Birch
By john | February 25, 2008
Birch leaves contain tannin and gaultherine oil, which when mixed with water, yields methyl salicylate. Other components of the leaves are triterpene alcohol, flavonoids 0.5%), proanthocyanidins, and caffeic acid derivatives. These substances have a diuretic effect. Birch is available as dried leaves for tea, freshly pressed plant juices for internal use, and ointment and birch tar for topical use.
Benefits And Uses of Birch
Birch is used as a gentle stimulant and astringent. A warm water infusion is used to stimulate diaphoresis, to flush out kidney stones, and to treat diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and urinary tract infections.
Applied topically, birch may temporarily relieve rheumatic pain because of its methyl salicylate content. An infusion of birch is used to treat dandruff. Birch tar oil, or pix betulina, is used to treat scabies and skin infections.
Administration
- Dried herb: 2 to 3 g several times a day .
- Infusion: three times a day or four times a day between meals .
- Tea: Prepared from dried leaves or fresh plant juice and used orally as is or used to make an infusion, which is taken orally.
Side Effects of Birch
Topical use of birch may cause irritation. There are no reported interactions.Those who are dehydrated or allergic to birch trees should avoid use. Those with compromised cardiac or renal function should not use birch to treat edema.
Clinical considerations
- Make sure patient who’s taking the herb orally drinks plenty of fluids because birch can cause dehydration.
- Advise patient not to exceed the recommended daily dose without consulting his health care provider.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider if his condition doesn’t improve in a few days.
- Instruct patient to discontinue use if his skin becomes irritated.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of birch and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:Alternative Medicines birch trees clinical considerations dysentery kidney stones methyl salicylate renal function rheumatic pain scabies topical use urinary tract infections water yields
Topics: Alternative Medicines |
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