Evidence supporting the use of: Birch (unspecified)
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Birch (Betula species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for supporting the urinary tract and bladder health. The leaves, bark, and sap of birch trees have been employed as mild diuretics, meaning they promote urine production and thereby aid in flushing out the urinary system, including the bladder. Traditional herbalists have recommended birch preparations to help relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract discomfort, such as water retention, mild bladder inflammation, and to promote overall urinary health.
Although there is a strong tradition of use, modern scientific evidence supporting birch's efficacy specifically for the bladder is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that birch leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may theoretically benefit the bladder by reducing irritation and promoting urine flow. However, robust clinical trials in humans validating these effects are lacking. Most references to birch for bladder support come from traditional European herbal monographs, such as those from the German Commission E, which recognizes birch leaf for use in "flushing out" the urinary tract as an adjuvant in cases of bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
In summary, the use of birch for supporting the bladder is primarily justified by traditional herbal practice, with only modest, low-level scientific support. It is not a mainstream, evidence-backed therapy for bladder conditions, but its historical use as a diuretic is well-documented.
Other ingredients that support Bladder
asparagusbearberry
beta-sitosterol
cranberry
D-mannose
damiana
dandelion
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
horseradish
horsetail
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
nettle
parsley
pear
plantain
pumpkin
pygeum
saw palmetto
water
sarsaparilla
squawvine
chickweed
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
goldenrod
yarrow
sodium salt
juniper berries
dodder
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
queen of the meadow
guelder rose
hydrangea
coix
polyporus
cleavers
shepherd's purse
wood betony
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
gravel root
akebia
Arbutin
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Aletris
Aucubin
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Baliospermum
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Bistort
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
boldo
berry
Black Poplar
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cedar
Corktree
Cubeb
Cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
Costus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DL-Methionine
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Erigeron
Euryale seed
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Fringetree
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Fireweed
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Golden Ragwort
Golden Shower Tree
Mallow
Other body systems supported by Birch (unspecified)
BladderBlood
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Respiratory System
Skin
Urinary System