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Arthritis and Muscle Pain : Birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Salicylate relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout , and generalized muscle pain. Salicylate deters the body's production of certain prostaglandins that are linked to inflammation, pain, and fever among other things.
Skin Diseases :The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions of birch bark support it's traditional uses in skin disorders such as eczema. Traditional healers have long considered the leaves of the white and silver birch
effective for skin rashes and hair loss. The essential oil of Birch is astringent, and is mainly employed for its curative effects in skin affections, especially eczema.
Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney Stones: Birch bark and leaf is also used as an antibacterial diuretic in the treatment of urinary tract infections and water retention. Birch leaf tea is a powerful diuretic capable of dissolving kidney and bladder stones. To increase the effect (and reduce burning) add a pinch of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to the infusion.
Cancer Prevention: Betulin and betulinic acid, both present in birch bark display some anticancer and anti-tumor properties, though neither is touted as a stand alone cure, these constituents add another reason to employ birch in healing remedies and help to validate its history of use from ancient times until today.
Cellulite: Sweet birch can have good results against cellulite. It helps to eliminate toxins, and its diuretic action reduces the edema.
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