Betula pendula/alba

Betula pendula/alba                                     Common name:  Birch, Silver Birch, White Birch

Family: Betulaceae

Parts used: Young leaf & bark

Constituents: Flavonoids (hyperoside, quercitin, luteolin), Volatile oil, Salicylates, tannins, resins, saponins, betulin & betulinic acid

Medicinal actions: Tonic, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, bitter, cholagogue, mild laxative, diuretic, antispasmodic.

Medicinal use: Promotes the detoxification of waste products from the body such as uric acid. Can be used in arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscular and arthritic pain. Topically, the fresh wet bark placed over affected area (inner side touching the skin), helps to alleviate muscle pain.

Pharmacology:

• Flavonoids in leaf are diuretic
• Volatile oils contain methyl-salicylates with antiseptic and aspirin-like effects.

Pharmacy: Dried herb: 2-3g, TID. Infusion: (dried leaves) 1 tsp/cup, infuse 10 min, TID. Decoction: (inner bark) 1 tsp/cup, TID. Tincture: (1:5, 25%), 1-2ml TID.

Contraindications: None reported.

Toxicity: None known.

Interactions: None reported.