Want to know what are the health benefits of birch bark, the main birch bark uses, and natural remedies with birch bark? Continue reading this article and find out what they are.
Birch bark is one of the parts of the birch used for centuries as medicine. Used in the form of baths or compresses, birch leaves reduce edema. Birch twigs are used in shamanic purification ceremonies in the sweat lodge, while poultices made from birch bark have a proven effect in reducing fever. Now let’s look further into the health benefits of birch bark.
In This Article You Will Find:
Health Benefits of Birch Bark
Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of birch extracts, especially the betulin enriched birch bark for human carcinoma cells and ear inflammation. The same betulin acid has shown an array of metabolic benefits, especially in lowering cholesterol, preventing diet-induced obesity, and improving insulin sensitivity, according to a 2011 study. Needless to say, the wound healing properties of birch bark are already known. Studies have already identified birch bark as the first medical plant with a high potential to improve wound healing. There are many unrevealed health benefits of birch bark science has yet to uncover. Before we show you how to use birch bark, here is how to harvest the bark of a birch tree.
How to Harvest Birch Bark
The best time to harvest birch bark is when the sap is flowing (early to mid-March – beginning of April). Ideally, harvesting birch bark is done when we approach the full, for this is when the water is running and the tree is more willing to let go of its bark. Layer the bark pieces on a clean piece of natural fabric and leave them to dry naturally in a dark and ventilated place. Store in a paper bag or glass jar for later use. Now that you know the health benefits of birch bark and how to harvest it, here is how to use it.
3 Natural Remedies with Birch Bark
1. Joint Pain
Birch bark decoction can help reduce pain in the lower back and neck, as well as rheumatic pain. For this, you need to mix together 1 kg of birch bark, 1 kg of European aspen (Populus tremula), and 100 g of oak bark. Simmer 20 g of the bark blend in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water for 10 minutes. Infuse covered until the decoction reaches room temperature. Strain, divide into 3 portions, and drink throughout the day until complete cease of the pain. Usually, at first, the pain gets worse, then it goes away.
2. Boils, Skin Infections, and Swelling
One of the best-known health benefits of birch bark is its applications in skin conditions, especially in treating boils, infections, and swelling of the skin. For this, a simple remedy with birch bark is to apply a thin layer of birch bark to the affected area.
3. Irritated and Itching Skin
Another way to soothe irritated and itching skin is to massage the affected area with ash obtained from burnt birch bark. Use the birch bark ash after it has cooled down completely. This is one of the simplest natural remedies with birch bark.
Read More about Birch:
10 Health Benefits of Birch Sap and How to Collect
9 Health Benefits of Birch Buds with Remedies
9 Health Benefits of Birch Leaves & How to Use
The Healing Trees – Birch Tree for Emotional Detox
Thin and slender as a forest teenager, birch is a staple of the Nordic landscapes, and the medicines obtained from its bark, leaves, and buds are indispensable in the green pharmacy of the Scandinavians. Now that you know what are the health benefits of birch bark, share this article so more people can use this information. Stay healthy, naturally!
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