Birch Tea for Skin and Hair

Countless cultures and countless generations have remarked on the unique natural beauty of the birch tree. While birch shares the same striped pale bark that may be seen on poplars such as aspen, but it is actually a relative of other hardwood trees, namely alder and hazel. All three of these trees are used for their wood in the making of furniture and other products, though unlike the others, birch has an additional use. Many cultures have relied for centuries on birch tea, an herbal tisane made from birch leaves, buds and bark, as a natural herbal remedy. This decoction offers several beneficial qualities, and like the beautiful tree from which it comes, birch tea may be used to help promote beautiful skin and hair.

Skin Health and Diseases

Skin is the largest of all the organs, and serves a number of important functions. Skin provides a barrier to protect us from external dangers, such as infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as other elemental factors. It also serves to help us regulate our body temperature, and is the source of our sense of touch. Skin is composed of three layers. The epidermis is responsible for our skin tone, and serves as a barrier to the elements. The dermis lays below that, a layer containing connective tissue where sweat glands and hair follicles are found. The hypodermis, the lowest layer, houses connective tissue and fat. Skin health and skin disease usually focuses on the first two layers of skin.

While many skin conditions do not impede daily life, they can still be uncomfortable and can have a significant effect on self-esteem, as symptoms on the skin are often the most visible sign of disease. Fortunately, some of the most common skin conditions are temporary, and treatment options are available. Practicing good hygiene, getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet and avoiding harmful practices such as smoking are an excellent way to try to keep your skin in good health.

How Birch Tea Supports Skin

Birch tea may provide excellent support for skin health both internally and externally. Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, birch tea can help to alleviate skin conditions such as rashes, eczema and acne. It may be used to cleanse and flush toxins from the skin. It also offers astringent properties that promote the elasticity of the skin, thus helping the skin to retain a youthful appearance. A strong birch tea may also be used as a rinse for the scalp, where it helps to strengthen hair follicles against premature hair fall, and can reduce dandruff.

It is important to bear in mind that birch tea used externally must be a stronger solution than tea which is made for consumption. This will usually require two or three bags of tea that has been steeped for an extensive period of time. Birch tea at this strength should not be consumed, as the effects of such a high dosage are not yet known.