Medical plant
Birch is a tree that belongs to the Betulaceae family and is closely related to the oak/beech family. Birch is mostly found in temperate climates and is widespread in the Northern hemisphere, in North America, Europe, and Asia. Birch is a leafy tree, known from ancient times as a medicinal plant used in treating many diseases, also known as the “tree of life”. The bark, twigs, leaves, buds and sap are used for human consumption. In Pure Naturas formulas we use only the leaves. Birch leaf tea used to be drunk as a spring tonic to provide much needed nutrients after a long winter.
High in nutrients
The leaves of the birch tree are high in minerals, calcium and phosphorus, potassium and beta-carotene. The buds are a rich source of vitamin C, tannin, and flavonoids. Birch tree also contains betulinic acid that gives it anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful in treating conditions like arthritis, high cholesterol, heart and kidney edema and cystitis. It promotes slight sweating and is mildly diuretic.
Detoxifying
The leaves contain saponin, a bitter substance, mucilage, procatechinic tannin, essential oil, betulin, saccharose and resins. These substances offer the following properties to the birch leaves: diuretic, detoxifying, cicatrizing, anti-rheumatic, astringent, antiulcer, choleretic, slightly hypertensive, anti-fever.
Birch is widely used for all kinds of arthritis, especially where the kidneys don´t work properly. It is believed to strengthen the kidneys, accelerate the purification of waste material through them, assist with gravel and kidney stones, gout and muscle pains. Birch is a gentle herb and can be used frequently such as in everyday tea.
Special precautions: The herb is a diuretic, be sure to drink enough fluid so you don’t become dehydrated.
Allergy: We do not have information about potential allergies related to consuming birch leaves – but birch pollen might cause allergies in people who are sensitive to wild carrot, mugwort, celery, apples, soybeans, hazelnuts and peanuts. Therefore those with such allergies use caution when consuming our products including birch leaves.
Birch is used in our products DETOX and BALANCE to decrease inflammation and stimulate removal of toxins from the system.
