Birch sap: the benefits and harms of the drink for the body

Birch buds, leaves and sap have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The benefits and harms of birch sap are determined by the elements it contains. Liquid is released when the bark is cut.

To collect the juice, a groove is inserted instead of the break. Thus, the nectar flows into a previously prepared container. Then the broken area should be sealed with wax to prevent the wood from drying out.

Composition and calorie content

In order for birch sap to be beneficial, it is collected from April to May. The drink is popular in Russia, as well as Northern China and Scandinavia. The taste is similar to spring water. However, the insignificant concentration of natural sugars gives the juice a woody note.

Birch sap is an integral part of the diet due to its health benefits. Harm may be caused by drinking juice if you have an individual intolerance. 100 g of drink contains only 22 kcal.

The benefit lies in the unique composition:

Organic acids. Elements necessary to normalize the acid-base balance in the body. Their presence promotes the absorption of various nutrients while simultaneously removing toxins that harm internal organs. This is manifested by chronic fatigue and general malaise, disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Phytoncides. The benefits of substances are to neutralize dangerous fungi, viruses and bacteria that enter the human body and cause harm to it. These microorganisms cause diseases of the ENT organs and bronchopulmonary system.
Fructose. Acts as a source of energy for the entire body. Fructose has a low calorie content compared to regular sugar.
Glucose. Its benefit lies in its ability to remove toxins from the body. Glucose is involved in metabolic processes and stimulation of cardiac activity. Thanks to this substance, the brain is nourished and the psycho-emotional state is normalized. If the level is excessive, glucose can cause harm to the body, which is manifested by weight gain and increased cholesterol. Harm manifests itself in the development of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis and allergies.
Essential oils. They are known for their beneficial effects on the nervous system and emotional background. The benefits of oils are also manifested in their ability to have a bactericidal effect. The essential oils contained in birch sap can harm the body during lactation and allergies.
Saponins. This term refers to a chemical compound present in birch sap. Saponins influence the absorption of nutrients by the body and have a positive effect on hormonal levels. Scientists believe that the benefit of the compound is its carcinogenic effect and the prevention of tumor formation.
Betulin. The substance is highly active and reduces the adverse effects of various pathogenic factors on the body.
Tannins. They have the property of reducing the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract. The irritating and astringent effect depends on the concentration of tannins in birch sap. Regular consumption of the drink brings benefits to the body, which is manifested by slowing down intestinal motility and active absorption of various nutrients.

The benefits of birch sap are due to the content of vitamins and minerals:

Potassium. The element regulates the functioning of the muscles, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Sufficient intake of potassium in the body prevents chronic stress.
Calcium. The level of the substance affects the excitability of nerve tissue, blood clotting, and cholesterol levels. Calcium takes part in the functioning of the adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas, and pituitary gland. Excessive intake into the body is harmful. Drowsiness, depression, fatigue, lack of appetite, hypertension, arrhythmia, and joint pain are noted.
Magnesium. The benefit of magnesium is the absorption of vitamins B1, 6, 12. The element is directly involved in the functioning of the kidneys, brain, and endocrine system. If there is an excess of magnesium, it causes harm, which is manifested by decreased blood pressure, nausea, and respiratory depression.
Nickel. Participates in the processes of hematopoiesis, nutrition of tissues and brain cells. Nickel enhances the functioning of the pituitary gland and affects metabolic processes.
Sodium. The macroelement ensures the functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Sodium has a vasodilating effect. The harm of excess sodium is the insufficient absorption of other substances and the development of diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Copper. The element is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The benefit of copper lies in the proper functioning of the digestive system and endocrine glands by activating the pituitary gland. A deficiency in the body causes harm, which is usually observed with vegetarianism and an unbalanced diet.
Silicon. The chemical element is important for the formation of bone, connective and cartilage tissues, the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Silicon ensures the absorption of vitamins in the body. Damage caused by deficiency includes premature aging and the appearance of premature age-related changes.
Aluminum. The substance is necessary for the body to build and restore connective, bone and epithelial tissues. Aluminum shortages are rare. Its excess causes harm in the form of various disorders of the nervous system.
Iron. Scientists call it a multifunctional element. For example, iron promotes the retention of oxygen in the blood, ensures the removal of carbon dioxide, and cleanses the liver of substances that can cause harm.
Manganese. The benefits of the element in preventing osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Hormonal levels in women, the motility of male sperm and the mechanism of lactation depend on the concentration of magnesium.
Titanium. The effect of the substance on recovery processes after a violation of bone integrity is known. Titanium plays a role in hematopoiesis and is responsible for the adequate functioning of the vestibular apparatus.

Attention! The vitamins and minerals contained in birch sap help maintain health and well-being.

Chemical composition of birch sap

The medicinal properties of the juice are due to its saturation with tannins, organic acids, phytoncides, and esters. Vitamins present:

ascorbic acid (C);
phylloquinone (K).

The mineral composition is rich. Contains:

calcium;
potassium;
magnesium;
fluorine;
iron;
manganese;
copper.

100 g of product contains only 8 kcal, from BJU there are carbohydrates - 3 g, proteins - 0.1 g. There are no fats. Glycemic index is only 15 units.

In Canada and the USA, maple sap is an analogue of coastal sap. For Canadians, this is a national drink; collection for export has been established. In terms of beneficial properties, mineral, nutrient, and vitamin composition, both drinks are almost identical. This is due to the fact that maples and birches grow in the same climatic and soil conditions. The only difference is that maple sap is more saturated with sugars (up to 7%). In America, maple syrup is prepared from it by evaporation - a popular filling for desserts.

Useful properties of birch sap

The drink has numerous properties that benefit the body. Doctors call the following positive effects that occur when drinking birch sap:

strengthening the immune system and blood vessels;
beneficial effect on heart function;
improvement of memory, attention;
normalization of metabolism and digestive system organs;
cleansing the kidneys, liver, gallbladder from toxins;
increasing resistance to ARVI due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects;
improvement of hair, skin, nails;
elimination of swelling;
decreased blood pressure;
acceleration of blood circulation and regeneration processes;
replenishment of vitamin deficiency;
stabilization of the psycho-emotional background;
relief of the menopause;
regulation of sex hormone levels in men;
prevention of cancer.

Experts emphasize that birch sap promotes weight loss by normalizing metabolic processes. The benefit of regular consumption of the drink is the elimination of cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular pathologies.

It is noteworthy that the juice can be drunk in large quantities without harm to health. This is due to the lack of irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach. The drink is recommended in minimal quantities for ulcers.

For men

The benefits of birch sap for men's health cannot be overestimated. Taking a natural medicine promotes the production of testosterone, which is the main sex hormone in men. The beneficial effect is manifested by increased libido and sperm quality.

Positive effects also include improved potency and stabilization of the psycho-emotional state. No harm is essential. Thus, birch sap can be drunk with benefit without first consulting a doctor.

For women

Drinking the drink helps normalize weight and significantly improve the condition of hair, nails and skin. Including birch sap in your diet can reduce the intensity of pain during menstruation. Women of menopausal age note the disappearance of the frequency of hot flashes, pressure changes and sweating. The product does not cause harm when used during pregnancy and lactation.

Important! Physiological conditions require an increased intake of beneficial substances into the body.

For children

It is known that the immune system in childhood is not sufficiently developed. Inadequate functioning of the immune system leads to frequent acute respiratory viral infections. The benefit of birch sap is to increase the body's resistance without harm to health. The various vitamins and microelements included in the composition promote harmonious growth and development.

Birch sap benefits children under 1 year of age. To avoid allergic reactions and harm, the drink should be diluted with water. In the absence of side effects, the daily volume is gradually increased.

Is it possible to drink birch sap during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Natural medicine has a positive effect on the dynamics in the treatment of pathological conditions. During pregnancy, birch sap helps eliminate swelling and eliminate toxicosis. The product rarely causes allergic reactions and does not harm the body. That is why it can be recommended for women who are breastfeeding. The benefit of the product is to increase milk production and enrich it with vitamins and minerals necessary for the child’s health.

Is birch sap good for weight loss?

Nutritionists recommend including the product in your diet for weight loss without harm to health. The vitamins and microelements contained in the drink have a positive effect on metabolism. Metabolic processes accelerate, and the general condition gradually improves. Nectar gives vigor, which is especially important when playing sports. The weight loss effect is achieved by eliminating edema.

If there are no allergies and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and diabetes, the natural medicine can be drunk in quantities of up to 2 liters. The caloric content of the drink allows it to be consumed without harm to the figure. Birch sap can replace tea or compote. Losing weight with the use of the drink will be beneficial for the body due to the removal of toxins from the body.

Advice! You can get the maximum benefit by drinking natural fresh juice. The healing properties of canned juice are significantly reduced.

Benefits of birch sap for the human body

The exceptional beneficial properties of the drink are the result of its composition. Phytocytes and methyl salicylate are capable of killing harmful microorganisms. They activate the immune system and increase the body's resistance to all types of bacteria. The juice is useful for sore throat, ARVI, bronchitis and other inflammatory diseases. For throat diseases, it is useful not only to drink it internally, but also to use it for gargling.

The drink helps restore strength and energy and reduce fatigue. This is an effective natural medicine for spring weakness and vitamin deficiency. Just one glass a day will provide the body with useful minerals.

With regular consumption of birch sap, the blood is cleansed, toxins, waste products and other decay products are removed from the body. The drink has a beneficial effect on the rate of tissue regeneration, and therefore wounds and other skin lesions begin to heal faster.

This is interesting! In Rus', fresh birch sap was used to treat bedsores and ulcers. Napkins soaked in it were applied to the wounds and bandaged, the bandage was changed several times a day.

Birch nectar stimulates kidney function and has a pronounced diuretic effect on the body. Therefore, it is useful for sand in the kidneys and increased concentration of salt crystals in the urine. It is also recommended to be taken for pyelonephritis as additional maintenance therapy.

The juice is a proven remedy against anemia and contains substances involved in the formation of blood cells.

Fresh nectar helps with problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It normalizes stomach acidity and has healing properties. Recommended for gastritis, pancreatitis, heartburn and difficulties with digesting food.

The following fact shows how beneficial birch sap is for the body: when there were no modern medicines, it was given to sick people to strengthen their strength and increase the body’s resistance to infection. He helped the man to his feet.

Treatment with birch sap at home

The healing properties of the product allow it to be used in the complex treatment of various diseases and pathological conditions that harm the body:

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
anemia;
avitaminosis;
musculoskeletal disorders;
overweight;
hormonal imbalance in women and men;
pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
tumors of benign and malignant nature;
dry skin, hair and nails;
chronic stressful condition.

Oncology

Malignant tumors are treated using conservative and surgical techniques. As part of complex therapy, the combination of birch and carrot juices and yarrow is beneficial. The components are mixed in equal parts with the juices of meadowsweet, St. John's wort, and hemlock.

The resulting drink is drunk one tablespoon on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. It is recommended to combine this folk remedy with milk. The benefits of the medicinal composition are in eliminating swelling and increasing the body's defenses, which is especially important in malignant processes.

Attention! You can use folk therapy for cancer only after consulting a doctor. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm to health.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is a dangerous pathology that occurs in acute and chronic phases. Birch sap has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas by cleansing the blood of waste and toxins.

Diabetes

The benefits of birch sap for the body allow it to be used for diabetes in recommended doses. Natural medicine accelerates metabolic processes, saturates the body with necessary substances. To avoid harm, you should consult a specialist before taking it.

Gout

With gout, uric acid begins to accumulate in various tissues of the body. First of all, the joints are affected. The disease is more common in men over 35 years of age. During treatment, metabolic processes are regulated, the disruption of which can lead to gout.

Gastritis and stomach ulcers

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are not a contraindication to drinking birch sap. The drink will not cause harm if used in moderation. For gastritis or stomach ulcers, drink nectar three times a day on an empty stomach, 50 grams.

Important! Birch sap does not increase stomach acidity. In addition, its benefit lies in its analgesic effect.

Colds

The benefits of the drink justify its use for throat diseases. Natural medicine is drunk warm, 3 glasses per day. Antiseptic treatment of the mucous membranes of the throat or gargling with birch sap is allowed.

Nectar is prescribed for bronchitis and pneumonia. The complex of vitamins and minerals it contains improves immunity and leads to rapid recovery.

Experts say that drinking juice at the first sign of illness promotes rapid recovery and relief of symptoms of flu and colds. Birch sap is beneficial if there is a rise in temperature to febrile levels. The use of a natural medicine prevents dehydration, which occurs during fever.

The product helps ease breathing with chronic runny nose. For medicinal purposes, drink 1 glass of juice. Combination with milk helps to eliminate a lingering cough.

Varicose veins and trophic ulcers of the leg

It is known that the benefits of birch sap are manifested in cleansing, antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects. Taking it has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Varicose veins, as well as trophic ulcers on the lower legs, are treated comprehensively. Birch sap, which is drunk three times a day, has a good effect, after diluting it with water in a 1:2 ratio. Take on an empty stomach, preferably 20-30 minutes before meals.

Attention! It is advisable to combine birch sap with milk.

Anemia

A low level of hemoglobin in the blood indicates various pathologies. Birch sap contains a set of essential vitamins and minerals, one of which is iron. To treat anemia, which can be life-threatening, the natural remedy is diluted with carrot, apple or beet juice.

Anemia regresses if you drink 50 ml of nectar on an empty stomach a quarter of an hour before meals. The juice must be drunk for a long time.

Hypertension

The benefit of the drink for hypertension is due to its diuretic properties. The removal of excess fluid from the body is manifested by the elimination of edema and high blood pressure. Birch sap helps improve overall well-being. With regular use, chronic headaches and heart pain disappear.

For liver and kidneys

This natural medicine has been proven to increase bile production. The benefits of birch sap are the removal of toxins and substances that can harm the body. The benefits of the product are of particular importance when working in adverse conditions.

Natural medicine has a positive effect on the process of breaking down kidney stones. If you drink the drink regularly, you can prevent the development of urolithiasis. The product must be taken for at least three months three times a day. Taking the juice in the morning on an empty stomach allows you to get maximum benefits.

Important! The drink must be at the optimal temperature. Hot or cold nectar can harm the stomach if you have an ulcer or gastritis.

Cleansing the body with birch sap

Birch sap will help cleanse the liver and kidneys. It helps to get rid of sand in the kidneys and crush stones, which facilitates the progression of urolithiasis. You need to drink juice to cleanse the kidneys for 3-5 weeks, 1 glass per day with the addition of 1 teaspoon of honey.

Birch sap helps remove salts from the body, which helps heal joint diseases such as gout, arthritis, arthrosis, etc. To cleanse the body of toxins, remove salts, and relieve inflammation, drink 3 glasses of birch sap a day, of which the first glass is drunk on an empty stomach . The drink should be at room temperature.

Cleansing the body begins in the spring as soon as birch sap begins to flow.

Application of birch sap for facial skin and hair

The drink is called living water and the elixir of youth due to its benefits and numerous healing properties. Cosmetologists use the juice as a means to beauty the skin, nails and hair.

Birch bark-based cosmetics are used for the following problems:

fragility, dullness and hair loss;
dandruff;
dry and pale skin.

To improve the appearance and condition of hair, the product is used to prepare masks and rinses. The juice is mixed with vodka, and a decoction of burdock root is added. The resulting solution must be rubbed into the scalp. Regular use of this traditional medicine recipe will restore healthy shine, elasticity and strength to your hair.

Advice! Fresh juice is also suitable for rinsing hair, after which it is not advisable to rinse it additionally with water. This will greatly increase the benefits of the natural product.

For the health of the skin of the face and décolleté, the juice is used as a hygienic care product. You can wash your face with the undiluted natural product or use it as an ice rub. The benefits of birch sap include skin whitening and the elimination of pigment spots and freckles that appear with age under the influence of hormonal changes.

A lotion that includes birch and lemon juice in the amount of 1 glass and 6 drops, respectively, and 1 teaspoon of honey has a good effect. The product should be stored in the refrigerator. The face is wiped morning and evening with a cotton pad soaked in a healing solution.

How and when to collect birch sap

The benefits of the product are directly related to compliance with the conditions for collecting and storing nectar. Birch sap is collected from late March to early May. To check for sap flow, you can puncture the bark with an awl. A drop of clear liquid appears indicating the right time for collection.

When collecting sap, you should remember the rules that will protect the tree from harm:

Be careful when making a cut. When collecting nectar, you cannot use an ax. For these purposes, it is advisable to use a drill that has a drill bit with a diameter of up to 10 mm. Such a hole will not cause harm in the form of tree death.
The sap needs to be collected from several trees. You can take no more than 1 liter of sap from one birch tree. Otherwise, the tree may weaken and die.
An open hole provides access for pathogenic bacteria that harm the birch. After removing the groove, be sure to close the hole, for example, with a plug-peg.

The benefits of mature tree sap are much greater. In addition, this drink has the best taste. It is advisable to choose a birch tree with a slight slope for collecting.

The choice of utensils and place for cutting, which is 20 cm from the ground, is essential. It is better to collect birch sap in a large plastic bottle using a groove. The vessel can be changed twice a day - morning and evening.

How is birch sap prepared and stored?

Birch sap is harvested in early spring, exactly before the period when the buds on the tree have swelled, but have not yet blossomed. In the middle zone this is the end of March - beginning of April.

It is believed that the healthiest sap comes from a lonely growing tree that stands on the sunny side. Of course, trees should grow away from roads and industrial areas.

To collect the sap, a strong tree of thickness is selected. at least 20 cm in diameter. A hole 2-3 cm deep is made in the tree trunk with a screwdriver or an awl. It should be at an angle and inclined to the ground.

After the hole is drilled and the first drop of juice appears, a thin tube is inserted into the recess, through which the juice will flow. Place a juice container under the tube. In order not to harm the tree, you can collect no more than 2-3 liters from one birch tree.

The best time for collection is from 12 to 17 hours, at this time the juice is released abundantly.

After the collection is completed, do not forget to remove the tube and insert a peg into the hole or cover it with varnish or wax, take care of the tree, and next year it will again delight you with life-giving moisture.

The juice can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days, after which it must either be drunk or processed for storage, otherwise all healing properties are lost.

Store freshly collected juice in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Unfortunately, this drink has only one drawback - difficult storage. You can preserve it and put it in jars by adding sugar and bringing it to a boil, but you will have to accept the fact that some of the beneficial substances will be destroyed.

You can make birch kvass by adding yeast (20 g per liter), several washed raisins and lemon zest to the heated juice, and leaving for 2 weeks. This drink can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

The best way, from the point of view of preserving the beneficial properties, is to completely freeze the juice in the freezer or, if you have the opportunity, in a cellar on a glacier.

How to preserve birch sap

Preparing birch sap at home is a simple procedure. However, the drink has a short shelf life. To receive benefits and not harm, you need to drink nectar fresh. Doctors recommend drinking birch sap instead of water. In hot weather, as well as after intense physical activity, it quenches thirst better.

It should be remembered that the natural product is perishable. Once collected, the juice can be stored in the refrigerator for two days. The healing properties of the drink can be partially preserved by canning, freezing or making kvass.

We recommend reading: Homemade kvass: benefits and harms

Birch sap is stored in the cellar at low temperatures for no more than 1 month. After the expiration date, the product may be harmful. After conservation, the beneficial properties disappear. A good alternative to a natural product is kvass, known for its tonic effect. Freezing allows you to preserve a significant part of the vitamins and microelements. For ease of use, birch sap can be frozen in small portions.

Birch kvass

To prepare real kvass from birch sap, you first need to strain the collected sap and let it steep for a day in an enamel bowl. After this, add 100 g of rye crackers, 50 ml of sugar (for every 1 liter of juice) to the liquid and, pouring the mixture into a glass bottle, leave it for 4-5 days, after putting a rubber glove on the neck. The glove will inflate and stand up, which will indicate the ongoing fermentation process. And when the gauntlet falls, you can safely filter the kvass and bottle it. Delicious refreshing kvass is ready!

This also opens up a real field for experimentation, because kvass based on birch sap can be prepared not only with bread, but also with barley, raisins and dried fruits. Each drink will have an individual taste, but they will all benefit the body.

From now on, you know the benefits and harms of birch sap, and you also have unique recipes for canning and making kvass based on it. This means that you have another opportunity to strengthen your body and fight a wide variety of diseases with the help of a very tasty drink. Good health to you!

Birch sap: how much can you drink per day?

If there are no contraindications, you can drink up to 2 liters of natural drink per day. Urolithiasis, gastritis or ulcers do not require exclusion of juice from the diet. The presence of these pathologies indicates the need to reduce the amount of product consumed in order to prevent possible harm.

Drink juice with caution during lactation. For children under one year old, it is advisable to dilute the drink with water. To avoid allergies, you must first ensure that the product is tolerable and not harmful.

Contraindications to drinking the drink

The healing drink has virtually no contraindications. It can be drunk by children, old people, pregnant women, and patients with various diseases. The dietary product is recommended for weight loss, during sports activities, and for students preparing for exams. However, there are categories of people who should take birch grass with caution or completely exclude the juice from their diet.

Contraindications:

peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
nonspecific ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease;
large stones in the kidneys and gall bladder;
allergy to birch pollen (hay fever).

If you have such diseases, you should discuss the possibility of consuming birch bark with your doctor. Now you know what birch sap is - beneficial properties and contraindications. It remains to talk about how to prepare a drink for future use when collecting it yourself.

Homemade birch sap: drink recipes

The benefits of kvass and syrup based on birch sap are undeniable. There are many recipes for their preparation. Drinks are a tonic that can be drunk without harm to health.

Kvass from birch sap

Before making kvass from birch sap, you should carefully study the most successful recipes. Bread kvass is particularly beneficial, as is birch sap with raisins.

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of yeast-free bread and how to bake it

To prepare bread kvass you need:

Take 50 g of raisins and coffee beans, 0.5 cups of sugar, 2.5 liters of birch sap, 3 crusts of rye bread.
Roast the coffee beans, dry the crusts in the oven, rinse and dry the raisins.
Place the ingredients in a jar, fill with natural juice and close with a rubber glove with one puncture for several days.
Kvass can be poured and placed in the refrigerator after lowering the glove.

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of raisins: properties and contraindications

Preparation of kvass with dark raisins includes:

Strain 3 liters of juice using gauze.
Adding 25 large raisins.
Ferment the drink in a dark place until summer.

Attention! Raisin-based kvass retains its benefits for a long time.

Birch sap wine

To make wine you need the following ingredients:

25 liters of birch sap;
5 kg sugar;
200 g raisins (wine yeast);
10 g citric acid;
200 g honey - optional.

Three days before making wine, a raisin starter is made. If yeast is used, this step is omitted. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, juice and citric acid and bring to a boil. After regular removal of foam, 20 liters of liquid should remain. After cooling, you need to add yeast, honey, and then pour into a container for subsequent fermentation. The hole is closed with a glove with one puncture. The liquid should be placed in a dark place with a temperature of up to 25 degrees.

You can pour fermented birch sap after several weeks. It should take on a light shade, and the glove should deflate. Then the drink must be poured into glass bottles and placed in a cooler room for 15-20 days.

Braga with birch sap

Moonshine from birch sap can be prepared using 30 liters of birch nectar and 1 tablespoon of kefir or milk. Pour 3 liters of juice into a separate container. Boil 27 liters of nectar over low heat for several hours. After this process, 10 liters should remain. The pre-cooled liquid is mixed with 3 liters of pure juice, kefir (milk) is added and poured into a vessel for subsequent fermentation.

Important! The container must be placed in a place with a suitable temperature, which is up to 28 degrees.

If there are no signs of fermentation, after 2 days it is advisable to add 300 g of pressed yeast (60 g of dry). After two weeks, fermentation ends and the mash can be distilled. Additional cleaning involves passing through birch charcoal.

Birch syrup

The product is obtained by evaporating the liquid. The syrup benefits the body when added to tea, compote, or water. However, it is quite difficult to find on sale.

How to roll up birch sap for the winter

Canned birch sap without sugar

The easiest way to preserve the drink is to filter all the collected liquid (passing it through several layers of gauze), pour it into an enamel pan and heat it to 80–90°. The heated juice is poured into washed and sterilized jars and immediately sealed. The rolled up jars are wrapped in a warm blanket and left to cool completely. It is advisable to store it in a cool place.

Canned birch sap with sugar

If you want to get a sweet birch drink, then, as in the previous recipe, filter the valuable liquid and put it on the fire. As soon as the juice approaches boiling point, a yellowish foam will appear on its surface. Remove it and remove the juice from the stove without bringing it to a boil. Add 2 tbsp to the hot liquid. sugar for every kilogram of juice and citric acid (at the tip of a knife). Pour the juice into sterilized jars and roll up the lids, wrapping the jars until they cool completely.

By the way, when rolling up birch sap, you can experiment by adding oranges, lemons, currants, rose hips or mint sprigs. And also, birch sap makes excellent birch kvass (perfectly cooling in the summer heat).

Birch sap: harm and contraindications

Despite its numerous healing properties, in some cases the drink can be harmful to the body. As a rule, juice causes harm when the amount of its consumption is exceeded.

The product is not contraindicated and does not cause harm in various pathologies. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys require strict adherence to dosage. Birch sap has the property of splitting stones, which can cause their movement and the appearance of severe symptoms. If the recommended dose is significantly exceeded, the product causes harm.

The drink, taken in large quantities, causes harm in the form of exacerbation of peptic ulcers and gastritis. There is pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach. There may be a history of bowel dysfunction due to gastroduodenitis.

The product is believed to only rarely cause allergic reactions that may cause serious harm. As a rule, allergies are characteristic of birch pollen intolerance, which is rare.

Natural birch sap should be given with caution to children under one year of age due to possible harm. It is necessary to monitor the body's reaction. That is why at first the drink is diluted with water.