Renowned for its decorative bark and highly prized as an ornamental tree, the birch can also be used for medicinal purposes. While birch sap benefits are widely discussed these days, note that the leaves, buds, bark and flowers can also help relieve certain ailments. With numerous virtues, birch leaves are used to make a herbal tea known as "birch juice" – not to be confused with birch water, which refers to the tree's sap. To learn more, discover our tips for successfully harvesting and drying birch leaves. You can then enjoy all the benefits of a detoxifying decoction to cleanse your body and eliminate toxins!
Which birch to choose?
The birch primarily used in phytotherapy is Betula pendula (also called Betula verrucosa or Betula alba). In French, it's known as common birch, white birch or silver birch. This species has glabrous twigs and doubly dentate leaves, triangular in shape with a fine, long tip, featuring a long petiole.
The species Betula pubescens (downy birch) can also be used. Very similar to silver birch, it's distinguished by slightly felted, villous and simply dentate leaves.
Left: Betula pendula and right: Betula pubescens
When to harvest birch leaves?
Birch leaves can be harvested in spring, after budburst when they're tender. Pick young leaves in dry (dew-free), sunny weather. Harvest in the morning, preferably before 10 am, as the plant deteriorates when the sun becomes too strong. During collection, protect the harvested leaves by keeping them out of sunlight (in a cloth bag, lidded basket or high-sided container, for example). Avoid picking leaves from birches near roads or cultivated fields: pollution and pesticides make them unfit for consumption. Lastly, don't waste – only harvest the quantity you need.
How to dry the leaves?
Inspect your leaves. If they're not dirty or too dusty, washing isn't necessary. This will facilitate drying.
Air drying
Use wooden crates or wicker baskets that allow good air circulation for optimal drying. If unavailable, ask your greengrocer or local shop – they may provide crates free of charge. DIY enthusiasts can make their own drying rack by stretching mosquito netting or fine fabric over a wooden frame. If using plastic or metal trays, place leaves on a clean cloth and turn them daily. Spread birch leaves in a single layer. Place in a dark (attic, cupboard), well-ventilated, dry spot and leave to dry for about a week.
Traditional oven drying
Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature. Ideally 40°C. Arrange birch leaves on a baking tray without overlapping. Bake on the lowest shelf for 30 minutes. Turn leaves over and return to oven for another 45 minutes. Finally, turn off the oven and let leaves cool inside for an hour.
You can also use an electric dehydrator. In this case, refer to the manufacturer's manual for drying time and temperature.
Before storing, ensure leaves are completely dry, as residual water may cause mould. If they don't crumble when handled, continue drying. Keep leaves whole – don't crush them to preserve their properties.
Then, store away from light in glass or metal containers (jam jar, metal tea caddy), paper bags or fabric pouches. They'll keep this way for one year. Label your dried leaves with the plant name, harvest date and possibly location.
Birch leaves before and after drying
How to make birch leaf tea?
You can do a birch leaf cleanse twice yearly, in spring or autumn. Don't exceed 3 cups daily and drink between meals. A cleanse typically lasts 20 days. Boil a litre of water. Off heat, steep 20-40g dried birch leaves for 10 minutes. To enhance effectiveness, add 1g bicarbonate of soda when infusion reaches 40°C – this helps dissolve resinous compounds. Note that 40g of leaves produces a stronger, woodier, more resinous flavour that some find unpalatable. Important: drink plenty during your birch leaf cleanse due to its strong diuretic effect.
What are the benefits of birch leaves?
Rich in saponins and flavonoids, birch leaves have numerous properties including diuretic, depurative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. They're particularly recommended for gout and urinary tract infections as they promote waste elimination by significantly increasing urine output. Birch leaves may also benefit rheumatism, arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. With anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, they help treat minor skin conditions. Finally, they may combat water retention, oedema and cellulite.
Contraindications and warnings
Birch leaf tea is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12, those allergic to birch pollen or paracetamol, and people with severe heart or kidney conditions.
Consult your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any cleanse. Herbal remedies shouldn't be taken lightly.
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