Birch Sap Cure: Benefits And Contraindications
Birch sap is one of the most popular natural remedies for a cure at the change of season. If you want to detoxify your body as spring approaches, we will explain how to take this detox drink with multiple virtues. We propose to review the benefits and contraindications of this product in 5 questions.
1- How is birch sap harvested?
The birch sap, sometimes called birch water, is the natural sap collected directly from the trunk of the tree. Two tree species are involved: white birch (Betula pubescens) and hanging birch (Betula pendula).
Harvesting takes place at the end of winter when the birch trees begin to sap. This is the time of year when sap is most abundant but also most nutritious.
This is an artisanal process that does not harm the health of the tree and is very similar to the sap extraction process for making maple syrup on Acer saccharum maples.
After harvesting, this product is marketed as fresh birch sap (to be stored in the refrigerator) or as stabilized sap (with the addition of some additives such as a little alcohol and lemon juice for better preservation of the drink).
You can find this product in organic stores, in herbalist shops and in some farms. Choose organic sap harvested in France.
2- What are the benefits of birch sap?
Birch sap is an opalescent and slightly sweet liquid that is widely used for a spring detox.
It is indeed believed to have depurative, diuretic, remineralizing and revitalizing properties. This beverage of plant origin would help the body to eliminate toxins accumulated during the winter while providing a concentrate of minerals and trace elements.
This sap is composed of more than 95% water. Depending on the geographical area of harvest, it contains between 1% and 3% sugars (glucose and fructose) as well as minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus) and trace elements such as iron, copper, selenium, manganese and zinc.
Contrary to what we sometimes hear, this cure will not necessarily make you lose weight but it can help you drain your liver and kidneys to 'reset the meters' at the beginning of spring.
3- How to take birch sap?
It is very easy to make a spring detox with birch sap.
Just take a glass (that is, about 15 to 20 cl) of this drink in the morning when you get up for 15 days.
To optimize the benefits of this depurative drink, always take it on an empty stomach and wait about 15 minutes before having breakfast.
4- What are the side effects of birch sap?
In rare cases, birch sap can cause side effects. These side effects are mainly digestive disorders such as nausea, stomach ache and diarrhea.
In the absence of studies proving the safety of this product on babies, this beverage is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.
In addition, for those allergic to birch pollen, the sap may cause allergic rash, hives or rhinitis.
5- What are the contraindications of birch sap?
Although it is a natural product, this drink is not without health risks.
Birch sap is counter-indicated for some people, including:
- pregnant and nursing women
- children under the age of 12
- People who are allergic to birch and salicylate derivatives (i.e., aspirin and its derivatives)
- people with kidney disease
- people who are undergoing treatment whose effects may be affected by an increase in diuresis (elimination through the kidneys).
If you are undergoing heavy treatment such as chemotherapy, for example, always seek medical advice before taking a cure of this type.
