The birch tree is a slender and deciduous tree that can grow as high as 30 meters (100 feet). The leaves have a characteristic color pattern, where the lower sides are a pale green whereas their upper sides are dark green.

Birch leaves are bitter and aromatic.

The leaves are antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic.

Birch is useful in relieving pain and arthritis swelling but is also used to heal boils and sores. Other benefits include remedying hair loss, skin rashes, muscular pain, rheumatism, cellulite, cancer, warts, bladder infection, kidney stones, and premenstrual syndrome.

Women with heart or kidney problems should avoid birch leaves.

Birch has been used in Europe for hundreds of years.

Dry, sandy soils and high altitudes.

Leaves.

Tea, tincture, and ointment.