Primarily the leaves are used, but the bark and the sap can also be utilized.
Leaves
The leaves contain active substances such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and etheric oils. Tea made from birch leaves enhances the excretion of wastes from the body. They are used for rheumatic illnesses, arthritis, kidney stones, and bladder stones.
Bark
The inner bark is rich in nutrients and was historically ground to make flour during famine. Crushed bark in oil can be used to soothe painful rheumatic joints. The bark of black birch (Betula lenta) was earlier processed to extract an etheric oil used in perfumes and liquors.
Sap
Birch sap is tapped in the spring just before the tree sprouts new leaves. It can be bought by the bottle or you can get it yourself if you have birch trees. There are many ways to tap birch. You can screw a special tap into the tree from which the sap drips into a container. You can also cut a finger wide branch off of the tree trunk. The sap flows drips right out. Birch sap contains 1% sugars and a long list of minerals and amino acids. It should be stored somewhere dark and cool. Its shelf is max five days in the refrigerator.
Birch sap can be used for many other purposes. These include birch syrup and birch wine, which is made by fermenting the sweet sap.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine if you in doubt whether or not you have symptoms which should be examined by a doctor.
Dosage, leaves
Dried herb: 3 – 12 g daily
1:2 extract: 2 – 4 ml daily
Warnings
Should not be used by individuals who suffer from salicylic acid hypersensitivity
Do not use the bark if suffering from oedema caused by decreased heart or kidney function.
