Birch |
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| Common Name | Birch |
| Scientific Name | Betula alba |
| This herb is also called Cherry Birch, Sweet Birch, or White Birch. The word birch is said to come from the Sanskrit bhurga meaning "tree whose bark is written on." Birches have long been a symbol of the return of spring, and several species are found throughout cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Coleridge called the birch "Lady of the Woods." The oil in birch tea is believed to purify the blood, relieve rheumatism, and expel worms. A standard infusion is used to treat skin complaints, including stubborn cases of acne, itching, and eczema. | |
| Plant | A deciduous tree. Young birches have dark bark; they do not develop the characteristic white bark until they are several years old. The tree has drooping branches, and the white bark peels off easily. The branches produce catkins containing either male or female flowers. |
| Height | To 60 feet. It is a slow grower. |
| Soil | Dry or moist sandy soil. |
| Exposure | Full sun. |
| Propagation | From seeds sown in sandy soil during the third lunar phase or by green stem cuttings. |
| Care | If you buy a tree at a nursery, be sure to water it thoroughly at least once a week. Don't let the soil become dry because water allows the roots to take up moisture and send out new growth. Birches improve soil, restoring fertility to barren areas. However, in the forest, they are fertilized by rich organic material that is constantly replenished by humus from decaying leaves. To make up for this lack of soil fertility in a garden situation, and to ensure moisture, the tree should be mulched with leaf compost. Every 2 or 3 years, it should be fertilized with a solution of nitrates, phosphates, and potash. |
| Part used for Tea | Leaves, twigs, or bark. |
| Taste | Like wintergreen in flavour, very aromatic. Birch tea can be sweetened with honey. |
| How to Brew | BY INFUSION: If using leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves, to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep to taste. If you're using twigs or bark, measure 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb, crush it, and allow more time for steeping, so oils can be released from the tougher fibre. |
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