Description
More than 120 types of birch (Betulaceae in Latin) are described in literature, and yet only 2 of them are widely used in medicine. These include the pubescent birch and the drooping birch, which have been used to cure people from time immemorial. First accounts of birch tree leaves as ingredients in pharmacy are found in herbals dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Chemical Composition
Birch tree leaves contain flavonoid and flavonol glycosides and essential oils having a pronounced pleasant balmy scent. The leaves are also rich with hyperoside, rutin, avicularin, tanning agents, coumarins, phenol carbonic acids, vitamins E, C and PP, and carotenoids.
Pharmacological Properties
Birch leaf-based preparations are well-known for their moderate diuretic, choleretic and antispasmodic actions; they have antiseptic, antifungal, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Birch leaf extracts intensify removal of sodium and chlorine ions from the body.
Use in Health and Beauty Products
Birch tree leaves are traditionally used as diuretic, choleretic and diaphoretic agents to relieve mild to moderate edema in cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Further, decoctions and tinctures of birch tree leaves are prescribed to treat jaundice, cholecystitis, kidney stones, cystitis and other kidney and liver abnormalities.
Birch tree leaves are used in several “Milamed” products. “Bereginya” capsules and aqueous extract are the most popular among these products. “Focuson” also contains birch tree leaves.Follow the link below to get detailed information about the products.