Preparations from birch leaves have diuretic (diuretic) action. They are primarily suitable for the treatment of bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and kidney gravel, an accumulation of small kidney stones in the urinary system. Increased urinary excretion counteracts the formation of kidney and bladder stones, but the flushing out of water accumulation in the tissues (edema) is not supported by taking birch leaves.
Another field of application of birch preparations is the relief of rheumatic complaints.
Folkloric and homeopathic use
The leaves of birch have been used since the Middle Ages to treat bladder and kidney stones. Other uses in folk medicine include rheumatism, gout, hair loss and skin rashes. Birch leaves are also used as a component of spring cures for “blood purification”.
In homeopathy, birch is used in the context of anthroposophically oriented therapeutic approaches.
Ingredients of birch
The main active ingredients in birch leaves are flavonoid glycosides, which account for about one and a half to three and a half percent. The leaves of downy birch usually contain a lower proportion of flavonoids. In general, young leaves have a slightly higher content of flavonoids.
Other components of the drug include essential oil, potassium salts, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), steroid saponins, resins, and phenylpropane compounds.
Birch: for what indication?
These indications are typical uses of birch:
- Urinary tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney gravel
- Kidney stone
- Bladder stone
- Rheumatism
- Gout
- Hair loss
- Skin rash
