Birch: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
"White Birch", "Fragrant Birch" or "Tree of Wisdom"
Scientific name(s)
Betula pubescens, Betula pendula, Betula verrucosa, Betula alba
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Betulinic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Potassium
Flavonoids
Vitamin C
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Urinary disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA indicates the traditional use of birch to increase urine volume for cleansing the urinary tract, as an adjunct to the treatment of moderate urinary tract pain. ESCOP indicates birch for urinary tract irrigation, particularly in cases of inflammation and kidney stones, and as an adjunct in bacterial urinary tract infection treatment. Some studies corroborate this use. In a field study, 1066 patients received a dry aqueous extract of birch leaves at doses ranging from 180 mg to 1080 mg or more per day for urinary tract irrigation during a 2 to 4-week treatment period. Patients were classified into four groups: 73.8% suffered from urinary tract infections, cystitis, or other inflammatory disorders, 14.2% from an irritable bladder, 9.3% from stones, and 2.7% from miscellaneous disorders. 56% of the first group also received antibiotic therapy. After treatment, symptoms disappeared in 78% of the first group, 65% of the second group, and 65% of the third group. 80% of patients treated with antibiotics and 75% of those treated without antibiotics saw their symptoms disappear. Doctors and patients rated the effectiveness as very good or good.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf, bark, sap, buds
1 - 5.6 g
4 - weeks
Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Kidney stone ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study showed that birch leaf tea reduces inflammation and irritations of the urinary tract and helps eliminate kidney stones and has some effectiveness on urinary infections.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf, bark, sap, buds
4 - 9 g
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests an interest in cases of gout, characterized by increased uric acid concentration in the blood. Birch is also indicated as an adjunctive treatment in inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis).
Posologie
Oral route: leaf, bark, sap, buds
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Gout ✪✪✪✪✪
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests an interest in cases of gout, characterized by increased uric acid concentration in the blood.
Posologie
Oral route: leaf, bark, sap, buds
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Properties
Diuretic
Birch leaves are rich in betulinic acid, flavonoids (hyperoside and quercetin), and vitamin C. It seems, based on studies conducted on animals, that the high potassium content in the leaves causes the diuretic effect, leading to an increased urine volume and battling minor urinary disorders. The mechanism remains unknown due to a lack of reliable information, and this use is justified by traditional medicine.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The German Health Ministry's Commission E and ESCOP indicate the therapeutic use of birch as "urinary tract irrigation therapy in case of inflammation and kidney stones, and an adjunct in the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections." Traditionally, birch is used in the treatment of rheumatism.
Usages associés
Depurative
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests an interest in cases of gout, which is a disease characterized by an increased uric acid concentration in the blood.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
In mice, the oral administration of a dried birch leaf extract demonstrated antioxidant activity. This activity was maximal during acute administration; chronic administration over 14 days led to a reduction in antioxidant effects.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 360 mg - 1200 mg (dry extract)
- Dried leaves: 2 to 3 g per day; - Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons of plant per 150 ml of boiling water, infusion for 15 minutes, to be drunk 3 times a day; - Birch juice: 1 to 2 tablespoons per day in water; - Birch sap: 3 times 15 ml of sap. - Dry extract: 300 mg, 3 to 4 times per day. - Gemmotherapy glycerinated macerate 1 D: 50 drops The European Medicines Agency recommends reserving its use for adults and children over 12 years of age.
Adolescent from 12 to 18 years:
The European Medicines Agency recommends reserving its use for adults and children over twelve years of age.
Interactions
Médicaments
Diuretics: weak interaction
Anyone taking diuretic medication must discuss the potential use of birch with their doctor.
Aspirin: weak interaction
The bark contains betuloside and monotropitoside (heterosides), which release methyl salicylate upon hydrolysis, which, like aspirin, is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic. The cumulative use of aspirin and birch is therefore not recommended.
Precautions
Allergies: avoid
It should be avoided in case of hypersensitivity to any active substances or in case of pollen allergy.
High blood pressure: use with caution
Theoretically, birch leaves could increase sodium retention and worsen hypertension.
Child up to 12 years: avoid
The European Medicines Agency recommends reserving its use for adults and children over twelve years of age.
Edema: avoid
People suffering from edemas (swellings) related to heart or kidney disease should refrain from using birch.
Pregnant woman: avoid
Although studies have not shown fetal toxicity, it is preferable not to consume birch during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Breastfeeding women should refrain from taking it, as active substances in birch may pass into milk.
