Birch water, also known as birch sap, comes from the trees of the Betula plant genus, which are better known as birch trees. In Northern Europe and China, birch water has been consumed for centuries for its health benefits. It is also used in cosmetics and other skin care products. In recent years, birch sap has become onereal trendy drinkwhich is said to have many health benefits. Read on to learn more about birch water and its uses.
Birch water: what is it?
Have you never heard of birch water? This is the juice that comes from theBirch trunksis obtained in early spring. Over the course of the winter, birch trees store nutrients that are later released in their sap. When tapped, birch water is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. After 2-3 days it begins to ferment and develops a slightly sour taste.
Birch water is either drunk pure or processed into other drinks such as syrup, beer or wine. Nowadays it is also available online and in drugstores. However, it is important to note that birch juices available on the market consist of processed birch water and often contain sugar and flavorings. This makes them more durable. In its pure state, the juice spoils after a few days.
Is birch water healthy?
Birch water is said to have several health benefits. It contains numerous nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. Many factors influence its nutrient composition, including geographical location, soil type and even the specific tree species and age of the tree. Still, birch sap is generally low in calories and sugar while being rich in nutrients like magnesium and manganese.
A 300 milliliter bottle contains:
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Sugar: 3g
- Calcium: 2% of the daily requirement
- Magnesium: 95% of the daily requirement
- Manganese: 130% of the daily requirement
- Zinc: 3% of the daily requirement
Studies have also demonstrated varying amounts of phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, vitamin C and copper. In addition, birch water contains small amounts of amino acids and large amounts of polyphenol antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress in the body. Based on these ingredients, birch water can be described as healthy, but the stated health benefits have not yet been scientifically proven.
How is birch sap obtained?
The birch sap is extracted directly from the tree trunk by drilling into it. It is enough to drill about two to three centimeters deep through the tree bark. Since the sap flows upwards, the hole can be drilled slightly upwards at an angle for better flow. Instead of the trunk, a large branch can also be drilled to extract the sap. Then simply insert a small tube (or a thin tube) and hold a suitable container underneath. The sweet-tasting liquid begins to flow directly into the container. After the sap is harvested, the tree wound must be closed with a branch, for example.
A birch tree can produce up to 500 liters of sap per year. However, you should not tap more than 5-10 liters and then give the tree a break of at least two years.
When to tap birch water?
You can't tap birch sap at any time. The right time to harvest birch sap is after the tree awakens from winter dormancy. Depending on the weather, this happens either in early spring or at the latest in first spring. At this time the leaf buds begin to swell and the male catkins begin to bloom. The sap forms in the roots of the tree over the winter and begins to flow down the trunk into the branches when temperatures rise in spring. Therefore, this is the best time to tap the birch sap. The birch water can flow heavily for up to two weeks.
The freshly harvested birch sap must be stored in the refrigerator, otherwise it will quickly become cloudy and begin to ferment. In this case too, the shelf life is only a few days. The birch water can be frozen in advance to increase its shelf life.
Effect of birch water
Natural birch water, which is obtained directly from the birch tree trunk, is rich in vitamin C and taking it can therefore have a health-promoting effect. The valuable birch sap is said to have an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect. It can lower high cholesterol levels and purify the body. In cosmetics, birch water is also used as an agent against cellulite and is also used in hair care.
What is birch sap good for?
The effect of birch water has not yet been scientifically proven, but many positive properties are still attributed to birch sap. We summarize the most important of these below.
- Because of its high vitamin C content, birch water is said to strengthen the immune system.
- The birch sap contains birch sugar (xylitol), which does not affect insulin levels and is therefore also suitable for diabetics. Xylitol is also considered to be tooth-friendly and can counteract the formation of tooth decay.
- Birch sap is known to promote skin health. Thanks to its vitamin C content, birch water should stimulate collagen production and ensure skin stays strong, hydrated and elastic. It is also said to protect the skin from UV rays and thus prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- For healthy, full hair, birch sap can also be used as a hair treatment.
Important: The stated effect of birch water is based only on the vitamins and minerals it contains. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of birch sap is lacking.
What does birch water do for your hair?
The birch water can be used as a kind of hair treatment. It is massaged into the scalp and supplies it with many valuable nutrients. Using birch sap for hair can prevent dandruff and promote hair growth. AMiracle cure for hairbut he is not. Basically, regular use can ensure fuller, healthier-looking hair.
Birch water application
Perhaps the best known and easiest method of using birch water is to take it directly. Depending on what the natural remedy is used for, it can also be used topically.
Drink birch water
If you are one of the lucky few who can tap the birch water yourself, you may be wondering whether you can drink the birch water straight. The answer is yes. Approximately 50 milliliters per day over the course of three weeks with a week break in between is recommended as a treatment. However, oral intake is not recommended for people with intestinal problems.
Apply birch sap to your face
If you want to use birch water for beautiful skin, you should put some on a cosmetic pad and use it to treat the affected areas. This is said to help against blemishes and tighten the skin.
Possible disadvantages
Birch water is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, due to limited research, the possible side effects are not fully known.
In a study with people allergic to birch pollen, it was found that around 40% of participants reacted positively to birch sap. Therefore, people who are allergic to birch pollen should be careful when using birch water.
It is also advisable to keep your intake within certain limits, as birch water carries the risk of manganese poisoning. This can be particularly dangerous for people with impaired liver function. The German Nutrition Society has established an estimated value for the appropriate intake of manganese, which is 2-5 mg per day. Note that a single 300ml serving of birch water contains 3mg of manganese, meaning that needs can only be met by this, without including intake from other sources.
Conclusion
Birch water is made from the sap of the birch tree and contains numerous minerals and antioxidants. It is particularly rich in manganese and magnesium and contains few calories and sugar. It might even improve skin and hair health, but more research is needed.
You can purchase birch water from the drugstore or online, but keep in mind that some brands may contain sugar and artificial flavors. Therefore, you should always read the label of each product carefully.
