Suggested dosing of Betula sp (birch)
Tea
2-3 g steeped 10 min boiling water
Suggested uses of Betula sp (birch)
Diuretic, nephrolithiasis, arthritis, rheumatism, & gout
Efficacy
Possibly effective for small kidney stones, overall insufficient information available about effectiveness
Betula sp (birch) adverse (side) effects
None reported
Warnings
Contraindications
Impaired cardiac or renal function
Aspirin hypersensitivity
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid
Lactation: avoid
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Betula sp (birch)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Flavonoids: diuretic effect w/o Na+ loss