--- title: "Birch Leaf: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Birch leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, for 2–4 weeks." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/birch-leaf/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Birch Leaf Betula pendula, Betula pubescens T Traditional use Birch leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, for 2–4 weeks. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** leaves **Key constituents:** Flavonoids (Hyperoside) 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 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Betula pendula Roth; Betula pubescens Ehrh., folium](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-betula-pendula-roth-betula-pubescens-ehrh-folium_en.pdf) EMA 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 - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? 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