La birch, a plant that belongs to the family of Betulaceae, grows well above 700 metres above sea level and is found in various areas of Italy.
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BIRCH
The tree with an erect trunk, 10-20 meters tall, has a smooth, whitish, lenticeled bark, peeling off in transverse parchment-like strips, thin, pendulous young branches of a reddish colour, alternate or triangular leaves with resinous spots, flowers in 3-6 centimetre-long, yellowish, male catkins.
WHERE DOES BIRCH GROW IN ITALY?
The birch grows in the boschi humid areas and in the moors of mountainous and Apennine regions. It is widespread in Piedmont and Lombardy, in the forests of the Carso and Monviso mountains, and in the Apennine area around Parma, particularly in the Corniglio forest.
USED PARTS
Three parts of the birch are used: root, buds and leaves. In particular, the leaves are very rich in vitamin C. While the root contains an oil based on methyl salicylate, with antiseptic properties. The buds are harvested in late winter, while the leaves and roots are harvested from April to June.
BENEFITS
Birch is recognized for several important benefits. Among them:
- It helps eliminate fluids through urine, and therefore its use is recommended during diuresis.
- It is useful in case of rheumatism e perdita di capelli and dandruff.
- Birch is diuretic, urolytic, choleretic, depurative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and cholesterol-lowering.
- It may have a placebo function in case of cystitis.
STORAGE
The buds, leaves, and bark should be dried and stored in cloth bags, in a dry place, and renewed every year.
BIRCH INFUSION
The best way to use birch and benefit from its qualities is to prepare an infusion.
- Boil 10-50 chopped dried leaves in a liter of water.
- Let it rest and filter
- Drink 2-3 cups a day away from meals.
Decoction with 100 g of dried buds per 1 l of water, boil for 20 minutes and decant, drink 2 cups a day.
The infusion and decoction increase diuresis and reduce the rate of cholesterol.
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