Birch Leaf
Betula pendula, Betula pubescens
T Traditional useBirch leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, for 2–4 weeks.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes birch leaf as a traditional herbal medicine to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. It is traditionally used for 2–4 weeks, with enough fluid intake during use.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to increase urine flow to flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 2–3 g of chopped dried leaf; drink plenty of fluid.
Amount: Up to 4 times daily
Duration limit: Traditionally 2–4 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not use if you must limit fluids, for example with severe heart or kidney disease.
- Do not use if you are allergic to birch pollen.
- See a doctor if you get fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in urine.
- Not recommended under 12. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Itching, rash, hives, hay fever
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Birch leaf tea must be drunk with plenty of fluid to flush the urinary tract. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is birch leaf a diuretic?
The EMA accepts birch leaf as a traditional aid to increase urine in minor urinary complaints.
How do I make birch leaf tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 2–3 g of chopped leaf; up to 4 times a day with plenty of water.
Who should not use birch leaf?
People who must limit fluids due to heart or kidney disease, those allergic to birch pollen, under-12s, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How long is birch leaf used?
Traditionally for 2–4 weeks.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Betula pendula Roth; Betula pubescens Ehrh., foliumEMA HMPC · 2014
Cite This Page
Birch Leaf (Betula pendula, Betula pubescens). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/birch-leaf/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Corn Silk
T Traditional useZea mays
A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss.
Horsetail
T Traditional useEquisetum arvense
Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds.
Milk Thistle
T Traditional useSilybum marianum
Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion.
Pumpkin Seed
T Traditional useCucurbita pepo
Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease.
Stinging Nettle
T Traditional useUrtica dioica, Urtica urens
Nettle leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and to relieve minor joint pain.
Cherry Stem
T Traditional usePrunus avium
Dried cherry stem tea is traditionally used as a diuretic in minor urinary complaints. There is no scientific evidence that it causes weight loss.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea)
Dried Herb & Tea →
Echinacea
A Strong clinical evidenceEchinacea purpurea
Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered.
Psyllium Husk
A Strong clinical evidencePlantago ovata
Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.
Senna
A Strong clinical evidenceSenna alexandrina
A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
St. John's Wort
A Strong clinical evidenceHypericum perforatum
St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill.
