* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
This herb is also called cherry birch, sweet birch, and white birch. The word birch is said to come from the Sanskrit bhurga meaning "tree whose bark is written on." Birches have long symbolized the return of spring, and several species are found throughout cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Coleridge called the birch "Lady of the Woods." The oil in birch tea is believed to purify the blood, relieve rheumatism, and expel worms. A standard infusion is used to treat skin complaints, including stubborn cases of acne, itching, and eczema.
Plant Facts and Growing Tips
Plant: A deciduous tree. Young birches have dark bark; they do not develop the characteristic white bark until they are several years old. The tree has drooping branches, and the white bark peels off easily. The branches produce catkins containing either male or female flowers.
Height: To 60 feet. Birch is a slow grower.
Soil: Dry or moist sandy soil.
Exposure: Fall sun.
Propagation: From seeds sown in sandy soil during the third lunar phase or by green stem cuttings.
Care: If you buy a tree at a nursery, be sure to water it thoroughly at least once a week. Don't let the soil become dry because water encourages the roots to take up moisture and send out new growth. Birches improve soil, restoring fertility to barren areas. However, in the forest they are fertilized by rich organic material that is constantly replenished by humus from decaying leaves. To make up for this lack of soil fertility in a garden situation, and to ensure moisture, mulch the tree with leaf compost. Every two or three years, fertilize with a solution of nitrates, phosphates, and potash.
Parts Used for Tea: Leaves, twigs, and bark.
Taste: Like wintergreen in flavor; very aromatic. Birch tea can be sweetened with honey.
How to Brew
By Infusion: If using leaves, 1 teaspoon dried leaves (or 3 teaspoons crushed fresh leaves) to 1 cup boiling water. Steep to taste. If you're using twigs or bark, measure 3 teaspoons fresh or dried herb, crush it, and allow more time for steeping, so oils can be released from the tougher fiber.
This one comes close to tasting like China tea because of the bee balm and birch:
1 teaspoon ground birch leaves
1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon dried savory leaves
1 teaspoon dried bee balm
Mix herbs, infuse 1 teaspoon of mixture in 1 cup boiling water. Steep 5 to 8 minutes, or to taste.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Additional Information
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
