G O L D E N • B I R C H • . // betula alleghaniensis // • . During the early spring in the northern hemisphere is the perfect time to go out and identify species of trees. Using the budding profiles, and bark characteristics is my preferred way of really knowing who I'm interacting with. . The bark on this golden birch is super distinguishable, but the real gem is the smell. With a scratch to a branch or sapling this tree exudes the fragrance of its main constituent, the oil of wintergreen. It makes my mouth water for homemade birch beer, the northern version of root beer. . Also the bark itself is used medicinally, as a Blood cleanser because of its emetic and cathartic properties. It is a beautiful diuretic for its fiercly compassionate ability to move liquids in the body without being aggressive or irritating to the kidneys and other organs. . Truly great medicine for the early spring sluggishness in the body & mind as it helps open the flood gates to move watery stagnation in the form of fluid retention, obesity, cellulite, arthritis, hypertension and unhealthy high cholesterol while also rooting the mind with grounded clarity through both warming and cooling actions, helping to loosen the clammy hold of fear in the heart. . #foragedbyfolk #herbariumcollection #springtimeallies