Birch (Betula pendula)

Beyond being an excellent natural aid for mild urinary tract infections, birch is also effective in addressing kidney stones and skin disorders. It offers antiviral benefits as well.

Birch (Betula pendula) was once reputed to ward off spirits and spells, and its healing properties have been recognized since ancient times. Birch leaves are used to treat mild urinary tract infections such as urethritis and cystitis, and to address kidney stones and swelling known as edema.

Rich in flavonoids, birch leaves serve as a potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, and act as an antiseptic for the urinary tract and kidneys.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, birch is used to ease rheumatic pain, often combined with nettle or meadowsweet (Filipendula). Applied topically, birch ointment can soothe eczema and psoriasis.

In folk medicine birch is also used to treat warts; a piece of soaked fresh bark is placed on the wart and changed daily.

Another approach is to apply compresses soaked in a tea prepared from ground birch bark. The antiviral constituents betulinic acid and its salicylates are considered responsible for this effect.

A 2002 study on the properties of betulinic acid and its salicylates demonstrated effective antiviral activity against HIV. Leaf buds and very young birch leaves can be eaten and added to stews, salads, and soups.

In times of scarcity birch bark was ground and used like flour. Dried and milled birch catkins can also be mixed into flour. Birch thrives in both sun and shade and can be propagated from cuttings.

Sticky young leaves are harvested in May after the birch has finished flowering, and the bark is gathered from felled trees.