Betula Pendula Bark vs Chimaphila Umbellata

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Betula Pendula Bark

Betula pendula

Urinary

Chimaphila umbellata

Urinary

Betula Pendula Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Chimaphila Umbellata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Bark and leaves of the silver birch tree used in Northern European traditional medicine as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and skin herb.

Small evergreen subshrub of northern forests used by many Native American tribes for urinary conditions, rheumatism, and skin diseases.

Active Compounds

betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol, tannins, flavonoids

chimaphilin, arbutin, ursolic acid, tannins, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

urinary infections, edema, rheumatism, skin conditions, fever

urinary infections, kidney stones, rheumatism, skin conditions, tonic

Modern Uses

diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor research

urinary antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, astringent

Adult Dosage

4–6g dried leaves as tea 3x daily or 300mg betulin extract

3–5g dried herb as tea 3x daily or 2ml tincture

Contraindications

kidney disease, edema from heart/kidney failure, pregnancy high doses

pregnancy, nursing, kidney disease

Side Effects

increased urination, mild digestive upset

nausea, kidney irritation with prolonged use

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E