Page 225 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

make a salve using infused birch oil made from the Harvest inner bark in spring or autumn. Collect birch
buds. leaves in the summer when the leaves are fresh and
bright green, and harvest in the morning before the
Diuretic, Edema, Heart and Kidney Prob- heat dissipates their oil. Use them fresh (best) or dry
lems: The diuretic properties of birch trees help the for future use. Strip the bark in shallow thin strips us-
body release excess fluids, which helps lower blood ing a sharp knife.
pressure and helps the kidneys. Birch also helps lower
cholesterol and break up kidney stones. Warning: Birch leaf is considered safe for external
and internal use. However, pregnant or nursing moth-
Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: Birch ers should not use it.
Bark is useful in treating urinary tract infections and
cystitis. It helps first by removing excess water from Some people are allergic to birch and should not use it.
the body, increasing the urine and flushing out infec- Birch leaves can increase salt retention in the body and
tions. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial may increase blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
properties that help treat the underlying disease. Avoid birch if you have high blood pressure. Do not use
if you are taking diuretics or water pills. Drink plenty
Stimulates the Digestive System: Birch tree of water when using birch.
extracts stimulate the digestive system and aid diges-
tion. Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in
calming the digestive system and relieving cramping,
abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Try the recipe
below for Birch Leaf Vinegar Extract.
Coughs and Congestion: Birch Leaf Vinegar Ex-
tract, recipe below, is effective in treating coughs. Add
leaves to a water steam and inhale to help relieve con-
gestion.

Burns and Frostbite: The inner bark of the birch
tree is useful in treating frostbite and burns. It soothes
the damaged skin, reduces pain and inflammation, and
helps the skin heal. Remove the bark from the tree and
mash it to a pulp adding sap from the tree if necessary,
to form a wet pulp. Apply the pulp to the damaged skin Recipes: Birch Leaf Vinegar Extract. Birch tree
and cover with a clean cloth. If the area is infected, use leaves, crushed, Apple cider vinegar. Crush birch
a poultice of leaves and leaf buds in the same way. leaves and stuff into a jar, about 3-quarters full. Cover
the leaves with apple cider vinegar and stir to release
Supports the Immune System: Birch Leaf Tea air bubbles. Add more vinegar until the jar is full. Cap
is excellent at supporting the immune system. It is tightly. Let the leaves soak for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking the
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and contains many jar every day or two. Strain out the leaves and label the
vitamins, minerals, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and vinegar. Use the vinegar with meals, in salad dressings,
other compounds that are excellent for the immune or drink in water with meals. Good for 1 year.
system. It helps cleanse and heal the body.
Birch Leaf Oil or Inner Bark Extract: Pack a
Cancer: Betulinic acid from birch is being actively re- jar about 3-quarters full with fresh birch leaves and/or
searched as an anti-cancer drug. Note that the Chaga inner bark. Cover the leaves with organic olive oil or
mushroom, which grows on birch trees, effectively almond oil and fill to the top. Cover the jar and place it
converts the betulin found in birch into betulinic acid. in a sunny spot on a windowsill and allow it to steep for
See page 268 for Chaga. 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar every day or two. Strain

Harvesting: Harvest sap in early spring, and buds the oil into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and label
and branches in late spring, before the buds open. it. Store in a cool, dark place.

224