Birch – Betula alba

A tree native to cold and temperate climates, birch is an emblematic plant of European medicinal traditions. In powdered form, its bark allows for more concentrated uses in cosmetics and natural external care.

Description

Fine, light brown to gray-brown powder obtained from dried bark. Slightly fibrous texture. Subtle woody odor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Birch, white birch
• Latin name: Betula alba
• Family: Betulaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Form: Powder
• Origin: Europe, Russia, Scandinavia
• English name: Birch bark powder
• Name in German: Birkenrindenpulver
• Name in Spanish: Polvo de corteza de abedul
• Name in Italian: Polvere di corteccia di betulla
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق لحاء البتولا (Masḥūq Laḥā' al-Bitūlā)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its purifying, toning, and protective properties in skin care, the powder is easy to incorporate into cosmetic formulas or poultices.

Main constituents

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

Use and dosage

• Cosmetic: integrated into creams, masks or natural exfoliants.
• Decoction: 1 teaspoon in 250 ml of boiling water, filter before external use.
• Poultice: mixed with warm water or hydrosol for a paste applied locally.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant – internal use prohibited without medical supervision.
• Contains natural salicylates: avoid in people with allergies.
• Do not inhale the powder directly.

History and origin

Birch is recognized in Nordic cultures as a tree of purification and light. Its bark was used for skin care and as a base for cleansing decoctions in folk traditions.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a dry, opaque container, away from humidity.
• Packaging: sealed bag, metal box or airtight jar.
• Appearance: Fine, homogeneous powder, pale brown to dark brown.
• Odor: sweet woody, neutral.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European medicinal plants
• French Pharmacopoeia – Regulated plants
• Scandinavian and Slavic herbal traditions

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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