Birch Bark (C/S) (BETULA ALBA)

Description:
Birch is a deciduous tree belonging to the Betulaceae family. It has a peeling, silver-white trunk that is black and fissured towards the base. The bark peels off horizontally into thin layers of varying hues and textures The inner bark is bitter and astringent. Birch twigs, when bruised, smell like wintergreen.

Origin:
United States

Other Names:
Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Lady of the Woods, Silver Birch, Tree of Life, White Birch

Part Used:
Bark

Culinary Uses:
The inner Birch Bark, when dried can be ground into a flour. Inner Birch Bark can also be cut into thin strips and boiled with noodles. The bark of the Birch tree is also used for beer making.
To make a tea, crush 3 teaspoons of dried Birch Bark in 1 cup of boiling water, allow more time for steeping, so oils can be released from the tougher fiber.

Medicinal Uses:
Birch Bark is used in preparations for skin diseases. Distillation of the bark yields Birch tar oil, an astringent ingredient of ointments for eczema and psoriasis. A Birch Bark decoction can be added to the bath and is used for chronic skin problems.

Magickal Powers and Correspondences:
Powers: Protection, exorcism, purification and cleansing.
Planet Rulership: Venus
Element Rulership: Water
Gender:
Sign:

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