Betula pubescens
From www.plantsasmedicine.com
Betula pubescens Ehrh., also known as the European White Birch, is a tree in the Betulaceae family.[1]
Uses in Traditional Medicine
Leaves of the European White Birch contain up to three percent flavonoids. These include hyperoside, quercetine and quercitrine, myricetin galaktoside, vitamin C, and saponins. The bark of the tree contains betulinic acid. Plant essential oils exist in the leaves, as well.
Eating birch leaves lowers uric acid. Since "gout" or "gouty arthritis" is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals, consumption of birch leaves is said to help stave off gout and rheumatic problems.
Birch leaf juice or tea is used as medicine to increase water and salt excretion from the body. Excess salts are flushed out of the kidneys, which is good, since excess salts are what crystallize to form kidney stones. Birch leaf juice or tee acts as an antiinflammatory agent with regard to the kidneys and urinary tract.
The youngest birch leaves are eaten in salads in the spring.
Birch leaf extract is also used to treat dandruff.
Subspecies
- Betula pubescens Ehrh. subsp. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Nyman[2]
