The recipes are from the treasury of Austrian traditional medicine.
For centuries, birch has been associated with youth and awakening life, and folk medicine uses it primarily for its detoxifying and draining effects. Birch leaves are the first to appear in spring and are directly warmed by the sun. They can be harvested from April. Tea from birch leaves is useful for kidney problems and bladder inflammation. It is also beneficial for various eczemas.
Birch fringes and buds have a similar therapeutic effect. They contain bitter substances, flavonoids, tannins, and various vitamins. Birch bark, you know, has an antiseptic effect.
Recipe 1: Birch leaf tea
The decoction has a blood-purifying effect and also has a beneficial effect on the kidneys and the genitourinary system. Collect the leaves from the birch and dry them. For a cup of tea, you need two tablespoons of leaves, which are poured with 250 ml of hot water. Steep covered for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink. For therapeutic purposes, the course should last 1-2 weeks, drinking 2-3 cups of decoction daily.
Recipe 2: Birch tincture
It helps with coughs and has a fever-reducing effect on colds and flu. You can also use it to disinfect wounds. For one bottle of tincture, you need 20 g of birch buds, which you pour with 70-degree alcohol. Leave at room temperature for a month, shaking periodically. Strain the resulting tincture into a dark bottle.
Recipe 3: Birch oil
Take two handfuls of birch bark, put it in a glass jar, and pour 200 ml of almond oil. Leave it at room temperature for 4 weeks, shaking it often. Strain after removing the birch bark and leave it in a dark bottle. It is recommended for massaging painful joints and ankles. You can also make birch bud oil using the same recipe with the same healing effect.
Recipe 4: Crocan Birch Fringe
You can pick them until April, besides being useful, they also smell like medicinal herbs. You can chop them finely and add them to various dishes, including spicy ones. You can also prepare crokan with them. Coarsely chop 2 tablespoons of walnuts or hazelnuts. Roast them over low heat in a pan without adding oil until the characteristic smell appears. In the meantime, also coarsely chop 2 tablespoons of birch fringes and add 5 tablespoons of raw unrefined sugar, a pinch of chili and a little organic lemon, roll the nuts and fringes until the caramel is lightly fried and slightly runny. Add a packet of baking powder and let it cool. Then crush into small pieces. Serve with coffee or use to decorate various pastries.
