BIRCH

Occurrence

Birch is found in Russia, throughout Europe, and in the eastern region of the United States.

The Uses of BIRCH

birch (Betula sp.) is birch and birch derivatives have been described as astringent, antiseptic, cleansing, softening, and circulation stimulating, and they are believed to have curative properties in cases of skin diseases. In folklore, birch has been used for its healing effects on rashes and in cases of hair loss. Birch’s important constituents include glanonoids, hyperoside, tannin, saponins, and quercetin. even though some manufacturers list this ingredient as simply “birch,” a proper description should be more specific, such as birch bark extract, birch leaf extract, or birch sap. Actual clinical data is scant in substantiating its therapeutic effects, as well as those of its derivatives. See also birch bark extract.

The Uses of BIRCH

Birch is an artificial flavoring used in soft drinks such as birch beer.