Known Herbal Formulas of Birch

Birch has a history of being used both internally as well as externally. There are existing formulas for both applications. Latin names are provided when confident in the species.

For urinary tract infections, one herbalist suggests using Birch in combination with Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and when treating rheumatic pain, it works very well with Black Willow (Salix nigra).

There are several formulas on the market for cleansing the liver and gall bladder. One of them includes Beet root (Beta vulgaris), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Birch Leaves (Betula papyrifera), Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), Angelica root (Angelica archangelica), Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita), Gentian root (Gentiana lutea), and Goldenrod herb (Solidago virgauria). Another formula contains Angelica, Birch, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Gentian, Goldenrod, Horsetail, Liverwort leaves, Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), Parsley and Beet root.

There is a formula including Birch which is also used as a cleansing formula yet it is more specific to “Blood Cleansing”. This formula has historical roots that originate with the original Root Beer recipies that were designed as medicianl drinks. This formula includes Echinacea purpurea, Birch bark, Sarsparilla , Dandelion root, Yellow Dock root, Burdock rood (Arctium lappa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Pau d’arco, and Cinnamon bark.

Being a diuretic, Birch finds its way into a formula for the Kidney’s and Bladder. This formula includes Mountain cranberry, Birch leaves, Couch Grass (Elymus repens), Buchu leaves, Juniper berries (Juniperus spp.), Princes Pin, Shave Grass, and Celery seed.

A formula containing Birch which is used to strengthen the digestive system and to aid assimilation of nutrients includes Yellow Blossom Clover, Coriander, Fumitory, Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Cumin, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Mint Red Grape, Hops (Humulus lupulus), Nettle (Urtica dioica), Cinnamon, Wild Chamomile, Walnut, Birch (Betula spp.) Galangal, Cardamom, Ginger, Chinese cabbage, Garlic (Allium sativa), and Cayenne (Capsicum annuum).

Still another use for Birch is its supporting role for a formula used as a diaphoretic. This formula includes Thoroughwort, Elder flowers, Birch leaves and Watermint leaves.

Because of Birch’s ability to stimulate the mucus membranes of the bowel, it has its place in this formula for diarrhea. The formula includes, Geranium root, Columbo root, African ginger, White Oak bark (Quercus alba), Pomegranate bark of the root, Birch leaves and Wild Sage.

Because of the known effects of Birch for pain and inflammation, it is a poplular herb for topical aids for sore muscles and joint pain. One is called “Deep Heat” and includes St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Lobelia herb and seeds, Arnica (Arnica spp.), Calendula flowers, Ginger root, Comfrey leaf (Symphytum officianle), Habenero cayenne pepper (Annuum spp.), Essential oils of Wintergreen, Birch, Menthol crystals and Olive oil. A formula specific for joints is called Joint Anoint and contains the infused oils of St. John’s Wort and Arnica flowers and the essential oils of Birch, Basil, Lavender (Lavandula officinale) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Yet another formula is used as a massage oil for deep muscle pain relief. This one includes Olive oil, Calendula, Rosemary, Calendula, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Birch with extract of Calendula.

There are several formulas that include Birch that are used for toning the hair and scalp. One of these formulas is a shampoo that is specific for dandruff. This shampoo contains vinegar as well as the herbs White willow (Salix spp.), Birch bark, Comfrey, Nettle, and Peppermint. This herbal bath formula is used to improve scalp conditions, promote healthy hair growth, combat scalp itching and dandruff. It includes Burdock, Hops, Calamus, Birch, Calendula, Nettle, Heather, Pine, Coltsfoot, and Chamomile. Yet another formula used as a rinse for dandruff is Quassia chips, Bitter Apple pulp, Quillaya, Red Oak bark, Walnut leaves (Juglans spp.) and Birch leaves.

The following formula has been used for women as a vaginal rinse or a douche. It contains Birch leaves, Sage, Plantain (Plantago spp,), Canada Fleabane, Red Oak bark and Quillaya bark.