Scientific name
Betula alba L., Betula pubescensFamily
BetulaceaeOrigin
Nordic countries and cold climates. Birch also grows well in Italy above 700 meters above sea level.
The birch is a tree native to Eurasia, with the trunk and the thickest branches covered with white bark that flakes off in gills.
Parts Used
Drug consisting of leaves, buds and birch bark.Chemical constituents
- Tannins;
- Essential oil (also containing methyl salicylate which gives it antiseptic properties);
- Flavonoids (hyperoside and quercetin);
- Monoterpenic glycosides;
- Triterpene saponins;
- C vitamin;
- Caffeic acid and its derivatives (including chlorogenic acid);
- Proanthocyanidins;
- Betuloretic acid.
Birch in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Birch
Birch is a phytotherapic used efficiently as a diuretic, combined with anti-inflammatory virtues.
Extracts, infusions and tinctures of birch are indicated in premenstrual syndrome, in the prevention of kidney stones and gravel, in edema from heart failure, in the presence of arterial hypertension, ascites, dizziness, but also of edema of the lower limbs due to insufficiency venous and cellulite.
