# Birch

## Remedy Classification
- **Type:** Herbal Remedy
- **Alternative Names:** Betula alba, Birch
- **Miasm:** Psoric Miasm
- **Temperament:** Neutral
- **Aggravation Time:** Neutral/Anytime

## Keynote Indications
Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Emollient (soothes skin).
Parts Used: Leaf.

## Modalities (Aggravations / Ameliorations)
Cautions: During pregnancy, take only on.

## Symptoms by System

### Stomach & Abdomen
- key information Safety ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ traditional uSe ★ ★ ★ ★ reSearch ★ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ beSt taken aS Infusion ✓✓✓ Tincture ✓✓ Capsule ✓ doSage B (see pp.44–45) often uSed with Corn silk (Zea mays) cautionS During pregnancy, take only on the recommendation of an herbal or medical practitioner.
- Potentially toxic at excess dosage.
- See also pp.42–51.
- Buchu Barosma betulina A key tonic, antiseptic, and mild stimulant herb in South African traditional medicine, buchu helps relieve urinary tract infections and gas.
- medicinal uSeS Part used Leaf key action Urinary antiseptic urinary tract infection Buchu is used specifically for cystitis and infection in the urinary tract as a whole, since its essential oil has marked antiseptic activity .
- The herb is best taken as an infusion and is probably most effective when used short- Borage, Starflower Borago officinalis A native European and north African annual, borage seed—with up to 25% oil content—is widely used as a source of omega-6 fatty acids.
- key information Safety ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ traditional uSe ★ ★ ✩ ✩ ✩ reSearch ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ beSt taken aS Oil ✓✓✓ Capsule ✓✓ doSage M (see pp.44–45) cautionS Seed oil: best taken with food.
- Seek advice from an herbal or medical practitioner if taking epilepsy medication.
- Avoid other borage products, which are thought to contain constituents that are potentially toxic to the liver.
- See also pp.42–51.
- medicinal uSeS Part used Seed oil key actions Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant • Emollient (soothes skin) chronic skin disorders With its high omega-6 fatty acid content, borage oil has significant anti-inflammatory activity , and taken over several months can improve skin conditions such as eczema.
- Apply locally to dry or itchy skin patches.
- A–Z of h ErBAL rEmEdiES dried leaves flowers leaves contain antiseptic volatile oil term for acute infections.
- other herbs such as cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) may be better for chronic conditions.
- 80