Birch

Botanical

What is it

Birch (Betula species, particularly B. pendula and B. alba) is a tree whose leaves, bark, and sap are used in herbal medicine and as supplement ingredients. Birch leaf is used as a diuretic, birch sap as a nutritional tonic, and birch bark for triterpenes like betulinic acid.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Urinary tract support (mild diuretic)

Limited Evidence

Birch leaf has mild diuretic activity supported by traditional use and some clinical data.

How it works

Birch leaves contain flavonoids (hyperoside, quercitrin) and phenolic acids that have mild diuretic activity. Birch sap is a low-sugar, nutrient-containing fluid used as a spring tonic in Northern Europe. Birch bark contains betulin and betulinic acid, studied for anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Clinical evidence for diuretic use in urinary complaints is modest. Betulinic acid is a research-stage compound for cancer and skin applications.

Dosage

Birch leaf doses for diuretic use range from 2 to 3 g of dried leaf in tea, two to three times daily. Birch bark extract doses vary by product.

When and how to take it

Birch leaf tea is taken with adequate hydration for urinary support.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Birch leaf extract or tea

Used in urinary and detox tonic blends.

Flavonoids partially absorbed.

Birch bark extract (betulin)

Used in topical and select oral applications; clinical evidence is limited.

Triterpene absorption is limited.

Safety

Birch leaf is generally well tolerated. Birch allergy is common in people with pollen allergies, particularly oral allergy syndrome cross-reacting with apples and certain stone fruits. Avoid in known birch pollen allergy.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in birch allergy and birch pollen allergy. Avoid in significant edema due to heart or kidney disease without medical guidance. Pregnancy data are limited.

Interactions

Theoretical interaction with diuretics. Otherwise minimal.

Food sources

Fresh birch sap

Amount
250 mL
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is birch leaf safe for daily use?⌄

Short-term diuretic use appears safe. Long-term daily use is not well studied.

Can I drink birch sap?⌄

Yes, it is a traditional Northern European tonic. Choose pasteurized or freshly collected sap.

References

Birch on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Birch on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Birch (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.