Nature's 'white gold' heals wounds faster

Chemist Pavel Krasutsky calls it nature’s “white gold.” Betulin, a powdery substance in the outer bark of the birch tree, has been shown to help wounds heal faster and cut inflammation.

Many cosmetic companies, using it as a skin toner and restorer, add birch bark extract to various products. And a birch bark compound, betulinic acid, is being tested as a treatment for melanoma and other serious diseases.