Evidence supporting the use of: Birch (unspecified)
For the health condition: Edema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Birch (Betula spp.), particularly birch leaf, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine as a remedy for edema and other conditions involving fluid retention. The use is primarily based on its reputed diuretic properties, which are mentioned in various pharmacopeias and herbal texts. Traditional herbalists have employed birch leaf teas and tinctures to promote urination and reduce swelling associated with mild edema, especially when related to non-serious causes such as minor circulatory issues.
Scientific validation for the diuretic effect of birch is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that birch leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, and other compounds that may promote diuresis, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The German Commission E, a respected authority on herbal medicine, recognizes birch leaf for flushing out the urinary tract and as supportive therapy for conditions associated with impaired urine flow, but not specifically for generalized edema.
Overall, while there is clear traditional use of birch for edema and some pharmacological basis for its diuretic action, high-quality human studies directly supporting its efficacy for edema are lacking. Thus, its use for this indication remains mostly within the realm of traditional herbal practice rather than evidence-based medicine.
Other ingredients used for Edema
anthocyaninsapricot
arjun tree
asparagus
waterhyssop
bamboo
bearberry
bilberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
bасора
cabbage leaf
celery
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
citrus bioflavonoids
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fish protein
flavonols
forsythia
fu ling
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
hawthorn
hesperidin
horse chestnut
horsetail
Japanese sophora
jujube
lemon
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
papain
parsley
pear
pine bark
pineapple
potassium
protease
pumpkin
quercetin
rutin
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
trypsin
seaweed
watermelon
sarsaparilla
yellow root
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
punarnava
commiphora
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
prickly ash
lemongrass
silk tree
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
amber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
hydrangea
purslane
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
shepherd's purse
peach
white oak
enzymes blend (proprietary)
Aralia
akebia
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Aescin
Adzuki bean
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Arjunic Acid
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Bitter Grass
berry
Bogbean
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Casearia esculenta
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Chervil
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Chlorophytum
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Chanca Piedra
Corktree
Cabbage
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
Collinsonia
Carthamus
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Diosmin
Danshen
Deer Root
Dipsacus
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Empresstree
Echinodorus
Enzyme Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Little ironweed
Rhubarb
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Birch (unspecified)
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cellulite
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores