Synopsis

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

Birch (Betula spp.), particularly the leaves and bark, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for the treatment of skin infections and disorders. In European folk medicine, birch leaves were used as poultices or infusions for their purported antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, applied to wounds, rashes, and other skin ailments. Similarly, Native American groups used birch bark and sap for skin conditions and minor wounds. The traditional use is likely linked to the presence of compounds such as betulin and betulinic acid, which have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies.

However, robust clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of birch preparations for skin infections in humans is lacking. Most of the available data are either in vitro studies or anecdotal reports. These laboratory studies do suggest that birch extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, but these findings have not yet been translated into well-designed clinical trials for skin infections. Thus, the use of birch for treating skin infections is primarily supported by traditional practices, with some preliminary scientific rationale but insufficient clinical validation.

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