Chimaphila Umbellata vs Betula Pendula Bark

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Chimaphila Umbellata

Chimaphila umbellata

Urinary

Betula pendula

Urinary

Chimaphila Umbellata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Betula Pendula Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

chimaphilin, arbutin, ursolic acid, tannins, flavonoids

betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol, tannins, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

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

urinary infections, edema, rheumatism, skin conditions, fever

Modern Uses

urinary antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, astringent

diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor research

Adult Dosage

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

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

Contraindications

pregnancy, nursing, kidney disease

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

Side Effects

nausea, kidney irritation with prolonged use

increased urination, mild digestive upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E