How is Birch Bark Used?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: May 04, 2004
I want to know what birch bark was used for, either medically or for everyday.
A tea made from the inner bark of the birch tree (Betula alba or Betula lenta) has been used traditionally for immune stimulation, as an anti- inflammatory agent and for healing skin problems. Active compounds in the inner bark include tannins, vitamin C, a flavonoid, sugar compounds and methyl salicylate. The sugar compounds help to excrete uric acid, and as a long term treatment birch bark has been used to dissolve kidney and bladder stones and as an aid in chronic kidney inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory action has made it useful in muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism.
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