Overview

Birch are trees that are native to Europe and parts of Asia. The leaves, bark, and buds of the tree are used to make medicine.

Birch is used for joint pain, kidney stones, bladder stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Some experts warn that birch may interfere with the body's response against COVID-19. There is no strong data to support this warning. But there is also no good data to support using birch for COVID-19.

How does it work ?

Birch leaves contain chemicals which increase water loss through the urine.

Birch leaves contain chemicals which increase water loss through the urine.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Joint pain.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Bladder stones.
  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Rough, scaly patches on skin caused by long-term sun exposure (actinic keratosis), when applied to the skin.
  • Dandruff, when applied to the skin.
  • Hair loss, when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of birch for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Birch is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth for short periods of time. It can cause allergic reactions in some people.

When applied to the skin: Birch is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when applied to the skin for short periods of time. It can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Birch is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth for short periods of time. It can cause allergic reactions in some people.

When applied to the skin: Birch is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when applied to the skin for short periods of time. It can cause allergic reactions in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if birch is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to wild carrot, mugwort, celery, and other spices: Birch pollen might cause allergies in people who are sensitive to wild carrot, mugwort, and celery. This has been called the "celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome." Birch pollen might also cause allergies in people who are sensitive to certain other plants, including apples, soybeans, hazelnuts, and peanuts.

High blood pressure: There is some concern that birch leaf might increase the amount of salt (sodium) that the body retains. This can make high blood pressure worse.

Interactions ?

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with BIRCH

    Birch seems to work like "water pills" by causing the body to lose water. Taking birch along with other "water pills" might cause the body to lose too much water. Losing too much water can cause you to be dizzy and your blood pressure to go too low.

    Some "water pills" include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of birch depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for birch. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.