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
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Urinary disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA indicates the traditional use of birch to increase the volume of urine passed in order to perform a urinary tract wash, as an adjuvant means for the treatment of moderate urinary tract pain. ESCOP indicates birch for irrigation of the urinary tract, particularly in cases of inflammation and kidney stones, and as an adjuvant in the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections. Some studies corroborate these uses. In a field study, 1,066 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 for a treatment period of 2 to 4 weeks. Patients were classified into four groups: 73.8% suffered from urinary tract infections, cystitis or other inflammatory disorders, 14.2% from irritable bladder, 9.3% from stones and 2.7% from various disorders. 56% of the patients in the first group also received antibiotic therapy. After treatment, symptoms disappeared in 78% of the patients in the first group, 65% of the second group and 65% of the third group. Symptoms disappeared in 80% of patients treated with antibiotics and in 75% of those treated without antibiotics. Physicians and patients considered the efficacy to be very good or good.
Posologie
Orally: 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 can reduce inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, and helps eliminate kidney stones, as well as showing some effectiveness against urinary tract infections.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, bark, sap, buds
4 - 9 g
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests a potential benefit in cases of gout, which is a disease characterized by an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood. Birch is also indicated as an adjunct treatment for inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis).
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, bark, sap, buds
gemmotherapy, dry extract, juice
Gout ✪✪✪✪✪
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests a potential benefit in cases of gout, which is a disease characterized by an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood.
Posologie
Oral use: 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 appears, based on animal studies, that the high potassium content of the leaves produces the diuretic effect, allowing an increase in urine volume and helping to address minor urinary disorders. The mechanism remains unknown due to a lack of reliable information, and the justification for this use relies on traditional medicine.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The E Commission of the German Ministry of Health and ESCOP indicate the use of birch as "therapeutic irrigation of the urinary tract in cases of inflammation and kidney stones; as an adjuvant in the treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract". Traditionally, birch is used in the treatment of rheumatism.
Usages associés
Depurative
The renal drainage promoted by birch suggests it may be useful in cases of gout, which is a disease characterized by an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
In mice, oral administration of an extract of dried birch leaves demonstrated antioxidant activity. This activity was maximal with acute administration; chronic administration for 14 days resulted in a reduction of the antioxidant effects.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 and over: 360 mg - 1200 mg (dry extract)
- Dried leaves: 2 to 3 g per day; - Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons of plant for 150 ml of boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, drink 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 restricting use to adults and children over 12 years of age.
Adolescent from 12 to 18 years:
The European Medicines Agency recommends restricting use to adults and children over twelve years of age.
Interactions
Médicaments
Diuretics: low interaction
Anyone taking a diuretic medication should discuss with their doctor the potential use of birch.
Aspirin: low interaction
The bark contains betuloside and monotropitoside (heterosides), which, by hydrolysis, release methyl salicylate, which, like aspirin, is analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Combined use of aspirin and birch is therefore not recommended.
Precautions
Allergies: avoid
It should be avoided in case of hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or in case of pollen allergy.
High blood pressure: use with caution
Theoretically, birch leaf could increase sodium retention and worsen hypertension.
Child up to 12 years: avoid
The European Medicines Agency recommends restricting use to adults and children over twelve years of age.
Edema: avoid
People who suffer from edema (swelling) related to heart or kidney disease should refrain from using birch.
Pregnant women: avoid
Although studies have not shown toxicity to the fetus, it is preferable not to take birch during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Breastfeeding women should refrain from taking it, since the active substances in birch may pass into breast milk.
