The Betula alba (white birch) is a harmonious, pleasing tree that grows in excess of 20 feet. The leaves have a delicate green that has, initially in the spring, a brownish sheen. Characteristic to the white birch, the bark of the tree is of a leathery, white nature. It strips in sheets from the underlying bark. A special feature is the fact that the birch has a large capacity for absorbing water from the ground and evaporating it through the leaves. It has traditionally been associated with the Venus influences. The English mathematician, Lawrence Edwards, discovered that the flower buds of the birch open slightly, but perceptibly, every time the planet Venus is in opposition to the Moon!

 

   The birch leaves contain a large amount of triterpenes with saponin like effects; flavonoids like quercetin; volatile oils; betula glucosides; ascorbic acid; bitters; minerals, especially potassium, calcium, phosphorus; and caffeic acid derivatives like chlorogenic acids. Although stringent clinical studies are missing in this respect, a review of these active ingredients might explain why birch leaf teas have been successfully used for fighting allergies (quercetin), or why birch leaves are helpful in a variety of viral infections (chlorogenic acid), etc.

 

 

 Dosage and Administration

   There are no health hazards reported with the use of properly administered oral intake of birch leaves. Birch pollen can cause allergic reactions. People who are sensitive to wild carrot, celery, or mugwort spices are likely to also be sensitive to birch. This has been called the "celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome." In one report, 28% of the individuals known to have birch pollen allergies also had birch leaf sensitivity. None of the non-allergic individuals had birch leaf sensitivity.   For a general use, such as in the context of an ongoing detoxification program, or as a tonic, take one to two capsules daily. Acutely, for several weeks, or as instructed by your health practitioner, up to six capsules per day may be taken. 

 

   The Betula Forte preparation is made from pure birch leaves. Normally, manufacturers let the leaves dry and then, as the need arises, a tincture is extracted from these dried leaves. This process is always missing some ingredients of the original plant. Our birch preparation is made from a fresh leaf press juice that is then dried to make the capsule. Nothing of the original plant is lost, nor is anything added to it. The source of the leaves is birch trees that are growing in an untouched forest surrounded by organically cultivated fields.

 

   The ultimate mix, before the powder goes into the capsules, is made with the Inversina Mixer, an anthroposophically inspired device that adds an energetic component not found in any other nutritional supplement on the US market.

 

   More than 25 years ago, I was training to be an anthroposophical (holistic) doctor in Switzerland. It was spring and in front of the house a white birch was just sprouting delicate green leaves. I picked a handful directly from the tree and used them to make a tea. Several hours after drinking a mug of birch tea I started a process that lasted three days: mild, but persistent sweating, slight fever, increased urination, and amazingly - for me - a greatly increased control over my appetite. In the following months I felt better than ever. The birch has been known for millennia as a tremendous detoxifier through the kidney (which is forgotten nowadays because of all the attention given to the liver).

   I never forgot that experience and have always recommended a spring birch tea regimen to my patients. Since I have a city medical practice, it is not always easy to get fresh birch leaves. The effects from the dried leaves are not strong enough. We hope that these capsules will be a great substitute.   R. Rentea, MD

 

 

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition, Thomson Publisher

H.Krueger, Heilmittel Angaben Rudolf Steiners, Medical Section, Goetheanum, 2000

R.Steiner, Introducing Anthroposphical Medicine, Anthroposophic Press, 1999

A.Blanning, Compendium of Anthroposophic Medical References, Mercury Press, 2004

D.Potterton (Ed.), Culpepper’s Color Herbal, Sterling Publishing Company, 1983

P.Holmes, The Energetics of Western Herbs, Artemis, 1989

L.Hannuksela, Immediate Contact Allergy to Birch Leaves and Sap, Contact Dermatitis, 1980, Dec; 6(7): 464-5

This product description sheet is not meant to replace the services of a qualified health care practitioner. This product is not meant to cure any disease and the information supplied here has not been approved by the FDA.

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