Betula pubescens (syn. Betula alba), commonly known as downy birch and also as moor birch, white birch, European white birch or hairy birch, is a species of deciduous tree, native and abundant throughout northern Europe and northern Asia, growing farther north than any other broadleaf tree. It is closely related to, and often confused with, the silver birch (B. pendula), but grows in wetter places with heavier soils and poorer drainage; smaller trees can also be confused with the dwarf birch (B. ...

betula pubescens

General-information-on-birch-trees-and-leaves

General information on birch trees and leaves

General-information-on-birch-trees-and-leaves_0_0

"Birch leaf" is the common name for the leaves of the betula pendula roth tree or Betula pubescens Ehrh. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-61535-1_16?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=1dc7934c-8d6d-41fc-9b96-1b33046d2d07" target="_blank" data-ref="Birch ( Betula spp.)" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; The genus Betula, colloquially known as birches, is composed of about 120 different species of small to medium-sized deciduous trees and shrubs with thin leaves.

General-information-on-birch-trees-and-leaves_0_1

Throughout history, birch bark has been used in the practices of traditional medicine by the indigenous peoples of North America to treat superficial wounds by applying the bark directly to the skin. The birch leaf, in turn, was used as a mild diuretic for the dew of the urinary tract, especially in inflammations and cases of blockage of the kidneys. It is also used as an aid in the treatment of bacterial infections and spasmodic urinary tract disorders.

General-information-on-birch-trees-and-leaves_0_2

Ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-birch-leaves

Ayurvedic health benefits of birch leaves

Ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-birch-leaves_1_0

In The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, phytotherapist David Hoffman writes: "Birch leaves are an effective remedy for cystitis and other urinary system infections and help remove excess water from the body. &nbsp;<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=e10oDwAAQBAJ&amp;newbks=0&amp;hl=en&amp;redir_esc=y" target="_blank" data-ref="Medical Herbalism" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;Perhaps because of this purifying and diuretic activity, the plant has been used to treat gout, rheumatism and mild arthritic pain. With urinary tract infections, tea can be prepared, with several leaves boiled in a glass of water for 5-10 minutes. Tea is consumed unsweetened.

Ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-birch-leaves_1_1

Some of the other areas of application for which there is evidence that birches and their components have a beneficial effect are:

Ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-birch-leaves_1_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood purifier: Use a tablespoon of inner birch bark with one glass of boiling water. Take one glass a day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Analgesic: Birch essential oil can be applied externally to relieve headaches, menstrual cramps, abdominal cramps, gout, rheumatism and other pains.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wounds: Boil the bark in a little water and use the liquid for wound cleaning.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baldness: The decoction of leaves can be used as a means of rinsing hair.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arthritis: Prepare for the decoction 1 teaspoon birch bark and 1 teaspoon dandelion root (Radix Taraxaci). Add 1 slice of grated ginger root (Zingiber officinale). Keep it low. Turn off the heat when it boils. Drink half a cup when it cools down. Do not use this medicine if you are sensitive to analgesics.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Septicaemia: Take an equal amount of nettle root (Urtica dioica L.), horseradish leaves (Equisetum arvense L.), birch leaves, dandelion leaves. Prepare a potion. Take one glass once a day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kidney stones: Boil one tablespoon of birch leaves in half a glass of water for 10 minutes. Leave to stand for 2 hours. Add half a tablespoon of baking soda. Take one glass a day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gallstones: Take dandelion root, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), birch leaves and nettle leaves in equal quantities. Make tea by boiling all these herbs together and drinking regularly to prevent kidney and bile stones.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Possible-side-effects-when-using-birch-leaves

Possible side effects when using birch leaves

Possible-side-effects-when-using-birch-leaves_2_0

People who are allergic to wild carrots, wormwood, celery and other spices may react to birch pollen. This pollen can also cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to other plants such as apples, soybeans, hazelnuts and peanuts.

Possible-side-effects-when-using-birch-leaves_2_1

Side effects reported with birch leaf medicines include:

Possible-side-effects-when-using-birch-leaves_2_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diarrhea.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A feeling of discomfort similar to getting sick.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Allergic reactions such as itching, rash and stuffy and runny nose. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7126499/" target="_blank" data-ref="Medicinal plants of the genus Betula&mdash;Traditional uses and a phytochemical&ndash;pharmacological review" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; </li></ul>Birch leaves should not be used in patients with a decreased renal or cardiac function. Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid the use of birch leaves. It should also be taken into account that birch leaves can lead to an increase in the amount of salt in the body, which in turn worsens problems with high blood pressure. Therefore, if you have any of these conditions, ask your doctor for advice before taking tea, using in culinary or other things invlonving birch leaves.

Possible-side-effects-when-using-birch-leaves_2_3

Birch leaves are traditionally used as a herbal treatment and as an antiseptic for the urinary tract, to relieve arthritic pains and due to their antimicrobial action. Birch leaves can be boiled in tea and taken internally for various health problems, but there are some contraindications, for example, in people with hypertension, pregnant and nursing mothers.

Birch leaves - health benefits, usage and side effects

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/5c644501-ee74-47b3-8953-f0d7ab2d46e4_middle.jpg

Birch leaves - healing properties, use and side effects

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

Article adaptation: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_1

_-1_2

First part of the article: <a href="/p/liesni_rietsiepti_ot_ruskata_narodna_mieditsina_za_liechieniie_na_kozhni_zaboliavaniia_chast_1_vitiligho_infiektsii_bradavitsi_bc3df7f8_9ae1_4e6a_a6f1_ceb16618772d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Russian folk medicine for healthy skin. Part 1: vitiligo, infections, warts</a>

_-1_3

The Russian state occupies vast territories with diverse climatic conditions and includes many peoples and cultures.This makes the study of their folk medicine trully interesting.

_-1_4

The Novgorod Chronicle describes the use of "mold from the bathroom" to treat wounds and how it would have prevented the development of an infection even before penicillin was found in the UK after seven centuries.

_-1_5

In 1581 Tsar Ivan IV (1530-1584) ordered the establishment of the first pharmacy to supply the king's yard, as well as the founding of the Pharmaceutical House, which was responsible for collecting medicinal plants from Russian lands.

_-1_6

_-1_7

This article is dedicated to the most common herbal recipes from Russian folk medicine for the treatment of various dermatological diseases. Medicinal plants are well known and easy to find. The information is taken from the article "Russian traditional medicine in dermatology", published in 2018 in the journal Clinics in Dermatology. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X18300439" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

_-1_8

The authors Prof. Dr. Olisova, Prof. Dr. Snarskaya, Prof. Dr. Gladko and Prof. Dr. Burova are dermatologists with long-standing practice in Moscow and London.

_-1_9

In <a href="/p/liesni_rietsiepti_ot_ruskata_narodna_mieditsina_za_liechieniie_na_kozhni_zaboliavaniia_chast_1_vitiligho_infiektsii_bradavitsi_bc3df7f8_9ae1_4e6a_a6f1_ceb16618772d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">the first part of the article</a>, you learned what are the recipes that Russian folk medicine uses to treat vitiligo, infections and warts. Here you will find natural remedies for acne, dermatitis and rosacea.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne

Russian herbal folk remedies for acne

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_0

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Fruits of guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_1

The fruits of guelder rose contain vitamin C and K, sugars, saponins, tanins and pectins.&nbsp;The juice is a powerful anti-inflammatory and healing agent.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_2

Large doses of Viburnum opulus can cause nausea and vomiting. The intake of the plant is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_3

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_4

<h4>Recipe #1: Guelder rose fruit juice for external use in acne</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_5

Preparation: Prepare juice from the ripe fruits and wet a handkerchief with it.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_6

Method of application: Place the handkerchief on the face for 10 minutes at least 8 times a day with 15-minute breaks. The procedure ends with applying moisturizing cream to the face, which should be mixed with the guelder rose juice before application. The course of treatment lasts at least 5 days.&nbsp;

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_7

The above should be applied simultaneously with intake of guelder rose fruits infusion.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_8

<h4>Recipe #2: Guelder rose fruits infusion against acne</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_9

Preparation: To prepare the infusion, grind 5 tablespoons of guelder rose fruits in a mortar, cover with 0.7 liters of boiling water in a thermos, leave for 3-4 hours, and then filter the infusion.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_10

Method of administration: Drink 1/2 cup 4 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals (this infusion has an anti-inflammatory effect). It is taken internally, at the same time as the external application described above.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_11

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) against acne</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_12

The healing effect of chamomile&nbsp;also known as Matricaria recutita, is mainly the result of the presence of essential oil (0,2-0,8%) in the herb. The plant has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action and also improves the state of connective tissue.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_13

<h4>Recipe #3: Anti-acne chamomile infusion</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_14

Preparation: Make the infusion by soaking chamomile blossom in boiling water for 30 minutes. Let it cool down.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_15

Method of application: Once the infusion has cooled, moisten a piece of cotton with it and place it on the areas affected by acne for 7 minutes. Repeat every day for 25 days.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_16

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_17

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Nettle (Urtica dioica) against acne</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_18

Nettle is recommended as a means of treating acne and other chronic skin diseases.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_19

It contains formic and pantothenic acid, histamine, acetylcholine, ascorbic acid, carotene and other carotinoids, vitamins of the groups K and B, urticine glycoside, phytoncides, tanins and proteins, starch, iron, zinc and other trace elements that give the nettle hemostatic, diuretic and estrogenic properties and improve the work of the digestive system, lower the level of blood sugar and cholesterol. Anti-inflammatory properties and estrogenic effect of nettle are used to treat acne.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_20

<h4>Recipe #4: Nettle juice for acne vulgaris</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_21

Preparation: Prepare juice from fresh nettle.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_22

Method of administration: One hour after a snack, drink half a glass of nettle juice, and an hour later drink the same amount of dandelion juice, and after another hour drink - take half a glass of celery juice. Repeat the procedure 3 times every 3 days.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_23

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_24

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) for acnetic skin</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_25

Dandelion root extracts can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotizing factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-for-acne_0_26

Locally dandelion can cause contact dermatitis, multiforme erythema or anaphylactic reaction in sensitive people. Simultaneous use of dandelion with potassium-preserving diuretics may increase the risk of hyperkalemia due to the high potassium content of the plant. Dandelion can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 and thus affect the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome 450 3A4, such as quinolones, cyclosporine, sirolimus (rapamycin) and similar medications, therefore simultaneous intake with them is not recommended.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis

Russian herbal folk remedies fordermatitis

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_0

It is considered that in dermatitis the most effective are those herbs that have a strong anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. Among them are infusions and creams based on young leaves and buds of birch, flowers of black elderberry, oak bark, cinquefoils&nbsp;(Potentilla) and fir needle oil. The leaves and buds of the white birch have a strong anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_1

The healing parts of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are the flowers and flower buds that are used before they fall from the plant. They contain essential oils, organic acids and tanins, which have a strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and drying effect.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_2

Research has shown that elderberry infusion has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. Fresh and dry leaves are often used to make masks.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_3

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_4

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Birch (Betula) for dermatitis</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_5

<h4>Recipe #1: Dried birch leaves infusion for dermatitis</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_6

Preparation: Take dried birch leaves (young leaves collected in May) and grind them into powder. Four teaspoons of powder should be covered with 500 ml of boiling water in a porcelain kettle and cover for 12-15 minutes.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_7

Method of administration: Drink one glass a day when suffering from dermatitis.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_8

<h4>Recipe #2: Ointment with birch buds</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_9

Preparation: Mix 10 g of finely ground birch buds and 100 g of melted butter and leave the mixture on a slow heat for 5-7 minutes with continuous stirring. The resulting substance should be filtered while it is hot.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_10

Method of application: Apply the ointment on the skin for the treatment of exudative dermatitis, wounds, ulcers, cracked skin. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing effects.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_11

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_12

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Elderberry blossom (Sambucus nigra)</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_13

<h4>Recipe #3: Elderberry anti-dermatitis infusion</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_14

Preparation: 10 g of dried elderberry flowers&nbsp;(2 tablespoons) are poured with 200 ml (1 cup) of hot boiled water, allowed to stand for 24 hours and then move it to a dark glass container. The infusion should be kept in a dark and cool place.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_15

Method of application: Apply the infusion on the areas affected by dermatitis for 10 to 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day for 7 days.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_16

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Oak bark (Quercus robur) for dermatitis</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_17

Infusions and creams made of oak bark have a great anti-inflammatory and drying effect on large areas affected by exudative dermatitis. Infusions that include propolis are considered one of the most effective traditional treatments for dermatitis.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_18

<h4>Recipe #4: Oak bark infusion with propolis</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_19

Preparation: Prepare the oak bark infusion by taking 1 part of ground oak bark and 5 parts of cold water, boil slowly the mixture for 15 minutes and then allow the resulting solution to stand for 24 hours before being drained. Add 1 tablespoon of 30% propolis tincture to the infusion.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_20

Method of application: Use the mixture to moisturize areas affected by dermatitis 1-2 times a day.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_21

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_22

<h4>Recipe #5: Oak bark, three-lobe beggartick, yarrow and propolis tincture for dermatitis</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_23

Preparation: Take 1 cup of ground oak bark, add 1 liter of boiling water and boil slowly for 15 minutes. Then add half a glass of dry ground three-lobe beggartick (Bidens tripartite L.) and the same amount of yarrow (Achillea millefolium), boil on a slow fire for another 2-3 minutes, leave to stand for 20-30 minutes, and then filter and add 2 tablespoons of 20% propolis tincture.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_24

Method of application: The resulting tincture is used to make compresses, which are applied to the affected areas of the skin. Compresses should be used 1-2 times a day, a total of 10 procedures.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_25

<ol>
<li>
<h3>Three-lobe beggartick (Bidens tripartite L.)</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_26

Three-lobe beggartick (Bidens tripartite L.) is also known as three-part beggarticks, leafy-bracted beggarticks or trifid bur-marigold. A study evaluating the properties of essential oil extracted from the roots of this plant against 8 Gram-positive and 11 Gram-negative bacterial species and 10 fungal strains has shown antibacterial and strong antifungal properties.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_27

<ol>
<li>
<h3> Sea-buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) for healthy skin</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_28

Sea-buckthorn oil, which is used for the preparation of creams, is recommended for the treatment of painful and deep cracks in the skin. It has epithelializing, analgesic and antiseptic action.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_29

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_30

<h4>Recipe #6: Sea-buckthorn oil for dry skin</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_31

Preparation: To prepare sea-buckthorn oil, the fruits are collected late in autumn, grinded in a juicer or in a mortar. The juice is removed and the remaining paste is used to prepare the oil.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_32

To prepare the oil, dry the paste, grind and mix with sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:1,5. Allow the resulting solution to stand for three weeks in a cool and dark place. After this period of time, the oil is ready for use.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_33

Method of application: Sea-buckthorn oil can be applied to areas with dry or cracked skin. Epithelialization occurs only after 2-3 days of regular application.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_34

<h4>Recipe #7: Sea-buckthorn oil cream for dermatitis</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_35

Preparation: To prepare 5% cream from the sea-buckthorn, take 5 g sea-buckthorn oil and 95 g of melted pork, chicken or goose fat. Mix well.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_36

Method of administration: The cream is applied to the affected skin twice every 24 hours. Taking 2-3 ml of sea-buckthorn oil can be of additional benefit if taken internally once a day, at the time the cream is applied.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_37

<ol>
<li>
<h3>Pure fir needle oil for dermatitis</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_38

Pure fir needle oil is also used to treat dermatitis, since its effects are not limited to its powerful anti-inflammatory effect - it is also soothing, mitigating itching and improving sleep.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_39

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_40

<h4>Recipe #8: Pure fir needles oil creme</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_41

Preparation: To prepare this cream, use Pure fir needles oil (Abies sibirica) and mix it in a proportion of 1:1,5 with molten pork, chicken or goose fat.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-fordermatitis_1_42

Method of application: The resulting cream is rubbed into the affected area of the skin twice every 24 hours and covered with compress paper.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea

Russian herbal folk remedies forrosacea

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_0

The anti-inflammatory effects of marigold (Calendula officinalis) are well known. The marigold flower contains carotene, rubixanthin, lycopene,&nbsp; cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, flavochrome, and flavoxanthin, among other&nbsp; substances. Apart from this, marigold flowers contain carbohydrates of the&nbsp; paraffin series (hentriacontane and sytosterine), saponin, amarines, jellies, saps,&nbsp; phytoncides, proteins, flavonoids, glycoside calendoside, traces of alkaloids,&nbsp; triterpenoids (arnidol and faradiol), organic acids (hydroxysuccinic, petadecynic&nbsp; and salycilic acids), ascorbic acid and essential oil. The green parts of the flower&nbsp; contain amarines, tannins and triterpene saponins.&nbsp;

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_1

Drugs that contain marigold as an ingredient are widely used in pharmacology due to the presence of biologically active compounds in the flower of the plant, its low toxicity and the sedative effect of gallen preparations (those that are mixed by the pharmacist in the pharmacy).

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_2

<h4>Recipe #1: Marigold tincture for rosacea</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_3

Preparation: 70% spirit tincture of marigold is dissolved in cold boiled water (1:4). It is used to soak gauze folded 3-4 times.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_4

Method of application: The gauze is squeezed slightly to remove excess fluid and applied to the affected areas, it remains so 3 hours. It is preferable to carry out the procedure every day.

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_5

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_6

<h4>Recipe #2: Marigold infusion for external use in rosacea</h4>

Russian-herbal-folk-remedies-forrosacea_2_7

Preparation: 150 ml of boiling water is poured into a glass containing 1 tablespoon of marigold flowers, stands for two hours and cools. Then a piece of gauze is folded 3-4 times and soaked in the solution.

betula pubescens

Russian folk medicine for healthy skin. Part 2: acne, dermatitis, rosacea