Betulaceae
Birch
Betula pendula
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Northern Asia
Also known as: Silver Birch, Weeping Birch, European White Birch
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafBarkSap
Therapeutic Uses
Urinary tract infections (diuretic, antiseptic leaf), rheumatic conditions (anti-inflammatory), gout (uric acid flushing), skin conditions (topical), general detoxification. Spring birch sap traditional tonic drink.
Herbal Actions
Diuretic (leaf), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal (betulin), astringent, antitumor (betulinic acid)
Active Constituents
Leaf: flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, myricetin), saponins, tannins, volatile oil, methyl salicylate. Bark: betulin, betulinic acid (antitumor), lupeol
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily with high fluid intake |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Birch sap (spring harvest): drink fresh 200–500ml daily for 2–4 weeks — traditional spring detox. Leaf tea: diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Birch tar (bark): antipsoriatic topical. Betulinic acid: anticancer research. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in heart or kidney disease requiring fluid restriction. Aspirin/salicylate sensitivity (methyl salicylate content). Caution with diuretics.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions (birch pollen cross-reactivity). Diuretic effect. GI mild upset. Generally very safe.