Birch sap, already known until the past, could be our ally against cellulite and for general drainage. Let’s talk about it here.
Birch sap is an ideal purifying, diuretic, anti-cellulite treatment that can also replace any other remedy at the beginning of treatments for reducing winter weight. According to the “drainage” method, it acts as a general draining for the organism, especially if associated with specific gemmotherapy.
Birch sap: what it is
Birch sap falls within the prescriptions of gemmotherapy, even if it is neither a glycerine macerate nor a derivative gem: the sap is not an embryonic tissue and also the preparation methods are different from those used to prepare the gemmoderivatives.
The sap is collected from the Betula verrucosa (or “white birch“) trees following a particular technique: in early March, some holes about 1 meter from the part of the trunk exposed to the south of the adult birches of the woods are practiced ground and 2 to 5 centimeters deep, slightly oblique upwards. In these holes a tube is introduced through which the sap flows into the containers placed on the ground: it is a clear, almost colorless liquid, similar to water (that’s why in the past it was also called “birch water“). The harvest is more profitable when the birches are of medium size, grow in high places and when the winter has been harsh (Lieutaghi P., 1975). The holes made in the trunks are then hermetically closed with wooden caps which ensure a watertight seal thus allowing optimal healing. (Campanini, Dictionary of Phytotherapy).
Once collected, the fresh sap is transported in a refrigerated truck to avoid any risk of fermentation, and once in the laboratory, alcohol is added to it (1/3 of sap for 2/3 of alcohol), then the solution is stirred and titrated to 20% v / v, diluted to the first decimal (1DH) in 30% alcohol, thus obtaining 1DH Birch Sap.
Birch sap properties
Birch sap, rich in potassium and containing betulline (as mentioned by Prof. Bruno Brigo in his book “Man, phytotherapy, gemmotherapy“) has:
- diuretic properties that favor both the elimination of urea and uric acid and other catabolites,
- draining
- cholesterol lowering properties.
The urocolitic activity (which allows to reduce the levels of uric acid in the circulation) is important to underline as uric acid, the final product of purine metabolism in humans, is a poorly soluble molecule that poses problems for renal elimination; changes in renal uric acid excretion represent the cause of hyperuricemia in 90% of individuals, i.e. an increase in the values of uric acid in the blood above the norm: this would represent the main determinant of urate joint and tissue deposition monosodium. Frequent symptoms with which hyperuricemia occurs are: joint pain, itching, swollen and red joints, renal colic, high blood pressure. Gout is the consequence of chronic hyperuricaemia.
The sap also contains fifteen trace elements (0,5 g/l), including some with well-known anti-free radical properties, malic acid, glucose, fructose, amino acids (glutamine, glutamic acid, isoleucine, valine, asparagine etc.); the latter determine a tonic action that contributes to the general state of well-being determined by the purifying and draining properties.
Birch sap benefits and uses
Birch sap, due to its diuretic and uricolitic activity, is an excellent general drainage for the body, especially if it is associated with other specific bud extracts (such as juniper or rosemary). For a good drainage, the sap can be taken in a glass of water in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before bedtime. For the increased diuretic activity it determines, it can also be used in the case of renella and in the prevention of urinary lithiasis (associated for example with beech).
Since cellulite is characterized by the accumulation of metabolic waste in the form of sclerotic adipose tissue and tissue water excess, by virtue of its properties, this sap is indicated in the treatment of cellulite as it significantly reduces the kneading and the painful component and contrasts, thanks to the increase in diuresis, water retention almost always present. For these peculiarities and for the cholesterol lowering activity that characterizes it, it is also indicated in the treatment of overweight (associated for example with beech).
The sap is also beneficial for the osteoarticular system. Thanks to its two active ingredients Betuloside and Monotropitoside, which by hydrolysis release methyl salicylate with analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, birch sap can be advantageously prescribed, together with other bud derivatives, also in rheumatology in the treatment of arthrosic forms, in particular if accompanied by hyperuricemia. In the treatment of hyperuricemia, birch sap can be considered a first choice remedy, as its regular intake for 2-3 months allows it to be reduced by 20-30%.
The topical use of birch sap is reported in the treatment of foot and mouth disease (Brigo B., op. Cit., 1997) and in early baldness.
Common associations and dosage
Birch sap can also be prescribed by the doctor together with other bud extracts, depending on the specific action required for the patient in question and always to be used in repeated cycles of 20 days a month. Here are some of the most common associations:
- premenstrual water retention and climacteric: Birch sap and raspberry bud extract;
- hyperuricemia: rosemary bud extractand Birch sap;
- cellulite: birch sap and horse chestnut bud extract; or the association birch sap and juniper is also valid.
- lymphatic edema: Birch sap and chestnut bud extract.
As reported by Bruno Brigo in “Phytotherapy from A to Z” Birch sap is taken in drops, generally at a dose of 50 drops 1 time a day diluted in a little water and sip slowly 15 minutes before breakfast. If you are looking for birch sap in Erboristeria Como you can find it here.
Drug interactions, contraindications, pregnancy
- It is advisable to pay attention to the use of Birch Sap in the case of concomitant therapy based on anticoagulant drugs, platelet antiaggregants and diuretics. Therefore, if you are being treated with any of the above medicines, you need to seek advice from your doctor before taking it.
- At the moment, there are no reports of possible side effects resulting from taking birch sap at the recommended dosages.
- The use of birch sap is contraindicated in case of known hypersensitivity to the birch sap itself or to any of its components. Furthermore, the German E Commission does not recommend the use of the plant in case of heart failure and / or kidney failure.
In any case, before taking birch sap, it is a good rule to always ask the advice of your doctor, in order to identify the presence of any contraindications or potential risks for the patient. - As a precaution, the use of the sap in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not recommended.
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The information contained on this site is presented for informational purposes only, in no case can it constitute the formulation of a diagnosis or the prescription of a treatment, and they do not intend and must in no way replace the direct doctor-patient relationship or the specialist visit . It is recommended that you always seek the advice of your doctor and / or specialists regarding any indication. If you have any doubts or questions about the use of a drug, you should contact your doctor.