Birch Bark

Botanical:   Betula alba

Family: Betulaceae (birch)

Other common names:  White Birch Bark, Black Birch, Silver Birch, Sweet Birch, Canoe Birch, Lady of the Woods

Birch Bark acts as an effective remedy for cystitis and other infections of the urinary system, as well as removing excess water from the body.  Perhaps because of this cleansing diuretic activity, the plant has been used for gout, rheumatism and mild arthritic pain.  Birch Bark is also a fine pain reliever.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
The Birch tree can be found in the northern parts of the United States, in Canada and northern Europe, growing to a height of sixty five to one hundred feet.  Its white bark can be peeled off in horizontal strips and has been used to ease muscle pain when applied externally, putting the fresh, wet internal side of the bark against the skin. The word, Birch, is said to be derived from the Sanskrit, bhurga, meaning "tree whose bark can be written on."  The twigs are hardy and used in broom handle making and also used to gently "beat" people in saunas.  Historically, Birch has had several culinary uses: vinegar and wine have been made from the sap, and the sap has been cooked into a sweet syrup. The bark has been used for making beer; the inner bark has been dried and ground into a flour; the inner bark has also been cut into thin strips and boiled with noodles; and the plant's young leaves and catkins have been added to salads.  Birch is also used to make canoes and baskets.  Some shampoos, toothpastes and perfumes contain Birch as an ingredient.  The medicinal parts of this plant include the young leaves and the bark, and the primary chemical constituents of the bark include saponins, essential oil (methyl salicylate), betulinic acid, tannin, flavonoids (hyperoside, luteolin, quercetin), bitter principle and glycosides.  Only the leaves are antibacterial.  Birch Bark is being investigated for its potential in treating malignant diseases, focusing on the betulinic acid content.  Birch Bark has been used as an astringent, diuretic and diaphoretic, and it helps to cleanse the body of toxins, thin the blood and relieve pain and inflammation.  Typical uses include support for arthritis, boils, fever, gout, headache, kidney stones, rheumatism and worms.  Topical applications of this herb have included use as a poultice for bruises, burns, eczema and wounds; as a bath herb for skin eruptions; and as a liniment for rheumatism.    The essential oil is used in salves and medicated soaps for eczema and psoriasis.  Birch Bark has also found uses as a douche for leukorrhea and as a facial steam for nasal congestion and acne.  The inner bark contains an oil which is sometimes substituted for wintergreen in liniments. Distillation of the bark yields Birch tar oil, an astringent ingredient of ointments for eczema and psoriasis.  A Birch leaf tea made by infusion is said to eliminate gravel and dissolve kidney stones when taken daily for a period of time. 

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
People who are hypersensitive to aspirin should not use Birch Bark, and anyone taking prescription blood-thinning medications should always consult a physician before using it.

Capsule Information:
Our Birch Bark supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mg. each.