BIRCH Betula alba, L.( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1965)
The common Birch has a purpose in our family of medical trees. When we see them used for landscaping we may like to remember, with pleasure, the fore-ordained thought of their creation.
Traditionally the Birch is appropriate in treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and all maladies of the alimentary tract. The natural properties are cleansing to the blood and it is used specifically for rheumatism, dropsy, gout, stones in the kidneys and bladder, and to expel worms. Dose: A teaspoonful of the leaves and / or bark infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 min., 3 – 5 cups daily; mixes well with other herbal teas. Externally: Drink the tea freely when troubled with boils or skin eruptions. The oil of Birch is applied to the skin for eczema and cutaneous diseases; the tea is an effective when gargled for canker and mouth sores. Russian Experience: Belaya Bereza, Birch, is inseparable from the Russian people as it is their most poetic tree. In some way or time of life the Birch will be known to them through their history, literature, poetry, songs, art and fairy tales. They consider it the most attractive and beautiful of all the trees in the world. Besides emotional and spiritual popularity, the use as medicine from time immemorial goes back to the oldest tale of Russian history and their witness of Folk Medicine and Birch.
The American Birch has admirable attention in Russian botanical literature and they have a high opinion as to decorative and industrial use. Folk Medicine: For centuries Folk Medicine has used Birch in many preparations for empirical and therapeutic results, long before clinical achievements and approval in 1834. One of the serious conditions being Cardial Dropsy. Birch Buds: Gathered and preserved with vodka( Nastoika) for out-of-season use is an invaluable home medication. This is used for Colds, Pain, Rheumatic conditions, Stomach ulcers and pain, Vitality, Blood purifying, Appetiser, Avitaminosis, Liver and Gall-bladder, to dissolve stones of Kidney and Bladder and many other individual complaints. Birch Charcoal: Used as an absorbent in cases of poisoning, gas bloating and indigestion. Birch Sap: In the spring is prepared as tea and is considered a vitamin treat as a tonic for Anaemia, Gout, Scurvy, Rheumatism, etc. Externally: Extract of leaves, buds and bark are applied to ulcers, wounds, boils, eczema and all skin conditions of broken and unbroken surfaces; rheumatic pain, swelling, albuminuria.
Russian history and life is unthinkable without a steam bath, Bania. Once a week this is the accepted routine. The stout-hearted race prepare a room with leaves placed over the hot rocks which expel the cleansing vapours of moist heat as hot and as long as the person’ s health will stand, and Russians excel in physical endurance. When perspiration is established, if the leaves were not placed over the