3 tips for collecting buds, young pine needles and bark from trees
The end of the winter period and the beginning of spring is the ideal time to collect useful benefits from the forest (buds, young pine needles and tree bark). The temperature rises every day as the soil base dries out. The trees have enough water and the process of awakening begins.

1. Shrinkage of buds – the buds shrink before swelling begins. Nature should always be preserved, so it is best to collect buds in places where you want to cut unnecessary branches. Birch buds should be dried at a temperature of 50 degrees C and kept later in a cardboard box for up to 3 years. Medicinal liquid from birch buds has pronounced anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is used to treat edema of renal or cardiac origin. Pour a spoonful of dried birch buds with 250 ml of boiling water. Hold for half an hour and take 50 ml several times a day. Leave the pine buds for 1 to 3 days (so that the resin stops being sticky to the fingers) before drying. Keep the finished raw material for up to 2 years in cardboard boxes. Pine buds have antibacterial and disinfectant properties. Medicinal liquid from pine buds relieves pain in the lower legs, reduces spasms, is used for wound healing, as a choleretic (for better excretion of bile) and as a diuretic. Medicinal liquid with pine buds is used to clean blood vessels and as a universal tonic. Inhalations with this liquid make breathing easier and reduce the inflammation of the throat. Pour two tablespoons of dried pine buds into 300 ml of boiling water and inhale the steam. At the same time, pine buds and young pine needles can be collected.
2. Pine needles – Young needles growing on young shoots aged 1 to 2 years are suitable for medical purposes. Pine branches on cut trees are discarded as unnecessary. These discarded branches are great for collecting needles. The tops of coniferous branches can be collected in bags. Cut the needles from the branches using scissors. Chopped needles are dried at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees C (for long-term storage). Pine needles are boiled for therapeutic purposes because they relieve pain in muscles and joints, help against ossification and rheumatic pain. Medicinal liquid from pine needles is used for inhalation during colds and internally as a mild diuretic and choleretic. Medicinal liquid from pine needles is high in vitamins and strengthens the whole organism.
3. Bark from trees – bark from aspen, oak and willow is collected for medicinal purposes. The bark is actually removed from already cut trees because it can damage the trees. Cut trees can be under power lines, in areas planned for future clearing, etc. bark is collected for medicinal purposes from young, smooth shoots with a diameter of 12 cm. Oak bark has an anti-inflammatory effect and a tissue shrinking effect (astringent). It is valued for its high tannin content, which is used to treat diarrhea, flatulence, and stop the growth of pathogenic microflora. Medicinal liquid from oak bark has regenerative properties, relieves irritation and stimulates the healing of the mucous membrane. It can be used as a rinse for oral and dental diseases, against candidiasis, but also for rinsing due to excessive sweating. Once upon a time, aspen bark was used instead of today’s aspirin, while eczema was successfully treated with an ointment made from aspen ash mixed with fat. Today, aspen bark is used to treat diseases of the urinary tract, gout and prostatitis. Medicinal liquid from aspen bark is useful for many gynecological problems in women and for prostatitis in men. Medicinal liquid from bark helps with gastritis, digestive problems, dyspepsia and diarrhea. Boiled bark is a drink that helps in the treatment of dry cough, cold, frequent headaches and increased nervous tension. The bark of the white, silver willow is collected for medicinal purposes. Place the cut shoots in a bucket of water. After soaking and awakening the shoots, the bark is easily removed with a coarse cloth. The bark is cut with scissors and dried at a temperature higher than 50 degrees Celsius. Medicinal liquid from willow bark has antimicrobial, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, rheumatism, migraine, gout and heartburn. It successfully lowers the temperature. It helps against gastritis, bleeding and colitis. Medicinal liquid from the bark is also used for external use (abscess, diaper rash, purulent skin, decubitis, ulcer and relieves excessive sweating).