Birch – Betula alba

An emblematic tree of boreal and temperate forests, the birch tree is used in herbal medicine for its various parts (leaves, bark, sap). The bark, in particular, is prized for its external uses or in traditional decoctions, particularly in Slavic and Nordic cultures.

Description

Bark cut into fibrous fragments, white-grey to light brown in colour, from branches or young trunks. Discreet aroma, slightly filmy texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Birch, white birch
• Latin name: Betula alba
• Family: Betulaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, Russia, Scandinavia
• English name: Birch bark
• Name in German: Birkenrinde
• Name in Spanish: Corteza de abedul
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di betulla
• Name in Arabic: لحاء البتولا (Laḥā' al-Bitūlā)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its purifying and toning properties, birch bark is used in the composition of natural preparations for external care, aromatic baths or supervised decoctions.

Main constituents

Triterpenes (betulin, betulinic acid), flavonoids, tannins, essential oils.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 5 to 10 g per liter of water, boil for 10 to 15 minutes, recommended for external or cosmetic use.
• Aromatic bath: decoction added to bath water for a toning effect.
• Compresses: in warm decoction for local application.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant – internal use reserved for professionals.
• May contain salicylates: avoid in case of known allergy or intolerance to salicylate derivatives.
• External use only for self-medication.

History and origin

Birch is a sacred tree in many Nordic and Celtic traditions. Its bark was used in folk medicine for purifying or healing decoctions. It was also used to make parchments and natural containers.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a dry, opaque container, at room temperature.
• Packaging: kraft bag, glass jar or metal box.
• Appearance: fragments of soft bark, light to brownish in color.
• Odor: light, woody, neutral.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European medicinal plants
• French Pharmacopoeia – list of regulated plants
• Nordic herbal traditions

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