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Birch Betula alba

Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore | Birch Remedies
buyBuy Bulk Birch From Mountain Rose Herbs

winter birches
winter birches
Common Names
Birch , White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch
Botanical Name
Betula alba
Family
BETULACEAE Birch Family
Birch Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Common Uses: Aches & Pains * Cancer Prevention * Eczema * Kidney *
Properties: Analgesic* Anti-inflammatory* Febrifuge* Antiparasite* Astringent*
Parts Used: Bark, leaves
Constituents:Buds: volatile oil which includes the camphor-like betulin. Young leaves: rich in saponins; also a flavonoid derivative, hyperoside resin, tannins, sesquiterpenes, betuloventic acid, vitamin C. Bark: betulinol and a glycoside


Birch bark is a natural pain reliever

Teas of the birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Salicylate relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and generalized muscle pain. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions of birch bark support it's traditional uses in skin disorders such as eczema. Traditional healers have long considered the leaves of the white and silver birch effective for skin rashes and hair loss. The bark is also used as an antibacterial diuretic in the treatment of urinary tract infections and water retention.

Related Species Black birch, B. lenta
Side Effects:
Birch essential oil should be used cautiously and in dilution. It contains methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin. However when used wisely it is an effective addition to a massage oil for sore muscles, sprains and painful joints because of its' anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. 2 to 3 drops mixed well into a warm bath can be very soothing. Often used as an ingredient in skin care products both for problem skin conditions and as a skin softener. Not to be used for anyone on blood thinning medications, the elderly or fragile. Not for use when pregnant or nursing. Possible skin irritant - dilute well, keep away from children. Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-07-15)
How to Use: Birch
Preparation Methods :

remedyRemedies using : Birch

Birch for :Gout, kidneys
Gout, kidneys The leaves have a peculiar, aromatic, agreeable odor and a bitter taste, and have been employed in the form of infusion (Birch Tea) in gout, rheumatism and dropsy, and recommended as a reliable solvent of stone in the kidneys.

Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Birch for :Inflammation, pain
Inflammation, pain Birch contains salicylate, the compound used to make aspirin. Salicylate deters the body's production of certain prostaglandins that are linked to inflammation, pain, and fever among other things.

James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Birch bark for :Anti-tumor properties
Anti-tumor properties Betulin and betulinic acid, both present in birch bark display some anticancer and anti-tumor properties.

James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Birch leaf tea for :Urinary infection, kidney stones
Urinary infection, kidney stones Birch-leaf tea is a powerful diuretic capable of dissolving kidney and bladder stones. It also kills off harmful bacteria in the kidneys and urinary tract. To obtain the full diuretic effect herbalists add a pinch of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to the infusion which promotes the extraction of the diuretic hyperoside.

Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Birch oil for :Skin Care, eczema
Skin Care, eczema The oil of Birch is astringent, and is mainly employed for its curative effects in skin affections, especially eczema

Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)


Buy Bulk Birch Herbs, Extracts, Capsules and Oils
referencesBirch Medicinal Uses & Benefits
Aches & Pains * Cancer Prevention * Eczema * Kidney *
Plant Description

Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887

  • Flowers:
  • Type:Soft-wood, deciduous, slender tree- grows to a height of 100 feet or more
  • Leaves:Dark green above, light green below
  • Medicinal Parts: While birch bark, flowers, leaves, and sap are all used in herbal medicines, birch leaf is the part used most often. Birch leaf is slightly bitter and faintly aromatic.
  • Preferred Habitat:cold, northerly climates
  • Flowering Season:

Aromatherapy
Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
aromatherapy The American species Betula lenta, (Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch) oil is almost identical with Wintergreen oil, but is not as toxic. The methyl salicylate it contains can have harmful effects if used unwisely. Never for internal use.
Folklore, Myths and Legends
History and Traditions
historyThe birch is a soft-wood tree native to cold, northerly climates. The name is a very ancient one, probably derived from the Sanscrit bhurga, 'a tree whose bark is used for writing upon.' Coleridge speaks of it as the 'Lady of the Woods'. It is remarkable for its lightness, grace and elegance, and after a rain it has a fragrant odor. (Grieve, M.)

The graceful birch has been immensely useful to northern peoples. They have made wheels, hoops for casks, brooms and switches from its wood. The sap, preserved with cloves and cinnamon, was once taken to treat skin diseases like acne as well as rheumatism and gout. Mabey, Richard ,32

Common Misspellings:

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