Birch is a handsome slender deciduous tree growing to a height of 100 ft (30 m) having pale grey papery bark, toothed leaves, and catkins in spring, member of the family Betulaceae (a closely related to the oak/beech family) mostly found in temperate climates and widespread in the Northern hemisphere (such as in Europe), in temperate regions of Asia and in North America.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Species of Birch Tree
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Birch Essential Oil
Birch Oil is extracted from a Birch trees pale green cambium layer just under its bark surface.
Properties:
• Tonic,
• Disinfectant,
• Stimulant,
• Anti-depressant,
• Analgesic,
• Detoxifying,
• Anti-Rheumatic,
• Anti-arthritic,
• Diuretic,
• Anti-septic,
• Astringent,
• Febrifuge,
• Germicide and insecticide,
• Depurative,Health Benefits:
• Stimulates functions,
• Fights Depression,
• Reduces pain,
• Promotes urination,
• Protects Wounds from being septic,
• Reduces Fever,
• Kills germs and insects,
• Purifies blood,• Its bark contain:
• Digestive properties,
• Diuretic properties, and
• anti-pyretic properties.
Usable Parts
Leaves, bark, sap
Directions of Preparation
Infusion – pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of chopped leaves and let it stand for 10 minutes
Recommended Dosage
Take 3 cups a day.
Its Active Constituents:
• Silver Birch contain:
• Saponins,
• Flavonoids,
• Tannin,
• A volatile oil (includes methyl salicylate).
• Its leaves contain:
• Tannin,
• Glucoside,
• Flavonoids,
• Its leaves produce a pleasant tea and an infused oil which are an excellent tonic and detoxifier.
• Its oil contain:
• Salicylic acid,
• Methyl salicylate,
• Betulene and betulenol.
• Its sap contain:
• High sugar content
• Vitamins (such as Vitamin C and B-complex Vitamins like Thiamine
• Minerals (such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Sodium),
• Sugars (mainly glucose and fructose)
• The sap from the Birch tree is used to make Syrups that you can consume directly or use as a part of salad dressings, soups, candies and even wine and beer.
• Its buds contain Anti-Biotic and Diuretic properties and is a rich source of :
• Vitamin C,
• Tannin,
• Flavonoids.
Expert Advice:
* Experts usually recommend soaking Birch tree leaves in Apple Cider Vinegar for several weeks to help in the release of its Minerals and micronutrients.
Health Benefits of Birch
Anti-Aging
• Regular external application of Birch tree oil effectively reduces wrinkles, sagging of the Skin, muscles and its Astringent property strengthens Gums, Hair and tightens muscles, hence making one to look younger.
Foods & Bones
Detoxification
• Its an excellent tonic and detoxifier working on the urinary system to remove waste products, reduces Fluid retention and swellings, kidney or bladder stone, gravel, Gout, and rheumatism.
• Silver Birch leaves infusion hastens the removal of waste products through urine, thus beneficial for Kidney Stones and bladder stones (gravel), rheumatic conditions and Gout.
• Its leaves and buds juice is beneficial for reducing Infections of the Urinary Tract System, Dropsy / Edema, and renal calculosis.
• Its sap is a mild Diuretic.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Its oil stimulates the nervous, circulatory, Digestive and excretory systems such as endocrine glands that result in more secretions of enzymes and essential Hormones that enhance insulin production will help lower the blood sugar levels.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• It stimulates the Digestive System and aid in better digestion.
Foods & Digestive System
Hair
• Its leaves water is a good way to strengthen the Hair roots and prevent problems like dandruff.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Its leaves and twigs contain betulinic acid that gives it its Anti-Inflammatory properties
• Its buds are effective in the prevention of viral Infections and even the formation of Cancer. as they are a rich source of Vitamin C, Tannin, and Flavonoids.
Foods & Immune System
Infections
• Salicylic acid and methyl salicylate are well known germicides and bactericides helping to protect the Skin from both bacterial and fungal Infections.
Foods & Infections
The Liver
• Its oil is a powerful Depurative and Diuretic properties helps in purification of blood, Flushing out harmful toxins, uric acid, and excess water from the body which in turn helps in maintaining good kidney and Liver health.
Foods & The Liver
Musculoskeletal System
• Its oil is helpful in reducing pain in the joints and muscles and has Anti-Spasmodic properties, relieving cramping throughout the body.
• Its oil helps to remove toxins like uric acid from the blood through increased urination and perspiration which is very helpful in giving relief in diseases associated with improper circulation such as Dropsy / Edema (swelling), rheumatism, and Arthritis.
• Silver Birch leaves (used in combination with Diuretic herbs), helps to reduce Fluid retention and swelling.
• Its bark can also be Macerated in oil and applied to joints for rheumatism relief.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
• Its leaves in Apple Cider Vinegar soaked for several weeks is drunk for treating Coughs.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Its an effective natural treatment for Skin conditions like Eczema, dermatitis, and furunculous as it contains strong Astringent properties.
• soak Birch leaves in water for few hours and then use the strained solution for washing the Skin.
• Its leaves oil distillation is anti-septic and commonly used in preparations to treat Eczema and Psoriasis.
• Its bark decoction can be used as a lotion for chronic Skin problems.
Foods & Skin Health
