Birch Tree Medicine in the Spring

The birch tree has so many gifts to offer us...its healing and rejuvenative sap in the spring, its aromatic bark, and its cooling leaves that help the rivers of life to flow properly and easily throughout our bodies. This tree is truly a gift from our Creator in so many ways!

The birch tree is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae family of plants.

You can  make a healing tea for inflammatory conditions (such as gout, rheumatism, and arthritis) and as an aid in kidney and bladder drainage and support. It is especially helpful in breaking up gravel in the kidneys (kidney stones) and for cystitis, bladder infections, and for removing excess fluid from the body.

According to M. Grieve (an early 19th century herbalist) it also aids in female obstructions/congestion. The birch has diuretic, antiseptic, and tonic actions on the body.

You can also tincture these elements to be able to use these medicinal properties for your health throughout the year.

For a tea, gather a small amount of leaves (small handful or 3-4 leaves), 1 early twig, and 1-2 catkins, chop all elements well and pour just boiled water over herbs in a glass jar and steep for 15 minutes, may steep up to several hours. Drink 1-3 cups daily.

Watch the video below to learn a bit more about the young leaves, twigs, and catkins that are developing now in the spring.