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Birch Betula alba

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.

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, and it is not for general use in aromatherapy. Never for internal use.

Side Effects:

Birch essential oil should be used cautiously and in dilution. It contains methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin. 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.

How to Use: Birch

Preparation Methods :

Remedies using : Birch Birch Bark tea*

Buy Bulk Birch Herbs, Extracts, Capsules and Oils

Certified Organic Birch Bark

Betula alba Origin- USA

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Certified Organic Birch Bark Powder

Betula alba Origin- USA

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Certified Organic Birch Leaf

Betula alba Origin- Hungary

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Birch Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Birch for :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
	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
	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
	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
	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)

Birch tea for :Cellulite:

Sweet birch can have good results against cellulite. It helps to eliminate toxins, and its diuretic action reduces the edema. It is preferable to use birch leaf as a tea for all conditions except for bladder and kidney infections. The tea can also be used as a douche.

Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Birch for :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
	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
	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
	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
	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)

Birch tea for :Cellulite:

Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Plant Description
Related Species Black birch, B. lenta
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:
History and Traditions
The 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}
Folklore, Myths and Legends

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