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Birch

Betula spp.

Lady of the Woods, Goddess Tree, Hua Mu Pi (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Bhoj-patra (Ayurvedic)

Native to

Kind of Everywhere inhabitable?

A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.


Parts Used

  • Bark

  • Leaves

  • Sap (NOT tar which can be toxic)

  • Moxa (Historically the yellow fungous that is excreted from the wood)

  • Catkins

Medicinal Actions

Note: When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical. And please read all warnings.

  • Alterative: Potentially aids in the alteration of the course of an illness

  • Anodyne: Pain reliever

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling

  • Antiseptic: Stops the growth of disease-spreaders

  • Astringent: causes skin cells and bodily tissues to contract

  • Counterirritant: Something irritating to the skin that is administered to counteract underlying pain

  • Deobstruent: Helps to enlarge ducts in order to pass obstructions

  • Depurative: Purifying; Can be purgative

  • Diaphoretic: Makes you sweat

  • Diuretic: Makes you pee

  • Parasiticide: Kills parasites

  • Pectoral: Strengthens the Respiratory Tract and Pulmonary System

  • Stomachic: Promotes appetite and aids in digestion

  • Vulnerary: Helps to heal wounds

Divinities & Mythos

  • Freyja (Norse)

  • Idunna (Norse)

  • Frigg (Norse)

  • Hel (Norse)

Plant Energies

Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:

Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.

  • Planet(s): Moon, Venus

  • Element(s): Water, Fire

  • Gender: Feminine

Warning

This plant is generally considered safe. There are reports of potential interactions with other drugs so this aspect makes it extra important to talk to your doctor.

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Magical Properties

  • Attracting

  • Birth

  • Calm

  • Cleansing

  • Creativity

  • Devotional

  • Exorcism

  • Femininity

  • Fertility

  • Growth

  • Healing

  • Initiation

  • Inner Strength

  • New Beginnings

  • Manifesting

  • Personal Power

  • Prosperity

  • Protection

  • Protects Children

  • Psychic Protection

  • Purification

  • Rebirth

  • Record Keeping

  • Renewal

  • Spirituality

  • Warding

  • Writing

Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.

Part of the reason that we list Medical Jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have. 

When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere 
with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantagous. Too much of a good thing, eh?

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