney function, stones and sand in the kidneys and gallbladder also surrender under the influence of birch sap. It has diuretic properties, but drinking with such diseases is possible only with the permission of a doctor.
• If you have already received your doctor's approval, you can drink one glass three times a day, for two weeks, but no longer.
• Long-lasting healing wounds, ulcers, abrasions must be treated with undiluted liquid. Her beneficial features contribute to the rapid tightening of open lesions on the skin.
• Recommended as a supportive agent for people with anemia and other blood diseases.
• With a sharp rise in body temperature, a balm of birch sap, sugar, wine and finely chopped lemon helps. All this is required to be insisted in a dark place for three months.
• Helps to cope with spring depression and vitamin deficiency. To do this, you need to drink a glass of healing liquid daily for two weeks.
• Birch sap promotes the elimination of toxic substances from the kidneys and liver - European healers knew about this back in the 12th century. To test for yourself its cleansing properties, you need to drink 200 ml every morning before breakfast. The course of treatment will take 4-6 weeks and 6-8 liters of healing fluid.
• Fresh tree sap is an excellent dietary drink, it contains absolutely no proteins or fats. If you have already started to work on yourself and have lost a few pounds, but then weight stagnation has occurred, include this healthy liquid in the diet.

For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, the drink should be consumed in 1 glass for about a month. A preliminary medical consultation is required!

Cosmetic properties

Rinsing hair with birch sap makes hair stronger, restores the moisture balance of the scalp, and prevents dandruff. You can make a honey-infused lotion and rub it into your hair roots. Also, a mask of birch nectar, brandy and decoction of burdock root helps against hair loss. It is applied for 15-20 minutes, then washed off with warm water.

In Scandinavia, this drink is considered an excellent remedy for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin. With its help, women cope with the first signs of aging.

1. To get rid of blackheads, you need to apply a mask to the skin, consisting of egg white, birch sap and honey. To prevent acne, wipe your face with undiluted liquid morning and evening.
2. To save healing qualities drink, you can freeze it in the form of ice cubes. If necessary, wipe the skin of the face, neck and décolleté with them.
3. To smooth out fine wrinkles, a cream mask of 2 tbsp is suitable. l. birch nectar, 50 g of sprouted wheat and 200 g of mashed sea buckthorn.
4. For dry skin, a mask of tree sap and honey in a 1: 1 ratio will be useful.

The listed masks are applied to cleansed face skin, and after 15 minutes they are washed off with warm water.

Healthy drinks based on birch sap

1. Birch kvass. For him, juice, a few raisins and sugar are mixed in the calculation of 2 tsp. per liter.
2. Multivitamin juice. The drink goes well with natural citrus juices.
   It is necessary to store the juice in the refrigerator, but not more than two days.
3. Birch syrup. Obtained by liquid evaporation method. It can be added to compote, tea or plain water... But finding it on the market is more difficult than, for example, maple syrup.

Harm of birch sap and a list of contraindications

If you like tasty and healthy liquids, you can safely drink birch sap. The benefits and harms of this drink are not equal. Experts assess its negative effect on the body as weak.

This juice can be drunk by adults and children over one year old, healthy and sick. It is approved for pregnant and lactating women, especially those who suffer from edema.

It is impossible to drink birch sap in case of stomach ulcers and allergies to the pollen of birch catkins. A reaction in the form of a rash and irritation on the skin is a good reason to refuse the drink.

If you consume excessive amounts of alcohol, are an active or passive smoker, are under stress, take a lot of medications (such as statins, hypertensives, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone and analgesics), and the body's defenses are running out, do not neglect this wonderful gift nature.

Did you know that birch sap is very useful and you can drink it? From mid-March to early May, in the vast Russian forest expanses, the gentle rays of the sun awaken the main natural symbol of the country - a birch: sap begins to flow from the roots of the tree upward along the entire crown. The timing of the movement depends on the region and weather conditions. In Siberia, in the North-West of the country, and in the Middle Lane now, in the second half of April, the best time to drinkBirch juice- a storehouse of useful vitamins, micro-macroelements and amino acids.

Birch sap, can you take it from a birch?

I foresee the question of ecologists or people who are jealous of nature: why collect birch sap, thereby harming the tree? I am also against industrial juice collection and sloppy, sometimes barbaric handling of trees, leading to their death.

However, an adult birch can give from 1 liter to 3 liters (no more than 1 liter per day) of sap without prejudice to its health. It is like donors who donate a portion of blood for the benefit of human life and for their own renewal of the body. Often white-borers themselves cry, losing transparent, like tears, drops of juice, because remember:

“Juice appears on the white trunks -

Either birch trees cry, now birch trees cry ... ".

Today, birch sap is classified as a biologically pure product with benefits and its cost exceeds 100 rubles. for 1 liter. Exotic or Unique Benefit? Let's see what the juice of white-barrel beauties is so rich in.

Composition of birch sap

Birch juice- a saline solution that nourishes the tree and promotes the formation of foliage and ensures its life. And it is already clear that it will be useful composition not only for a tree, but also for a person, moreover, it tastes good. It does not have a pronounced taste; it is a cool, slightly sweetish liquid with a slight acidity, reminiscent of spring water.

Birch sap contains the following components:

• Proteins;
• , the one that is found mainly only in animal products. This is what makes birch sap especially useful.
• Organic acids, enzymes, aromatic, tannins that improve metabolism and promote the elimination of carcinogens and toxins. Phytoelement saponin in juice reduces.
• Fruit sugars.
• Microelements and their salts: potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese. The juice is especially rich in potassium, which blocks sodium, reducing swelling, and improving the functioning of the heart muscle.

There is an opinion that in its composition birch is close to, the benefits of which have already been discussed.

Birch sap: benefits

1. The juice perfectly replenishes the balance of vitamins in the body and resists.
2. Strengthens while reducing risk.
3. The juice regulates the acidity of gastric juice, therefore it is prescribed for patients with gastritis with low acidity. Has a rare ability to scar the gastric and intestinal mucosa caused by ulcers.
4. Strengthens metabolic processes in the body, relieves depression.
5. It cleanses well the blood, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, eliminates toxins and toxins, relieves swelling, is a natural diuretic.
6. Birch sap is recommended for angina, bronchitis, pneumonia. You can just gargle them
7. Birch elixir is used in the treatment of joint diseases, arthritis, arthrosis, and salt deposits.
8. Helps with furunculosis, neurodermatitis, eczema, and other skin and hair problems.
9. Thanks to low calorie, v 100 grams only 25 kcal at great benefit used in weight loss diets.
10. The juice is useful for women during menopause, as it lowers blood pressure and soothes the symptoms of this period. Eliminates fatigue, lethargy and gives strength.
11. It occupies a leading position in cosmetology: it is added to the composition of creams, masks, and lotions. Rubbed into hair.

When to collect birch sap

Birch sap usually begins to be extracted after the vernal equinox (March 21) immediately with the melting of the snow. It all depends on the weather, the tree feels it subtly. The start of the juice movement can be checked by making a slight incision along the trunk. If there is juice, a drop of it will immediately appear. So, you can start collecting. When choosing a location, it is important to consider the following points:

• The most useful is the clear juice collected in the middle of the period of sap flow. With budding, the juice becomes cloudy, bitter and can no longer be consumed.
• They collect birch sap far from the city so that the highway does not pass nearby, otherwise the sap will not be useful.
• It is better to choose a birch on a hill, in the depths of the forest, where it wakes up a little later, this juice is sweeter.
• The tree must be adult, with a trunk thickness of at least 20 cm and thick bark. But it is better to neglect too old trees, the juice in them is also bitter and almost tasteless.
• Collect in clear sunny weather, then the best movement of the juice. In the dark, the movement stops, the tree also falls asleep.

How to collect birch sap correctly without harm to the tree

It is important to correctly collect birch sap so as not to harm the tree and at the same time get the sap in full

1. At a height of about 1 meter, a hole is made with a sharp knife or drill with a diameter of 5-8 ml. Never chop off the bark with an ax and make large cuts - this can destroy the tree! Do not make more than 3 holes in one barrel.
2. The sap flows between the bark and the wood, so there is no need to drill deeply, it is enough to break through the bark layer.
3. Insert a plastic juice tube, a wood stick, a metal tube in the form of a drain into the hole, fastening a thick thread, a rope at the end, or you can use a medical dropper by removing a needle from it and insert it into the hole with a spout. The juice will begin to flow through them into a plastic bottle or glass jar.
4. The volume of juice should not exceed more than a liter per day - the same amount that a birch can restore without loss. Better to use multiple trees.
5. Do not forget to cover the hole in the tree after the end of the collection with clay, plug it with grass, a stick or garden pitch, taking it with you in advance.

If you went into the forest and did not take any devices for collecting birch sap with you, you can cut off a branch and hang a bottle on a twig, the sap will flow down it. You can hang several bottles at once on several knots like this:

How to take birch sap for health benefits

It is better to drink juice fresh, it contains more vitamins and nutrients. Fresh juice is stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days. You can preserve the juice, but as you know, all its benefits end there. But it is better to freeze the juice, so it retains its properties more.

You can drink it with milk, making cocktails with citrus juice or mint leaves. But I think that it is best to drink the juice pure, enjoying its transparent moisture.

How to store birch sap

It is best to drink the juice immediately upon receipt. If it is not possible to get it often, you can stock up for future use and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This juice is the healthiest. If there is a lot of juice, you need to think about how to preserve it.

Freezing juice in the freezer

The most convenient and reliable way to store birch sap is to turn it into ice. And this method helps to preserve all the nutrients. So boldly pour the juice into the molds and send it to the freezer, if necessary, you can get the mold, melt and drink.

Canning birch sap

You can preserve birch sap in glass jars, but the process requires heating the juice to a boiling point, at which most vitamins are killed. Of course, something of the usefulness of the juice remains, therefore the method is permissible, but you should know that it will no longer retain all the benefits of the juice.

We heat the juice to a temperature of 80 degrees and pour it into clean sterile pre-warmed glass jars and close it with a sterilized metal lid. We wrap the jars with a warm blanket and so we stand for 6-8 hours. Then we cool the jars and send them to a cold room or refrigerator. This way we preserve all the beneficial properties of birch sap.

Birch sap: harm

• allergic to pollen
• urolithiasis,
• a stomach ulcer during an exacerbation.

Birch juice treatment recipes

Treatment with birch sap is quite affordable and enjoyable. Birch sap helps:

At chronic, sore throat, fresh birch sap is drunk every morning for 1 glass.

For a cough, it is good to take birch sap, half diluted with warm milk.

Perhaps there is no drink in our country to which a Russian person would treat with the same trepidation as to birch sap. As soon as the drops ring and the buds swell on the trees, we gladly rush to the forest, where a real mystery unfolds - the spring sap flow.

To understand that the birch has begun to give sap is simple - it is enough to make a small incision on the tree trunk, and the first droplets will immediately appear from under the bark. As a rule, birch gives 2-3 liters of this life-giving moisture per day, although the release of sap largely depends on the age of the tree and the diameter of the trunk, on the presence of sunlight, as well as on the time of day (at night the tree "rests", and the main flow of sap falls on middle of the day). This miraculous "forest mystery" does not last long, just a couple of weeks, and as soon as the first leaves appear on the birches, the sap flow stops.

Since childhood, we have loved birch sap for its invariably pleasant taste. But as we mature, we begin to appreciate this natural gift for the incredible benefits that it gives to each of us. And in order to remind you of this once again, in this article we will tell you about the healing power of this drink, we will reveal the most valuable recipes with it, and we will figure out what are the benefits and harms of birch sap.

In order to fully understand what a natural storehouse this nutrient moisture is, consider it chemical composition... Birch sap is really unique, because it contains vitamins (C, B1 and B12) necessary for the body, minerals (sodium and nickel, magnesium and iron, manganese and potassium), tannins and acids, fructose and essential oils, saponins and phytoncides, and also the unique organic compound betulin, which is called the "death medicine". Is it any wonder that such a drink, which the beautiful birch trees give us, has a healing effect on the body.

Why is birch sap useful?

We can talk about the benefits of this unique juice for a long time. From time immemorial, our ancestors used birch sap as a natural immunostimulant, which perfectly restored strength and helped to strengthen the body after suffering diseases. Modern research fully confirms the guesses of past generations. According to them, if you drink a glass of juice a day for 2-3 weeks, you can help the body cope with depression, eliminate weakness, distraction, fatigue, and again feel vigorous, full of strength. Birch sap has a diuretic, anthelmintic, antitumor effect.

However, such juice is useful not only for general strengthening of the body. This is a real natural healer, thanks to which existing diseases can be prevented and treated. Here are some examples of the most effective use of this drink.

1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Birch sap is a real salvation for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This life-giving moisture perfectly relieves cramps and colic in the stomach, cleanses the liver and gall bladder. Moreover, when it enters the body, birch sap eliminates inflammatory processes and relieves pain, improves appetite and restores intestinal microflora.

2. Pathology of the urinary system

It should be said that birch sap is famous for its diuretic properties, thanks to which it is considered one of the best folk remedies for eliminating stones in bladder... To combat this ailment, healers advise drinking 6 glasses of fresh juice a day. In this case, calculi will split up and leave the body with minimal pain.

3. Rheumatic diseases

Not many people know that fresh juice is an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and gout pain. Moreover, this life-giving moisture perfectly cleans blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, preventing the development of atherosclerosis. And this drink is also used externally. To do this, it is enough to warm it up a little and use it in the form of compresses, applying it to sore joints.

4. Diseases of the respiratory system

As we mentioned above, the juice in question has a tonic effect, and besides, it has an expectorant effect, which means that it can be used for bronchitis, pneumonia and even in the case of tuberculosis.

5. Diabetes mellitus

Birch sap is also prescribed for "diabetics", although in this case it is necessary to take it in combination with other drugs and subject to a strict diet. For this purpose, a medicinal drink is prepared, which contains 70% of birch sap (infused for two days), and 30% of blackberry and currant, blueberry and raspberry juices, taken in equal proportions. Only a qualified doctor has the right to prescribe the dosage and duration of the medication. Let's just say that the treatment diabetes mellitus phytopreparations must necessarily be carried out under medical supervision with regular laboratory tests.

6. Slimming

Recently, birch sap can often be found in weight loss diets. This drink really helps to get rid of fat deposits, since it is itself a low-calorie product with a large set of useful substances, and besides, it improves the metabolism in the body, speeding up the metabolism.

7. Anemia

Such a serious problem as anemia (or anemia) is perfectly eliminated with the complex intake of birch sap and iron preparations. Practice shows that it is enough to drink two or three glasses of juice daily, so that after 2 weeks you will forget about the unpleasant symptoms of this disease.

8. Intoxication of the body

We have already mentioned the diuretic properties of birch sap, which, in addition to solving the problems of the excretory system, help the kidneys in cleansing the body of toxins and toxins. Due to this, it is recommended to drink birch sap in case of food poisoning, as well as in case of intoxication with salts of heavy metals. In this regard, for residents of contaminated areas of our country the best drink than juice taken from a birch, you simply cannot find.

9. Colds

But this natural wealth not only cleanses the blood. It increases perspiration, thereby bringing down high temperatures (if used with rose hips and lemon juice). With these properties, birch sap is ideal for the treatment of colds, as well as for the prevention of respiratory diseases and flu.

10. Avitaminosis

It must be said that all the variety of chemical elements is collected in the valuable birch sap, which means that such a drink is ideal for preventing spring vitamin deficiency and combating the existing deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

Finally, let's say that besides internal use, birch sap is also used externally. They can be used to gargle with throat, nose or mouth (in case of gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease and other diseases of the oral cavity).

Birch sap in cosmetology

Strengthening hair

Healing forest moisture perfectly strengthens hair follicles, fights the cause of dandruff and removes excess sebum on the head. To do this, simply rub the fresh juice into your hair and skin. And you can also make hair masks from this liquid, just add castor oil and honey to it in a 5: 1: 1 ratio.

Also, to prevent hair loss, make it silky and shiny, significantly improve the structure, remove dandruff, wash the hair with birch sap for 2 weeks and rinse with infusion of birch leaves.

Skin problems

Birch sap is no less effective in the case of neurodermatitis and psoriasis, eczema and ulcerative lesions. In this case, lotions with a slightly warmed drink will help. Do the same in the presence of non-healing wounds. If you experience acne, suffer from scabies, or can't get rid of age spots, rub the juice with the juice in question every morning and evening. And in parallel with external use, be sure to take birch sap inside, because this is an excellent remedy that will fight skin diseases "from the inside".

Anti-aging skin

To maximize the youthfulness of the skin, it is necessary to prepare birch ice. Simply freeze the liquid in small square molds and wipe your face and décolleté with these ice cubes every day.

Nourishing face mask

First, wipe your face with a cotton swab with vegetable oil... Then you need to mix two tablespoons of birch sap, one tablespoon of sour cream, one teaspoon of honey, mix thoroughly, apply to the skin and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash off the mixture with boiled water, the effect will pleasantly surprise you.

How to take birch sap

Despite the seeming harmlessness, take birch sap in medicinal purposes should only be done after consulting a specialist. Moreover, in the event of any side effects (such as digestive problems or allergic reactions), treatment with this remedy should be stopped immediately.

For all diseases in which the individual dosage for taking birch sap is not indicated, a "universal" dosage should be used, namely 3 glasses / day. Some recipes involve diluting the juice before use, for example, in the case of diabetes mellitus or exacerbation of chronic diseases. For prevention purposes, birch sap should be drunk one glass at a time, but for a long time. Treatment courses about duration are shorter, but the dosages in this case are higher, and a break is required between courses. More specific terms and dosages are prescribed by the attending physician, depending on the existing ailment.

To whom is this juice contraindicated?

I must say that birch sap has practically no contraindications for use. Of course, it should not be drunk with exacerbation of stomach and duodenal ulcers. The acute course of urolithiasis is also a contraindication to taking this drink, as it can worsen the already poor condition of the patient. Finally, people who are allergic to birch sap should refrain from drinking this drink.

Useful "tricks" when collecting juice

Those who go to extract the forest food resource (and this is what the juice is called according to the law), you should know that it is better to start collecting it from the southern part of the forest, gradually moving deeper. It is better to make cuts in the tree from the north side, this will allow you to get more juice. An incision in the trunk is made at a level of 50 cm from the ground. Moreover, there is no need to make too deep an incision or drill deep into the trunk - moisture moves between the wood and the bark, which means that to get it, you just need to overcome the bark layer.

Finally, remember that collecting sap, you damage the trees, and therefore, after collecting this valuable liquid, the incision must be covered with laundry soap, wax or garden varnish to prevent rotting and damage to the wood.

How to store birch sap

It is better to collect birch "raw" immediately in a glass container. But even if you collect the juice in plastic bottles or cellophane bags, upon returning home it should be poured into a glass container. Without processing, the extracted birch sap can stand in the refrigerator for no more than three days, because then he starts to wander. This means that you need to decide how to store it in order to drink it after a few months. The best solution would be canning juice or making delicious birch kvass.

How to roll birch sap for the winter

Canned birch sap without sugar

The easiest way to preserve the drink is to filter all the collected liquid (by passing it through several layers of gauze), pour it into an enamel pan and heat it to 80-90 °. The heated juice is poured into washed and sterilized jars, and immediately rolled up. The rolled up jars are wrapped in a warm blanket and left to cool completely. Store it in a cool place.

Canned birch sap with sugar

If you want to get a sweet birch drink, then, as in the previous recipe, filter the valuable liquid and put it on fire. As soon as the juice approaches the boiling point, a yellowish foam will appear on its surface. Remove it and remove the juice from the stove without boiling. Add 2 tablespoons to the hot liquid. sugar for every kilogram of juice and citric acid(on the tip of a knife). Pour the juice into sterilized jars and roll up the lids, wrapping the jars until they cool completely.

By the way, rolling birch sap, you can experiment by adding oranges, lemons, currants, rose hips or mint sprigs. And also, from birch sap excellent birch kvass is obtained (perfectly cooling in the summer heat).

Birch kvass

To make real kvass from birch sap, you first need to strain harvested juice and let it brew for a day in an enamel bowl. After that, add 50 ml of sugar (for each 1 liter of juice) to the liquid 100 g of rye crackers and, pouring the mixture into a glass bottle, leave it for 4-5 days, after putting on a rubber glove on the neck. The glove will inflate and stand up, which will indicate the ongoing fermentation process. And when the glove falls, you can safely filter the kvass and bottle it. Delicious refreshing kvass is ready!

A real field for experiments also opens up here, because kvass based on birch sap can be prepared not only with bread, but also with barley, raisins and dried fruits. Each of these drinks will have an individual taste, but they will all benefit the body.

From now on you know what are the benefits and harms of birch sap, and you also have unique recipes canning and making kvass based on it. This means that you have another opportunity to strengthen your body and fight a variety of diseases with the help of a very tasty drink.

When going for a walk in the forest, do not forget to collect birch sap. This is a real elixir of beauty and health!

Health

From the point of view of herbal medicine, birch sap is one of the best natural remedies for improving metabolism. Despite the fact that birch sap differs little from water, it ferments well and has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach.

A transparent sweetish drink is recommended for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It has a beneficial effect on liver diseases, inflammation duodenum, ulcers and low acidity, diseases of the gallbladder.

For diseases of the genitourinary system, birch sap is also useful. Regular use allows you to get rid of kidney stones and stones in the bladder, it is indicated for sexually transmitted diseases.

Diseases of the joints and spine, such as sciatica, rheumatism, arthritis, as well as respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, tuberculosis) are also successfully treated with birch sap.

Since ancient times, the juice was also used as an anthelmintic and diuretic, it is useful to drink it for those who suffer from various tumors and headaches.

For chronic rhinitis, fresh birch sap is drunk every morning for 1 glass. For coughs and colds, take it warm, dilute it with milk and add a small amount of flour or starch.

Birch sap is an irreplaceable helper in spring vitamin deficiency. It contains vitamins, fruit sugar, organic acids, tannins, more than 10 enzymes phytoncides with antimicrobial properties. With the help of birch sap, you can overcome depression, distraction and lack of vitamins.

Cosmetology

Birch sap is widely used in cosmetology. Your skin and hair will thank you so much for not forgetting about them!

Leather

Birch sap can temporarily replace cosmetic foam and toner, as this product perfectly refreshes and cleanses the skin. To do this, simply wash your face with juice in the morning.

Unfortunately, birch sap cannot be stored for a long time, even in the refrigerator. If you want to extend the season of use, freeze the juice in ice cube trays. Use this ice to rub your face, neck and décolleté. Get good cleansing, hydration, and toning.

For dull and tired skin, you can make a mask based on birch sap. To do this, buy white or blue clay at the pharmacy, dilute it with birch sap to a consistency heavy cream, apply on face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the mask also with birch sap. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

A cream mask will help to saturate the skin with energy and vitamins, as well as smooth out fine wrinkles. To prepare it, mix 200 g of sea buckthorn, 50 g of wheat germ and 2 tbsp. l. birch sap.

Hair

Birch sap will also replace hair conditioner. After shampooing, rinse your hair with juice. This simple procedure will help restore strength and shine to your hair.

If you are tired of caring for oily hair, prepare a birch lotion. Mix 2 tbsp. birch sap with 1 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tsp. table salt. Pour the liquid into a dark glass jar. Add 1 glass of vodka and mix thoroughly. Place the lotion in a dark place for 10 days.

You can prepare a nourishing hair mask. To do this, mix birch sap and burdock oil in a 3: 1 ratio. Wrap your head in plastic and wrap in a terrycloth towel. After 20 minutes, wash your hair with your usual shampoo. The mask will restore strength and shine to your hair.

How to consume and store juice

The juice should be drunk fresh, 1 glass 3-4 times a day, half an hour before the main meal. Or instead of drinking water... Juice can also be used to cook compotes, jelly, coffee, make tea and cereals.

By itself, birch sap is stored very little. V glass jar the juice can be stored in the refrigerator no longer than 2-3 days. But if you canned juice or make kvass from it, then it will stand for several more months.

When and how to collect

Birch sap is harvested from March to April, when there are no leaves on the branches yet, but they should appear soon. Usually the period of sap flow lasts 2-3 weeks.

For sap selection, a tree of at least 20 cm in diameter is chosen. In a small area about 20 cm from the ground, the trunk is cleaned from the bark (a small square is cut off), and then a hole is drilled no deeper than 3-4 cm.

A wooden collection container is placed under the stream. You can also substitute a bottle or can, and direct the trickle with a straw or a bandage twisted into a tourniquet.

The most "fruitful" hours for collecting birch sap are between noon and 6 pm, it is at this time that the movement of sap is most active.

After the sap is collected, be sure to close the holes to keep bacteria out of there, which can make the plant sick and wither away. Holes can be filled with wax, a piece of moss, or even plasticine.

The traditional Russian drink has a special healing power, which allows it to protect from diseases and strengthen human health. Since time immemorial, it has been revered by folk healers, and the extensive list of diseases that the juice can cure is impressive. Why birch sap is useful, how and when to collect it, when to drink it, and are there any contraindications for its use - interesting information about the drink in our article.

The "tears" of a Russian tree are mainly made up of water. Their taste is the same, only with characteristic delicate, sweet-tart notes of wood. It seems to be nothing special, but in fact the whole secret is in the unique chemical composition.

After all, birch sap includes:

• various tannins;
• fruit saccharides;
• a set of useful vitamins;
• organic acids;
• saposides;
• essential oils.

Separately, it should be pointed out huge variety microelements that have a positive effect on a person, maintain vitality.

With all this, the calorie content of the drink is minimal, only 25 kcal per 100 ml. After all, there is no fat in it, and carbohydrates and proteins are in small quantities.

Birch sap: benefits for the human body

There are not many natural products in nature, especially beverages, that boast such a range of medicinal properties combined with unique health safety. After all, juice is recommended for use by everyone, without exception, including children, pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding their baby.

How "birch tears" affect the body:

• improve digestion;
• accelerate metabolic processes;
• normalize the microflora of the throat and respiratory tract;
• have antiseptic properties;
• increase the general tone of the body;
• regulate metabolism;
• serve as the prevention of caries;
• have a diuretic effect;
• increase the functionality of the kidneys;
• remove toxins, toxins;
• strengthen the immune system;
• eliminate symptoms of depression;
• prevent the appearance of neoplasms of various origins;
• improve the processes of hematopoiesis.

The juice copes especially well with such a seasonal spring phenomenon as vitamin deficiency.

Why is natural birch sap useful for women?

Like any medicinal products, the drink affects each person in its own way, individually.

How is birch sap useful for women?

It should be noted that it has a special effect on the hormonal background of the fair sex:

1. The introduction of a drink into the diet during menopause helps women eliminate unpleasant symptoms: irritability, nervousness, pressure surges.
2. Nectar during pregnancy reduces edema that often accompanies this difficult period, improves mood and vitality, and supplies a useful vitamin complex to the body of the expectant mother for the development of the child.
3. The cosmetic properties of "birch tears" help to improve the condition of the facial skin, strengthen hair and eliminate dandruff.

Therefore, young ladies of any age should not rush to give up this healing elixir. If we are talking, of course, about a natural product, and not about a sweet store-bought surrogate.

Useful properties of a drink for men

A strong half of humanity will find the necessary and missing components in the nectar to improve sexual health.

After all, the drink:

• reduces irritability;
• promotes psychological balance;
• normalizes testosterone production;
• increases the activity of the testes;
• improves reproductive function;
• restores potency.

In addition, men do not need any prescriptions from a doctor to start such "treatment". There is no need to worry about the negative consequences of this natural therapy either.

Benefits for the child's body

Due to its biostimulating properties, the juice has a positive effect on the immune system. For the child's body, this aspect is very important, which is why pediatricians recommend including the drink in the diet of children from 1 year old.

It prevents anemia in children, fights fatigue and vitamin deficiency.

Juice is a hypoallergenic product, but it should be introduced into the diet of babies gradually, because individual allergic reactions are still possible. It is best to start with the dosage with an incomplete dessert spoon, gradually increasing it every day. The maximum daily dose is 100 ml of juice.

It should be noted that fresh juice is beneficial. The purchased packaged version is not recommended for children.

For what diseases is birch sap used?

Medicinal properties drink help to eliminate a variety of pathologies and ailments. Also, juice is used to prevent certain diseases.

Among the indications:

• respiratory diseases - pneumonia, bronchitis of various origins, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tuberculosis;
• decreased functionality of the gallbladder;
• swelling due to malfunctioning of the kidneys;
• teenage acne, rash (for external use);
• the period of seasonal infections;
• urolithiasis and kidney stones;
• vitamin deficiency, general weakness;
• anemia, blood diseases;
• pathology of the skeletal system - gout, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, arthritis of various types;
• increased acidity of the digestive tract;
• fever;
• exacerbation of a depressive state;
• phlebeurysm;
• digestive disorders - constipation, diarrhea, heartburn;
• headache, migraine attacks;
• runny nose, cough, the first symptoms of a cold;
• low or high blood pressure;
• pancreatitis, gastritis
• oncological neoplasms;
• dizziness;
• insomnia;
• scurvy;
• wounds, skin ulcers (topical use);
• obesity.

Application in traditional medicine

Healers know that such a product cannot be ignored in their recipes.

The therapy uses pure, undiluted tree sap. There are also drugs with the addition of apple, beetroot or carrot nectar.

Effective recipes for healers are based on the beneficial properties of birch sap:

1. To eliminate the symptoms of hypertension, you need to drink a glass of drink per day, divided into two doses, every day (week or two).
2. A cocktail of apple, birch and carrot nectars, diluted in equal proportions, will help cure anemia. The daily dose is 2 glasses, to be consumed 3-4 times before meals.
3. A sore throat will be cured by gargling with warm juice. They should be done after eating until the painful sensations are relieved.
4. Lotions with a birch drink will help reduce the heat. A cotton pad or bandage soaked in it should be applied at the bends of the elbows, on the forehead, armpits and under the knees. Also, such compresses give a positive effect if applied to the places of irritation, rash.
5. A 3-month course of "birch tears" therapy will be able to expel salt deposits (stones and sand) from the kidneys. To do this, in the morning and before going to bed, you need to drink 1 glass of fresh nectar.
6. A healing agent for patients with weakened immunity is prepared from juice, cow's milk(1: 1), with the addition of 5 g of starch. You need to drink the drug in 0.5 cups 3 - 4 times a day.
7. A glass of oat grains infused with 1.5 liters of juice will help to eliminate problems with the digestive process. First, it must be placed in the cold overnight, and then boiled in a water bath until the amount of liquid is halved. It is necessary to take the remedy three times a day, 1 glass for 28 - 30 days.
8. Unpleasant symptoms of diseases of bones and joints will be relieved by drinking fresh birch sap. It is necessary to drink it 3 times a day, 1 glass, in the morning and in the evening with the addition of 200 ml of warm milk.

Use in cosmetology

In addition to internal use, the drink is also used externally. The antiseptic properties of the juice have found their application in cosmetics.

After all, "birch tears":

• eliminate skin inflammation;
• tone up the dermis;
• reduce the number of acne, boils;
• reduce the amount of secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• eliminate dandruff;
• strengthens hair;
• normalize the moisture balance of the skin.

Cosmetic masks and toners significantly improve skin health.

1. The anti-acne mask consists of 1 egg white, 30 ml of honey and 100 ml of birch sap. The mixture should be wiped with problem areas of the skin several times a day.
2. The anti-aging cream contains 2 tablespoons of juice, wheat germ (50 g) and grated sea buckthorn berries (200 g). Regular use of this product will help women eliminate fine wrinkles, smooth skin and restore its radiant appearance. It is better to store the cream in the refrigerator.
3. A mask for dry skin made of honey and nectar (1: 1) will improve the moisture balance of the dermis. It must be applied for 15 - 20 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.
4. Frozen birch sap cubes perfectly tone the skin of the face, neck and décolleté.

Hair becomes much stronger after using a special mask. For her, you will need juice, alcohol or alcohol-containing drinks and a decoction of burdock (1: 1: 1). After applying to the head, wait 15 minutes and rinse.

Rinsing hair will help to normalize the water balance of the skin on the head, to eliminate dandruff. A few drops of lemon can be added to the nectar for a better effect. Hair will become stronger and more attractive.

Contraindications and possible harm

It will be fair to note the fact that the benefits and harms of birch sap are not at all equivalent. The drink has very few contraindications, which testifies to its safety and healthfulness.

Do not drink "birch tears":

• with an allergy to plant pollen;
• in the presence of kidney or bladder stones;
• with ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.

In this small list, the only absolute contraindication is the possibility of allergic reactions after taking a drink. In the other two cases, you need to be careful, for greater safety, consult with a specialist regarding the possibility of using the juice.

It is important to remember that everything is fine in moderation, so you do not need to drink more than 600 ml of a refreshing drink per day.

And remember that only fresh, freshly harvested juice has beneficial properties. The products that can be found on the shelves of hypermarkets contain almost nothing but water and food additives, the nectar is there in minimum quantity... If present at all.

As soon as the snow begins to melt, and the ground is gradually warming up, you can confidently go to the birch grove. March - early April is a favorable period that lasts until the first earrings appear on the trees. By time - from noon to 18 pm.

It is better to collect healing nectar away from highways, industrial facilities and settlements. You need to choose a birch that receives more sunlight, grows far from its sisters - then the juice will be especially sweet.

A young tree is not suitable for harvesting, and too old has a thick bark that will be difficult to drill through. So the best option- a tree with a trunk about 25 cm in diameter.

To get to the juice that flows between the bark and the trunk, you need:

1. Make a small hole at a distance of 15 - 20 cm from the ground. Its depth is no more than 3 cm. It is not necessary to make more than three holes in one tree.
2. A groove should be placed in the slot through which the juice can flow: a hose, an aluminum or wooden tube.
3. Direct the other end of the tool into a clean container.

During the day, the tree "sheds" 2 - 3 liters of its "tears", but you should not take advantage of the vulnerability and kindness of birches and collect more than a liter of them.

It is necessary to protect nature and not leave the "wound" open. The hole should be covered with wax, covered with moss or hammered in with a wooden peg.

Fresh juice is not stored for a long time, up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To preserve the nectar for longer, it can be frozen or preserved.

In nature, everything is thought out, we just need to listen to her advice and use healing properties to promote health. And birch sap is a bright and incredibly tasty confirmation of this.