- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, North America
- Other names
- Ruwe berk
Europe · Herb · № 186
Betula pendula
Herb · Europe
Birch
Betula pendula
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, astringent, antirheumatic.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Leaf as tea; sap freshly tapped in spring. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In northern and eastern Europe birch sap is tapped in spring and drunk fresh or fermented as a cleansing spring cure. The leaf was used as a diuretic, and the bark yielded birch tar, which served as glue as early as the Stone Age; Ötzi carried birch polypore with him. In Scandinavia people beat each other with birch twigs in the sauna. In herbal magic associated with cleansing, protection, purification and children.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Bitter, astringent, antirheumatic.
Preparation and amount
Sap, bark, leaves.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Cleansing, protection, purification, children, new beginning.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Twigs for the traditional witch's broom; birch wood for cradles.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)