Evidence supporting the use of: Birch (unspecified)
For the health condition: Rashes and Hives
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Birch (unspecified species, though often referring to Betula pendula or Betula pubescens) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of skin conditions, including rashes and hives. Folk medicine across Europe and parts of Asia has employed birch leaves, bark, and sap in topical preparations and baths to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. The rationale stems from observed anti-inflammatory and mild antiseptic properties attributed to birch extracts.
However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of birch for treating rashes or hives (urticaria) is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in birch, such as betulin and various flavonoids, but clinical trials on humans for these specific skin conditions are lacking. The majority of documentation comes from ethnobotanical sources or older pharmacopeias rather than modern, controlled studies. As such, the traditional use of birch for rashes and hives is primarily based on historical practices, and the quality of evidence is low.
In summary, birch is used in traditional medicine for rashes and hives, but there is little to no scientific validation for its effectiveness in these indications.
Other ingredients used for Rashes and Hives
aloe verabeeswax
myrobalan
bisabolol
burdock
chamomile
cucumber
gotu kola
immunoglobin G
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
rubia cordifolia
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
morus
silk tree
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
sea salt
akebia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Anserina
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Banyan
Borage
Bittersweet
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Cyathula
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Corktree
Cowslip
Chinatree
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dendramine
Erythropalum scandens
Emu Oil
Eupatorium
Lotus
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
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