VALRYGG studio

The snow has barely left our island in Helgeland.

The ground still holds a chill, and yet—
the birch trees know it’s time.

At first, it’s just a hint of green against the grey branches. Then, seemingly overnight, the leaves unfurl like little heart-shaped lanterns. Soft, fragrant, and full of potential.

Here in the Arctic, May is a sacred threshold.
And birch is one of our first gifts.

A Personal Ritual

Every spring, I wait for this moment.
It’s never loud. It never announces itself.
But one morning, on my walk between the house and the edge of the forest, I’ll brush against a branch and notice: the leaves are ready.

I always pick with reverence.
A few leaves from each tree. Never from the youngest. Always from places where I know the trees are thriving.

It’s one of the first rituals of the season —
Foraging birch leaves before the sun gets too strong, while they’re still soft and filled with early-spring energy.

Why Birch?

Birch (Betula) is more than a tree here.
It’s part of the landscape. The folklore. The medicine cabinet.

The young spring leaves are rich in:

• Vitamin C (great for immune support)

• Flavonoids and tannins (anti-inflammatory, detoxifying)

• Natural diuretics (gently supporting kidneys and fluid balance)

• Mild pain relief properties (used traditionally for rheumatism)

In Nordic folk traditions, birch was used in everything from skin care to spring cleansing rituals. It’s one of the gentlest and most generous plants we have.

5 Beautiful Ways to Use Birch Leaves

1. Birch Leaf Tea (Ferskvannste)
   Dry the young leaves and use 1 tsp per cup.
   Steep for 5–7 minutes.
   It tastes green, fresh, slightly bitter — like the North waking up.

2. Birch-Infused Honey
   Fill a clean jar with fresh birch leaves.
   Cover with raw local honey.
   Let it sit for 1–2 weeks before straining.
   Perfect for sore throats and afternoon teas.

3. Birch Bath or Foot Soak
   Steep a handful of fresh or dried leaves in boiling water, then pour into a warm bath.
   Relieves sore muscles and offers a grounding ritual.

4. Birch Vinegar for Salads and Pickles
   Place fresh leaves in apple cider vinegar. Let infuse for 2–4 weeks.
   Strain and use for salad dressings, wild ferments, or even as a natural hair rinse.

5. Birch Leaf Oil (for skin)
   Infuse fresh leaves in a light carrier oil (like almond or sunflower) for 4–6 weeks.
   Strain and use on tired legs or for gentle massage. Anti-inflammatory and soothing.

How to Forage (With Care)

• Pick only from healthy, unsprayed trees.
  Avoid roadsides and industrial areas.

• Harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun is too strong.

• Pinch off the youngest, softest leaves with your fingers.

• Take only what you’ll use.
  Birch is generous, but she should be met with gratitude.

How to Preserve Birch Leaves

• Drying: Lay in a single layer on a mesh screen or clean towel in a shaded, dry area. Turn daily until crisp. Store in airtight jars away from sunlight.

• Freezing: Blanch leaves quickly, pat dry, and freeze flat in bags. Keeps color and aroma better than drying.

• Infusions: As noted above — infuse in honey, oil, or vinegar as both preservation and preparation.

Living in Season

Foraging is not a trend.
It’s not an aesthetic.
It’s a way of remembering.

Of tuning into the quiet rhythms of the land.
Of nourishing ourselves with what grows here, now.
Of realizing we don’t always need to go far to find something beautiful and healing.

From one island to another —
from my birch trees to your cup —
this is a season to slow down and taste the green.