Birch
All about Birch
Bentula lenta
Basic Information
Birch Essential Oil is a derivative of the Betulaceae family, Sweet Birch (Betula lenta) and White Birch (Betula alba). Sweet Birch is approximately 25 meters long with a cone-shaped appearance. It is indigenous to southern Canada and the southeastern USA. Its leaves are brightly colored green and the bark has a reddish-brown hue. Birch essential oil is a rare and hard to produce oil created from the steam distillation of the wood of the tree. Because of the challenge to sustainably, safely, and frequently harvest, it’s difficult to find a quality supplier of this oil. Many companies offer birch only seasonal and in very limited quantities, or it’ll be diluted or of weaker potency.
The aroma of birch is interesting as well. It doesn’t have the same “woody” aroma as other tree oils. Instead it smells minty, like Wintergreen. Likewise its properties and uses are very similar to wintergreen, as well, supporting the muscular and joint systems of the body. This is because both contain a natural form of methyl salicylate, a compound known for soothing achy muscles and joints.
Introduction
- Plant Part: wood
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aromatic Description: Sweet, minty, refreshing
- Main Chemical Components: Methyl salicylate
Usage
- Aromatic: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Topical: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
Main Function
- Frequently used in massage therapy and to support muscles and joints
- Supports circulatory and respiratory system
- Beneficial for oily skin conditions
- Add in oral care products to fresh the breath
Application
- Use aromatically through the day, from the bottle, or by massaging into the solar plexus for increased confidence.
- Massage into the soles of the feet and use aromatically during meditation or breathing techniques.
- Gently massage 1-2 drops of birch essential oil into the neck and shoulders 2-3 times a day to relieve tension.
- Add 1 or 2 drops of the Birch oil to bath water and relax.
- When you’re feeling unloved, unsupported, etc, use birch essential oil with your favorite aromatic use to find your inner strength.
Cautions
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
- Possible skin sensitivity. Diluted it with carrier oil in 1:1 ratio when applied to skin.
Plant Science
Analgesic
In vitro research suggests that methyl salicylate, the major constituent of birch oil, may inhibit nerve signal propagation by increasing intercellular calcium levels. (1,2)
Cardiovascular Health
Human clinical research (n=9) suggests that 5g of a topical 30% wintergreen oil (wintergreen oil is chemically identical to birch oil) applied to the upper thighs inhibited platelet aggregation similarly to 162mg of aspirin, a common anti-coagulant.2 Methyl salicylate, the major constituent of birch oil, is very similar, structurally, to aspirin. Aspirin, in fact, can be made by adding an acetyl group to methyl salicylate.(3)
Headache
Human case study (n=1) suggests that application of a methyl salicylate, the major constituent of birch oil, ointment topically to the temples and jaw muscles may reduce severity of tension headaches as a result of electroconvulsive treatments. (4)