Birch Leaf
Betula pendula Roth
Silver birch Betula pendula Roth. belongs to birch family (Betulaceae). It is native tree of our climatic zone and one of the “sacred trees” of Slavic people. Material which appears in pharmacopeia is birch leaf, but this tree is also a source of puriying sap (birch sap) that is harvested in early spring and in tradition ash from birch brak was also used. Birch leaves contain flavonoids, i.a. hyperoside and quercetin, phenolic acids i.a. caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Raw material is obtained from cultivation or in the wild. The earlier harvesting of the leaves, the higher content of active ingredients in the material. Processed products are used as traditional medicinal product for ailments and infections of urinary system to increase the amount of urin excretion and flushing the urinary tract, also in case of kidney stones and metabolic disorders like gout. It is also used externally for hair loss and dandruff and to rinse mouth. Because of the common allegry to birch pollen the necessary precaution is advised when using the birch leaves.