The sap makes it possible for the plant cells to nourish themselves.
Sap is a fluid found in certain plants that allows the nutrition of their cells . This liquid circulates through the tissues or vessels of the plant and should not be confused with other types of fluids, such as resin or latex .
Composed of water , phytoregulators , minerals , sugars and other elements, the sap arises where the plant's carbohydrates are made and preserved and reaches the place where these carbohydrates are used.
Although it is not entirely clear how the movement of sap through plant vessels occurs, scientists usually explain it using the cohesion-tension theory . According to this position, the attraction between molecules allows the liquid to be mobilized through the plant tissue known as xylem .
birch sap
Although the sap of several tree species is beneficial for our health, that of the birch is among those preferred by the majority, especially in countries in northern Europe, on the American continent and in China. A well-developed specimen of this tree can produce up to 7 liters of sap in a day , although it is more normal for the maximum not to exceed 4 liters.
To extract birch sap, it is recommended to make an incision in the trunk or one of the branches during the last month of winter, just before the first leaves begin to appear. After this procedure , it is important to cover the cut with some healing product to prevent diseases from occurring. Furthermore, it is also advisable not to carry out too many consecutive extractions from the same tree, but rather to alternate between several, as this could threaten its health.
Sap should not be confused with latex or resin.
Its therapeutic uses
Birch sap is rich in oils and sugar, as well as betulinol, betulin, saponins and tannins . There are several uses that humans give it for therapeutic purposes, and among them are the following:
* to dissolve the grit that forms in the kidneys in cases of stones;
* in treatments for colic and liver failure, to activate it and resolve bile retention;
* to promote the passage of bile through the bile channels towards the intestine (when this is not achieved, gallstones appear, which causes the typical yellowing of the eyes and skin known as jaundice );
* helps reduce uric acid, well known for causing gout attacks;
* It has detoxifying, draining and diuretic properties, which is why it is used to purify the body;
* It is ideal for the treatment of minor stomach problems;
* Its anti-inflammatory action is very suitable for reducing muscle, tendon or rheumatic pain, as long as it is a condition of moderate severity;
* It has also become fashionable to use birch sap to complement diets to lose weight , since in addition to its healing properties it is very nutritious and serves to calm the feeling of appetite.
Sap as a plant name
Savia , on the other hand, is the name of a plant genus that is part of the Phyllanthaceae family. There are about forty species of plants included in this group.
It is important not to confuse sap with sage , another genus of plants, in this case belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
Symbolic use of the concept
In a symbolic sense, the notion of sap is used to name the energy or factor that is renewing or revitalizing .
For example: «The capital club opted to incorporate young blood into its squad and hired four players under twenty-two years of age» , «This company needs new blood to put aside old ideas» , «The tennis player demonstrated his champion spirit and "He kept the title despite his physical problems."