Evidence supporting the use of: Birch
For the health condition: Gout
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Birch (Betula species), particularly its leaves and bark, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine across Europe and Asia for the management of gout and other rheumatic conditions. Traditional herbalists have recommended birch teas and extracts as a “blood purifier” and mild diuretic, with the aim of helping to flush excess uric acid—the compound that crystallizes in joints and causes gout—out of the body through increased urine production. This use is found in several historical herbal texts, including those by Nicholas Culpeper and in European folk medicine.
However, scientific validation for birch’s efficacy in treating gout is minimal. While birch leaves do contain flavonoids and other compounds with mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a lack of robust clinical trials or modern research specifically demonstrating that birch can significantly reduce uric acid levels or alleviate gout symptoms in humans. Most evidence is either anecdotal or based on traditional uses, with a few in vitro or animal studies suggesting possible anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, while birch’s use for gout is supported by tradition, it should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatments.
Other ingredients used for Gout
alfalfaberry flavor
black cumin
black currant
burdock
celery
cherry
turmeric
ginger
knotweed
licorice root
mustard seed
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
oregon grape
plum fruit
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
vitamin C
sarsaparilla
gastrodia
papaya
punarnava
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
root tuber
juniper berries
amber
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
indigo leaves
soursop
Apple Cider Vinegar
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Actaea spicata
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Big Quaking Grass
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Barbasco
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
European Elder
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Other health conditions supported by birch
ArthritisBackache
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cellulite
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
Products containing birch
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Liver Cleanse Formula