Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Birch vs Licorice root
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Birch and Licorice root: they share 8 indicated uses (acid reflux, arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Birch | Licorice root | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acid reflux | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cold & flu | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Principal diuretic and antioxidant constituents of the leaf.
Characteristic bark triterpenes, betulin giving birch bark its white colour; studied for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity.
Contribute to the astringent and antioxidant properties of the bark and leaf.
The principal sweet-tasting compound, about 50 times sweeter than sucrose; responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiviral and gastroprotective activity and also for the pseudoaldosteronism risk on prolonged high-dose use.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial polyphenols, including the skin-lightening compound glabridin.
Minor supporting constituents of the root.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-rheumatic action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally considered safe when used appropriately. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions (itching, rash, stuffy nose). Not recommended for individuals with edema caused by heart or kidney dysfunction. Ensure adequate fluid intake when using as a diuretic. Frequency of side effects is unknown.
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for birch leaf's diuretic activity, as well as for its use in urinary gravel, kidney stones, and rheumatic conditions — consistent with Commission E (KOM) and German Phytotherapy (PIP) approvals. It acts as an aquaretic, increasing urine volume without electrolyte loss. Antimelanomic activity has been demonstrated in experimental studies. The plant has a good safety profile and is classified as non-toxic at usual therapeutic doses (Duke, 2002).
Avoid prolonged use of whole licorice root in large doses. May cause pseudoaldosteronism (hypertension, oedema, hypokalaemia). Contraindicated in hypertension, renal failure, liver disease, hypokalaemia, and pregnancy. DGL form is safer for prolonged gastric use. Interactions with antihypertensives, diuretics, and corticosteroids.
Duke (2002) rates licorice as ++ and documents extensive activities. Glycyrrhizin (the key compound) has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antiviral, and adrenal-stimulant properties. Duke highlights an important safety concern: chronic use of licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism — sodium retention, potassium loss, edema, and hypertension — due to glycyrrhizin's inhibition of cortisol metabolism. This effect is typically seen with >50 g licorice/day for more than 6 weeks. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) avoids this side effect. Dose: 5–15 g dried root daily. Contraindicated in hypertension, kidney disease, low potassium, liver cirrhosis, and in combination with diuretics or corticosteroids (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Elegant deciduous tree with a slender trunk, distinctive smooth white bark that peels in papery horizontal strips and becomes dark and fissured near the base with age, and characteristically drooping ('pendulous') branchlets. The leaves are small, triangular to diamond-shaped, doubly toothed and long-pointed. Male and female flowers are borne in separate catkins on the same tree in spring.[1]
Herbaceous perennial legume with pinnately compound leaves of small, oval, slightly sticky leaflets. Pale blue-violet to lilac pea-like flowers are borne in loose spikes, followed by small, flattened, oblong pods. The sweet-tasting rhizome and root system, brownish-grey outside and bright yellow inside, is the medicinal part, spreading extensively underground via stolons.[1]
Habitat
A pioneer tree of light, well-drained, often poor or acidic soils, growing in woodland, heathland and waste ground across Europe and much of temperate Asia.[1]
Grows in dry, sunny, deep-soiled sites, riverbanks and open scrub; native to the Mediterranean region and Western to Central Asia, and cultivated widely for its root.[1]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked in spring and early summer while young and tender; bark is collected from felled or fallen wood (living trees should not be stripped of bark, which can kill them); sap is tapped in early spring, before leaf-out, through a small hole bored in the trunk.[1]
The root and rhizome are dug in autumn from plants at least three to four years old, when glycyrrhizin content is highest, then cleaned and dried; sold whole, cut, or as processed extract.[1]
Traditional Uses
Birch leaf is a classic European 'aquaretic' diuretic used for urinary gravel, kidney stones and as a spring detoxifying tonic, and for rheumatic and joint complaints; the bark and its extracts have a long folk history for skin conditions, while the sap has been drunk fresh as a traditional spring tonic.[1]
Licorice root is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs in the world, with a documented history across Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek and European traditional medicine as a soothing demulcent and expectorant for coughs and sore throat, a gastroprotective remedy for stomach discomfort and ulcers, and a harmonising, sweetening addition to herbal formulas.[1]
Preparations
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 2-3 g of the comminuted leaf in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly, with adequate fluid intake; dry extract at 0.25-1 g 4 times daily and liquid extract at 15 mL 2-3 times daily are also listed. Traditionally used over a period of 2-4 weeks. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives, for adults and elderly, 1.5-2 g of the comminuted root in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion or decoction 2 to 4 times daily, taken one cup after meals; a soft extract (DER 1:0.4-0.5) at 32 mg 2-3 times daily, not exceeding 160 mg daily, is also listed. The monograph directs that it is NOT to be used for more than 4 weeks, and is not recommended under 18 years - the duration limit matters because prolonged licorice use causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium and water retention, potassium loss, raised blood pressure). Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is preferred where prolonged use is intended. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Rastogi, S., Pandey, M.M. and Kumar Singh Rawat, A (2014) 'Medicinal plants of the genus Betula — traditional uses and a phytochemical-pharmacological review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 159, pp. 62-83. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.010 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.010 - Penkov, D., Andonova, V., Delev, D. and Kostadinov, I (2018) 'Antioxidant Activity of Dry Birch (Betula pendula) Leaves Extract', Folia Medica, 60(4), pp. 571-579. doi:10.2478/folmed-2018-0035 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2478/folmed-2018-0035 - Sevastre-Berghian, A.C., Ielciu, I., Bab, T., Olah, N.K. et al (2023) 'Betula pendula Leaf Extract Targets the Interplay between Brain Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and NF-kB Pathways in Amyloid Abeta-Treated Rats', Antioxidants (Basel), 12(12), pp. 2110. doi:10.3390/antiox12122110 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12122110 - Grundemann, C., Gruber, C.W., Hertrampf, A., Zehl, M., Kopp, B. and Huber, R (2011) 'An aqueous birch leaf extract of Betula pendula inhibits the growth and cell division of inflammatory lymphocytes', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(3), pp. 444-451. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.018 - Azman, N.A.M., Skowyra, M., Muhammad, K., Gallego, M.G. and Almajano, M.P (2017) 'Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Betula pendula leaves extract and its effects on model foods', Pharmaceutical Biology, 55(1), pp. 912-919. doi:10.1080/13880209.2017.1282528 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2017.1282528 - Bljajic, K., Sostaric, N., Petlevski, R., Vujic, L., Brajkovic, A. and Fumic, B (2016) 'Effect of Betula pendula Leaf Extract on alpha-Glucosidase and Glutathione Level in Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, pp. 8429398. doi:10.1155/2016/8429398 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8429398 - Ou-Yang, T., Zhang, Y., Luo, H.Z., Liu, Y. and Ma, S.C (2023) 'Novel compounds discovery approach based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS chemical profile reveals birch bark extract anti-inflammatory, -oxidative, and -proliferative effects', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 309, pp. 116148. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116148 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116148 - Szoka, L., Nazaruk, J., Stocki, M. and Isidorov, V (2021) 'Santin and cirsimaritin from Betula pubescens and Betula pendula buds induce apoptosis in human digestive system cancer cells', Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 25(23), pp. 11085-11096. doi:10.1111/jcmm.17031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.17031 - Isidorov, V., Szoka, L. and Nazaruk, J (2018) 'Cytotoxicity of white birch bud extracts: Perspectives for therapy of tumours', PLoS One, 13(8), pp. e0201949. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0201949 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201949 - Efthimiou, I., Vlastos, D., Triantafyllidis, V., Eleftherianos, A. and Antonopoulou, M (2022) 'Investigation of the Genotoxicological Profile of Aqueous Betula pendula Extracts', Plants, 11(20), pp. 2673. doi:10.3390/plants11202673 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202673 - Jafari Hajati, R., Payamnoor, V., Ahmadian Chashmi, N. and Ghasemi Bezdi, K (2018) 'Improved accumulation of betulin and betulinic acid in cell suspension culture of Betula pendula Roth by abiotic and biotic elicitors', Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology, 48(10), pp. 915-924. doi:10.1080/10826068.2018.1514514 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2018.1514514 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Betula pendula Roth and/or Betula pubescens Ehrh. as well as hybrids of both species, folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-betula-pendula-roth-betula-pubescens-ehrh-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-betula-pendula-roth-betula-pubescens-ehrh-folium_en.pdf - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'Birch leaf (Betulae folium): summary for the public'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/birch-leaf-summary-public_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/birch-leaf-summary-public_en.pdf - Oszmiański J, et al. Evaluating birch leaf tea as a functional herbal beverage. Food Res Int. 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924005519 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7126499/ (2024) 'https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924005519 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7126499/'. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924005519 Traditional / reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924005519 - Rastogi S, Pandey MM, Rawat AKS. Medicinal plants of the genus Betula—Traditional uses and a phytochemical–pharmacological review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;159:62-83. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7126499/ (2015) ';159:62-83'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7126499/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7126499/ - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Pastorino, G., Cornara, L., Soares, S., Rodrigues, F. and Oliveira, M.B.P.P (2018) 'Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2323-2339. doi:10.1002/ptr.6178 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6178 - Nazari, S., Rameshrad, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2017) 'Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review', Phytotherapy Research, 31(11), pp. 1635-1650. doi:10.1002/ptr.5893 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5893 - El-Saber Batiha, G., Magdy Beshbishy, A., El-Mleeh, A., Abdel-Daim, M.M. and Prasad Devkota, H (2020) 'Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae)', Biomolecules, 10(3), pp. 352. doi:10.3390/biom10030352 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10030352 - Wahab, S., Annadurai, S., Abullais, S.S., Das, G., Ahmad, W., Ahmad, M.F., Kandasamy, G., Vasudevan, R., Ali, M.S. and Amir, M (2021) 'Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice): a comprehensive review on its phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence and toxicology', Plants, 10(12), pp. 2751. doi:10.3390/plants10122751 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122751 - Markina, Y.V., Kirichenko, T.V., Markin, A.M., Yudina, I.Y., Starodubova, A.V., Sobenin, I.A. and Orekhov, A.N (2022) 'Atheroprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L', Molecules, 27(15), pp. 4697. doi:10.3390/molecules27154697 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154697 - Jafari, F., Jafari, M., Moghadam, A.T., Emami, S.A., Jamialahmadi, T., Mohammadpour, A.H. and Sahebkar, A (2021) 'A review of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) effects on metabolic syndrome', Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1328, pp. 385-400. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_25 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_25 - Schmid, C., Dawid, C., Peters, V. and Hofmann, T (2018) 'Saponins from European licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra)', Journal of Natural Products, 81(8), pp. 1734-1744. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00022 - Kalani, K., Chaturvedi, V., Alam, S., Khan, F. and Srivastava, S.K (2015) 'Anti-tubercular agents from Glycyrrhiza glabra', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(11), pp. 1043-1049. doi:10.2174/1568026615666150317223323 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150317223323 - Frattaruolo, L., Carullo, G., Brindisi, M., Mazzotta, S., Bellissimo, L., Rago, V., Curcio, R., Dolce, V., Aiello, F. and Cappello, A.R (2019) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of flavanones from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) leaf phytocomplexes: identification of licoflavanone as a modulator of NF-kB/MAPK pathway', Antioxidants, 8(6), pp. 186. doi:10.3390/antiox8060186 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060186 - Eltahir, A.O.E., Omoruyi, S.I., Augustine, T.N., Luckay, R.C. and Hussein, A.A (2024) 'Neuroprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra total extract and isolated compounds', Pharmaceuticals, 17(7), pp. 852. doi:10.3390/ph17070852 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070852 - Dastagir, G. and Rizvi, M.A (2016) 'Review - Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (liquorice)', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 29(5), pp. 1727-1733. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Review%20-%20Glycyrrhiza%20glabra%20L.%20%28liquorice%29 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and/or Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. and/or Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., radix'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-glycyrrhiza-glabra-l-andor-glycyrrhiza-inflata-bat-andor-glycyrrhiza-uralensis-fisch-radix-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-glycyrrhiza-glabra-l-andor-glycyrrhiza-inflata-bat-andor-glycyrrhiza-uralensis-fisch-radix-first-version_en.pdf - Asl, M.N. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2008) 'Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza sp', 22(6), pp. 709--724. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Review%20of%20pharmacological%20effects%20of%20Glycyrrhiza%20sp. - Fiore, C. et al (2008) 'A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe', 99(3), pp. 317--324. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.015 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.015 - WHO (1999) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Takahashi, K., Yoshino, T., Maki, Y., Ishiuchi, K., Namiki, T., Ogawa-Ochiai, K., Minamizawa, K., Makino, T., Nakamura, T., Mimura, M. and Watanabe, K (2019) 'Identification of glycyrrhizin metabolites in humans and of a potential biomarker of liquorice-induced pseudoaldosteronism', Archives of Toxicology, 93(11), pp. 3111-3119. doi:10.1007/s00204-019-02588-2 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-019-02588-2 - Penninkilampi, R., Eslick, E.M. and Eslick, G.D (2017) 'The association between consistent licorice ingestion, hypertension and hypokalaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Human Hypertension, 31(11), pp. 699-707. doi:10.1038/jhh.2017.45 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2017.45 - Wu, T., Yang, J., Xia, J. and Sun, G (2024) 'Effects of licorice functional components intakes on blood pressure: a systematic review with meta-analysis and network toxicology', Nutrients, 16(21), pp. 3768. doi:10.3390/nu16213768 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213768 - af Geijerstam, P., Joelsson, A., Radholm, K. and Nystrom, F.H (2024) 'A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 119(3), pp. 682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.