Birch
Betula pendula(?)
Other names: Birch, берёза (beryoza)
Edible plantPhoto credit: Wikimedia Commons contributor
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Generally mild. Birch pollen/leaf allergy is common (birch-pollen-related food allergy/oral allergy syndrome) - allergic reactions possible. | None known reported. | Mild. EMA reports diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, allergic reactions (itching, rash, rhinitis). No serious organ toxicity established.
Contraindications: Irrigation therapy contraindicated where increased fluid intake is unwanted - e.g., oedema from impaired heart or kidney function. Birch allergy. EMA: adults/adolescents. | None specifically reported. | Hypersensitivity to birch leaf or birch pollen (cross-allergy common). Must NOT be used where reduced fluid intake is advised (severe heart or kidney disease). Adults/adolescents >12; not established in pregnancy.
Interactions: Theoretical additive effect with diuretics and with drugs requiring careful fluid/electrolyte balance - consult provider. | None reported. | Theoretical additive effect with diuretics and with lithium (diuretic-type interaction); none firmly established. Birch-pollen-allergic individuals may react (oral allergy syndrome).
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not specifically addressed; use restricted to adults/adolescents. | Not established in pregnancy.
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
infusion · young leaf
Part used: young leaf
Traditional use: diuretic
external application · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: eases muscle pain
sap (drunk) · spring sap
Part used: spring sap
Traditional use: spring tonic(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)
infusion (tea) / liquid extract / birch sap as a seasonal drink · leaf
Part used: leaf
Traditional use: increase amount of urine (flushing-out/irrigation therapy) for minor urinary-complaint relief and as adjuvant in minor urinary conditions; folk use for spring cleansing and rheumatic complaints
Proposed mechanism: flavonoids (hyperoside, quercetin glycosides) and saponins proposed to increase urine volume (aquaretic) - preclinical; irrigation therapy relies on increased fluid throughput, so adequate fluid intake is essential
Dosage note (descriptive only): traditional infusion of ~2-3 g leaf per cup several times daily, with copious fluid intake (EMA); descriptive only
tincture · young leaf
Part used: young leaf
Traditional use: diuretic/anti-inflammatory for cystitis and urinary infections; gout, rheumatism, mild arthritic pain
Proposed mechanism: flavonoid-driven diuretic
Dosage note (descriptive only): Commission E listed
infusion/tea · leaf
Part used: leaf
Traditional use: diuretic for 'flushing' urinary tract, kidney/bladder complaints, edema
Proposed mechanism: Flavonoids; diuretic ('flushing') action
Dosage note (descriptive only): EMA: leaf medicine for adults/adolescents >12; not established in pregnancy
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: Birch sap (birch water) is a traditional drinkable spring sap; young leaves can be used for tea | birch sap is consumed traditionally; leaves used as tea | Birch sap is a traditional drinkable beverage (raw or fermented); young leaves can make tea; inner bark was a famine flour. Sap and leaf tea low-risk for non-allergic adults.
Toxic lookalike warning
Tree identification (bark, leaf shape) should be confirmed before tapping/harvesting; do not harvest from trees of uncertain species or treated/contaminated sites. | Birch is easily identified by its bark, so botanical confusion is low; the main hazard is pollen cross-allergy, not toxic lookalikes.
Nutritional notes
Birch sap: dilute sugars/minerals; minor. | Birch sap is a dilute source of sugars, minerals (potassium, calcium, manganese) and trace vitamin C; leaves provide flavonoids and vitamin C.
Healing traditions
Sources (4)
- EMA/HMPC Betulae folium monograph & public summary
- Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003) — materia medica, Betula alba
- Betulae folium (Birch Leaf) — HMPC summary, EMA/HMPC, 2015
- Final EU herbal monograph on Betula pendula Roth; Betula pubescens Ehrh., folium (EMA/HMPC/573241/2014), 2015