Birch-Silver
|
Botanical Name |
Betula pendula |
|
Family |
Betulaceae |
|
Other Names |
White birch |
|
Habitat |
Heaths |
|
Description |
Deciduous tree up to 30m. Soft wood. Silver trunk. Leaves ace of spades shape, small; and pointed double toothed edged light green, short stalked Male and female flowers on the same tree April-May |
|
Native to |
Europe |
|
Parts Used |
Bark, leaf buds, leaves, sap |
|
Cultivation |
Light sandy soil |
|
Harvesting |
Leaves –late spring to early summer. |
|
Actions |
Anti-inflammatory, laxative, diuretic, decreases uric acid levels |
|
Constituents |
Bark: Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid. Leaves: Flavonoids –hyperoside, luteolin, quercetin glycosides. Caffeic acid derivatives –chlorogenic acid. Monoterpene glucosides, the betula albosides and roseoside. Volatile oil –consisting of caryophyllenes, methyl salicylate. Betulenols and their acetates. Betula triterpene saponins 1-3. Anthocyanins |
|
Combines with |
Bearberry, black willow |
|
Skin |
Eczema, psoriasis |
|
Circulatory, muscle, joint |
Arthritis, gout, rheumatism |
|
Genito-urinary |
Fertility, kidney stones |
|
Other Uses |
Cradles, broomsticks, barrels, bobbins, clogs, roofing, baskets, canoes |
|
Other Notes |
Known as initiator of woods Traditionally used for cradles Many forms of fungus grow on it Associated with the fae They are the favorite trees of mythical creatures that inhabited Russian Forests known as "Forest Devils" or "Genii of the Forest" These beasts were said to view the world from the top of the trees. Able to transform their shape at will, the same height as trees when in the forest and as small as the smallest blade of grass when on open land. They may be made to appear by cutting Birch branches and placing them in a circle with the points towards the centre. Placing a branch of the Birch tree above the front entrance to a property was thought to provide protection from any evil spirits and misfortune. |
Birch-Sweet
|
Botanical Name |
Betula lenta |
|
Family |
Betulaceae |
|
Other Names |
B.capinefolia, cherry birch, mahogany birch, mountain mahogany, southern birch, |
|
Description |
Tree up to 25m/82ft high, bright green leaves, dark red bark |
|
Native to |
Canada, USA |
|
Actions |
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, Antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation of the bark |
|
Constituents |
98% methyl salicylate |
|
Caution |
Do not use toxic also can be environmental hazard or marine pollutant |
Birch - White
|
Botanical Name |
Betula alba |
|
Family |
Betulaceae |
|
Other Names |
B. alba var pubescens, Birk, B.odorata, B. pendula, lady of the woods, silver birch, |
|
Description |
Dark-purplish/brown twigs. Dark scaled buds, which open in April. Leaves long stalked and vary in shape. 20m/60 ft Lives up to 60 years. Flowers: male catkins are long whilst female flowers are more compact |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe, China, Japan |
|
Parts Used |
Wood |
|
Harvesting |
Leaves as required. Flowers and fruit when available |
|
Traditional uses |
Hair tonic, skin complaints |
|
Actions |
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation |
|
Constituents |
Betulenol and other sesquiterpenes |
|
Skin |
Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis |
|
Circulation, muscle joint |
Arthritis, obesity, oedema, poor circulation, rheumatism |
|
Other Uses |
Shampoos |
|
Other Notes |
Maypoles should be made of birch |