BIRCH (Betula Pedula)
Plant family: Birch Family (Hamamelids)
Parts Used: Sap, leaves, bark and buds.
Soil and Environment: Woodland and heath, moor, parklands and
gardens. Copes well in sandy, acidic soil and can handle being near the
coast (salt). Native to northern temperate regions as it handles the cold
well. Propagation by wind.
Description: Deciduous leaves, shieldshaped with jagged edges. White
papery bark with horizontal darker stripes and marks. Base of trunk
expanded where it meets the ground, compared to the slim rest of the
trunk. Male and female catkins – male catkins produce a lot of pollen
and cause many allergic reactions. Light “green” smell, leaves and bark
taste bitter, sap is sweet. High energy, “talkative” tree.
History: Used for thousands of years in cold, northern climates in
everything from adhesives to wine, baskets, yokes, boats and vinegar.
Pioneer species when ice caps retreated 10,000 years ago, growing
quickly and falling as it is a soft wood, then fertilizing the ground for
other tree species. First letter of Ogham (Druid) alphabet. One of seven
peasant trees in Brehon law. Birch was used throughout Europe at
Winter Solstice or New Years to “beat the bounds”. Bride’s doll held a
birch wand. Entire birch trees were offered in votive pits in ancient
times. Twigs used for brooms (besoms). Considered the World Tree in
many cultures (alongside Ash and Oak).
Chemical constituents: Birch camphor, tannins, triterpine (betulin),
flavinoids, saponines, essential oils, mineral salts (calcium oxalate)
vitamin C, aromatic hydrocarbons, sucrose. Rich in potassium. Birch sap
contains betulinic acid, an anti-tumour cancer treatment.
Actions and Medicinal Uses: Birch sap is good for kidney or bladder
stones, skin conditions and rheumatic diseases. It is also a good spring
cleansing tonic and nutritive. Fermented it makes a lovely wine. Leaves
and leaf buds good as tea for general detox, urinary complaints, cystitis,
rheumatic and arthritic conditions, gout. Good diuretic. Astringent
qualities and diuretic properties help with skin problems, sore throats
and chest congestion when used as inhalation therapy. Effective
germicide. Buds can be eaten for stomach complaints. Insect repellent.
Combinations it can be used in: Use with sodium bicarbonate to
improve tea’s ability to cut through high uric acid levels. Oil and tea
combine well together.
Usage: Birch sap tapped straight from tree and drunk as cleansing
tonic. Tea to spring cleanse internally, as well as for gout, kidney and
bladder stones, cystitis, arthritis, rheumatism, psoriasis, eczema, fluid
retention and fevers. Birch leaf oil for topical use for cellulite, detox
massage, aching muscles, rheumatism and arthritis, eczema and
psoriasis, fibromyalgia.
Dosage: Tea – 4 to 5 leaves per cup or mug of boiling water, steeped
for 5 to 10 minutes, taken 3 to 4 times per day. Sap – 3 tbsps in
morning. Oil – use for massage as needed.
Contraindications: None.
Spiritual Aspects: New beginnings, adventure, feminine energy,
creativity. Leading on with shining light through the dark forest of the
soul. Brings hope and courage to discouraging situations. Aids in clear
thinking and provides clarity of purpose. Encourages self-discipline and
inner authority. Offering of birch wreaths can be made to water spirits to
avoid storms or excessive rain. Good cleansing/purifying bath before
ritual or mediation.
Birch twigs were traditionally used to make the bottoms of brooms
that witches used, both for cleaning their homes and travelling between
the worlds. These trees grow almost anywhere in Britain, and have a
light, communicative energy. I’ve always found that birch trees are
willing to talk to you, if you stop and take a moment to honour them.
They can make excellent companions walking between the worlds.
