Birch tree water, a Divine nectar.

I must say it, this year has been fuller of great discoveries than all my other years put together. I consider myself lucky for smallest of things I come to know and share. But birch water, I believe, has nothing to do with the word " small" and I hope after reading this post you will agree with me !

Birch water it is. 
In the past I wrote about birch but used in gemmotherapy. It was and is one of my loyal friends on the path for the last few good years. 

Since late last year my doctor (and good friend ) was telling me to wait for the spring and she will give me birch sap / birch juice. I was in the dark all this time and wasn't somehow interested in finding out what it really looks like or its benefits. So spring came and birch sap was given to a not knowledgeable me. 

Now let me explain how sap comes to life. Its basically tapped from birch trees in spring. A small hole is done in the tree and then its fantastic nectar collected. But, so I hear, the tree must be respected and not more that 1 l collected from one tree at a time. Sadly I read this is not really the norm and trees are being dried up to 5 l at a time. 
Sad.

Fresh birch water is sweet, thin syrupy watery liquid; what I received was a bit sour as it had some time since its collection but not to worry  it keeps well for 6 months in the fridge and can be used.

Birch tree, also named the tree of life originates in Siberia but grows also in hills and plain areas. Birch water/ birch sap/ birch juice is one of the best things you can drink.

The birch water has restorative and detoxifying properties.The traditional virtues of birch and its efficient removal of toxic substances from the liver and kidneys have been known and appreciated for ages. There are very few phytotherapeutic ingredients that are capable of targeting the body's two major cleansing and purification systems at the same time. And birch water is one of those few.

Birch juice has natural carbohydrates, organic acids, fruit acids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, sodium, iron, copper, vitamins of B group, vitamin C etc. 





What diseases can birch water cure? 

"All  of them ! "  was the answer of Napoleon Bonaparte's doctor after the campaign in Russia where he had the opportunity to observe the benefits of birch water as it was being used by the Russian peasants.


I will list below some of the uses and benefits of birch sap :

• neuroblastoma, neurosarcom. The betulinic acid ** is the main active ingredient in birch water and has a cytotoxic effect in malignant cells of the tumor formation of the nervous system. Treatment : 250 - 500 ml a day, 3-6 weeks.

• nervous breakdown, impaired memory and concentration, fatigue. A cure of three weeks, half a liter a day, with extraordinary regenerative effects on the nervous system.

• melanoma. Researchers at Medical University of Illinois concluded that some types of tumor cells triggers a process of self-destruction under the influence of birch sap. When taken internally it slows the growth of melanoma but also of other types of tumor cells. Sap treatment is 3 to 6 weeks as it may be purchased fresh. Drink 0.5 - 1 l a day.

• cancerous disease in general - there are several studies that highlight the anti-tumor effects of birch sap and in particular of its bark.  (again betulinic acid ). There have been positive results in ovarian cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Treatment is 0,5 l to 1 l per day in adults or as a replacement of sap, birch bark decoction  ( 0,5 to 1 l in adults per day). This treatment can be followed in combination with other therapies, natural or allopathic as there is no incompatibility between the two. 

• rheumatism - birch sap can be administered less than one liter per day for three weeks to treat successfully joint pain. 

• kidney stones. Cures of 20 days, first day 0.5 l and slowly increasing, reaching 1 l on the 5th day, this quantity that will be drank for 10 days, after which the amount will be gradually decreased by 100 ml each day, reaching  0.5 l of sap again on the 20th day. This treatment is used by the French doctors to dissolve and eliminate kidney stones.

• urinary tract infections. Birch contains active ingredients with a  strong diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect thus making it a good remedy in treating and preventing urinary tract infections. Drink sap, one liter per day, 14-21 days. 

• eliminates cellulite
• helps maintaining kidney and liver health, highly effective detoxifying agent.

• eliminates toxins that only liver can process : alcohol, saturated fats, food coloring,additives, pesticides, remnants of industrially- processed foods, over-cooked fat and preservatives.

• waste only kidneys can eliminate : excess salt, uric acid, phosphates, certain medicine, urea and ammonia. 

• excellent with liver ulcer, headaches, bronchitis, cough, radiculitis, rheumatism.
• tonic action. 

• External - 

1. psoriasis - has  anti inflammatory effects. Compresses with birch sap are placed and held in place for an hour.
2. allergic eczema ( compresses, applied twice a day, each for 30 m).

I am on my third week of drinking birch water and I am beyond happy with this discovery. I must note I am drinking it only in the mornings, on empty stomach ( always to be taken on an empty stomach and at room temperature ) and I am only taking 100 to 200 ml a day. This was what I was advised to have by my doctor as I am taking it for gentle detox and its regenerative effects.

Birch sap should be used with caution by pregnant women and during lactation and less than 200 ml a day. Birch is not suitable for children with allergies. 

People that are allergic to aspirin should avoid taking birch. 

Because of the effect it has on the kidneys, birch should not be used by those in renal crisis nor by people with decompensated heart disease. 

Please take advice from your  (homeopathic*) doctor  before taking birch water.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

** Wikipedia

Betulinic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid which has antiretroviral, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a more recently discovered potential as an anticancer agent, by inhibition of topoisomerase.

Stinging nettle - Urtica Dioica, the herbal panacea

I know I've been away, life has a way with me...  it happens and gets me all busy and travelling. :D !!
But to my defense I've been thinking about what else I want to write here and I have so many things I want to share, I can't wait !
I have two "projects" regarding my health, one is a  water detox and the second is the homeopathic collagen & ubichinon injections for my skin ( my skin was badly affected by cortisone and I am trying to restore it's collagen levels ). I will be documenting both journeys and I'm hoping for interesting things to be learnt and experienced and of course... results !

But for today the topic on my mind is the stinging nettle. I used to love this plant but just cooked as a meal, it didn't even cross my mind to wonder about nettle as a whole plant and its healing properties.
Basically its been like a stranger to me and I didn't know much about its health benefits but now that I know I can't be silenced no more !

Few weeks back we had a holiday with my doctor and her family and whilst strolling in the forest we came across nettle and we decided to pick some for ourselves. I can't even begin to explain the stings I endured, better said, my fingers did and  for couple of days after, but it was well worth it and enjoyable...somehow ?!
Soo... we boiled them carefully and  I had one glass  every morning from the juice that resulted. And I must confess I was left impressed.

So this post is about this fantastic plant that deserves much more attention !

Nettle has been used for centuries to treat allergy symptoms, particularly hayfever as it contains biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation. Dr Andrew Wiel M.D. author, says he knows of nothing more effective than nettle for allergy relief.  In Europe is a common ingredient in many herbal drugs for rheumatic complaints and inflammatory conditions.

Stinging nettle is : an astringent, diuretic, tonic, pectoral, rubefacient, nutritive, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergenic, haemostatic, stimulant, decongestant, herpatic, febrifuge, anti-allergenic, kidney depurative/nephritic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic and anti-histaminic.

Nettle leaf is among the most valuable herbal remedies, because of its nutrients, its traditionally used as a spring tonic. It is a slow acting nutritive herb that gently cleanses the body of metabolic wastes.
Its one of the safest alternatives, especially in the treatment of chronic disorders that require long-term treatment.
Has a gentle, stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, enhancing the excretion of wastes through the kidneys.



Nettle is :

• wonderful blood builder and purifier
• excellent for anemia and fatigue, especially in women
• promoting the process of protein transamination in the liver
• beneficial during pregnancy due to rich mineral value and vitamin K
• beneficial during labor to ease pains and to increase milk production in lactating women
• recommended for premenstrual syndrome because of its toxin ridding activity. When liver is sluggish, it processes estrogen slowly, contributing to the high levels that cause or aggravate PMS.
• restorative remedy during menopause
• an astringent that helps with excessive menstrual flow 
• diuretic, increases the secretion and flow of urine. This makes it invaluable in cases of fluid retention and bladder infections.
• anti-lithic and nepridic, breaks down stones in the kidneys and gravel in the bladder
• similar to dandelion leaf, promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints with an alkalizing diuretic activity. In an open multi-clinical trial of 219 patients with arthritis, nettle leaf was compared to NSAID therapy, demonstrating a similar reduction in pan and immobility, with excellent tolerability.
• a styptic ( an arrestor if local bleeding ) effective remedy for nose bleeds, applied locally or sniffed.
• an astringent that proves useful in hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and bleeding in the urinary organs.
• good for treating mouth and throat infections
• useful to correct symptoms of gastrointestinal excess, such as gas, nausea and mucus colitis.
• used as an anodyne to relieve pain of burns and scalds.
• a helper to clear catarrhal congestion. The seeds are an excellent lung astringent, particularly useful for bronchitis and tuberculosis.
• recommended remedy for goiter and to reduce body weight.
• anthelmintic, expelling worms and other parasites. 
• fantastic as a rinse for the hair. This will regenerate hair growth and restore original hair color. Its widely used by the personal hair industry in anti-dandruff products and scalp conditioners. For example Clariol uses more than 40 tons of nettles a year as a hair conditioner.
• recommended for : allergies ( hay fever, seasonal allergies, asthma, hives)
• beneficial for neurological disorders - sciatica, neuralgia, MS
• lowering blood sugar
• beneficial for celiac disease
• recommended for loss of muscular power
• lessening nausea
• helping with osteoarthritis 

The leaf can be used as a diuretic, for arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and allergic rhinitis.

 The root is recommended as a diuretic, for prostate problems and natural remedy to treat or prevent baldness.

An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints.
Taken orally, products made from nettle's aerial parts may interfere with the body's production of prostaglandins and other inflammations-causing chemicals. Chemicals in nettle aerial parts are also thought to reduce the feeling of pain or interfere in the way that nerves end pain signals . All of these effects may reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis and other similar conditions.
A solution made from the plant may be applied to the skin to relieve joint pain and muscles aches.

Drinking nettle leaf tea or juice is the best way to use nettles. To make tea, combine 2 teaspoons dried leaf with 1 cup hot water and allow it to stay for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 cups three times a day. If in severe pain drink one cup every two hours until the symptoms are starting to lessen. 

To apply topically put 2, 3 fresh leaves ( auch ! ) on small joints such as fingers or 4-6 to larger joints, two to three times a day. Remove them a minute or two after application, once multiple stings have occurred. Fresh leaves can be reused as long as they keep stinging and don't rot.

I have been so impressed with nettle's benefits and how good I felt after drinking the nettle juice that I packed some nettle tea in my kitchen and soon will start a two week nettle tea competition with myself.
Some of you may know that for my lupus nephritis stage IV of 2010 I had six dosages of chemo. Since then I have tried to detox my body as often as I could, my liver needs it and my body still needs it so I am doing it as often as I can. I am not a vegetarian ( yet?! ) so I still love meat and that  means uric acid and waste that needs to be flushed often.

Of course whatever I am taking as natural remedies are not only for chemo, cortisone & imuran detox but to supply my body ( and spirit ) with love and care made by Mother Nature. It's one of my ways to learn self love, step by step. Taking care of the body, taking care of the Soul.




Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.


Facebook : Living with-Out Lupus