5 Benefits of Silver Birch Twig Tea

Since I was a child, Silver Birch has always been one of my favourite trees.

The wispy branches, and ghostly white bark always draw my attention in the woods.

Something about silver birch makes me feel safe. Perhaps because I can always tell it apart from other trees.

It has uses too.

The white peeling bark is great for lighting fires (and we may show you how to do that as part of our outdoor teambuilding away days) and the buds and twigs have tons of medicinal uses:

• A great source of vitamin C, tannin, and flavonoids, silver birch is useful in preventing viral infections and even cancer.
• Silver Birch contains powerful diuretic properties that help in flushing out harmful toxins, uric acid, and excess water from the body, making it a good anti-inflammatory, and helpful for maintaining kidney and liver health.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties means it can treat conditions like arthritis, high cholesterol, heart and kidney swelling, and cystitis.  
• Silver birch stimulates the digestive system and aids in better digestion.
• Its nutrients are also effective in strengthening the bones and boosting overall immunity. 

​I was happy to find out that you can make a tea from the twigs and buds.

I made some the other day and can attest that silver birch twig tea is delicious.

​To make it:

• collect a few handfuls of fresh twigs and buds
• steep twig tips in boiling water, to taste
• strain and drink!

Silver Birch twig tea on the go. Made using a Bushbox multi-fuel stove. Markstakes Common, E Sussex, March 2016.

At School of the Wild, we bring leaders and teams outside to help them reconnect and think differently, so that they are inspired to change the way they work. We incorporate activities like making fires and foraging as part of creating space for meaningful conversations. Have a look at our outdoor team building programmes or get in touch for more info.