Evidence supporting the use of: Birch (unspecified)
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Birch (Betula spp.) has a long history of traditional use in skin care practices, particularly in European and Russian folk medicine. Birch leaves, bark, and sap have been used in topical preparations such as salves, washes, and baths to address skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and minor wounds. The perceived benefits are attributed to compounds present in birch, such as betulin, betulinic acid, and methyl salicylate, which are thought to have mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. However, the evidence supporting these traditional uses is largely anecdotal and comes from ethnobotanical records and historical texts rather than controlled clinical studies.
A limited number of in vitro studies suggest that birch extracts may possess properties beneficial to the skin, such as mild anti-inflammatory or wound-healing effects, but robust human data are lacking. No large-scale clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy or safety of birch preparations for general skin care. Therefore, while birch is commonly found in folk remedies for skin health, its use in modern skincare is supported primarily by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.
More about Birch (unspecified)
More about Skin Care (general)
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Flavans
Geraniol
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Gac
Glucosylceramide
Glycosylceramides
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
silica
vegetable oil
Other health conditions supported by Birch (unspecified)
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cellulite
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores