What helps aspen bark, useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, our ancestors have used the gifts of nature for medicinal purposes. Aspen stands out among the wide variety of medicinal plants. The benefits and harms of aspen bark is a topic that arouses the interest of both representatives of official medicine and supporters of traditional methods of treatment: after all, many unique properties are attributed to the tree.

What does aspen look like and where does it grow?

Aspen, also called the trembling poplar, belongs to the trees from the Poplar genus of the Willow family. This deciduous plant lives an average of 80 to 100 years and reaches 35 to 40 meters in height. The trunk diameter is 1 m.

Aspen has a powerful branched root system that goes deep into the soil, which allows the tree to grow in almost any soil, be it sands or swamps. Most often, it can be seen in the mixed forests of the temperate climatic zone. Aspen is common throughout Europe, as well as in Mongolia, China and the Korean Peninsula.

Aspen leaves have a characteristic shape of a rounded rhombus 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 at the sides and at the base, which is why the leaves sway even with a weak breath of wind. In spring, aspen foliage is colored in 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 more intense burgundy color, while women's earrings are greenish and short. At the end of the flowering period, small fruits are formed in the form of a seed box, trimmed with fluff.

The bark of a young tree is usually smooth, light gray-green in color. With age, it becomes darker, longitudinal grooves appear on it. Due to its chemical properties, aspen bark has found application in folk medicine as a broad-spectrum drug.

Aspen bark chemical composition

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. Its composition is rich in vitamins C, A and tannins.

However, the main healing properties of aspen bark are associated with salicin, which acts on a person like aspirin... In this regard, aspen-based drugs have a powerful counteraction to the harm of the common cold as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents. Bark is also actively used in cosmetology and herbal medicine.

Useful properties of aspen bark

The health benefits of aspen bark are not limited to antipyretic effects. In addition, tree bark has a number of other useful 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 supplement, the benefits of this substance are highly valued in folk medicine.

What diseases does aspen bark help against?

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 consulting a doctor. Otherwise, they can cause serious harm to health.

Why is aspen bark useful?

With its anti-inflammatory effect, the bark of this tree is an effective remedy for dry coughing attacks in diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. It is well recommended in the fight against the harm of infectious diseases of the digestive system due to its bactericidal properties.

Aspen bark successfully relieves pain and reduces inflammation in muscles and joints. It enhances the ability of tissues to regenerate, as a result of which wound healing is accelerated and the body's overall resistance to the harmful effects of the environment increases.

Preparations, which contain aspen raw materials, effectively cope with helminths, especially with opisthorchs - fluke worms 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 in 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 for painful periods to relieve cramps. Aspen is also used for weight loss as a biologically active food supplement. Since the bark of this plant improves metabolism and helps to eliminate harmful toxins and excess fluid, it successfully helps fight unwanted pounds.

For children

Aspen compositions can also be taken by children. The beneficial substances of the plant safely affect the growing body of the child, 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 a pediatrician and in the absence of allergic reactions in children to this plant material.

Traditional medicine recipes

Thanks to its medicinal properties, aspen bark has been a popular folk remedy for decades. It is used to prepare useful broths, infusions, ointments, alcoholic tinctures and even kvass.

So that medicines based on aspen bark do not cause any harm to the body, but only benefit, it is important to be able to properly collect raw materials. It is worth harvesting the bark in March - April, before flowering.Young trees with bark no thicker than 5 mm are suitable for harvesting. Carefully cut the bark so as not to harm the wood. It is best to cut the bark from the branches - this way the tree will recover faster.

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. Store dried aspen bark in a thick cloth bag for no longer than 3 years.

If the color and odor of the bark changes, it is worth throwing it away without delay. Such material cannot be used in the preparation of medicines, as it can harm the body.

Decoctions

Aspen decoction helps with colds and sore throats, relieves heat well. The benefits of a decoction of aspen bark are noted 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. pour dry crushed raw materials with 1 glass of cold water.
• Boil.
• Once the water boils, simmer for 3 minutes.
• Insist for 2 hours.
• Strain the broth.

Take the broth inside 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals for ¼ glass. 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 in the use of the medication.

Bark infusion

The benefits of aspen bark infusion are in many ways comparable to the benefits of a decoction - it is also used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. With its help, rinses are carried out to reduce inflammation of the oral cavity and toothaches. In addition, infusions are used in the complex treatment of diabetes mellitus, as they normalize blood sugar levels. To prepare the infusion, you must:

• Take 1 tbsp. l. aspen bark.
• Pour 1 cup boiling water over.
• Leave to brew for 2 hours.
• Strain before ingestion.

Drink the infusion in the same dosage as the decoction.

Alcohol tincture

Aspen bark tincture prepared with vodka is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is used in inhalation for migraines and dry cough attacks. The medicinal properties of aspen bark tincture are used in the fight against worms and inflammation of the joints.

Prepare the tincture as follows:

• One tablespoon of dry crushed bark is poured with 10 tbsp. l. vodka.
• Put in a warm place and let it brew for 1 - 2 weeks.
• Then filter.

Take the drug 3 times a day for 1 tsp. while eating.

Ointment

Ointments made from aspen bark are no less useful. They have antibacterial properties and promote tissue healing, so they are well suited for treating burns, wounds, boils and cracks. It effectively treats skin problems such as eczema, acne and dermatitis. It is rubbed in for pain in muscles and joints to relieve soreness.

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 petroleum jelly.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Leave the ointment in the refrigerator for 1 day 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. Ointment treatment continues until the damaged tissue is completely restored.

Aspen bark extract

Aspen bark is also used to prepare the extract. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to produce it at home, since an aspen bark extract is used for its preparation, which requires special equipment to extract.

The plant's wood extract can be purchased at the 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 tool 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 enhances human immune defenses, eliminates harmful toxins and infections, and normalizes bowel function. A healthy drink made from aspen bark is quite simple to prepare:

• A clean three-liter jar is filled up to half 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 warm for 10 to 15 days.

Drinking such kvass is recommended between meals for 2 - 3 glasses a day. After each use, add 1 glass of water and 1 tsp into the jar. Sahara. This amount of drink will be enough for 2 - 3 months.

Diabetes treatment

The beneficial properties of aspen bark have found application in the fight against diabetes mellitus, due to the presence in plant raw materials of substances that serve as a natural substitute for insulin. Diabetics are advised to drink a decoction from the bark of this tree along with professional medicines. It is especially effective in the early stages of the development 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.

Getting rid of parasites

Aspen bark has proven itself well as a medicine against worms. Tannins - the tannins present in the plant destroy the bodies of helminths and remove them from the body without harm to humans. Alcohol tinctures cope with parasites most successfully. They are often taken for opisthorchiasis and giardiasis.

However, the medicinal properties of aspen bark tincture will not benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver, since in this disease alcohol can be harmful. In this case, it is best to cleanse the body of worms with a decoction.

Fight against prostatitis

The positive effect of the medicinal properties of aspen bark was also recorded with such a common ailment among men as prostatitis. The active substances in the plant destroy harmful pathogenic bacteria and relieve swelling and inflammation, which helps to normalize the urinary system. This disease can be treated with equal success with any formulations based on aspen - both tinctures and decoctions help. Tree bark extract is very effective.

The use of aspen bark in cosmetology

A rich supply of organic acids and trace elements 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 the bark. Aspen compounds are also rubbed into the roots of the hair so that the head of hair delights with shine, and the scalp is healthy.

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of aspen bark make it a valuable ingredient in facial cleansing lotions. Regular washing with decoctions and infusions can get rid of acne and acne. Using ointments will help soften the skin and give it elasticity, eliminate inflammation and flaking.

Properties of aspen leaves, root and buds

The benefits of aspen for the human body lie not only in the bark. Other parts of this tree have medicinal properties. So, compresses and hot poultices are obtained from aspen leaves, helping against rheumatism, hemorrhoids and arthritis.

The buds and roots of aspen in a grated form are added to the ointment. They are also used to brew infusions that treat gastritis and liver disease.

Although aspen bark is the most demanded raw material, in recipes it can be replaced with any other wood components, since their properties are largely identical.

Aspen bark harm and side effects

Despite the undoubted benefits, in some cases, aspen-based products can be harmful 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 on some respiratory diseases, for example, bronchitis and SARS. To exclude the harmful effects of such drugs, you should definitely consult with a specialist before using them.

Conclusion

Research into the question of what the benefits and harms of aspen bark are manifested in have cemented the plant's reputation as a reliable folk remedy, however, an increase in the recommended dosage and non-compliance with indications can cause a lot of trouble. It is important to remember that self-medication without medical advice can negate all the healing properties of the raw materials and even aggravate the existing symptoms. In order for the positive effect of folk compositions to be maximized, it is necessary to approach the treatment of diseases in a comprehensive manner and carry it out under the strict supervision of a professional.

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