Alcohol tincture of aspen bark application. Aspen bark - medicinal properties and uses

Not everyone knows that antibiotics known to everyone today, modern antirheumatic, analgesic and antipyretic drugs of synthetic origin are derivatives of the active substances of aspen. In this article, we will consider several issues: a description of the tree, the beneficial properties of aspen bark, its use in traditional and folk medicine, contraindications.

Tree Description

Aspen is a tree with a fairly high trunk up to 35 meters, while in diameter it reaches 1 meter.

This plant is distinguished by leaves of a rounded shape with rather large teeth along the very edge. Due to the flattened and long roots in the middle, the leaves of the plant begin to tremble with a slight breath of wind.

Aspen is a dioecious tree, due to which whole pieces of stands can be from females or males. At the same time, male flowers have earrings of red or pink color, and female flowers have green ones.

This is a fast growing breed, growing up to 20 meters in 40 years. But aspen does not differ in durability, it lives up to a maximum of 90 years (sometimes the age of the plant reaches 150 years).

There are various types of trees of this breed, which differ in the structure of the bark and color, the period of leaf blooming, as well as other features. Although in traditional medicine it is the common aspen that is used.

Places of growth

Aspen is rightfully considered one of the most important forest-forming species in our country. It grows in its European part, in the Far East and Siberia.

Collection and storage

Aspen bark is collected from the moment the sap flow begins - from April to the end of May. At the same time, it is collected from young trees, in which the bark thickness is 8 mm.

It is collected with a sharp knife, with which an incision is made around the trunk. Then, through a thirty-centimeter segment, a further incision is made, and through another segment of the same length, the next one. Then a vertical incision should be made on each tube, and then the bark should be removed. At the same time, it is undesirable to plan it from tree trunks (otherwise the wood will come off along with the bark, and this will reduce its medicinal qualities). The bark can be removed from the trunk of the plant, as well as from thin branches.

The bark is always dried under a canopy or using a stove or oven, pre-cut into small pieces 4 cm long (in the oven, the temperature should not exceed 60 degrees). If the raw materials are dried in a room, it should be properly ventilated.

Aspen in traditional medicine

Buds, bark, shoots and leaves of aspen are very common medicines that have proven themselves in the treatment of various diseases, including opisthorchiasis and helminthiasis.

The healing properties of aspen bark are used for diseases of the bladder (it is especially useful for the elderly, as it does not have any side effects and is well tolerated by the body), for cystitis, gastrointestinal diseases, urinary incontinence, rheumatism, prostatitis, hemorrhoids and gout. Aspen preparations are used externally for difficult-to-heal wounds, burns and ulcers.

In addition, traditional medicine uses aspen everywhere as a remedy that increases appetite, eliminates pain, relieves fever.

bark benefits

Aspen bark, the medicinal properties of which are detailed in this article, contains a huge amount of carbohydrates and tannins, due to which this plant is used as a good antimicrobial agent.

In a tree, the core has an anti-inflammatory effect, therefore, it is used in the manufacture of effective and complex ointments that accelerate the healing process of burns, ulcers and wounds and relieve inflammation.

Aspen leaves and buds are used in the manufacture of medicinal antitussives that thin sputum, thereby accelerating its removal from the bronchi, in addition, facilitating coughing.

It deserves special attention that for many centuries people have been using aspen buds to produce propolis, which is actively used in the treatment of various diseases. Propolis is also used in cosmetology: for example, creams with it have a rejuvenating, moisturizing and soothing effect.

Leaves

Freshly ground aspen leaves are used as compresses and poultices for gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids. To do this, a couple of spoons of raw materials are steamed, wrapped in gauze, and then applied to diseased areas of the body. Such poultices will also relieve the course of arthrosis and arthritis by reducing or eliminating joint pain.

The leaves of the plant accelerate the healing of wounds, ulcers and weeping eczema.

Bark

Aspen bark (its medicinal properties are described in this article) has found application in the treatment of such pathologies:

hernia;
scurvy;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
feverish conditions;
prostatic hypertrophy;
sciatica;
neuralgia;
syphilis;
bladder disease;
radiculitis.

45 g of raw materials must be boiled in 0.5 liters of water, while evaporating to ½ of the original volume. Then the broth is filtered, then granulated sugar or honey is added to it for taste. A decoction of 80 ml is used, three times a day.

Pounded aspen buds, mixed with vegetable or butter, are used in the form of an ointment for healing bruises and wounds, in addition, for inflammation in all kinds of skin diseases.

aspen buds

An infusion of the kidneys is also used as an effective external agent that can soften hemorrhoids, in addition, relieve pain in gout and arthritis.

branches

The medicinal properties of aspen bark and its leaves are manifested in an alcoholic tincture used in the form of drops for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, painful urination, diseases of the bladder in the chronic and acute stages, hemorrhoids.

Root

Aspen root, ground into a fine powder and mixed with butter or vaseline in a ratio of 1: 4, is used for rubbing joints with arthritis, gout, rheumatism.

Juice

The healing properties of aspen bark can heal lichen and get rid of warts. To extract the juice, it is necessary to take a log of this tree, which warms up a little in the oven or in the fire (it is during heating that the aspen gives a little foamy juice, warts are smeared with it before going to bed). Hands should be washed in the morning. This procedure is repeated for 2-3 consecutive nights.

Treatment of diseases

The healing properties of aspen bark allow you to heal from the following list of diseases:

The healing properties of aspen bark make it possible to cure dysentery, gastritis, hemorrhoids and cystitis. The tincture is prepared from proportions of 1:10 (ten parts of alcohol are taken for 1 part of the medicinal raw material, the raw material is infused in it for 4 days, after which it is filtered). This infusion is taken three times a day for a teaspoon.

Decoction

With gout, arthritis, inflammation of the bladder, hemorrhoids, painful or involuntary urination, the healing properties of aspen bark can also come in handy.

A decoction of the bark of the plant is also prescribed for diarrhea, dyspepsia and gastritis. In addition, it can normalize the functioning of the digestive tract and improve appetite. The decoction should be used in the treatment of malaria and fever.

A spoonful of dry raw materials should be poured with a glass of water and put on fire. The resulting product is boiled for 10 minutes, after which it is infused for another 20 minutes. The broth is then filtered and completely drunk for 3 uses.

Infusion

This form of aspen preparations is used for prostate enlargement and fever as an antipyretic. In addition, decoctions and infusions from the plant are indicated as an external or internal remedy for the diseases listed above.

Extract

The benefits of aspen bark, prepared in the form of an extract, are manifested by the following spectrum of action:

with allergies, immunodeficiencies, anemia of various origins, normalizes the process of hematopoiesis;
improves immunity;
strengthens the nervous system;
normalizes sleep.

The oncoprotective effect of the extract was also revealed. The pharmaceutical preparation is taken three times a day, 10 drops.

How to brew bark?

The bark can be infused or brewed, while you can use the pharmacy version of the product, or you can prepare it yourself. In this case, the pharmacy version is brewed like tea for several minutes.

Reception

Drugs are used that contain aspen bark, mainly on an empty stomach. The regimen and dosage depend on the disease, as well as its severity. In this case, to determine the dosage, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will select the best option for you.

Contraindications

Is aspen bark shown to everyone? Medicinal properties, contraindications, this remedy has a variety of. We have already dealt with the first point, it's time to talk about the second. Plant preparations are very easily tolerated, although it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the duration of the course of treatment and dosage before using them.

When taking preparations from aspen bark, it must be remembered that infusions and decoctions from the kidneys have a pronounced astringent effect, therefore, it is undesirable to use them for chronic intestinal diseases accompanied by constipation. In addition, aspen is taken with caution in case of dysbacteriosis.

Aspen bark: medicinal properties, reviews

According to reviews, it becomes clear that aspen bark is an excellent remedy for a wide variety of diseases. So, people suffering from kidney diseases say that after a course of using a decoction of this plant, they feel much better, their kidney function is restored. Others note that bark preparations help normalize digestion and cope with gastrointestinal diseases.

Common aspen Belongs to the Willow family, the Poplar genus. An adult tree reaches a height of 35 meters, and under favorable conditions, its life expectancy reaches from 90 to 150 years.

Aspen grows in temperate and cold climatic zones, closer to wetlands, along river banks, in clearings. The bark of a tree in the spring, during sap flow, has the most healing properties.

It is necessary to collect raw materials in places remote from highways and industrial facilities. The bark is dried, crushed and used as a material for the manufacture of medicinal decoctions (tinctures) and medicines.

Harm

Aspen bark: contraindications

Aspen bark contraindications are associated with astringent tannin components and biologically active components.

With a tendency to constipation
During pregnancy and lactation
With dysbacteriosis, gastric pathologies
If there is an individual intolerance to the components of the bark

In other cases, aspen bark contraindications have not been identified.

Many are repelled by the unpleasant taste of decoctions from aspen bark - they have pronounced bitterness and an astringent aftertaste. In case of an overdose, gastric disorders, nausea, vomiting are possible.

Benefit

Medicinal properties of aspen bark

Due to the extensive chemical composition, the rich healing properties of aspen bark have been revealed.

The raw material contains salicyl - an analogue of aspirin in natural form. This component provides anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect.

Also, preparations based on aspen bark are famous for their antimicrobial, anthelmintic and antitussive actions.

The healing properties of aspen bark are due to the inclusion of useful components, the harm of which to the body is absolutely excluded:

organic acids- are involved in all vital processes of the body systems. Cleanse from carcinogens, toxic substances, normalize metabolism.

Glycosides - the source of these beneficial substances is an exclusively natural environment, there are no synthetic analogues. They have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, have calming, diuretic and disinfectant properties.

Fatty acids - strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have a positive effect on blood circulation, hematopoiesis, and prevent the occurrence of strokes.

Tannins- eliminate digestive diseases, heal burns, improve blood quality.

Vitamin C - normalizes the course of regenerative and oxidative processes in the body, removes toxins, maintains normal blood coagulation.

Carotene - reduces the risk of oncological pathologies, supports the skeletal system, visual functions, improves immunity.

Preparations based on aspen bark are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, tuberculosis, inflammation of the urinary tract, bronchial asthma. The healing properties of aspen bark are effective in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and digestive organs, with tonsillitis, and dental disorders.

Decoctions based on this raw material prevent the occurrence of genitourinary diseases, relieve prostatitis, prostate adenoma, increase sexual desire and potency.

Aspen bark tincture

The recipe for a general strengthening tincture from aspen bark is useful for those who intend to increase immunity, get rid of rheumatism, arthrosis, joint pain, and prostatitis.

To prepare alcohol tincture you will need:

200 g dry aspen bark
500 ml of pure vodka

The crushed raw materials are placed in a glass container (preferably dark), poured with vodka and kept in a dark cabinet (basement) for 2 weeks. Periodically, the mixture needs to be shaken. Take 20-25 drops three times before meals, diluting the tincture with 1 tablespoon of water.

How to brew aspen bark

If the contraindications of aspen bark do not concern you, and you do not want to take alcohol tincture, you can prepare a decoction from raw materials.

There is a universal recipe for a decoction for internal use:

A tablespoon of dry aspen bark is poured into 1 glass of purified cold water
The mixture is brought to a boil and boiled at minimum power for 3-4 minutes.
The broth is infused for an hour
The resulting mixture is filtered
Consume 1/2 cup before meals, preferably 3 times a day

The frequency and duration of treatment is prescribed individually.

How to drink aspen bark

Depending on the form of the disease, tinctures or decoctions of aspen bark are used in different concentrations. The benefits and harms of aspen bark preparations should be carefully studied, especially when first used.

Basically, preparations based on aspen bark are used in the treatment of the following diseases:

Diabetes: infused water decoction is taken 3 tablespoons 45 minutes-1 hour before meals. The full course of treatment is 2 months with a 30-day break.

Fever, inflammation, bronchitis, tonsillitis: a decoction of aspen bark is taken in a tablespoon before meals.

Prostatitis: saturated alcohol tincture in the amount of 1 teaspoon is taken 3 times a day.

Gastritis: cooled broth is taken in a tablespoon during the day.

Tuberculosis: a decoction of aspen bark is infused in a thermos, divided into 2 parts and drunk the first portion in the morning, the second at night.

There are many legends about this tree, there are interesting rumors, there are mysterious myths. They say that Judas Iscariot hanged himself on it, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ was made from it, with the help of it, people in ancient times drove away evil spirits and made a stake out of it, with which they killed vampires. All this is nothing more than beliefs and "traditions of ancient times." True facts testify that aspen has long been valued by the people for its medicinal abilities. Decoctions from the buds of this tree, infusions of leaves - everything is still used in herbal medicine to heal all kinds of ailments. However, aspen bark is considered the most valuable: its medicinal properties are due to its chemical composition, rich in useful substances. Modern medicine has revived folk remedies based on it and uses it in the treatment of many diseases.

The use of aspen bark in medicine

Aspen bark is incredibly beneficial for human health: its use as a medicine is a consequence of its unique chemical composition. It contains a lot of carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose, fructose), aromatic acids, tannins, phenol glycosides, higher fatty acids (capric, lauric, arachidic, behenic), bitter glycosides (salicin, populin). Recent studies have revealed that it contains a substance that is a natural and safer substitute for aspirin. The properties of these biologically active substances make it possible to widely use aspen bark in medicine. She is:

In addition to all this, the medicinal properties of aspen bark are used in pharmacology: based on it, preparations are produced that perfectly help with a variety of skin diseases: boils, burns, eczema.

Contraindications for the use of aspen bark

Aspen bark has contraindications, as it contains biologically active components that are quite powerful in their action. The astringent action of tannins is especially dangerous. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before treatment and, if necessary, undergo an appropriate examination. There are few contraindications, but if they are violated, the consequences and side effects will be very harmful to health:

constipation will worsen;
with individual intolerance, allergies and gastric disorders can begin.

The last contraindication is quite rare, but, nevertheless, treatment with aspen bark should be started very carefully, with the most minimal dosages.

Recipes of folk remedies

Aspen bark has been used in folk medicine for a long time, and as a result, there is no shortage of recipes. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the indicated dosages. It is also desirable to observe the schedule of taking medications very clearly.

1. Soothing decoction + against diabetes + for the treatment of joints

Pour a glass of crushed bark with three glasses of boiling water, put on medium heat for half an hour, wrap, leave for six hours. Take orally 30 minutes before meals three times a day, three tablespoons. You can drink for two months in a row every day, but after that, be sure to take a break for at least a month, and then repeat the course.

2. Cream for the treatment of skin diseases

In a mixture of dry crushed leaves and aspen buds (taken one tablespoon each), add three tablespoons of chopped bark. Pour everything with a glass of boiling water, insist, cool. Without filtering, mix with regular baby cream to a mushy consistency and apply on the affected area for half an hour. Do twice a day.

2. Decoction against prostatitis

Pour fresh, chopped bark of young aspen in the amount of one glass with two glasses of boiling water, keep on fire for no more than 10 minutes. Remove, strain, drink three times a day.

3. General strengthening tincture

Grind dry bark, pour (200 g) into a glass jar, pour vodka (500 ml). Close tightly, put in a dark place for at least two weeks. 20 drops of the resulting medicine are mixed with a tablespoon of water and consumed three times a day before meals. Mandatory condition: regular reception hours. The course of treatment is at least three months. As a result of such treatment, immunity is strengthened, off-season diseases recede, and mood improves. For women, this tincture will be especially useful, as it starts the processes of renewal and rejuvenation in the body. This has a positive effect on appearance: the condition of the skin, hair, nails improves, the menstrual cycle normalizes.

4. Cosmetics

A decoction and infusion of aspen bark can be used for daily washing of problem skin with inflammatory rashes in the form of acne and blackheads. Great for helping teenagers survive the hormonal surge during puberty and avoid skin problems. The same products can be used as the basis for the preparation of masks for hair and facial skin (instead of water). When rinsing the head after washing, you can also use a decoction that will make the hair shiny and stronger. Aspen bark alcohol tincture is best used for oily skin care as a lotion (wipe the face twice a day).

Home treatment with aspen bark is an effective remedy for many diseases and pathological conditions. If there is an opportunity to stock up on this medicinal raw material (buy, assemble it yourself), you must definitely take advantage of this unique chance bestowed by nature itself to rejuvenate and improve the human body.

Liked the article? Share with your friends by clicking on your social network icon.

Tree Description

The common aspen belongs to the genus Poplar. This is a species of deciduous trees, the natural habitat of which is the latitudes of the temperate and cold climates of Europe and Asia. It is also found in America, but very rarely.

Did you know? Aspen is even mentioned in the Bible, which is why the plant was called the "tree of Judas."

The description of the aspen is not much different from the characteristics many large European trees. It is very tall, has sprawling knotty branches, a lush and dense green crown, huge roots that go deep into the ability to survive any wind, flood or forest fire. It is also often found in the landscape gardening area, and the phrase "poplar fluff" evokes in many a feeling of romance, spring and warmth. In the forest, aspen bark always has some damage, this is due to the fact that hares and other forest animals love it very much. Poplar wood is perfectly preserved in the aquatic environment, so earlier baths and wells were often made from this plant.

Biological characteristic

From a biological point of view, this is diversified plant. Its columnar trunk reaches 1 meter in diameter, and the height of the tree can reach up to 35 meters. Scientists say that poplar grows very quickly, so it is beneficial to use it for landscaping large areas. Aspen can live up to 120 years. The roots tend to grow strongly and actively form offspring, respectively, the reproduction of the tree occurs quite quickly. The bark is gray-green in color and is usually smooth and hard. The wood itself has a light shade.

The foliage is alternately arranged on the branches. The sheets themselves are large, reaching a length of 7 centimeters. Depending on the variety, they can be round or rhombic in shape. In autumn, the foliage takes on a golden-red hue, so the look of the poplar at this time is especially beautiful.

Aspen flowers stand out very strongly for their shape - they collected in earrings. In the male plant they are reddish, and in the female they are greenish. Poplar blossoms before the leaves bloom, somewhere in the middle of April, and bears fruit. The last incredibly small boxes with seeds, and from the seeds comes such a legendary fluff.

Chemical composition

The tree is very famous, so chemical science has not deprived him of attention. The study showed that The composition of poplar is not poor in rare substances. Aspen bark contains tannins, glycosides, pectin, sterols, legnans, iron, zinc, potassium, cobalt, molybdenum, salicin, semilin, malic and ascorbic acids and other useful elements.

Carbohydrates of different groups, B-carotene, anthocyanins, glycosides, tannins, ascorbic acid were found in poplar leaves. The tree has an unusual juice composition: vitamins of different groups, carbohydrates and glucose.

Poplar buds contain various enzymatic substances, essential oils (valuable for cosmetology), resins, wax and triglycerides.

Main medicinal properties

Due to the rich composition of aspen, it It also has many medicinal properties. So, for example, a tree is a good antiseptic. Our ancestors claimed that its foliage can be applied to the wound, like plantain, and the effect of this will not be worse. It's no secret that with the help of aspen healing abilities, you can remove the inflammatory process, lower body temperature, and stop heavy bleeding. Poplar can relieve pain in chronic padagra, relieve swelling and speed up the elimination of harmful substances for the body. It is said that the aspen is a male tree. They believe that she gives the stronger sex male strength and energy, prolongs life.

In the old days, and even now in the villages, people of the “old school” when pickling cabbage put aspen rods or logs in a barrel in order to destroy harmful microbes and enrich the product with additional minerals. Experienced housewives say that this way the food is even tastier.

Did you know? Poplar gave humanity the world's first aspirin.

Collections of buds and aspen leaves are especially effective. It has been scientifically proven that they are good for diabetes, pneumonia, tuberculosis, acute viral infections, problems with bile secretion, and worms.

Healing properties of the bark

The bark of this tree find for medicine. It has a lot of benefits, but in some cases it can also have some harm. Aspen bark in the form of a tincture is used for dental diseases as a rinse, helping to relieve inflammation of the gums and get rid of excruciating pain. If you have problems associated with increased anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, then you can try to prepare a decoction. It will also help normalize blood sugar levels. A unique effect will give an ointment or balm from poplar bark. It is used for skin diseases: herpes, dermatitis, acne, eczema.

Despite the impressive list of what aspen bark helps with, it can also adversely affect your health. This specific ingredient of medicines, as a result of its use with some incompatible substances, can cause poisoning, allergies and even suffocation. That is why a doctor's consultation is required before using any traditional medicine recipes.

Important! To avoid the negative consequences of using poplar bark, it is necessary to abandon spicy, spicy foods, as well as animal products.

Experts say that you can drink decoctions or tinctures from aspen bark for no more than 3 weeks, otherwise you risk disrupting normal metabolism, causing gastritis or ulcers, since such drugs contain a lot of acids.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, there are thousands of recipes using the respected aspen tree. Let's consider the main ones.

Decoction recipes

The easiest medicine to prepare is a decoction based on aspen bark. This is a very popular remedy, especially since the use of an unwritten ingredient helps to reveal it as much as possible. beneficial features:

Infusion from the bark

Infusion from the bark on water will help from adenoma. Take fresh poplar bark and fill it with cold water in a glass bowl, in a ratio of 1:3. Let stand 12 hours. Take early in the morning 30 minutes before meals, 150 grams per day.

Kvass- everyone's favorite drink, and from aspen is also healing - it helps to cure diabetes. The recipe is as follows: a 3-liter jar is half filled with fine poplar bark, covered with 1 glass of sugar, 1 teaspoon of fresh sour cream (preferably homemade) is added. The container is placed in a warm place and allowed to ferment for 2 weeks. You can drink kvass in large quantities - 3 glasses a day. The recipe is also good because for 3 months, pouring a glass of kvass from a jar, you can add the same amount of water with 1 teaspoon of sugar there, after a couple of hours the taste will be the same. Thus, a fairly large amount of drink is obtained, which is enough for the whole family.

Alcohol tinctures

Alcohol tincture from the bark of poplar has been treating arthritis and arthrosis for several centuries. Adults still treat colds with it, and also use it as an antiseptic. To make it, fill the chopped bark with vodka in a one-to-one ratio. The finished mixture needs to stand in a cold dark place for a week or two. You need to drink it strictly according to the recipe: 20 grams 3 times a day. In this form, aspen bark has incredibly healing properties. True, there are contraindications for people who have been diagnosed with alcohol intolerance.

Recipe against worms

Did you know? Today, on the basis of aspen bark, they launched the industrial production of anthelmintic drugs.

It is quite possible to prepare a cure for worms at home. To do this, take 50 grams of powder from the bark, fill it with 0.5 liters of water, boil on fire for 15 minutes, let it cool and stand for 3-5 hours. Take a decoction for 2-3 weeks, one sip 5 times a day. You can repeat the course of treatment in a month.

Infusions from aspen buds

Infusions from aspen buds are a miracle cure for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. 30 grams of the product is poured into 0.5 liters of hot water, allowed to stand for a day. Consume 3 times a day, before meals, one tablespoon. The course of treatment does not exceed three weeks.

Aspen bark is a remedy for many ailments, but few people know about it, right? The tree is inconspicuous, but it brings a lot of good. What is surprising about aspen bark, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are not disputed by official medicine?

What does an aspen tree look like?

Aspen has long been noticed by our ancestors as a special tree. She is both revered and disliked, associated with otherworldly power. In some parts of the country, it is believed that its wood is special, has the power to drive away evil spirits. Therefore, they take an aspen stake for the best remedy for witches, stick aspen twigs into the fence so that the evil spirit does not get into the yard, and on the roofs of old churches you can find aspen "tiles". And in some places they curse the aspen, considering it a Judas tree and not loving it because, according to legend, it betrayed the Mother of God, who had taken refuge from the chase, with her rustle. They believe that if an aspen log is laid in a log house at home, then the whole family will become ill.

Meanwhile, aspen on an industrial scale proved to be very worthy: its wood is suitable for the manufacture of plywood, paper and matches, and as a fuel, firewood is inexpensive, burns well and has the ability to clean chimneys. In construction, however, it is of little use, since wood is susceptible to disease. Foresters know that aspen saves animals from starvation: young shoots and bark are fed to elks, hares and small rodents.

It is not difficult to recognize aspen among other trees. Its trunk is greenish, like that of a young poplar, but thinner and slenderer. Aspen can go up with a crown of more than 30 meters. Its leaves are rounded, constantly, even in calm weather, rustle. And in autumn they delight the eye with the most juicy bright colors - from gold to crimson.

Aspen can hardly be called a long-liver, on average, a tree lives for 80 years.

Places of growth

Where only you will not meet aspen! In Russia, it is distributed almost everywhere: in the forest-tundra zone, and in the forest-steppes, and on the edges, in pure aspen forests and as part of a mixed forest, on moist soils along the banks of reservoirs, in the swamp zone, in parks. Aspen is actively used for urban plantings: in autumn, variegated foliage gives the streets and squares an unusually bright look. Aspen is also loved by beekeepers, so aspen forests can be found near apiaries. In spring, bees collect nectar from the aspen blossom, and when the buds open, they also collect viscous glue, which goes to the production of propolis.

Procurement and storage

Aspen bark is not difficult to harvest. The main thing is to do it right, without destroying healthy trees. Spring is the best time to harvest aspen bark. At this time of the year, sap flow begins in the tree, and all the benefits are maximized.

Young trees or thick branches of older plants are chosen for harvesting. Suitable and the raw material, which is removed from the aspens, scheduled for felling.

The best bark is no more than half a centimeter thick. It is cut in small patches from strong and strong, capable of recovery, trees. Then it is cut into small pieces and dried in places where it is dry, warm, and there is a possibility of ventilation. You can grind raw materials into powder or leave chips. Ready, it is suitable under proper storage conditions for up to 3 years.

If the collection is not in season, but aspen bark is urgently needed, it is also possible to buy it at the pharmacy. Raw materials are sold packaged and completely ready for use at home. Another convenient form of drug release is aspen bark extract, in terms of pharmacological properties it is practically not inferior to unprocessed bark.

Aspen bark: chemical composition

What is special about aspen bark, for which it is valued not only by forest dwellers, but also by people?

In addition, there are many higher fatty acids in aspen bark. Among them:

arachidic saturated;
dean's;
lauric, etc.

Aspen bark: useful properties

There are many useful properties of aspen raw materials. They have been used since ancient times. Thanks to the active components, the bark exhibits therapeutic effects:

In addition, the bark helps to strengthen the immune system, improve the function of internal organs, nourish the body with valuable vitamins and minerals.

What does aspen bark treat?

The animal in the forest, of course, does not think about what the aspen bark helps from: it’s just that instinct drives them to the gray-green tree trunk in winter, when the lack of food is especially noticeable. Bitter pasture allows not only to get enough, but also to restore strength, to survive the cold winter. Here, it is not a sin for us, people, to learn from animals, and to start a “forest first-aid kit” at home. In what cases can bark be treated?

Aspen bark for prostate adenoma

How many men know that aspen bark and prostate are a wonderful duet. To restore the health of the genitourinary system is to prolong youth and remain sexually active for many years. Prostate adenoma is a very insidious disease for men, especially after 40-50 years. It develops gradually, for a long time remaining unnoticed or disguised as other ailments. What awaits a man who does not pay attention to the disease and its symptoms? At first, problems with urination are felt, then urolithiasis may begin against this background. Squeezing in the rectum provokes the development of hemorrhoids. Sexual function also deteriorates, gradually leading to impotence. And all because a benign formation begins to grow in the prostate, usually a tiny nodule at first. With a certain predisposition, prostate cancer can develop.

How can aspen bark help against prostatitis? The recipe for therapeutic treatment is based on the diuretic and antimicrobial properties of aspen bark. For treatment, it is required to prepare a decoction: the crushed raw materials are steamed with boiling water (the proportion is 1 tablespoon per half liter of water) and kept in a water bath for about half an hour. Every day for 2-4 weeks, the decoction is taken half a cup three times a day. Of course, it is impossible to expect a visible result from the infusion alone. You can't do without expert advice! However, infusion of aspen bark in prostate adenoma gives a good supportive therapeutic effect.

Aspen bark for type 2 diabetes

For those who are faced with diabetes, it will not be superfluous to know how aspen bark is useful. Thanks to this tool, you can lower blood sugar levels, correct the work of the endocrine system, and normalize metabolism. Before use, you should consult your doctor!

How to brew aspen bark

Properly prepared water tincture is already half the success of the treatment. By all rules, it is done like this:

take aspen bark dry, crushed or fresh;
if necessary - wash (for fresh bark);
put in a thermos;
pour boiling water;
the proportions of water and raw materials withstand the following: for each glass of liquid - a tablespoon of dry bark or 2 tablespoons - fresh;
insist night.

You can make the infusion in another way. Pour boiling water over the bark: a glass of water - a tablespoon of dried raw materials. Put the container on low heat and hold for 15 minutes. Then let it brew under the lid for a couple of hours. Before use, the decoction should be filtered through a sieve or gauze.

Another effective recipe where aspen bark is used is vodka tincture. With this variant of the preparation of the drug, aspen retains its valuable active substances to the maximum, since they are not destroyed by thermal exposure, and alcohol draws them well into itself. Dry bark is poured with vodka (for half a liter of alcohol base - 2 tablespoons of raw materials). Cork the bottle and insist away from direct sunlight for 2 weeks, shaking the bottle from time to time. After a couple of weeks, the tincture is ready. It can be used both internally and externally.

How to drink aspen bark

In diseases of the joints, treatment is required longer. The infusion is taken up to six months, it is allowed in courses with short breaks.

To strengthen the immune system, it is good to take alcohol aspen tincture. It is enough to drink a tablespoon of the remedy daily. And with a cold, you can add tincture to tea.

Contraindications and possible harm

No matter how useful aspen bark may seem, not everyone is shown to use it. The ban on ingestion of alcohol and water tinctures applies to pregnant women, it is also relevant for women who are breastfeeding. In addition, aspen bark is not recommended:

with a tendency to constipation and hemorrhoids;
children under 7 years old;
in case of individual intolerance to raw materials and a tendency to allergic reactions to its active components.

Excessive consumption of infusion can cause constipation, as the bark contains a lot of tannins. Symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting are also possible.

Aspen bark: reviews, who cured what

On the Internet, you can find a lot of positive reviews about the properties of aspen bark. So, for example, netizens note that thanks to the tool they were able to:

However, before using any, even seemingly harmless, herbal remedy for medicinal purposes, you should always consult with a specialist. Aspen bark, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which can be manifested individually, is a good dietary supplement in addition to traditional treatment, a great way to strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with valuable vitamins and microelements.