Betula pubescens

Betula pubescens

Plant Family

Betulaceae

Botanical Description

Downy Birch is a deciduous tree growing 10-20 meters tall with silvery-white to grayish bark peeling in horizontal strips. Young twigs are hairy. Triangular to diamond-shaped leaves with serrated margins.

Cautions

Birch pollen allergy may indicate sensitivity to preparations. Diuretic effect requires adequate hydration. Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding in medicinal doses.

Habitat

Woodlands, heaths, bogs, hillsides. The only native tree in Iceland.

Harvest Instructions

Leaves in late spring/early summer. Bark from pruned branches. Sap tapped in early spring.

Geographic Distribution

Native to northern Europe and northern Asia including Iceland and Scandinavia.

Growth Conditions

Full sun to partial shade. Tolerates poor, acidic, wet soils. Very cold hardy.

Plant Size

10-20 m

Effects on the Body

Powerful diuretic, anti-inflammatory for joint pain, supports kidney function, blood purifying. Contains salicylates for pain relief.

Active Constituents

Betulin, betulinic acid, flavonoids (hyperoside, quercetin), tannins, saponins, essential oil, vitamin C, salicylates.

Safety Information

Dosage

Leaf tea: 2-3 g dried leaves in hot water, steep 10 minutes, 3 times daily. Sap: drink fresh in spring.

Culinary Use

Sap drunk fresh as spring tonic or fermented into wine. Young leaves in salads. Inner bark historically eaten.

Folklore & Historical Use

Sacred tree in Nordic culture. Associated with fertility and new beginnings. Traditionally used to make birch tar, paper, and canoes.

Scientific Research

European Medicines Agency approves leaf preparations for urinary tract complaints as a diuretic. Contains flavonoids and triterpenes (betulin, betulinic acid) with documented anti-inflammatory effects. German Commission E approves for urinary tract infections.