When using Birch by itself, it may be taken in various forms.  The leaves of the tree are collected in late spring or early summer.  The bark is collected in fall or spring, preferably in the spring.  The leaves can be taken as an infusion by pouring almost boiling water onto one or two teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves.  It should be let to steep for ten minutes and can be taken by the cupful three times a day.  This will of course be dependent on the size and metabolism of the person consuming the tea as well as the reason it being taken.  If a tincture is preferred, one to two milliliters can be taken three times a day of a tincture made with a ratio of 1:2 if made with fresh herb or 1:5 if made with dry herb.

When treating a kidney or bladder infection, up to one teaspoon of tincture can be taken several times a day. Because tinctures assimilate fast in the body, they are well suited for kidney or bladder infections that need immediate attention.  Some Herbalists recommend adding a pinch of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to an infusion of Birch to promote the extraction of the diuretic “hyperoside”.

Externally, the oil extracted from the buds or bark can be applied to the skin for acne, psoriasis and eczema.  For easier application, the oil can be added to a bit of carrier oil such as olive oil and then rubbed onto the skin.