What does aspen look like and where does it grow?
Aspen, also called trembling poplar, belongs to trees from the Poplar genus of the Willow family. This deciduous plant lives on average from 80 to 100 years and reaches 35 - 40 meters in height. The trunk diameter is 1 m.
Aspen has a powerful branched root system that goes deep into the ground, which allows the tree to grow on almost any soil, be it sand or swamps. Most often, it can be seen in mixed forests of the temperate climate zone. Aspen is distributed throughout Europe, as well as in Mongolia, China and the Korean Peninsula.
Aspen leaves have a characteristic rounded diamond shape, 4–8 cm long, with jagged edges. The outer side of the sheet is glossy, the reverse side is matte. The petioles are long and slightly flattened on the sides and at the base, which is why the leaves sway even with a slight breeze. In spring, aspen foliage turns different shades of yellow and red.
The plant blooms in April, before the first leaves appear. Small flowers form inflorescences in the form of earrings, which are divided into male and female. Men's earrings are long (13 - 15 cm) and have a richer burgundy color, women's are greenish and short. At the end of the flowering period, small fruits are formed in the form of a seed capsule trimmed with down.
The bark of a young tree is usually smooth and light gray-green. With age, it becomes darker and longitudinal grooves appear on it. Due to its chemical properties, aspen bark has found use in folk medicine as a broad-spectrum medicine.
Chemical composition of aspen bark
Aspen bark contains a large amount of useful minerals such as copper, zinc, iodine, iron, cobalt and molybdenum. It also contains some saturated fatty acids, such as lauric, behenic and arachidic acids. Its composition is rich in vitamins C, A, as well as tannins.
However, the main healing properties of aspen bark are associated with salicin, which acts on humans like aspirin. In this regard, medicines based on aspen have a powerful counteract to the harm of colds as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents. The bark is also actively used in cosmetology and herbal medicine.
Treatment at home
Despite the effective effect of aspen on endocrine metabolic disorders and the ability to relieve inflammation of the genitourinary system, treatment with folk remedies requires long-term use. Therefore, aspen-based preparations should be taken as adjuncts after consultation with a doctor.
Prostate
Men suffering from inflammation of the prostate gland or prostate adenoma should not rely only on traditional medicine. Serious diseases of the genitourinary system require comprehensive comprehensive treatment under the supervision of a doctor. At the beginning of the development of the disease and to relieve symptoms, long-term use of an alcoholic infusion of aspen can help.
Infuse 250 g of bark for 14 days in a bottle of vodka. Drink 20 ml of tincture, dissolved in a quarter glass of water, in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals. The therapeutic effect will be noticeable after 3 months of daily use of the product. The swelling will subside, pain will decrease, and urine flow will improve.
In combination, it is good to do sitz baths and enemas with aspen decoction.
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Treatment of diabetes mellitus with aspen-based drugs must be coordinated with a doctor. The effect will be more significant if you start taking the decoction at an early stage of the disease.
Pour a glass of crushed bark with water and cook for about half an hour. Leave the liquid to stand for at least 14 hours in a warm place. By taking half a glass of infusion in the morning, you can reduce blood glucose levels.
You can also do this: pour a large spoonful of raw materials into 250 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse until the morning. Drink the entire glass per day, taking several sips at a time.
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From parasites
Worms can be removed from the body using alcohol and water infusions of aspen, as well as decoction. Except for alcohol-based drugs, these drugs can successfully treat helminthic infestations in children over 4 years of age. But nursing and expectant mothers will have to give up aspen.
This decoction removes roundworms. Boil three tablespoons of raw material in two glasses of water for 10 minutes, divide into 5 servings and drink per day.
An alcohol infusion will cure opisthorchiasis and expel tapeworms. Infuse two tablespoons of aspen bark in a bottle of vodka for 14 days in a dark place. Take 1 tsp. three times a day before meals for 20-30 days.
Worms from the liver and intestines can be expelled using aspen ash. In the first three days, eat 1 tsp before bed. ash, washed down with warm milk. Starting from day 4, the ash is replaced with half a glass of lingonberry broth (1 tablespoon of lingonberry leaf per 250 ml of water). It is drunk twice a day for 14 days. Next week, again eat a couple of tablespoons of ash before bed. Then the treatment with lingonberry decoction is repeated for 14 days.
Useful properties of aspen bark
The health benefits of aspen bark are not limited to its antipyretic effect. In addition, tree bark has a number of other beneficial properties and is used as a remedy:
- diaphoretic;
- antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- choleretic;
- pain reliever;
- anthelmintic;
- against cough
And although in traditional pharmacology aspen bark serves only as a biological additive, the benefits of this substance are highly valued in folk medicine.
What diseases does aspen bark help with?
The medicinal properties of aspen bark help in the treatment of numerous diseases:
- bronchial asthma, pleurisy, whooping cough, tuberculosis;
- arthrosis, rheumatism, radiculitis and other joint diseases;
- infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea and dysentery;
- diseases of the kidneys and urinary system;
- diabetes mellitus;
- prostatitis, hemorrhoids;
- eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.
Preparations based on aspen bark can bring considerable benefits to the body if they are part of a comprehensive treatment and are used only after consultation with a doctor. Otherwise, they can cause serious harm to health.
How to use aspen bark tincture
You can prepare aspen bark yourself or buy it at a pharmacy. Tincture of aspen bark is used to treat diseases of internal organs and systems. The product is used externally to treat diseases of the epidermis.
Before drinking a decoction of aspen bark, it is important to consult a doctor and not self-medicate. Despite the absence of an extensive list of contraindications, incorrect dosage of the drug can provoke the formation of an allergic reaction or, conversely, be ineffective.
The doctor will select the appropriate method of use and dose of aspen bark tincture. Depending on the disease, the volume of the drug and the dosage regimen vary. Let's look at the basic recipes and options for using herbal remedies.
For diabetes
For diabetes mellitus, an aqueous tincture of aspen bark is most often prescribed. This remedy is suitable for long-term use. It has a prolonged effect, which is important for metabolic disorders.
Ingredients:
- Aspen bark - 50 gr.
- Water - 500 ml.
How to prepare : Grind aspen bark, pour it into a saucepan and fill with water. Place the container on the stove and bring to a boil. Cook over low heat with constant stirring for 10 minutes, then remove from the stove, pour the liquid into a thermos and leave the product for 4 hours. After you have made a tincture of aspen bark for diabetes, strain the preparation through a gauze filter.
How to use : Take 3 tablespoons one hour before meals. It is advisable to do this at regular intervals and at the same time of day. The course of treatment is 2 months. After this, a break of 30 days is necessary and then you can repeat the dose.
Result : The tincture normalizes metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels and cleanses it of bad cholesterol.
With opisthorchiasis
Aspen bark is a powerful anthelmintic agent, so a tincture based on it is often used to combat parasites, including opisthorchiasis. A potent drug based on medical alcohol is suitable for this.
Ingredients:
- Aspen bark - 100 gr.
- Medical alcohol - 600 ml.
How to prepare : Grind the medicinal raw material, pour it into the bottom of a glass jar, fill it with diluted medical alcohol and close the lid tightly. Shake the contents of the container daily. Infuse the product at room temperature no higher than 25 degrees for 2 weeks, then strain.
How to use : Dilute 20 drops of tincture in 100 ml of boiled water. Take this amount of liquid every 4-5 hours, but no more than 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Result : Tincture of aspen bark with alcohol for opisthorchiasis effectively eliminates parasitic infestations. When used regularly, the product has a detrimental effect on cysts, preventing their development into viable individuals.
For prostatitis
Due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, a tincture of aspen bark with vodka is often used in folk medicine for prostatitis. To achieve positive dynamics in treatment, it is necessary to take the drug in courses.
Ingredients:
- Aspen bark - 100 gr.
- Vodka - 500 ml.
How to prepare : Grind dry aspen bark in a coffee grinder to a powder consistency, pour it into a glass container, add vodka and stir. Place the product in a dark place at room temperature. When infusing, make sure that the container is not exposed to direct sunlight. After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through multi-layer gauze and put it in the refrigerator.
How to use : Take 1 teaspoon of the product in the morning and evening for a month, then take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course.
What are the benefits of aspen bark?
Having an anti-inflammatory effect, the bark of this tree is an effective remedy for attacks of dry cough in diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. It has proven well in the fight against infectious diseases of the digestive system due to its bactericidal properties.
Important! Aspen remedies should not be taken for illnesses that are accompanied by a wet cough, as they do not relieve phlegm.
Aspen bark successfully eliminates pain and reduces inflammation in muscles and joints. It enhances the ability of tissues to regenerate, as a result of which wound healing accelerates and the overall resistance of the body to the harmful effects of the environment increases.
Preparations containing aspen raw materials effectively deal with helminths, especially opisthorchids - worms from the class of flukes that enter the human body when eating infected river fish fillets.
In addition, thanks to beneficial antioxidants and essential oils, aspen bark has a tonic effect on the human body, eliminates appetite problems and strengthens the immune system.
For men
Aspen bark has significant benefits for the male body. It has a positive effect on the production of male sex hormones and improves blood circulation in the pelvic organs. As a result, potency increases and sexual desire increases.
The healing properties of aspen bark often help with some oncologies and in the case of harmful disorders of the genitourinary system, in particular with prostate adenoma.
For women
Aspen bark products are also useful for women. They are used during painful menstruation to reduce cramps. Aspen is also used for weight loss as a dietary supplement to food. Since the bark of this plant improves metabolism and helps eliminate harmful toxins and excess fluid, it successfully helps fight unwanted pounds.
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For children
Aspen formulations can also be taken by children. The beneficial substances of the plant safely affect the growing child’s body, helping to speed up metabolism and improve appetite. They are also effective for diathesis, enuresis and various intestinal infections. However, decoctions and infusions from aspen bark should be given only with the permission of the pediatrician and if children do not have allergic reactions to this plant material.
Application
For medicinal purposes, infusions and decoctions are made from aspen, which are taken orally or used externally. An equally effective drug is an alcoholic infusion of the bark. To treat joint diseases and skin damage, it would be a good idea to prepare a healing ointment.
Tincture
An alcoholic infusion of the bark is used for rubbing sore joints and the chest. The tincture is used internally to treat colds, gynecological problems and diseases of the digestive system. The product treats gout, rheumatism, and relieves headaches.
Pour 50 ml of vodka into a glass container and add a spoonful of bark. Place in a warm place and let stand for about two weeks. Drink a teaspoon in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals. To soften the taste, you can dilute the tincture with water.
Decoction
Water-based preparations are used as antimicrobial and antiseptic agents.
These remedies relieve pain and inflammation due to irritation of the throat and damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums.
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Boil a spoonful of crushed bark in 250 ml of water for about 5 minutes from the moment it boils. Let the broth brew for an hour. Drink 50 ml morning, afternoon and evening half an hour before meals.
Aspen infusion is a more concentrated remedy. To prepare it, you can use a mixture of bark, leaves and buds of the plant.
The proportions and preparation technology do not differ from making a decoction, only the liquid needs to be infused for at least a couple of hours. Also drink 50 ml before meals in the morning, afternoon and evening. The infusion is used to restore pancreatic function in type 2 diabetes.
Ointment
It is useful to lubricate thermal burns, cracks and long-lasting ulcers with ointment, the preparation of which requires bark ash. This remedy can be rubbed on sore joints and muscles due to gout and rheumatism.
Combine a teaspoon of ash with butter or pork fat (2 tbsp.). Vaseline will also work.
You can make a remedy for treating skin damage based on vegetable oil.
Combine 100 ml of oil (it’s better to take olive oil) with 20 g of aspen bark and put it in a warm place for two weeks.
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Traditional medicine recipes
Due to its healing properties, aspen bark has been a popular folk remedy for decades. It is used to prepare useful decoctions, infusions, ointments, alcohol tinctures and even kvass.
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To ensure that medicines based on aspen bark do not cause any harm to the body, but only provide benefits, it is important to be able to correctly collect the raw materials. The bark should be harvested in March - April, before flowering. Young trees with bark no thicker than 5 mm are suitable for harvesting. The bark should be cut carefully so as not to harm the wood. It is best to cut the bark from the branches - this way the tree will recover faster.
Important! Aspen is often susceptible to various diseases that affect the appearance and quality of the resulting raw materials. It is worth collecting bark only from healthy trees.
The collected bark must be cut into small pieces and dried thoroughly in a dry, well-ventilated place, without exposing the raw material to direct sunlight. Dried aspen bark should be stored in a thick fabric bag for no longer than 3 years.
If the color or smell of the bark changes, you should throw it away immediately. Such material cannot be used in the preparation of medicines, as it can cause harm to the body.
Decoctions
A decoction of aspen helps with colds and sore throats, and relieves fever well. They note the benefits of aspen bark decoction for diarrhea and other intestinal infections. Among weight watchers, it is considered an effective way to lose weight.
To prepare the product you need:
- 1 tbsp. l. dry crushed raw materials pour 1 glass of cold water.
- Boil.
- As soon as the water boils, cook over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Leave for 2 hours.
- Strain the broth.
Take the decoction orally 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals, ¼ cup. The duration of the course varies depending on the nature of the disease, but should not exceed 2 months, after which it is necessary to take a 3-week break from using the medicine.
Important! Compositions made from aspen bark should not be taken on an empty stomach by people with stomach ulcers or gastritis. This can cause harm to health and cause complications.
Infusion of bark
The benefits of an infusion of aspen bark are in many ways comparable to the benefits of a decoction - it is also used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is used to rinse to reduce inflammation of the mouth and toothaches. In addition, infusions are used in the complex treatment of diabetes, as they normalize blood sugar levels. To prepare the infusion, you need:
- Take 1 tbsp. l. aspen bark.
- Pour 1 cup boiling water.
- Leave to brew for 2 hours.
- Strain before ingestion.
Use the infusion in the same dosage as the decoction.
Important! The bark of young trees is best suited for preparing the infusion.
Alcohol tincture
Tincture of aspen bark prepared with vodka is suitable for internal and external use. It is used in inhalations for migraines and dry cough attacks. The healing properties of aspen bark tincture are used in the fight against worms and joint inflammation.
Prepare the tincture as follows:
- One tablespoon of dry crushed bark is poured into 10 tbsp. l. vodka.
- Place in a warm place and let it brew for 1 - 2 weeks.
- Then filter.
Take the drug 3 times a day, 1 tsp. while eating.
Important! It is not recommended to give alcohol tincture to children. For this purpose it is better to use a decoction.
Ointment
No less useful are ointments made from aspen bark. They have antibacterial properties and promote tissue healing, so they are well suited for treating burns, wounds, boils and cracks. The product effectively copes with skin problems such as eczema, acne and dermatitis. It is rubbed in for pain in muscles and joints to reduce pain.
The ointment is prepared according to the following recipe:
- You need to take 10 g of aspen ash.
- Mix with 50 g of fat or Vaseline.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Leave the ointment in the refrigerator for 1 day to allow it to infuse.
Aspen bark ointment is applied to the affected area once a day in an even layer 2-4 mm thick and covered with a gauze bandage. If an open wound is being treated, it must first be disinfected with a non-concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. Treatment with ointment is continued until the damaged tissues are completely restored.
Advice! The basis for the ointment can be turkey or goose fat, as well as homemade butter. Animal fat is a rich source of beneficial vitamin E, which accelerates the regenerative processes of the skin.
Aspen bark extract
Aspen bark is also used to prepare an extract. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to produce it at home, since it is prepared using an extract of aspen bark, which requires special equipment to extract.
Plant wood extract can be purchased at a pharmacy. In its properties it is very similar to a decoction and infusion of aspen bark. Take it according to the instructions, 3 times a day for a month, dissolving 15 - 20 drops of the drug in 1 tsp. water. The product has an antispasmodic effect and is used to prevent hemorrhoids and prostatitis.
Aspen kvass
Aspen kvass is considered one of the best folk recipes for restoring a weakened body. It strengthens the human immune defense, eliminates harmful toxins and infections, and normalizes intestinal function. A healthy drink made from aspen bark is quite simple to prepare:
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- A clean three-liter jar is filled halfway with fresh bark or 3 cups of dry crushed substance.
- Add 1 glass of sugar and 1 tsp. sour cream.
- Then water is poured to the top.
- Cover the neck of the container with gauze.
- Let the drink brew in a warm place for 10 - 15 days.
It is recommended to drink this kvass between meals, 2-3 glasses per day. After each use, add 1 glass of water and 1 tsp to the jar. Sahara. This amount of drink will be enough for 2 - 3 months.
Important! Aspen kvass contains a certain amount of alcohol, so motorists should avoid it before driving.
Recipes for tinctures for various diseases
It is very easy to prepare a tincture of aspen bark with alcohol or vodka. It is used as an additional remedy in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, the genitourinary system and many other diseases.
Tincture of aspen bark decoction
A tincture can be prepared from a decoction of aspen bark.
Ingredients to prepare:
- aspen bark – 600 gr.;
- vodka – 500 ml;
- mineral water – 2 l.
Cooking steps:
- Aspen bark is poured with water and simmered over low heat for 2 hours.
- Then cool and filter.
- Vodka is added to the resulting broth.
This remedy is used to treat mastopathy. The total amount is divided into 20 servings and taken one before meals every day.
Tincture for the treatment of prostatitis
To prepare, take 1 tablespoon of bark and pour 100 ml. alcohol 40 degrees. The mixture is infused for 2 weeks, stirring occasionally. Then the tincture is filtered. Take a teaspoon of alcohol tincture for prostate adenoma 3 times a day.
Universal tincture
The tincture according to this recipe is used as a general tonic and immune stimulant, to treat various inflammations. The bark can be infused with alcohol or vodka.
Ingredients needed for preparation:
- bark – 100 gr.;
- vodka or alcohol – 200 ml.
The crushed bark is poured with vodka and left for 14 days. Then filter and take 15-20 drops before meals.
Tincture for weight loss
Tincture of aspen bark helps normalize metabolism and cleanse the body of waste and toxins, therefore it is effective for weight loss. People who take vodka tincture prepared according to this recipe lose up to 20 kilograms per year.
A tincture made from aspen bark removes waste and toxins from the body.
To prepare the infusion, take a volume of crushed bark that fills half a liter jar. Then the jar is filled to the brim with vodka. It is necessary to infuse the bark for 30 days, only during this time it will acquire medicinal qualities.
Take the tincture 3 times a day, 20-25 drops. Before taking, the tincture is diluted in 50 ml of water. Take the tincture throughout the year, for 10 days at the beginning of each month.
Diabetes treatment
The beneficial properties of aspen bark have been used in the fight against diabetes, due to the presence of substances in plant materials that serve as a natural substitute for insulin. Diabetics are recommended to drink a decoction from the bark of this tree along with professional medications. It is especially effective in the early stages of the disease. As a rule, such a course is designed for 2 months of regular use. If necessary, re-treatment is carried out no earlier than 3 weeks after the end of the course.
Treatment with aspen bark
If a person decides to start treatment with aspen bark for parasites inside the body, then it is worth choosing recipes for decoctions or tinctures that are suitable for the body. An incorrectly chosen infusion, at best, will not bring a positive effect, and at worst, it will bring additional problems. Therefore, before taking folk remedies, it is worth consulting with a specialized specialist.
Using aspen bark tincture on vodka
The main thing to remember is that alcohol tincture of aspen bark should not be used for food. The question is not even about alcoholism, but about the fact that potent substances, when combined with vodka, will cause irreparable damage to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, the dose prescribed by the doctor must be followed. The use of tincture of aspen bark in vodka is justified when a specific extract of the contained substances is required. You can buy it or prepare it yourself.
Use of aspen bark decoction
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A decoction of aspen bark can be used for a whole range of diseases for adults and children thanks to the individual components:
- influenza, fevers, colds and malaria - salicyl;
- improved digestion and appetite – vitamin bitterness;
- relieving aching joints;
- fight against gastritis and diarrhea with the help of astringents;
- anthelmintic effect - tannin, phenol glycosides, other tannins.
Getting rid of parasites
Aspen bark has proven itself well as a medicine against worms. Tannins, tannins present in the plant, destroy the bodies of helminths and remove them from the body without harm to humans. Alcohol tinctures are most successful against parasites. They are often taken for opisthorchiasis and giardiasis.
However, the medicinal properties of aspen bark tincture will not bring benefit to people with cirrhosis of the liver, since alcohol can cause harm in this disease. In this case, it is best to cleanse the body of worms using a decoction.
How to prepare aspen bark tincture
Before infusing aspen bark with alcohol or vodka, it is necessary to prepare medicinal raw materials. It is harvested from mid-spring to early summer - from April to June. At this time, the plant bark contains the maximum amount of biologically active substances.
After collection, the raw materials are dried under canopies or in special ovens at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. The finished medicinal plant can be purchased in pharmacies.
To infuse the product at home, use vodka or medical alcohol. Let's look at the basic recipes for aspen bark tinctures.
On vodka
Tincture of aspen bark with vodka is considered a universal remedy. It can be taken orally to treat diseases of most organs and systems, and can also be used externally for violations of the integrity of the skin.
Ingredients:
- Aspen bark - 200 gr.
- Vodka - 400 ml.
How to prepare : Grind dry aspen bark, fill it with vodka, close the lid tightly and put it in a dark place at room temperature. Infuse the product for 14 days. Shake the container occasionally to mix the contents. Pass the finished preparation through a fine strainer or gauze.
How to use : Take 1 teaspoon of tincture half an hour before meals. In this case, the product must be diluted in 50 ml of boiled water. The maximum allowed dosage is 30 ml of the product per day.
Result : Aspen tincture has immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
On alcohol
The alcohol tincture of aspen bark is more concentrated than that of vodka. Therefore, it is more often used for external use. To reduce the temperature, medical alcohol is diluted with water at the rate of 68 ml of water for every 100 ml of alcohol. Consider a recipe for a product based on already diluted alcohol.
Ingredients:
- Aspen bark - 50 gr.
- Medical alcohol - 500 ml.
How to prepare : Pour crushed aspen bark into a dark glass container, add diluted medical alcohol, close the lid and shake. Place the jar of product in a dark place. Leave it for at least two weeks, then strain through a cotton-gauze filter.
How to use : Use the skin treatment as a lotion and rub. For oral administration, 20 drops of tincture are prescribed, diluted in 50 ml of boiled water. Frequency of administration: up to 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
Result : The product has a general strengthening effect, normalizes digestion and cleanses the body of waste, toxins and parasites. When used externally, the tincture promotes rapid healing of the epidermis.
The use of aspen bark in cosmetology
The rich supply of organic acids and microelements contained in aspen has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin, which is why the raw materials of this plant are becoming an increasingly popular ingredient for creating cosmetics at home.
In particular, it is useful to rinse brittle and dry hair with decoctions and infusions based on bark. Aspen compounds are also rubbed into the roots of the hair to make the hair shiny and the scalp healthy.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of aspen bark make it a valuable component of cleansing facial lotions. Regular washing with decoctions and infusions can get rid of acne and blackheads. Using ointments will help soften the skin and give it elasticity, eliminate inflammation and peeling.
Medicinal properties
Thanks to its medicinal properties, aspen bark has firmly established itself in the arsenal of traditional healers. Aspen has the following effects:
- relieves inflammation and prevents the formation of free radicals;
- reduces pain;
- inhibits the growth and development of bacteria;
- normalizes the concentration of glucose in the blood;
- destroys parasites;
- has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect;
- facilitates the discharge of sputum;
- stimulates the regeneration of soft tissues;
- normalizes digestion and intestinal motility;
- improves appetite, strengthens the body's defenses and gives strength.
The components of the aspen composition are:
- organic acids and fatty oil;
- tannins;
- vitamins and essential oils;
- pectin and polysaccharides;
- populin, salicin and bitters;
- minerals (iodine, iron, zinc, nickel).
The largest amount of useful substances is contained in the bark of the plant, but aspen foliage and buds also have medicinal properties.
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Properties of aspen leaves, roots and buds
The benefits of aspen for the human body lie not only in the bark. Other parts of this tree also have medicinal properties. So, compresses and hot poultices are made from aspen leaves that help against rheumatism, hemorrhoids and arthritis.
Ground aspen buds and roots are added to ointments. They are also used to make infusions that are used to treat gastritis and liver diseases.
Although aspen bark is the most popular raw material, in recipes it can be replaced with any other wood components, since their properties are largely identical.
Harm to aspen bark and side effects
Despite the undoubted benefits, in some cases, aspen-based products can cause harm to health.
Their use is undesirable:
- persons with individual intolerance to the product;
- women during pregnancy;
- nursing mothers;
- people suffering from constipation.
The use of preparations from aspen bark can also have a negative effect in some respiratory diseases, for example, bronchitis and ARVI. To avoid the harmful effects of such medications, you should always consult a specialist before using them.