Birch Tree Medicine and Magic for Sleep, Purification and Rites of Rebirth
*Previously published elsewhere; see note at end of article. This information is based on my understanding and research done at the time of original publication. Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. The birch tree has many species including short trees and shrubs, but the two most well known are the tall white and paper (a.k.a. canoe) trees. The peeling bark was used to make paper and in the construction of canoes. The wood is used for household items such as items and kitchen ware. All parts of the tree have uses in natural medicine and magic. Birch Tree in Natural Medicine Birch tree drawing - By published by Ward, Lock, & Tyler of London [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Oil extracted from birch bark is astringent and used in healing severe skin conditions such as eczema. Tea made from fresh leaves is used in breaking up small kidney stones. Tea made with either young leaves or the inner bark is used for rheumatic conditions and as a sleep...