The Herb Hound: BIRCH

BIRCH – Betula lenta, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Betula utilis, Betula populifolia, etc.

Also known as: black birch, sweet birch, mountain mahogany, cherry birch, spice birch, red birch, river birch, gray birch, etc.

Parts used: twigs, inner bark, leaf buds and leaves, sap.

Systems/organs affected: stomach, spleen, nervous, intestinal, rectal, kidneys, bladder, blood, skin, liver.

Properties: anti-rheumatic, aromatic, diaphoretic, stimulant, astringent, anthelmintic, diuretic, lithotriptic, detoxifying, tonic, anti-inflammatory, depurative, anti-carcinogenic, hypouricemic (lowers uric acid), anti-neuralgic, antidepressant (oil), germicide, insecticide, antispasmodic.

BIRCH is a member of the Betulaceae family. It is a deciduous tree that can get up to 100 feet tall depending on the variety. Silver birch and Downy birch are both native to Eurasia while the Sweet birch is native to the eastern part of North America. Most species of birch can now be found worldwide. With whitish bark that tends to be papery it can be found growing in woods, gardens, moors, etc. Birches tend to prefer wetter places but can be found almost anywhere.

Birch is an interesting species – it was often used for medicine in early times but now is basically used for a myriad of other things: furniture, baskets, boats, adhesives and more. It is a shame that such a wonderful medicinal has fallen by the wayside to make room for bigger, better drugs.

The British believe it to be one of the oldest trees as it appeared after the ice caps melted and moved across the land. It is a fast grower which makes it more of a soft wood which is why it was often used to make canoes, buckets and baskets.

Every aspect of birch has been used in some way medicinally although I never found any references to using the root. The leaves and twigs often were infused or decocted and drunk for help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, cystitis, rheumatism and heart/kidney edema. Its effects in that regard are contributed to its betulinic acid content. It also was used in this capacity to help with digestive issues. The leaves were soaked in vinegar for several weeks to get minerals and other necessary nutrients out of them; this in turn was used to boost one’s immunity and strengthen bones. The tea also was used topically as a wash for boils, eczema and other skin conditions. Birch leaves were juiced to help with water retention, urinary complaints and kidney stones.

Birch oil often was used for a number of maladies; it stimulates the digestive, nervous, excretory, circulatory and endocrine systems (quite a hefty feat for one plant!). Birch was used for detoxification, fevers, depression, toothaches, headaches, cramping, spasms, muscle and joint pain, skin issues, ringworm and gout and fungal infections to name a few. The American version, known as sweet birch (Betula lenta) is almost identical to wintergreen without being as caustic or toxic. Birch contains methyl salicylate, betulin and betulinic acid, all of which can be harmful if used improperly. Birch bark was found to have some anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic capabilities making it something to consider in such conditions.

Birch is a powerful diuretic – often helping to rid the body of excess uric acid that other diuretics leave behind. The difference here is that birch is high in potassium and as such doesn’t deplete the body of this vital element as it cleanses. Birch is used in many creams and ointments for cellulite, wrinkles and chronic skin conditions.

There is no doubt in my mind that birch is underutilized as a medicine but it should be used carefully. Birch should not be used by: pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, the fragile or those on blood thinners; those who are allergic to mugwort, celery, wild carrot, soy, hazelnuts, apples or peanuts. WebMD also says that birch may increase one’s blood pressure so it should be avoided by those with blood pressure issues. As birch also is nature’s ‘water pill’ it should not be used by those taking Lasix, Thalitone, Diuril or other pharmaceutical diuretics. The oil should always be diluted before use. Birch oil is rich in methyl salicylate (which can cause death at 10 ml) so ALWAYS USE WITH CAUTION.

As with any herb or supplement – ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN before starting any herbal program.