By Staff Writer - March, 5th 2014

The medicinal properties of birch tree stimulate the digestive system and aid in better digestion. Its nutrients are also effective in strengthening the bones and boosting overall immunity. Experts usually recommend soaking birch tree leaves in apple cider vinegar for several weeks to help in the release of its minerals and micronutrients. You can consume this vinegar as a part of beverages and meals and drink it directly for treating coughs. Several health practitioners use the leaves and twigs of the birch tree for medicinal purposes. The leaves and twigs are often boiled to make anti-inflammatory treatments. Birch tree contains betulinic acid that gives it its anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful in treating conditions like arthritis, high cholesterol, heart and kidney edema, and cystitis.

Natural Health News — Extracts from the birch tree have served for centuries as a traditional remedy to help wounds to heal more quickly.

Now German researchers have made inroads into understanding just how an extract from the outer white layer of the tree’s bark works to heal wounds.

Their findings are published in the journal Plos One.

Molecular healing

The mechanism is complex and takes place at the molecular level. In the first phase of wound healing, the damaged skin cells release certain substances that lead to a temporary inflammation. They attract phagocytes, which remove foreign bacteria and dead tissue.

In this phase, extract of birch bark (Betula alba, syn. B. pendula, Betulaceae family) increases the injured skin’s ability to produce certain types of protein called “inflammatory substances,” which attract the kinds of cells which remove bacteria and dead tissue. Then, the birch (specifically the betulin and lupeol proteins in the bark) causes skin …

The sap from the birch tree contains vital vitamins, minerals, and sugars, mainly glucose and fructose. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorous, iron, sodium, and amino acids. It is also rich in vitamin C and B-vitamins like thiamine. The sap from the birch tree is used to make syrup that you can consume directly or use as a part of salad dressings, soups, candies and even wine and beer. The buds of the birch tree contain antibiotic and diuretic properties while the bark contains digestive, diuretic, and anti-pyretic properties.

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