White
Birch Bark is considered both a bitter and an astringent. A leaf tea
made by infusion is said to eliminate gravel and dissolve kidney stones when
taken daily for a time, though this is unproven. This herb has also been used
historically as a cream, salve, wash or bath additive for the treatment of skin
problems, resulting from the action of the betulinic acid occurring naturally in
the bark of the tree. Also, the inner bark contains an oil which is sometimes
substituted for wintergreen in various over-the-counter (OTC) skin
liniments.
