Evidence supporting the use of: European White Birch
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

European White Birch (Betula pendula) has a long history of use in traditional European and Russian herbal medicine, particularly for skin conditions such as dryness, flakiness, and irritation. The leaves, bark, and sap have been incorporated into topical preparations (ointments, baths, washes) aimed at soothing and moisturizing the skin. Traditional sources attribute these benefits to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and betulinic acid found in birch extracts, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties.

However, scientific research specifically validating European White Birch for treating dry or flaky skin is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have shown that birch extracts possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild antimicrobial activities, which could theoretically benefit certain skin conditions. Betulin, a triterpene found in birch bark, has demonstrated wound-healing and barrier-supportive properties in laboratory settings. Yet, there are few well-designed human clinical trials confirming effectiveness for dryness or flakiness of the skin.

In summary, the use of European White Birch for dry or flaky skin is primarily supported by traditional herbal practices, with a modest level of scientific plausibility based on its chemical constituents and preliminary research, but lacking robust clinical evidence.

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Products containing European White Birch

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