Betula pendula
Botanical Nomenclature | Betula pendula |
Common Name | East Asian White Birch, Silver Birch, Warty Birch |
Taxonomy- Family | Betulaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Betula pendula is a deciduous tree growing from 10 to 20m, with alternate, oval, toothed, golden-yellow in autumn leaves and berries in cylindrical cone form. The characteristic bark is smooth, silver, with gray, wrinkle base and the branches are thin, with small bumps. The flowering lasts from April to May and the harvesting takes place in spring. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves |
Active Substances | Saponins, hyperoside (flavonoid), terpenes, tannins, essential oil, betulinol, betuloside (glycoside), resins, glycosides, vitamin C. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, anti-seborrheic, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, sudorific, diuretic, laxative and analgesic properties. It is recommended in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of various urinary tract diseases and skin problems, ascites, gallstones, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, cystitis, fever and gout. It is applied externally to the skin for the treatment of muscle pain, eczema, rashes and psoriasis. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 15-20min, 1-2 times a day) and infusion (1-2 spoons of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 15min, up to three times a day) and tincture (saturating 2 spoons of bark with a cup of ethyl alcohol 75%, which remain covered for 3-4 days, recommended dose: a spoon, 2-3 times a day). Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | May cause skin irritation. Administration should be avoided from patients who suffer from edema, impaired kidney and cardiac function. |
References | 1) http://www.botanical-online.com/english/medicinalbirch.htm 2)http://natural-healing-guide.com/Medicinal-Plants/birch.htm 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Betula+pendula 4)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-352-birch.aspx?activeingredientid=352&activeingredientname=birch 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/b/betula-pendula=silver-birch.php |