Birch bark, c/s

Background: The wood of the birch is very soft, but being cheap and easy to cultivate, it was historically used for many household and utilitarian purposes. In ancient times, the wood may have been used to make canoes, the young branches and twigs for roofing, and the thin bark used as an alternative to paper or parchment. The bark yields an oil known as birch tar, which was used in eastern European leather tanning processes. Mature trees were also tapped for their sap which can be fermented into a wine or beer.

Applications: Astringent, diuretic

Diuretic –  A tea made from Birch leaves may be used as an effective remedy against cystitis and infections of the urinary system as well as removing excess water from the body (edema) and dissolving kidney stones. The cleansing properties have also been used against gout, rheumatism and mild arthritis.

Astringent - A decoction may be used as a wash or added to the bath to treat skin problems such as eczema.

Other – Birch bark may be used externally to ease muscle pain by placing the wet, internal side against the skin. A decoction of the leaves may be used as a mild sedative for sleeping trouble and the juice of the leaves may be taken for baldness.