Birch Tea for Kidney and Bladder Health
The birch tree, with its signature bark and pointed leaves that change color with the seasons, has captured the imagination for countless generations. They have been the fascination of many writers and artists, and have ingrained themselves into the culture wherever they are found. They also serve the community in other ways, namely as a natural medicine. Birch tea, an herbal decoction created from the leaves, buds and bark of the birch tree, has a long history of medicinal use, commonly employed to aid joint health, immunity, digestion and urinary system health.
The Urinary System Function
The urinary system is relatively simple, but vital to our survival. The kidneys themselves serve a number of functions, with their chief function being to filter the blood for toxins, waste and excess fluid. Any impurities in the blood, as well as excess fluid, are removed from the blood by the kidneys and transformed into urine. The urine is then sent from the kidneys through the ureter into the bladder where it is stored and deposited for its expulsion from the body via urination. This process allows the body to manage blood pressure and blood volume, balance blood pH levels and regulate the level of electrolytes and metabolites. The kidneys also serve a second function as a hormone gland, producing hormones that help to regulate blood pressure.
Several diseases may cause a dysfunction of the urinary system. Infections of the urinary tract or bladder are common (though seen more often in women than men), and can cause painful and difficult urination. Though usually not serious, these infections may spread through the ureters to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection, which is much more serious. Prostatitis, which occurs only in men, is swelling of the prostate that leads to discomfort and difficulty when urinating. Kidney stones are a buildup of waste in the kidneys that solidify, causing significant pain when traveling through the ureters. Kidney failure results from the kidney’s inability to filter out impurities, and can have several causes. While temporary in many cases, chronic kidney failure may need to be treated by dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How Birch Tea Helps Kidney and Bladder Health
Birch tea offers several beneficial effects for kidney and bladder health. Its primary benefit is its diuretic effect, which promotes more frequent urination. This is highly beneficial for the health of the urinary system, as it helps to remove more impurities from the body through urination. The frequent flushing of impurities can also reduce the risk of kidney stones from forming by not allowing these impurities to settle in the kidneys. Birch tea also helps to combat urinary tract and bladder infections with its natural antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation in the kidneys and bladder, allowing them to resume normal function, and may be particularly useful in the case of an enlarged prostate.