- Ramji Pandey Academic skills in forest science Cure comes from forest, analysis of traditional uses and medicinal values of Birch (Betula) - Ramji Pandey Academic skills in forest science 10.10.2017
Birch (betula) plant Family of betulaceae Grows in boreal and temperate condition (Mainly Asia and Europe) 40 species of birch Betula celtiberica (Spain), Betula litvinovii (Turkey), Betula nigra (Estern US), Himalayan birch (Nepal).. Long history of commercial and medicinal importance
Parts of birch plant Bark Sap Leaves Birch’s parts for medicinal usage
Bark Outermost part of the tree Rich in botulin and betulinic acid (anti inflammatory) Used in making of medicinal tablets Boiled bark for wound healing in traditional American culture
Sap Sap or birch water Juices from sap in Estonia/Finland used to make refreshing beverages Some have used as vinegar and wine Germans have used it for a lung disease remedies
Leaves Dermatitis (skin) treatment Remedies of fever & facial dots Blood pressure level maintain Birch leaf tea for better immune system and for joint (arthritis) problems
Why is this plant so useful? Rich in K, Mg, Ca, Zn, P and Fe Betulinic acid, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and sesquiterpenes Vitamin C Amino acid Flavanoids (natural antioxidants) Xylitol
Xylitol Can be extracted from hemicellulose of Birch tree - Useful in treatment of cavities and ear infection Commercial xylitol can also be made from other fruits and vegetables Sweet taste Controversies because of chemical mixture in manufacturing
Birch in Finnish environment Very common in Finnish environment. Sap juice collection time: April- May 10 lit. collection in a single day from a big birch tree Commercialization for sap (mahla) and birch syrup: ongoing research Already commercialized products Healthy birch shampoo, oil, Vaseline , Xylitol (Finnish product). - Pollen is too allergic for Finns
Medicine or timber? Ongoing research for commercialization Medicinally high value Traditionally valuable Excellent timber and bioenergy source