Also known as:

Betula spp, Betula, Betulae Folium, Betula Pendula, Betula Verrucosa, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, White Birch.

Introduction:

The birch is a soft-wood tree native to cold, northerly climates. The name is a very ancient one, probably derived from the Sanskrit bhurga, meaning "tree whose bark is written upon." Birch bark easily peels from the tree, but is slow to decay. Removing the bark from a living tree can threaten the life of the tree if the dark inner bark is damaged, but due to the remarkable preservative properties of birch bark, it can easily be harvested from dead or fallen trees, where it still retains its wonderful properties. Birch bark is strong and water resistant, almost like cardboard in its pliability, and can therefore be bent, cut, and even sewn. Native Americans were known to use the bark tea for fevers, stomachache, lung ailments, and fever. They also used it in many facets of their everyday lives as a material for canoes, wigwams, scrolls, ritual art, musical instruments, containers for food, and even clothing. Birch bark has been quite valuable since pre-historic times for its applications in building and crafting.

Constituents:

Betulinic acid, betulin, methyl salicylate.

Parts Used:

Dried, powdered bark.

Typical Preparations:

Tea, poultices.

Summary:

Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, birch bark has been used to treat skin outbreaks for centuries. Recent investigations suggest that the chemical betulin found in the bark may be useful in the treatment of melanoma (although not as the sole treatment for the condition). Teas of the bark may also relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.

Precautions:

Birch is diuretic. Do not take birch bark or leaf internally if you have difficulty going to the bathroom.

 

 

Wild Harvested- These plants are gathered from their natural environment, such as woodlands, prairies, deserts etc. All Wild Harvested species are taken to separate facilities for further processing. All the Wild Harvested species gathered and contracted from our distributor must sign a preliminary "Wild Take Audit" to insure that materials are sustainably gathered with a no more than 10% take, and that the plants are re-seeded or roots are left to re-stock native populations.

 

 This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For educational purposes only.