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Home >
Research Department
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Supplement Articles
> Birch |
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Supplement Articles |
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BIRCH
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Good for the urinary tract, joints and maybe even cancer... |
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BIRCH |
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Birch leaves cleanse
the kidneys &
bladder |
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The birch tree (Betula spp.) is sought after for its wood, bark, leaves and sap. Birch wood was favoured by the First Nations of North America for canoe building because of its light weight and flexibility. In Britain, the leaves were used to treat rheumatism and headaches, and the springtime sap was thought to be beneficial for the kidneys and bladder. |
Birch sap was used by pioneers in North America as a springtime tonic, a gargle for sore throats, and a wash for skin conditions. Current applications for birch do not differ much from traditional uses, with the exception of new implications in cancer treatment.
Birch and Cancer
Birch bark contains a variety of anti-inflammatory and apoptosis (controlled cell death) mediating substances such as betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid, and lupeol, which may be beneficial in treating actinic keratosis (a precancerous skin condition). One chemical in birch (betulic acid) has been found to kill cancer cells in the laboratory, although the human digestive tract cannot extract betulic acid directly from birch. Interestingly, a fungus called chaga that grows on birch trees may bypass this difficulty. See chaga for more details.
Medicinal Properties of Birch
Birch sap contains chemicals that act as a diuretic, making it useful for urinary tract infections when combined with other herbs. Birch leaves contain salicylates (like aspirin), and therefore exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Therapeutically birch leaves have been used for joint pain taken both internally as tea, and used as an external rub. Birch extract applied topically is also helpful to heal and protect boils and sores.
How can I take it?
Birch supplements can be purchased as encapsulated herb, raw herb or tincture. It may be found in combination supplements for urinary tract infections or kidney cleansing. Birch sap is often added to natural salves or creams to be rubbed on to painful joints and muscles.
Important Information
Birch should be used with caution if you are nursing or pregnant. Those who are allergic to aspirin should not use birch. Because of its effect on the kidneys, birch should not be used by anyone with compromised kidney function or heart failure.
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Birch– QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED
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Birch bark,
leaves and
sap. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Urinary
infections,
skin
infections,
joint pain
and
inflammation. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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No standard
dosing.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Cranberry,
corn silk,
hydrangea,
burdock, and
other
urinary
tonics;
glucosamine
suphate,
collage, MSM and other joint supporting nutrients. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for
products |
·
Do not use
birch in
cases of
heart
failure or
kidney
insufficiency.
·
Use birch
with caution
if you are
pregnant or
nursing.
·
Do not use
birch if you
are allergic
to aspirin. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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