Family Name: Betulaceae
Botanical Name(s): Betula Alba.
Popular Name(s): White Birch, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Birch
(white).
Parts Used: The leaves and bark are used.
Habitat: It is a native of Northern U.S, Canada and Northern
Europe.
Description: It has white bark, which can be peeled off in
horizontal strips. Its leaves are chordate, bright green above and
lighter beneath, serrate, and hairy. Both male and female trees bear
flowers; but only the female will bear seed cones. It has drooping
branches and peeling bark and grows about 10 - 25 meters in height.
Uses: It is used for rheumatism, arthritis, gout,
arteriosclerosis, water retention, cystitis, kidney stones, fevers, as
well as skin eruptions. It is used with great success to help with
psoriasis and eczema. The astringent effect of the sap also helps to
tone the skin and has a positive effect on increasing skin elasticity.
In hair care products, it is most useful to combat oily and greasy hair
and also acts as a general conditioner to the hair.
