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Few people know that antibiotics, modern antipyretic, analgesic and antirheumatic drugs of synthetic origin (for example, aspirin, sodium salicylate) are derivatives of active substances aspens. We will talk about the properties of this tree, its use in folk and traditional medicine in this article.Description of the aspen tree
Common aspen(or trembling poplar) is a tree with a columnar trunk, the maximum height of which is 35 m, while the diameter of the trunk reaches 1 m. This plant is distinguished by rounded leaves with fairly large teeth along the edge. Due to the long and flattened roots in the middle, aspen leaves begin to tremble even with a slight breath of wind.
Aspen (like other types of poplars) is a dioecious tree, as a result of which entire stands of forests can consist of males or females. So, male flowers are distinguished by pink or red earrings, while female flowers are distinguished by green earrings.
This is a fairly fast-growing breed, which grows up to 20 m in 40 years. However, aspen is not durable, and often lives for about 90 years (rarely, aspen is 130-150 years old).
There are different types of aspen, which differ in color and structure of the bark, the time of leaf blooming and other signs. But in folk medicine, it is the common aspen that is used, the properties and application of which will be discussed in detail later.
Where does aspen grow?
Aspen is rightfully considered one of the most important forest-forming species in Russia. It grows in the European part of Russia, in Siberia and the Far East.Collection and storage
Bloom
Aspen blooms early enough, namely from March to April (before the leaves appear).The collection of tree leaves is carried out in early May or in June. The leaves are dried in the shade or in a dryer, at a temperature of about 50 - 60 degrees.
Aspen buds are harvested before they bloom, and it is important to immediately dry them in an oven or oven.
When is aspen bark harvested?
Aspen bark is collected from the moment the sap flow begins, that is, from April 20 to June 1. Moreover, it is collected from young trees, the thickness of which is 7 - 8 cm. The bark is collected with a sharp knife, which makes an incision around the trunk. Then, through a segment equal to 30 cm, a subsequent incision is made, after another 30 cm - the next one (and so on). After that, on each tube it is necessary to make a vertical incision and remove the bark. But it is undesirable to plan it from aspen trunks (otherwise, the wood will fall into the bark, which will reduce the medicinal qualities of the latter). The bark can be removed not only from the trunk of an aspen, but also from its thin branches.
The collected bark is dried under a canopy, as well as using an oven or stove, previously cut into pieces 3–4 cm long (the temperature in the oven should not be higher than 60 degrees). If the raw materials are dried indoors, then it should be well ventilated.
Important! It is impossible to dry aspen bark in the sun so that it does not lose its healing properties.
Dried raw materials are stored for no more than three years.
Aspen in folk medicine
Aspen bark, buds, leaves and shoots are fairly common natural remedies that have proven themselves in the treatment of various diseases, including helminthiasis and opisthorchiasis.Aspen preparations are prescribed for diseases of the bladder (aspen is especially useful for the elderly, because it has no side effects and is well tolerated by the body), for gastrointestinal diseases, cystitis, urinary incontinence, as well as prostatitis, rheumatism, gout and hemorrhoids. Externally, aspen preparations are used for burns, hard-healing wounds and ulcers.
Aspen buds and leaves are used in the manufacture of antitussive drugs that thin sputum, thereby accelerating its removal from the bronchi and easing cough.
Special attention deserves the fact that for many centuries people have been using aspen buds to make propolis, which is widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Propolis is also used in cosmetology: for example, propolis creams have a calming, moisturizing and rejuvenating effect.
Treatment with aspen
Leaves
Freshly ground aspen leaves are used as poultices and compresses for rheumatism, gout, hemorrhoids. For this, 2 - 3 tbsp. raw materials are steamed and wrapped in gauze, after which they are applied to the affected areas of the body. Such poultices will also ease the course of arthritis and arthrosis by reducing or completely eliminating joint pain.Aspen leaves accelerate the healing of wounds, weeping eczema and ulcers.
Bark
This part of the aspen has found application in the treatment of the following pathologies:
- scurvy;
- feverish conditions;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- prostatic hypertrophy;
- bladder disease;
- neuralgia;
- sciatica.
aspen buds
Externally crushed aspen buds, which are mixed with butter or vegetable oil, are used as an ointment for healing wounds and bruises, as well as to relieve inflammation in various skin diseases.Infusion
This form of aspen preparations is taken for prostate hypertrophy, and also as an antipyretic for fever. In addition, aspen infusions and decoctions are indicated as an internal or external remedy for the diseases listed above (see "What do aspen preparations treat?").Extract
Aspen extract has the following spectrum of action:- improves immunity;
- normalizes the process of hematopoiesis in immunodeficiencies, allergies, anemia of various origins;
- normalizes sleep;
- strengthens the nervous system.
Contraindications to the use of aspen
Aspen preparations are tolerated quite easily, but before using them, it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the dosage and duration of the course of treatment.Important! When taking aspen preparations, it should be remembered that decoctions and infusions from the kidneys have a pronounced astringent effect, therefore it is undesirable to take them with chronic intestinal diseases accompanied by persistent constipation. In addition, aspen is taken with caution for dysbacteriosis.
The use of aspen bark
Aspen bark is used in the treatment of the following pathologies:
- urethritis;
- kidney disease;
- cystitis;
- bladder pathology;
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- salts in the joints;
- colitis;
- gout;
- rheumatism;
- oncological diseases;
- diabetes;
- gastritis;
- pancreatitis;
- fever;
- malaria;
- diarrhea;
- dyspepsia.
Due to the fact that aspen bark contains acetylsalicylic acid and bitterness, this part of the tree is part of the preparations indicated for fever.
A sufficiently high content of vitamins, tannins and other biologically active substances in aspen bark provides a mild effect on the body.
Aspen bark is part of the skin care products, as it helps to improve the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. It is used in cosmetology both in the form of lotions, lotions, ointments and creams, and in the form of baths. Aspen extract from the bark of the plant nourishes the skin, giving it elasticity, velvety, softness.
Preparations from aspen bark increase the body's resistance to pathogenic microflora, therefore, they are used for gynecological diseases in the form of douching.
How to brew aspen bark?
Aspen bark can be brewed or infused, while you can use the pharmacy version of the drug, or you can harvest the bark yourself. The pharmacy version is brewed similarly to tea for 5 minutes.How to use?
Preparations are taken, which include aspen bark, mainly on an empty stomach. Dosage and regimen depend on the disease itself and its severity. To determine the dosage, it is better to consult a doctor who will select the most optimal method of administration.Decoction
A decoction of the bark is prescribed for gastritis, dyspepsia and diarrhea. Also, a decoction can improve appetite and normalize the digestive tract. The decoction is recommended in the treatment of fever and malaria. 1 tbsp dry raw materials must be poured with a glass of water and put on fire. The agent is boiled for 10 minutes, and then infused for another 20 minutes, after which the broth is filtered and drunk in 3-4 doses.
Infusion
An infusion of the bark is an excellent tonic and oncoprotective agent used for the following pathologies:- lichen;
- scurvy;
- pancreatitis;
- tuberculosis of the skin;
- gout;
- prostate cancer;
- dysentery.
Tincture
This form of aspen preparations is indicated for the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, joint pain, rheumatism, prostatitis.Half a glass of dried aspen bark should be infused in half a liter of vodka for a week (the remedy should be infused in a dark place). The remedy is drunk in a tablespoon three times a day.
Aspen bark extract
Aspen bark extract, which has a pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, is taken with the same list of diseases as the tincture, 20-25 drops three times a day.Contraindications
There are no contraindications to the use of aspen bark preparations (only individual intolerance).Treatment with aspen bark
Aspen bark for diabetes
The treatment of diabetes mellitus is reduced, first of all, to the restoration and stabilization of blood sugar by lowering it. Aspen bark effectively copes with the task of lowering sugar, due to which it has found wide application in the treatment of diabetes. To normalize sugar, you need to drink 100 ml of freshly prepared broth from aspen bark daily on an empty stomach. The decoction is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. dried and thoroughly crushed bark is poured with 200 ml of water. The resulting mixture is boiled for 10 minutes, and then the finished broth is filtered and taken in one go, before breakfast. You can not sweeten the broth.
An infusion of the bark prepared according to the recipe below is also effective (the advantage of the infusion is that it has a pleasant taste, so it is easier to drink a bitter broth).
So, to prepare the infusion, you need to grind fresh aspen bark with a meat grinder. The resulting mass is poured with water in a ratio of 1: 3 (one part of the bark to three parts of water). The product should be infused for at least 10 hours. A strained infusion is taken on an empty stomach, 150 - 200 ml, daily.
The course of treatment and decoction, and infusion is three weeks. Then a 10-day break is made, after which, if necessary, the course continues.
No less useful for diabetes and aspen kvass, for the preparation of which you will need:
1.
A three-liter jar filled up to half with aspen bark.
2.
One glass of sugar.
3.
A teaspoon of sour cream.
All ingredients are mixed and kept warm for two weeks. Such medicinal kvass is drunk, which lowers the level of sugar, 2 to 3 glasses a day.
Important! After drinking a glass of kvass, immediately add a glass of water and a teaspoon of sugar to a three-liter jar. One portion of the bark is designed for a two-three-month course of treatment.
Aspen bark for prostatitis
Prostatitis is an extremely insidious disease, which, if not detected and treated in time, can lead to impotence or adenoma (tumor) of the prostate. The fact is that a swollen prostate, pinching the urinary canal, complicates the process of urination (up to its complete cessation). In advanced cases, only a rather complicated operation can eliminate this pathology, and, consequently, save the life of the patient. In addition, prolonged inflammation of the prostate can develop into a malignant form.Therefore, if you find the following symptoms of prostatitis, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.
Symptoms of prostatitis:
- fast fatiguability ;
- excessive irritability;
- prostration;
- discomfort in the perineal area;
- cloudy urine;
100 g of dried bark is ground in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder is poured into a half-liter jar and 250 ml of vodka is poured, which should completely cover the powder. The jar is tightly closed and infused for two weeks, after which the tincture is filtered. It is taken for two months, 20 drops three times a day, diluted with water if necessary.
Collection for prostatitis
Ingredients:
- aspen bark - 100 g;
- cinquefoil root - 200 g;
- galangal root - 100 g.
This tincture will help to cope not only with prostatitis, but also with joint pain and prostate adenoma.
Aspen bark with adenoma
Today, the leading method of treatment of prostate adenoma is surgery. If we talk about drug therapy, then it did not justify its effectiveness, not to mention the serious side effects caused by taking certain synthetic drugs. Therefore, it is not surprising that physicians turned their attention to medicinal plants. Thus, it has been proven that the development of hyperplastic processes in the prostate can be stopped by plant sitosterols and some other biologically active substances contained in medicinal plants. One such plant is the common aspen, which contains sterols and lignans. These substances, which have antioxidant properties, prevent the formation and development of cancer cells, and, consequently, cancer.
Of course, herbal remedies are not always able to completely cure prostate adenoma, but they can significantly improve the condition of patients with the first and second stages of the disease. In addition, do not forget that taking herbal remedies is a long process, so it is important to be patient and regularly take an infusion of aspen bark, which stops the growth of the tumor, relieves swelling, improves the general condition of the patient.
3 tbsp dry bark is poured with a glass of boiling water, after which the product is put on a slow fire and boiled for about 15 - 20 minutes. The decoction removed from the fire is cooled, filtered and drunk one-third of a glass three times a day, before eating.
You can also take aspen bark in powder form, at a dosage of a third of a teaspoon per day. The powder is washed down with water.
Special attention should be paid to multi-component fees, which are more effective if the components are selected correctly.
According to clinical studies, aspen bark extract is twice as effective in the treatment of giardiasis and opisthorchiasis than strong antibacterial agents.
Aspen bark with opisthorchiasis
A disease such as opisthorchiasis requires immediate treatment - otherwise, the development of the following complications cannot be avoided:
The advantages of preparations from aspen bark over synthetic anthelmintic agents are undeniable:
- low toxicity;
- lack of allergenic properties;
- helping to reduce the manifestations of allergies;
- mitigation of the deworming process;
- the possibility of use by people of different ages (including children).
Pour 50 g of aspen bark with half a liter of cold water, put on fire and bring to a boil, then boil over low heat for about 10 minutes. Then the decoction is carefully wrapped and infused for three hours. The drug is taken on an empty stomach, two sips, no more than five times a day. In parallel (to achieve the maximum effect), you can take a decoction of hodgepodge.
Aspen bark with giardiasis
Today, giardiasis is a fairly common disease provoked by the ingestion of lamblia with dirty vegetables, fruits, and berries into the small intestine. - low degree of toxicity;
- the possibility of repeating the therapeutic course;
- possibility of use by children.
Aspen bark tincture
50 g of the bark are infused for two weeks in 500 ml of vodka, while periodically shaking the tincture. Squeezed tincture is taken one tablespoon, diluted in a small amount of water, three times - four times a day.
The average course of treatment is three weeks. A second course can be held in a month.
Important! Before and during the intake of aspen preparations, it is recommended to exclude from the diet for a week all products of animal origin (that is, milk, meat, eggs), spicy, spicy and fatty foods.
Aspen Recipes
Decoction for toothacheFresh aspen bark is poured with water, brought to a boil, and then boiled for 10 minutes. Tolerantly hot broth rinses the mouth (you can just hold the broth in your mouth until it cools down). Rinse is carried out two to three times a day. At first, the tooth will react painfully to such a procedure, but gradually the pain will subside.
Decoction for swelling of the joints
20 g of aspen buds are poured with 200 ml of water, then the mixture is boiled and infused for half an hour, after which it is filtered and taken in 2 tbsp. half an hour - an hour before meals, 3 times a day.
Infusion for rheumatism
3 tbsp Aspen buds are poured with 500 ml of boiled, but cold water, infused overnight, filtered and drunk in a third of a glass half an hour before eating, three times a day.
Infusion for cystitis
1 tbsp aspen bark is poured with two glasses of boiling water and kept in a water bath for half an hour. Strained infusion is diluted with boiled water to the original volume. A remedy is taken in 2 tbsp. (you can increase the dosage to half a glass) four times a day, with meals. The infusion, if desired, can be sweetened a little, which will help to kill the bitter taste.
Decoction for gout
1 tsp aspen bark is boiled for 15 minutes in one glass of water (it is better to boil the bark in a water bath). Then the broth is cooled, filtered, squeezed and brought to the original volume with boiled water. A remedy is taken in 2 tsp. three times a day. This decoction also helps relieve joint pain, for which it is enough to apply lotions to the affected joints.
Decoction with mastopathy
500 g of aspen bark are poured into 2 liters of water. Bring the resulting product to a boil and simmer for another two hours. The broth is infused until cool and filtered. Then 500 ml of vodka is added to it. The resulting mixture is divided into 20 servings and drunk for 20 consecutive days, on an empty stomach.
Decoction for nephritis
1 tbsp a mixture of branches, leaves and aspen bark is poured with a glass of water and boiled for 10 minutes. The remedy is used in half a glass 4 times a day. After 3 - 4 weeks, a ten-day break is made. If necessary, you can undergo a course of treatment again.
Compresses for hemorrhoids
Steamed aspen leaves are applied to the hemorrhoidal cones for two hours, after which a break is made for an hour, and then the leaves are again applied to the cones for two hours. For a week, it is recommended to conduct about three to four such sessions, the break between which should be at least a day.
The aspen tree is common in temperate climates. This species must be distinguished from poplar, its closest relative. With a slight breath of wind, its crown starts to move, so this plant is also called the "trembling poplar". However, it is valued not only for its decorative qualities. Different parts of the tree are used for construction purposes and medicine, and the shoots are fed to animals.
Description of the species
The aspen tree grows up to 15-20 m in height, some representatives can reach 30 m. This species has a straight columnar trunk up to 1 m in diameter and a gray smooth bark with an olive tint. On average, the life of an aspen is from 80 to 100 years, but some centenarians can grow up to 150 years or more.
The aspen has several characteristic features:
- the bark remains smooth even in mature trees, sometimes shallow longitudinal cracks appear;
- rounded leaves, which are light green at the beginning of the season, then darken, turn yellow and fall off;
- flat, but powerful and wide root system;
- the flowering period occurs in late July or early May.
The leaves have a rounded shape and are located on long flat cuttings.
In the photo, the aspen tree can be confused with poplar. To distinguish between these two varieties, it is enough to compare their leaves. They are rounded and have notches along the perimeter, and their width exceeds their length. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they are fixed on flat cuttings. Thanks to this shape, they bend well, and with the slightest breath of wind, the crown starts to move. The front side of the plate is shiny, the back is matte.
In the description of the aspen tree, the shape and color of the flowers also matter. They are bisexual and form inflorescences - earrings. The female flowers are bright burgundy, the male flowers are light green. In autumn, they form boxes with seeds, which are then carried by the wind.
What is the value of a tree?
Aspen is grown commercially or parts of wild trees are used. The bark is harvested for the winter and eaten to tone the body and strengthen the immune system. Branches are added to sauerkraut to increase shelf life. Previously, flour was prepared from this plant, which was used in baking bread. Now this tree is valued for its quality wood, and also continues to be used in traditional medicine.
The sex of a tree can be determined by the color of the inflorescences.
In medicine
Different parts of the aspen tree are a source of organic acids, vitamins, carbohydrates and other useful substances. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from its leaves and bark, shoots are used to prepare tinctures and ointments. Funds can also be added to restorative baths. Depending on the method of application, aspen allows you to get rid of a number of problems:
- decoctions - from a wet cough and excessive sweating;
- leaves - against hemorrhoids, seasonal diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
- bark in the form of tinctures - for arthritis, cough, inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, as well as to stimulate immune defenses and improve appetite;
- annual shoots - with bleeding;
- baths have a general strengthening effect, normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
Aspen-based medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy.
Aspen is popular exclusively in folk medicine. Such funds have a milder effect than pharmaceutical preparations, but before using them, you should consult a doctor.
For soil cultivation
Aspen improves the properties of the soil on which it grows. In the autumn period, one can observe abundant leaf fall, and trees also shed small branches. During the winter, this material undergoes a series of chemical transformations and becomes a useful fertilizer. In addition, the root system has its own characteristics. The roots are shallow, but spread over a considerable distance. In the soil in which aspen grew, there are multi-level passages that are used by more demanding crops. The cultivation of this species is practiced to improve clayey and insufficiently fertile soils with low moisture conductivity.
Aspen has a powerful root system and often crowds out other plants.
Aspen wood in construction
Aspen is also processed into boards. For construction purposes, mature trees that have reached the age of 40-45 years are suitable. The wood is light, almost has no pattern. It has several features:
- high resistance to high humidity and precipitation;
- soft, but homogeneous structure;
- long service life - over time it does not crack;
- low cost.
Aspen wood belongs to unstable species, therefore it is not suitable for the construction of residential premises. However, it is popular in the manufacture of wells, baths and other buildings, as well as in the production of matches.
In landscape design
It is important to understand where the aspen tree grows in order to use it in landscape design. She prefers well-lit areas and crowds out other plant varieties. 
Representatives of this species grow rapidly, in the first years forming up to 3 m of young shoots. They are not afraid of heat and frost, quickly recovering after winter. However, they have one problem - the center of the trunk often rots. 
With age, the trees become loose and brittle, so when growing them in cultivated conditions, it is important to check their condition annually.
Aspen or poplar trembling- Populus tremula L. - a tree from the willow family (Salicaceae) 15-20 m high. In good conditions, the aspen reaches larger sizes. For example, in the Bryansk region, a noticeable area is occupied by 50-year-old aspen forests with trees 25 m high. And in the Tver region, among the impenetrable sphagnum swamps, mounds (remains of a moraine) rise, on which exceptionally large aspens grow: a height of 35 m, trunks up to 80 cm in diameter, and is only about 75 years old. The bark of the trunks is predominantly gray, but there are aspens with a greenish bark, and in Eastern Siberia and Mongolia they are almost white-bark, from afar they can be mistaken for birches. The bark is smooth, only in old trees with longitudinal cracks.
The leaves are alternate, rounded-rhombic or rounded, 3-7 cm long and wide, glabrous, green above, bluish below, with uneven large rounded teeth along the edge. Leaves turn yellow and purple in autumn. Aspen owes its scientific name - “trembling poplar” to leaves (they have long petioles). Look carefully at the aspen. Even when there seems to be no wind, its leaves are constantly trembling. Hence the saying: "It trembles like an aspen leaf." The mobility of the leaves is carried out due to flattened petioles, thinner in the middle than at the edges. On coppice shoots, the leaves, as a rule, are larger and of a different shape - triangular-ovate with a pointed apex.
Aspen flowers are small, dioecious, collected in inflorescences-earrings from 4 to 15 cm long. All species included in the willow family are dioecious plants, that is, only male flowers develop on some individuals, and only female flowers on others. Both those and other flowers are arranged very simply, even primitively. They have no perianth at all. Male flowers consist of 5-8 stamens with red anthers, while female flowers consist only of a pistil with an upper ovary and two purple stigmas. Aspen blooms before the leaves bloom, in April.
The fruits ripen a month after flowering, open on the first hot days: in late May - early June. Fruits - 2-leaf boxes with numerous small seeds, equipped with fluffy bats in the form of a bundle of hairs. 1000 aspen seeds weigh only tenths of a gram. They fly very far, because because of their lightness they hang in the air for a long time and are carried by the wind for a considerable distance. So aspen conquers new territories. Her fruiting is plentiful and annual. Experts have calculated that up to 500 million aspen seeds ripen per 1 ha of aspen in harvest years.
The seed begins to germinate a few hours after it hits moist soil - the seed coat bursts, two tiny cotyledons are exposed. A day later, a root appears. By autumn, the seedling has a stem the size of a pencil and a taproot up to 30 cm long. Aspen grows very quickly, especially when young. At the age of 20, the trees have a height of 10 meters, and by the age of 40 they reach the maximum size in height. Aspen does not live long - 80-90 years, but individual trees live up to 1 40-150 years.
In the first years of life, the aspen has a pronounced taproot. However, soon it stops growing, but the lateral roots grow very vigorously. They lie very shallow, in the upper soil horizon, move away from the mother plant far to the sides and give abundant root shoots. Coppice shoots grow very quickly - in the first year they reach half a meter in height. It is through the shoots that aspen largely renews and spreads, although seed reproduction is expressed in it. Many aspen forests are composed of trees of exclusively coppice origin.
Aspen spread
The range of aspen is the temperate zone of Eurasia and the mountains of North Africa. A significant part of the range falls on our country. In Russia, aspen is distributed almost everywhere. In the north, it reaches the border of the forest with the tundra, in the south - to the dry steppes. In the forest-steppe, it forms island groves, the so-called "aspen groves". In saline areas, it takes a bushy form. In the Alps it rises to mountains up to 2,000 m above sea level. Almost everywhere, aspen forms, as a rule, pure forests, with only a small admixture of other species in the upper tier. It is very photophilous, therefore, where other breeds obscure the aspen, it dies. Aspen itself often acts as an admixture in birch forests or in lightened areas of other forests.
Aspen forests most often appear on the site of oak and spruce forests brought down by man or destroyed by fire. Such aspen trees live for a relatively short time - 80-100 years. They are light, which allows undergrowth of bedrock species (oak, spruce, etc.) to successfully grow under their canopy, even if it is not shade-tolerant. Over time, the indigenous tree species that have grown under the canopy of the aspen forest overtake the aspen in growth, shade it, and it dies, giving way to its stronger competitors. Thus, aspen plays an important biological role - preserving the forest area, it contributes to the restoration of oak and spruce forests.
Aspen can also act as a pioneer tree species. For example, abandoned arable lands in the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia quickly overgrow with forest and turn into dense aspen or birch forests (aspen-birch forests form in places). But even they will not last long - under their canopy, again, an environment is created for the settlement of indigenous, more durable species: spruce, oak, linden, etc.
Economic use of aspen
aspen wood soft, light, but fragile. She goes to various crafts, such as wooden shovels, spoons, ladles and other hollowed and carved utensils. Plywood is made from it, as well as chips (shingles), with which roofs are covered. In sparsely forested areas, aspen trunks are also used as a building material for the construction of residential buildings, sheds, and other outbuildings. Unfortunately, aspen wood is easily affected by fungi that cause rotting of the core of the trunks, so choosing a good building material in an aspen forest can be difficult.
But aspen wood found its main use in match production. It is from it that matches are made, without which it is impossible to imagine our life. What conquered the matchbox aspen? Certainly not trembling leaves. The main advantage of its wood is the absence of resins and tannins in it, which give off a smell when burned. In addition, it is light and burns well when dry, without soot. For the manufacture of the so-called match straw, it is also important that aspen wood easily splits in the right direction.
In sparsely forested areas, aspen in bulk is used for firewood, but their calorific value is rather low.
Aspen bark, despite its bitter taste, serves as food for wild game animals. Moose gnaw bark from growing trees, and hares clean fallen or sawn aspen trunks from it. Bees collect pollen from aspens, as well as resinous kidney secretions, which are then converted into propolis. 
Medicinal value of aspen and methods of therapeutic use
In scientific medicine, aspen has not found application. Among the people, it is widely used for medicinal purposes. Kidneys, leaves, bark are used for medicines. Aspen in paganism had a good meaning as a tree full of excess of life; its leaves are always trembling, oscillating, talking among themselves. That is why this tree was considered especially saving against any evil spirits. According to popular belief, vampires can only be killed by piercing them with an aspen stake.
According to folk healers, aspen preparations have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic effects.
Aspen bark and buds contain tannins, bitter glycosides, benzoic acid and other substances. Alcoholic extract of aspen buds has a bactericidal effect on some dangerous microbes (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enteric-typhoid bacteria). It is better to harvest buds from young trees in spring - in April-May.
Aspen buds insist on vodka or 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:10 for a week. Take 25-30 drops in water 3 times a day. This tincture is used for acute chronic cystitis and weakness of the bladder, for gout and rheumatism.
A decoction of a young, greenish bark is good for inflammation of the bladder and kidneys: pour 1 tablespoon of crushed bark with 1 glass of water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes. Take 2 tablespoons 3-4 times daily before meals.
Take a pinch (1 heaping tablespoon) of buds or aspen bark in 500 ml of boiling water. Boil 15 min. Insist, wrapped, 3 hours. Take, for coughs, colds, as a diuretic and diaphoretic, 1 cup 3 times a day, sweetened with honey. In addition, it is a good appetizer.
Boil one tablespoon of dry chopped aspen bark for 30 minutes. over low heat in 2 cups of water. Insist, wrapped, 3 hours. Take 1/5-1/4 cup of Zraza daily before meals in the initial stages of diabetes. Drink up to 3 months or more. A decoction of aspen bark also helps with gastritis.
Mix aspen wood ash with vaseline in half or in a ratio of 1:4. With the resulting ointment, treat the areas affected by eczema.
Crushed, scalded with boiling water, young aspen leaves put on hemorrhoidal cones and leave for 2 hours. If these poultices bother the patient, remove the leaves, repeat the procedure after 1-2 days.
Folk medicine from different countries recommends patients with prostate hypertrophy alcohol tincture of aspen bark: 5 tablespoons of crushed bark per 0.5 liter of vodka, leave for 2 weeks. The bark is removed in early spring, young, greenish, from thin branches. Tincture is taken in a dessert spoon once a day shortly before meals. Instead of the bark, you can infuse the kidneys in the same way and take 20-40 drops 3 times a day.
Ointment from the kidneys is an excellent remedy for treating cracks in the chest and nipples: mix 1 part of the kidneys and 2 parts of pork fat, grind and cook over low heat until completely dehydrated, strain. The same ointment can also be used to treat hemorrhoidal bumps.
Dried and powdered aspen buds, mixed with fresh butter, serve as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent for burns, chronic ulcers and are used to soften hemorrhoids.
In ancient herbalists, good advice was given: for inflammatory processes in the mouth, use a decoction of the bark of aspen, oak, alder.
Alder and aspen bark and scrape evaporate with water, soak, strain, and after steaming with molasses, hold that water in your mouth, but don’t let it into your larynx at all - and that clay (mucus) will perish.
In the Explanatory Dictionary of V. I. Dahl we find: fever and teeth speak on aspen. Having cut a triangle out of the bark (in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit), they rub their gums until they bleed and apply it again in its place.
The people know one original simple way of external use of aspen juice with table salt for toothache. They take a fresh aspen log, drill through its middle (but not completely), put salt into the hole and plug it. They throw the log into the fire and, not allowing it to burn to the end, pour out the salt, already saturated with juice, from the hole. This salt is placed on a sore tooth or diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 to rinse the mouth.
Vitamin decoction can be prepared from aspen leaves: pour 1 part of crushed leaves with 4 parts of boiling water, boil for 10-15 minutes, cool and strain. Acidify with vinegar and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day. Autumn leaves give a decoction containing 1.5 times less vitamin C than spring and even summer ones. Remember this! For the winter, you can also prepare vitamin syrup from aspen leaves.
In Russian villages, peasants remarked: if it brings the legs together, an aspen log placed in the legs helps, and from headaches - under the head.
Housekeeping Council: so that the cabbage does not peroxide, put an aspen field in it.
According to Sedir, it is ruled by Saturn and is healing for Capricorn and Aquarius.
The aspen tree, the photo and description of which is easy to find in the reference literature, is a plant of the willow family, the genus of poplars. It grows quite large - about 35 meters tall.
Aspen tree: photo, leaves, trunk and other distinctive features
The trunk, as the guides say, is "column-like", and indeed, if nothing prevents the tree from growing, it is quite slender. The bark is light, grayish-green, "glows" at dusk, thanks to this, in the evening, aspen can be confused with birch. Similarities are added by dark “checkmarks” at the base of the branches, but the differences are still more significant. Firstly, aspen is a tree (photos will not let you dissemble) visually more powerful. Secondly, it also differs to the touch: its bark is smooth, while that of a birch is rough.
It is even easier to confuse it with poplar: these plants are really very similar (because they are quite close relatives). If it is not possible to make a trip to nature, you can find another way to determine what exactly is growing under the window. Poplar leaves are smoother, shiny, their color is thicker, and the edge is not so wavy. The easiest way is to focus on the handle: short and dense - poplar, and if it is thin, long and flexible so that it can be tied in a knot, we have an aspen (tree).
Where does it grow
It is very easy to meet this plant. In ravines, on the edges, near water bodies, among pines or birches - an unpretentious tree will take root everywhere. Aspen, the photo and description of which does not allow us to doubt that it is a typical inhabitant of our forests, grows on any soil and very quickly, moreover, it tends to form extensive colonies.
The fact is that the root system of the plant is very powerful, well developed and capable of producing numerous shoots. Thanks to this, in a sparse forest, each aspen is easily found - a tree around which a lot of young growth grows.
Sometimes, under favorable circumstances, such aspen forests are very dense. It is certainly worth visiting them, especially in autumn: mushrooms grow beautifully in these thickets - mainly russula and boletus.
Life
The age of the tree is not particularly impressive: a 90-year-old plant is already an old-timer (there are individual individuals that have lived for a hundred and fifty years, but this is a rarity). But in one place a whole chain of his generations can live for a long time.
It is a pity that aspen is not used for landscaping cities: a tree, the photo of which clearly demonstrates how decorative it can be, looks good at any time of the year.
In early spring, it is one of the first to be covered with flowers (light green female or crimson male worm earrings), green in summer, flashes in surprisingly bright shades in autumn - from canary yellow to bright crimson.
The only complaint is the already mentioned passion for root shoots. With them in the city, you really won’t get into trouble: you would have to constantly cut down fresh growth and repair the asphalt around. Beauty would be too costly.
Why is trembling
In fiction and journalistic literature, almost no one calls aspen otherwise than quivering. And indeed, the plant trembles from the slightest breath of wind. From a scientific point of view, it is quite simple to explain why the aspen behaves in this way: a photo of a tree and leaves, as well as knowledge of some of its properties, will prompt the most correct answer.
The plant itself is large, grows quickly, and its green mass is quite heavy. Thin long cuttings do not allow the leaves to resist moving air. Otherwise, the tree could break, because its wood is very soft, moreover, it is prone to diseases to such an extent that it is quite difficult to find an adult aspen that is not affected by any fungus or mold.
This “love” is explained very simply: the juice of the plant contains a lot of polysaccharides, and they attract unwanted guests. Due to the same circumstance, raw aspen is not stored for a long time - dark spots appear on it, which are very difficult to get rid of.
Aspen wood: where is it used
Despite this, in ancient times, aspen wood was used in the construction of churches. What a traditional ancient wooden temple looks like (in Kizhi, for example) is known to everyone who is at least a little interested in history and architecture. The “scales” covering the domes are made of aspen. It has a specific property to fade under the action of the sun, wind and moisture, and as a result acquire a signature silvery glow.
Aspen wood itself is very soft and easy to process, but if it is properly dried, then it acquires oak hardness: the ax bounces, you won’t hammer a nail. It is very important to find the right balance, in which the necessary softness is preserved, and subsequent drying does not deform the finished product.
Is it suitable for furniture
Perhaps that is why aspen is not a very popular tree in furniture production, especially the variety called “ordinary”. Still, her texture is not very good: the pattern is poorly visible, the color is indistinct light gray, with a greenish tint. In addition, it is difficult to find quality material (diseases spoil the bark), a lot of fuss with proper drying. Experienced carpenters directly say that it is not worth it.
But still, aspen wood is used for the manufacture of furniture. There is no need to argue what its triploid variety looks like - in appearance they do not differ much (it is easiest to determine by inflorescences). But in terms of wood, the difference is quite noticeable. Triploid aspen is less prone to mold fungi, the core of the trunk is tougher, it “leads” less during drying.
However, despite the relative cheapness, aspen furniture is not very popular. First of all, we don't buy many wooden cabinets and tables, and apart from everything else, dark ancient superstitions prevent commercial success.
Aspen superstitions
It has long been believed that the aspen is a cursed tree. The sources of such conviction are extremely contradictory and do not adhere to a single strategy. The only thing that connects all versions is the binding to the gospel events.
According to one of them, the aspen frightened Jesus Christ with its rustle, and he promised her in his hearts that from now on she would shake until the end of time. Another legend says that it was not the Savior himself who got angry with the tree, but his parent, the Virgin Mary. Another myth claims that the Christ-seller Judas hanged himself on an aspen, and since then the tree has been “unreliable”.
At the same time, the rumor prefers to be bashfully silent about where the aspen could come from in Palestine: the description of the tree and its habitat confidently deny such a possibility. Not growing now, not growing in the foreseeable past, unlikely to grow in the future. However, scientific reliability is not necessarily compatible with myths and legends.
The combination of them, by the way, is also quite bizarre and contradictory. In some regions, aspen is not used in the construction of houses (because the inhabitants will tremble with disease), in others, aspen rafters are used, and that's okay.
Despite the declared “curse”, the tree was actively used in the construction of churches (the already mentioned plowshares of domes), wells (dry aspen is not saturated with moisture), baths (poorly conducts heat), in the manufacture of wooden utensils (it is even claimed that it does not sour for a long time). soup and milk).
magical properties
In any case, aspen is a tree around which many beliefs revolve.
They say, for example, that it “draws” energy from a person (therefore, it is absolutely impossible to make beds out of it). There are objections: not all, but only bad. Aspen amulets are able to "suck a disease out of a person." The main thing is to bury the used artifact in the ground after recovery. For the same purpose, the patient's clothes were buried under the aspen, and he himself was planted on a stump or under a crown.
Aspen, a photo of a tree and leaves of which do not give reason to suspect her of magical abilities (a plant as a plant), was also used in frankly witchcraft events. So, in some villages they believed that if aspen rods were buried in the corners of the village, the impending epidemic would bypass the inhabitants. And there is nothing to say about the material from which stakes are made to fight vampires and other evil spirits: only the little ones do not know about this.
Aspen in folk medicine
Among other things, aspen is a tree whose antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are quite widely used in folk and traditional medicine. Most often there are recipes from the kidneys, decoctions treat inflammation of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, cystitis). The plant also has an antihelminthic effect.
There are opinions that tuberculosis, smallpox, syphilis, hemorrhoids, gastritis, digestive disorders and much more have long been treated with aspen preparations. It must be said that in the modern world, such treatment can hardly be considered as an independent therapy - before the invention of antibiotics, many diseases were treated "by the laying on of hands." The final statistics were not very inspiring.
In case of a serious illness, and even in an acute form, decoctions alone are not enough. But for the relief of chronic conditions and prevention, they are great.
Aspen is a tree that is also called trembling poplar: everyone knows how aspen leaves tremble in the wind. Also, everyone knows that its wood is used in construction and in the manufacture of various items. However, aspen is also a real forest first-aid kit. because it contains a lot of useful substances for the body.
Common aspen belongs to the same genus as poplars (it is called the genus Poplar), and together with them it belongs to the Willow family. In height, the tree grows up to 35 meters, while the diameter of the trunk is small - on average up to 1 meter.
This plant lives no more than 100 years, but grows very quickly, and therefore reaches a height of 1 tier. The root system is well developed, deep and gives a lot of offspring, thanks to which the aspen breeds.
The bark is light green or greyish at first, but darkens with age. The leaves of the tree have a jagged contour, up to 5-7 cm long, rounded at the base. Interestingly, the plant gives flowers before the leaves bloom.. At the same time, aspen is a dioecious tree: there are male and female plants. They give earrings (men's are thicker, women's are thinner). The fruits are formed in the form of small boxes, and the seeds are protected by a downy layer, thanks to which they are preserved even when frozen.
Aspen is a tree, which is also called trembling poplar
Aspen distribution sites
Aspen is distributed throughout Eurasia and the territory of Russia as well. Due to its winter hardiness and high degree of adaptation, it tolerates both Siberian frosts and the hot summers of the Volga region. It occurs up to the beginning of the tundra, everywhere in the forest zone and in the forest-steppe.
Most often, it settles on the edges and along river valleys, less often - in desert areas and mountains. Aspen forms mixed forests, and also forms its own groups - the so-called aspen pegs. Usually offspring give birth to children at a distance of about 30 meters from the parent.
IT IS INTERESTING
Aspen is one of the few trees that recovers even after forest fires: the reason is that its root system lies deep underground, so the tree resumes growth literally immediately after the end of the disaster.
Gallery: aspen (25 photos)
Aspen features (video)
Plant parts used in medicine
The main part of the tree, which is used in the treatment of many diseases, is the bark. It contains vitamins, trace elements and other useful substances, thanks to which it is used to treat:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- neuralgia;
- feverish conditions;
- radiculitis;
- scurvy;
- hernia and many others and diseases.
Along with the bark are also used:
- aspen leaves (for hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatism);
- kidneys (for external use in the treatment of wounds, pustules, bruises, and arthritis);
- root (in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis - also externally).
Interestingly, aspen juice is also used, which is extracted from raw logs. To do this, it is heated over a fire or in a stove, and the liquid is removed from the foaming surface, which is used to lubricate warts and areas of skin lesions.
Aspen gives flowers before the leaves bloom
Medicinal and beneficial properties of aspen
Due to its rich chemical composition the tree has a beneficial effect on various organ systems - it is used as:
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- antipyretic;
- diaphoretic;
- binder;
- choleretic agent.
Most often, it is the bark of a tree that is used, when harvesting which several rules should be taken into account, described in the next section.
The main part of the aspen, which is used in the treatment of many diseases, is the bark.
Collection, preparation and storage of medicinal raw materials
Aspen bark is most often used in folk medicine. During its collection and subsequent storage, several rules are taken into account:
- The bark is harvested only in the second half of spring.
- It is mainly collected from young trees with thin trunks (9-10 cm in diameter). To do this, an incision is made with a knife around the trunk with a minimum distance of 25-30 cm.
- The bark is removed from the incision with a thin layer, while the whole tree cannot be bared - it may die.
- When the raw material is collected, it is dried in a special oven at a temperature not exceeding 50°C. If this is not possible, you can do it under a canopy in the open air. The size of each fragment should be small - squares 4 * 4 cm.
- When the bark is completely dry, even the slightest moisture should not be felt to the touch. Raw materials are stored for a maximum of 3 years in a cardboard or wooden box. It is acceptable to use bags made of natural fabrics. Storage temperature - room temperature, but the room should not be too humid.
Important! The bark should be removed very carefully, avoiding the ingress of wood, which reduces the therapeutic effect. Therefore, it is unacceptable to plan the bark - it can only be cut off with a thin layer.
What is the use of aspen bark (video)
Traditional medicine recipes with aspen
Aspen is used both internally and externally, depending on the specific recipe. In this case, all components are taken in dried form and pre-crushed thoroughly.
For diabetes, diarrhea and pancreatitis
A tablespoon of bark is used, which must be poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled at a low boil for half an hour, and then insisted for another hour. The decoction is taken throughout the day (before each meal). The course of treatment is a month.
For coughs and colds
In this case, 1 large spoonful of bark is taken, poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled at a low boil for half an hour. It is infused until completely cooled and consumed in a glass a day (3 equal servings before each meal). The course is until full recovery.
To destroy worms
A tablespoon of bark is infused in a liter thermos all night. Take a glass a day (3 equal parts before each meal) until complete recovery. You can add sugar or honey to smooth out the bitter taste.
For prostatitis, gout, rheumatism
In this case, an alcohol tincture is made from the bark (the ratio of vodka and bark is 2: 1). The mixture is infused for half a month in a dark place, then filtered and taken in a teaspoon three times a day (before each meal). You can dilute a spoon in half a glass of water. The course is until full recovery.
For toothache
In this case, a decoction of 2 tablespoons of the bark is used (per a glass of boiling water), which is boiled at a low boil for a quarter of an hour, and then infused until completely cooled. Rinse your mouth when pain occurs, while the infusion should be kept in the oral cavity for as long as possible, and then spit out.
Baths for neuralgia and sciatica
In this case, a glass of Kara is boiled in half a liter of boiling water (boiling for 5 minutes), then infused for an hour and poured into a hot bath, in which you need to lie down for half an hour, and then wrap yourself in warm water. The course of treatment is until complete recovery.
Ointment for eczema, pustules and wounds
Finally, the remedy is also used externally: half a glass of aspen bark is burned, a teaspoon of ash is taken, mixed with two tablespoons of lard or butter (you can use petroleum jelly). Spread on the affected areas until complete recovery.
Aspen is used both internally and externally, depending on the specific recipe.
The use of aspen in other areas
Along with the medical field, aspen is also used in other areas:
- First of all, this tree has successfully “registered” in the urban environment - it is often used in park plantings due to its ability to grow quickly and give good, lush crowns.
- Wood is used for the production of plywood, paper, furniture, matches, and in wooden architecture.
- Wood is also used in the construction of houses - usually to create a roof.
- Due to the high concentration of tannins in the bark, aspen is used in leather tanning processes.
The tree also plays an important role in nature - bees love to collect pollen from its nondescript flowers, and they also collect glue from its buds. This glue is subsequently converted into propolis.