The drug can be prepared as a tea and is also available as a medicinal tea. Among tea blends, some bladder and kidney teas contain birch leaves, and less frequently they are found in gout and rheumatism teas. Furthermore, birch leaves are contained in many traditional mono- and combination preparations, for example, in elixirs, dragées, tablets, capsules or juice.
In the cosmetics industry, birch leaves are used in various hair tonics.
The correct dosage of birch
In the remedy, unless otherwise prescribed, two to three grams of birch leaves can be taken several times a day.
When taking any birch preparations, it is important to ensure adequate hydration. Drinking at least two liters of fluid per day is an essential part of flushing therapy with birch leaves.
Birch: preparation of birch tea
To prepare tea, two to three grams of the drug (one tablespoon equals about two grams) are poured over 150 milliliters of hot water, allowed to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and then passed through a tea strainer.
The tea should be drunk three to four times a day between meals.
Contraindications
Birch preparations should not be used in febrile urinary tract infections, impaired kidney function, inflammation of the renal corpuscles (glomerulonephritis), hypertension, heart failure, acute prostatitis, and during pregnancy and lactation.
During flushing therapy with birch leaves, care should be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake. In cases of edema that can be attributed to a restriction of cardiac and/or renal function, flushing therapy with birch leaves should not be performed.
What should be considered during storage?
Birch leaves should be stored in a cool place away from moisture and light.
