Birch Essential Oil
Betula lenta
(Essential Facts
- Country of Origin:United States
- Plant Parts:Bark, Wood
- Cultivation Method:Wild Harvested
- Note Classification:Top
- Method of Extraction:Steam or Hydro Distillation
- Botanical Family:Betulaceae
- Chemical Family: Esters
- Extraction Date: Spring 2019
- Approx. Shelf Life: Gets Better With Age
- Batch: birch
Traditional Use of Birch
Whenever there is need for warming a painful area of the body, Birch would be a good choice, unless contraindicated (See Safety Information)
Botany
Betula lenta is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 66ft tall with a trunk up to 2ft diameter. The twigs, when scraped, have a strong scent of wintergreen due to methyl salicylate, which is produced in the bark. There are between 30-150 species of Birch trees. Sweet birch is also commonly referred to as black birch or cherry birch. When exposed to air it darkens to a color resembling mahogany.
Traditional Folklore
Natives drink the sap without fermentation. In Sping, the inner bark can be cut upinto noodle sied strips and cooked as birch "noodles". Like maple sap, the sap can be used for honey, syrup, or sugar after boiling down. According to Hartwell (1967-1971), the birch species are used in folk remedies for abdominal and mammary cancers, carcinomas and warts. Cherokee chewed the leaves for dysentery and used the bark tea for colds and stomach ailments
Energetics and Chakras
1st Chakra - survival and support, 3rd Chakra - personal power, 7th Chakra - higher information, Energizing, Expansive, Grounding, PurifyingEnergetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Birch
Birch essential oil is extremely grounding and centering. Birch works on the third chakra, renewing our sense of strength and power. When we are feeling too much influence from others or circumstances. Birch can help us to remember our true and authentic self. When we want to call our energy back from the fragments we have left "out there", Birch will hep us to regain our "wholeness".
Therapeutic Benefits of Birch
Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-septic, Anti-spasmodic, Astringent, Cooling, Depurative, Disinfectant, Diuretic, Energizing, Rubefacient, Tonic, WarmingAroma-Chemistry of Birch
Birch essential oil is composed primarily of one chemical component, methyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, rubefacient and anti-rheumatic and is therefore effective for muscle & joint pain relief. 5ml of Methyl salicylate is equivalent to 21 asprin.There are many Safety concerns with Birch essential oil, please see Safety Information before using this oil.
Aroma of Birch
Astringent, Cool, Fresh, Minty, Slightly sweet, StrongRecipes and Blends
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Blend
1 oz Arnica Oil (Arnica montana)
2 drops Birch Essential Oil (Betula lenta)
4 drops Black Spruce Essential Oil (Picea mariana)
3 drops Helichrysum splendidum Essential Oil (Helichrysum splendidum)
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia)
Blends Well With...
Black Spruce Essential Oil, Cornmint (Wild Mint) Essential Oil, Spike Lavender Essential Oil, Plai, Central Essential Oil, Spearmint Essential Oil, Lavender Seville (Stoechas) Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, South AfricaSafety Information for Birch
Birch Essential Oil is Potentially toxic, it contains methyl salicylate, (the active ingredient in aspirin). Not to be used for anyone on blood thinning medications, the elderly or fragile. Not for use when pregnant or nursing. Avoid in cases of liver problems. Possible skin irritant - dilute well. Avoid contact with any open wounds or mucous membranes. Smells a bit like candy (wintergreen). Keep away from children, due to the possible risk of developing Reye's Syndrome.
According to Tisserand & Young, hazards associated with Birch essential oil are: possible drug interactions, inhibition of blood clotting, toxicity, high doses may be teratogenic.
