Birch

• Birch suggested uses include as a diuretic, to treat nephrolithiasis, arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
• Birch is possibly effective for small kidney stones.
• There is overall insufficient information available about the effectiveness of birch.
• Birch is available under the following different brands and other names: Betula spp.

Dosages of Birch:

Suggested Dosing

• Tea
  • 2-3 g steeped 10 minutes in boiling water

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Suggested Dosing"

Side effects of birch are uncommon and may include:

• allergic reactions such as hives or asthma
• mouth or throat itching (with birch pollen immunotherapy)
• diuretic effects (increased urination)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Birch has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of birch include:
  • amiloride
  • bendroflumethiazide
  • bumetanide
  • chlorothiazide
  • chlorthalidone
  • cyclopenthiazide
  • drospirenone
  • ethacrynic acid
  • furosemide
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • indapamide
  • methyclothiazide
  • metolazone
  • spironolactone
  • torsemide
  • triamterene

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains birch. Do not take Betula spp if you are allergic to birch or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Impaired cardiac or renal function
• Aspirin hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Birch?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Birch?"

Cautions

• None.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid the use of birch during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.