Birch (Sweet) Essential Oil
- Product Code: EO-B07
- Availability: In Stock
Sweet Birch essential oil has a sweet, sharp, caphoraceous aroma reminiscent of Germolene. It is mainly used for its pain-relieving effect on the joints and muscles and for treating respiratory problems. Potentially toxic - see safety advice.
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£2.94
- Ex Tax: £2.45
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Sweet Birch (Betula lenta) also known as Black Birch, Cherry Birch, Mahogany Birch, or Spice Birch, is a tall and graceful tree with bright green leaves and dark reddish-brown aromatic bark. It is native to southern Canada and north-eastern USA but also grows in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe.
Sweet Birch essential oil is steam distilled from the tree bark, which must be macerated and soaked for up to 12 hours before distillation. The oil has a sweet, sharp, minty, fresh, camphoraceous aroma (reminiscent of Germolene).
Historically Sweet Birch bark was used by North American native people as a tonic and beverage to bring on a sweat and to induce "heating". It has also traditionally been used for arthritis and other joint/muscular aches and pains.
Today Sweet Birch essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its pain-relieving effect on the joints and muscles and for treating respiratory problems. It is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter preparations such as Deep Heat, Tiger Balm and Olbas Oil.
Please note: Sweet Birch essential oil is a speciality oil and should always be used with caution by experienced aromatherapists only due to its potential toxic nature (see safety advice below). This oil can however be extremely effective when used wisely.
Today Sweet Birch essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its pain-relieving effect on the joints and muscles and for treating respiratory problems. It is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter preparations such as Deep Heat, Tiger Balm and Olbas Oil.
Please note: Sweet Birch essential oil is a speciality oil and should always be used with caution by experienced aromatherapists only due to its potential toxic nature (see safety advice below). This oil can however be extremely effective when used wisely.
- Botanical name: Betula lenta
- Plant family: Betulaceae
- Origin: Canada
- Note: Top
- Extraction method: Steam distilled
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Safety Note:
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Sweet Birch essential oil is potentially toxic and may cause skin irritation. It should always be used with caution and in the correct dilution. Its main constituent is methyl salicylate (the active ingredient in aspirin) so it should not be used on anybody who is sensitive/allergic to aspirin, has liver problems, is on blood thinning medication, has epilepsy or is subject to seizures. It should also be avoided with children or the elderly and while pregnant or breast feeding. Always conduct a patch test before using.
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Skin:
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Sweet Birch oil is often used in preparations for problem skin conditions and as a skin softener. It has an astringent action and can be used as a skin toner to tighten the pores and to reduce wrinkles and saggy skin. It also has antiseptic, disinfectant properties that can protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections.
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Mind:
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Sweet Birch can be help to stimulate the nervous system and lift feelings of depression.
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Body:
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Sweet Birch oil is mainly used to treat joint and muscle pain. It has powerful pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that are beneficial for conditions such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout and fibromyalgia, etc. It can be used in massage blends and is also often added to liniments and ointments to help ease aches and pains. It can also be used inhalations for respiratory conditions to open the airways, clear the sinuses and stimulate the mind (blend with Ravensara or Eucalyptus for this). It has detoxifying and diuretic properties, helps to stimulate the circulation, improves digestion, and can reduce fever by promoting perspiration.
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Blends well with:
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Citrus oils, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Rosewood.
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Uplifting the Nervous System (Depression)
- Sweet Birch stimulates the nervous system and has both a relaxing yet uplifting effect. Try diffusing 1 drop Sweet Birch essential oil, 3 drops Cedarwood and 3 drops Bergamot in the morning or throughout the day.
- If you’re feeling low why not create an uplifting spritz to remind you that it’s going to be ok? Mix 100ml Orange Flower Hydrolat, 15 drops Mandarin essential oil, 12 drops Lemon and 3 drops Sweet Birch in a spray bottle and use as required.
Grounding and Supportive
- Sweet Birch is said to be grounding and supportive, especially for those who feel lost or alone. Try diffusing 1 drop Sweet Birch with 3 drops Cypress and 3 drops Rosewood. This is a beautiful blend to use whilst meditating, helping you to feel uplifted yet grounded.
Respiratory Support
- If you are struggling with your breathing, Sweet Birch can be really helpful for clearing the sinuses and respiratory airways. Add 2 drops Ravensara and 1 drop Sweet Birch to an inhalator stick and use as required.
Detoxification
- Useful as a detoxification oil, Sweet Birch is great in a blend to help with those seasonal colds. To help cleanse and detoxify, try diffusing 1 drop Sweet Birch, 3 drops Juniperberry and 3 drops Lemongrass.
Joint and Muscular Pain
- Try Sweet Birch in a hot compress if you’re suffering with muscular and joint stiffness, or spasmodic aches, pains or tension. Run a bowl of hot water (not boiling, but as warm as you can happily cope with) and add 1 drop Sweet Birch, 2 drops Sweet Marjoram and 2 drops Lavender. Immerse a cotton cloth into the water and let it soak, before wringing out the excess water and placing the warm cloth over the affected area. You could also cover with a towel or clingfilm to keep in the heat. Re-heat and repeat as necessary.
- For inflammation, swelling or injury, a cold compress is recommended. Use cold/iced water, add 1 drop Sweet Birch, 2 drops Turmeric and 2 drops Plai and continue as per the above instructions.
