Plant Comparison

Birch vs Selfheal

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.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ABirchBetula pendulaBetulaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BSelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Birch and Selfheal: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cancer (anticancer research), …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.

BirchSelfheal
Constituents32
Pharmacological actions1010
Indicated uses1612
Safety notes22
Cited sources1637
Indicated uses
Only Birch
Acid refluxBack painEczemaIndigestionMetabolic supportSwelling / fluid retentionUrinary supportUrinary tract infection (UTI)
Shared (8)
Arthritis / joint painBlood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)Cold & fluInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationWounds
Only Selfheal
BruisingImmune supportCardiovascular / heart healthCognitive function
Pharmacological actions
Only Birch
Anti-rheumatic / anti-arthriticDiureticEmollient / skin-soothingGastroprotective
Shared (6)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntimicrobialAntioxidantAntiviral
Only Selfheal
Immunomodulator / immune supportVulnerary (wound healing)Neuroprotective / cognition supportHepatoprotective (liver support)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionBirchSelfhealVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain1/102/10Comparable evidence
Blood sugar / diabetes support1/102/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)2/107/10Stronger for Selfheal
Cold & flu1/102/10Comparable evidence
Infection (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation1/102/10Comparable evidence
Wounds1/102/10Comparable 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

Flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin, hyperoside)[1]

Principal diuretic and antioxidant constituents of the leaf.

FlavonoidsQuercetin
Triterpenes (betulin, betulinic acid)[1, 4]

Characteristic bark triterpenes, betulin giving birch bark its white colour; studied for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity.

Terpenes / terpenoids
Tannins and phenolic acids[1]

Contribute to the astringent and antioxidant properties of the bark and leaf.

TanninsPhenolic acids
Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[1, 4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15]
Anti-rheumatic / anti-arthritic[4, 13, 14, 15]
Anticancer (preclinical)[7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[6, 13, 14, 15]
Antimicrobial[1, 13, 14, 15]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15]
Antiviral[13, 14, 15]
Diuretic[13, 14, 15]
Emollient / skin-soothing[13, 14, 15]
Gastroprotective[13, 14, 15]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acid reflux[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Acid reflux
Arthritis / joint pain[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-rheumatic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Back pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[8]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cold & flu[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Eczema[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1
Label: Eczema
Indigestion[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Metabolic support[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Metabolic support
Skin irritation[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Urinary support[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Wounds[13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[13, 14, 15]Info

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.

Safety note[13, 14, 15, 16]Info

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).

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 5331916
Powo: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295174-1
Wikidata: Q156895
Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469

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]

Height: Up to 25-30 m
Habit: Slender deciduous tree with drooping branchlets
Leaves: Small, triangular to diamond-shaped, doubly toothed, long-pointed
Flowers: Separate male and female catkins on the same tree
Stem: Slender trunk with smooth white, papery, peeling bark, dark and fissured at the base with age
Root: Shallow, wide-spreading root system
Fruit: Tiny winged seed (samara) shed from the female catkin
Flowering Period: April-May

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

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]

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[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]

Parts: Bark, Leaf, Sap
Season: Leaf in spring/early summer; sap in early spring before leaf-out; bark from felled wood

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

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]

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Preparations

Infusion (leaf)[1]

Dried leaf infused in hot water as a traditional diuretic and 'detox' tea, classically taken as a course in spring.

Decoction (bark)[1]

Bark simmered in water or processed into extracts for topical skin use.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

Dosage

Leaf infusion[12, 13]

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.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-0743, REF-0744, REF-0745, REF-1692, REF-1693, REF-1694, REF-1695, REF-1696, REF-1697, REF-1698, REF-1699
REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

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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.