Betula Verrucosa – Warted birch

Ecology and Phytosociology

Betula verrucosa and Pinus sylvestris both play a role in the formation of raw humus and the regeneration of degraded soil, however Betula is superior in the colonization of idle land. Its root system naturally gives it the ability to prepare dry soil (whereas Alnus glutinosa prepares humid soil). It dominates the forest evolving from light-demanding grassland or from barren land that has evolved from dry heath; it also regenerates the deteriorating silicon-rich forest.

Indications for Use

• Central nervous system tonic (enhances memory during exams, relieves nervous exhaustion).
• Anti-osteoarthritis: rheumatism, joint pain, back pain, anti-inflammatory, chronic progressive polyarthritis, rheumatic fever.
• Kidney drainer.
• Stimulates the kidney (powerful diuretic).
• Uricolytic; treats nephritis, pyelitis, and infectious lithiasis.
• Active in growth or regeneration phases of organs, particularly bone (helpful in osteoporosis).

Complementary Treatments to Use Alternately

• Abies Pectinata: Marked osteoblastic effect in juvenile osteochondritis, chronic osteomyelitis, rickets, and early childhood tooth decay.
• Ilex Aquifolium: Benign mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia.

Histological Effect

• Important: stimulates Kupfferian and splenic macrophages, as well as certain spleen, kidney, and bone cells.
• Treats recurring proteinuria.