White Birch


White Birch



A genus of about 60 species of deciduous, mostly fast-growing trees and shrubs, distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. Birches are among the most common trees in most northern regions and are important in cultivation, being easily grown on most soils. They have a graceful habit, and the foliage of many species turns yellow in autumn. Betula pendula (silver birch) is highly regarded as a medicinal plant in Russia and Siberia, especially for treating arthritis. Large quantities of birch tar oil are produced in these regions. A number of different birches are used medicinally, including the Eurasian B. pubescens (downy or white birch), which is used in identical ways to B. pendula; the N American B. alleghaniensis and B. nigra (river birch), used mainly for skin complaints and wounds; and B. lenta (cherry birch, black birch), the source of sweet birch oil, which contains large amounts of methyl salicylate and is used in perfumery and dental products. The wood is used for a wide range of purposes, including charcoal, paper, spools for thread, toys, and fish smoking. The bark is used in the tanning industry, imparting a delicate fragrance to leather (notably peau d'Espangne). The slender, flexible twigs are ideal for brooms - and for making "the birch", a rod or whip of birch twigs, which was used to flog offenders

The silver birch was at one time regarded as a symbol of spring—a tree of life and fertility. Folklore has honored it as a protector against demons and witches, and the trees leaves, bark,and sap have long been used to fight illnesses such as bladder infections, kidney stones, eczema and rheumatism.

Tea made from the birch leaf is a powerful diuretic that can actually dissolve bladder and kidney stones, while killing bacteria in the kidneys and urinary tract and easing fluid retention due to heart or kidney dysfunction.

Deciduous tree with drooping branches and silver-white, peeling bark. Catkins of male and female flowers are borne in spring on the same tree before new leaves appear; males pendent, females short and erect; followed by winged nutlets.

Common Name:
White Birch
Other Names:
Birch, Common Birch, Silver Birch
Botanical Name:
Betula pendula syn. B. alba, B.verrucosa
Genus:
Betula
Family:
Betulaceae
Native Location:
Europe to W Siberia, North America, Europe, and temperate zones of northern Asia
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun or shade. Betula pendula prefers sandy soils below pH6.5 and dislikes shallow, alkaline conditions, although it tolerates drier conditions than B. pubescens. Leaves may be damaged by aphids, caterpillars, leafminers, and weevils, and are also effected by rust. Trunk borers are a problem in many areas.
Propagation:
By softwood cuttings in summer; by grafting in winter; by seed sown when ripe in a mixture of peat and sand. Seed does not store well, and germinations is erratic.
Harvest:
Leaf buds and young leaves are gathered in spring for use in infusions, poultices, and tinctures. Bark is stripped from felled trees as required for distillation of oil. Sap is tapped from mature trees for a week during spring, at the rate of 82 liters (18 gallons) per tree.
Variations:
Fastigata
Has upright branches.
Height: 20m (70ft)
Width: 6m (20ft)
Laciniata
(syn Dalecarlica hort)
(Swedish birch)

Has deeply cut leaves; this variant was found in the wild in Sweden in 1767.
Height: 6-9m (20-28ft)
Width: 4-5m (12-15ft)
Purpurea
Has purple-tinged bark and purple leaves.
Height: 10m (30ft)
Width: 3m (10ft)
Tristis
Has slender branches, a narrow, symmetrical head, and drooping branches.
Youngii
(Young's weeping birch)

Has a dome-shaped weeping habit.
Height: 8m (25ft)
Height:
10-25m (30-80ft)
Width:
4-10m (12-30ft)
Hardiness:
Z2-6
Parts Used:
Leaves, bark, oil, (occasionally buds, sap), wood
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, tonic herb that has diuretic and mild laxative effects, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and increases perspiration.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, arteriosclerosis, water retention, cystitis, kidney stones, skin eruptions, and fevers. Some practitioners find that alternating B. pendula and Urtica dioica (see stinging nettle) every three days is especially effective in conditions caused by chronic toxicity. Externally in the form of birch tar oil, for psoriasis and eczema.
Birch leaves are used as a "flushing out" therapy for inflammatory and bacterial ailments of the urinary tract and for kidney gravel; to treat gout and rheumatism; and to purify the blood. Birch tar oil (obtained via the dry distillation of the wood of the white birch) is used to treat gout, rheumatism, and psoriasis and other skin ailments.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of birch leaf is made by steeping 2 to 3gm of leaf in 150ml of hot water for fifteen minutes, then straining the leaves and drinking the liquid as a tea. There is no typical dose of birch tar oil.
Possible Side Effects:
No side effects are known when birch is taken in designated therapeutic doses. However, birch leaf should not be used to treat edema if the heart or kidneys are not functioning well.
Drug Interactions:
Taking birch with these drugs may reduce the effectiveness of the drug:
Acetazolamide (Apo-Acetazolamide, Diamox Sequels) Amiloride (Midamor) Azosemide (Diat) Bumetanide (Bumex, Burinex)
Chlorthalidone (Apo-Chlorthalidone, Thalitone) Chlorothiazide (Diuril) Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) Etozolin (Elkapin)
Furosemide (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) Hydrochlorothiazide (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene (Dyazide,Maxzide) Hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin, Saluron)
Indapamide (Lozol, Nu-Indapamide) Mannitol (Osmitrol, Resectisol) Mefruside (Baycaron) Methazolamide (Apo-Methazolamide, Neptazane)
Methyclothiazide (Aquatensen, Enduron) Metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn) Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) Polythiazide (Renese)
Spironolactone (Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton) Torsemide (Demadex) Triamterene (Dyrenium) Trichlormethiazide (Metatensin, Naqua)
Urea (Amino-Cerv, UltraMide)
Xipamide (Diurexan, Lumitens)
Disease Interactions:
May make elevated blood pressure worse by causing the body to retain more sodium or fluid.
Food Interactions:
Those allergic to birch may develop an allergy to celery, and vice versa.
Culinary Uses:
Sap is fermented to make beer, wine, spirits, or vinegar.
Plant Facts:
The silver birch is a member of the Betulacea, or birch family. It grows to a height of 100 feet and is recognized by its grayish=white, peeling bark and dark cracks at the base. The bark and leaves have an organic, bitter taste and act as an astringent.
Origins:
The silver birch is usually found in the thickets and in dry deciduous and evergreen forests of North America, Europe and the temperate zones of northern Asia.
Plant Parts:
In the United States, branches and bark of the birch tree are used medicinally—primarily to make teas through dry distillation.
Components:
The leaves contain strongly diuretic flavonoids, anti-inflammatory tannins and saponins, as well as a great deal of vitamin C. The plant juice contains sugar, phytohormones and protein; the bark contains resins and the camphorlike compound betulin.
Indications:
Birch leaves have diuretic properties because of the flavonoids they contain; they increase urinary excretion without irritating the kidneys. A tea made from the leaves can be used as a flushing agent for urinary-tract infections and to help prevent kidney stones. Traditional medicine uses preparations of birch teas for treating gout, abscesses and rheumatism. Hair rinses with birch as an added ingredient are thought to promote growth.
Folk Medicine and Uses:
Native Americans made tea with silver birch bark that was used for treating lower back pain. The bark contains methyl salicylate, a substance that may have effects similar to aspirin.
Direction:
East, North, South, West
Methods of Administration:
  • Tea Infusion:
    Pour 1 cup of boiling water of 1 - 2 tsp. of dried birch leaves.
    Steep for 10-15 min.; then strain.
    Drink 1 cup up to 3 times per day.


  • Tea Decoction:
    Heat 1 cup of water to boiling;
    reduce it to a gentle simmer and then add 1tbsp. of birch bark.
    Simmer for 15-20 min. and strain.
    Drink 1-2 cups of tea daily.
    The decoction can also serve as the basis for a skin lotion that can be applied to warts or areas with psoriasis or eczema.


  • Tincture:
    Pour 1 cup of vodka over 2 tsp. of birch bark in a clean glass jar.
    Cover; shake.
    Steep for 3-4 days.
    Take 1 tsp of the tincture 2-3 times a day.


  • Extract:
    Many teas for the bladder and kidney contain a powder of birch tea or dried extract of birch bark or leaves.
    These are sometimes blended with other medicinal plants that have similar diuretic and disinfectant effects.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 143
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing Group 1 Card 3. Copyright ©1999 International Masters Publishers. AB.
The Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garret Copyright ©2003 by J.T. Garret pps. 61, 116, 157-158, 209-210, 253, 257, 260, 261, 263, 265, 266, 267, 268.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by George T. Grossberg, MD and Barry Fox, PhD Copyright © 2007 by Barry Fox , PhD. Pp. 66-67.