Silver Birch

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      The silver birch, Betula pendula, was at one time regarded as a symbol of spring - a tree of life and fertility. Folklore has honored it as a protector against demons and witches, and the tree's leaves, bark and sap have long been used to fight illnesses such as bladder infections, kidney stones, eczema and rheumatism.

Plant Facts
      The silver birch is a member of the Betulaceae, or birch, family. It grows to a height of 100 feet and is recognized by its grayish-white, peeling bark and dark cracks at the base. The bark and leaves have an organic, bitter taste and act as an astringent.

Origin
      The silver birch is usually found in the thickets and in dry deciduous and evergreen forests of North America, Europe and the temperate zones of northern Asia.

Plant Parts
      In the United States, branches and bark of the birch tree are used medicinally - primarily to make teas through dry distillation.

Components
      The leaves contain strongly diuretic flavonoids, anti-inflammatory tannins and saponins, as well as a great deal of vitamin C. The plant juice contains sugar, phytohormones and protein; the bark contains resins and the camphorlike compound betulin.

Indications
      Birch leaves have diuretic properties because of the flavonoids they contain; they increase urinary excretion without irritating the kidneys. A tea made from the leaves can be used as a flushing agent for urinary-tract infections and to help prevent kidney stones. Traditional medicine uses preparations of birch teas for treating gout, abscesses and rheumatism. Hair rinses with birch as an added ingredient are thought to promote growth.

      Native Americans made a tea with silver birch bark that was used for treating lower back pain. The bark contains methyl salicylate, a substance that may have effects similar to aspirin. Native Americans also use birch in the following manner:

Methods of Administration

Tea infusion
      Pour 1 cup of boiling water over ½ tsp. of dried birch leaves. Steep for 10-15 minutes, then stain. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times daily.

Tea decoction
      Heat 1 cup of water to boiling; reduce it to a gentle simmer and then add 1 tbsp. of birch bark. Simmer for 15-20 min. and strain. Drink 1-2 cups of the tea daily. The decoction can also serve as the basis for a skin lotion that can be applied to warts or areas with psoriasis or eczema.

Tincture
      Pour 1 cup of vodka over 2 tsp. of birch bark in a clean glass jar. Cover; shake. Steep for 3-4 days. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture 2-3 times a day.

Extract
      Many teas for the bladder and kidney contain a powder of birch tea or dried extract of birch bark or leaves. These are sometimes blended with other medicinal plants that have similar diuretic and disinfectant effects.

Magickal Information

Folk Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deity: Thor
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Purification
Magical Uses:

• Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals, since the birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.
• The tree is also used for protection, and Russians used to hang a red ribbon around the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the evil eye. The birch also protects against lightening.
• The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect their helpless charges.

Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D