Betula Alba (Silver Birch)

Betula alba, also called Silver Birch, is a tall tree with beautiful white bark. It grows in cold places like Europe, North America, and the Himalayan region. In India, it is known as Bhoj Patra, and in Sanskrit, it’s called Bhurjapatraka.

People have been using this tree for medicine, making tools, and writing on its bark for thousands of years.

How Does It Look?

Silver Birch is a tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. Its white bark peels off in thin layers, and its branches and twigs are strong. In some places, people even use its twigs in saunas to gently hit the skin and improve blood flow.

What Are Its Other Names?

Some other names for Betula alba are:

• Weeping Birch

• European Weeping Birch

• Himalayan Birch

It also has many scientific names, but they mostly describe the same kind of tree.

What Parts Are Used in Medicine?

The bark and young leaves of Silver Birch are the main parts used for healing. These contain natural substances that help the body in many ways.

What’s Inside This Tree?

The tree contains:

• Betulin: found in the outer bark, good for skin and health.

• Essential oils: from its buds, helpful for reducing pain and swelling.

• Flavonoids and tannins: plant chemicals that help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.

• Methyl salicylate: a natural pain reliever, like the one found in pain balms.

How Has It Been Used?

In the Past:

• People in India used the bark to write on, like paper.

• The wood was used to make brooms, canoes, and baskets.

• The leaves and flower buds were sometimes added to salads.

• Its oil was used in toothpaste, shampoos, and perfumes.

For Health:

• Tea made from the leaves helps remove waste from the body.

• The bark paste helps in relieving muscle pain.

• It helps in reducing fevers, swelling, and joint pain.

• The leaves can fight certain infections.

• It helps clean the blood and improve overall health.

Modern Use and Importance

Today, doctors and scientists are studying a chemical called betulinic acid, found in the bark, which might help in fighting cancer.

Silver Birch is also used in natural medicine for:

• Pain relief

• Reducing swelling

• Lowering fever

• Treating infections

• Helping the body remove toxins