The Medicinal Benefits of Sweet Birch Essential Oil
Characteristics of Sweet Birch Essential Oil
Sweet birch essential oil is made from the steam distilled extraction of birch bark. It has a sweet, refreshing, slightly minty aroma. Birch trees are native to North America, where birch bark was used in traditional Native American medicine for its healing properties. It is ideal as a therapeutic massage oil for sore muscles and aching joints. Sweet birch essential oil is also often used in cosmetic and skin care products.
Medicinal Properties of Sweet Birch Essential Oil
Sweet birch essential oil has an array of healing properties. Birch bark contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient found in aspirin, as well as methyl salicylate, betulene, and betulenol. Its primary therapeutic benefit is relieving inflammation and pain from its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and analgesic properties. Applied topically, it can treat pain due to arthritis and minor injuries. Rub sweet birch essential oil, diluted in a carrier oil, on tired hands, worn shoulders, and an aching back.
Sweet birch essential oils also has antiseptic properties, protecting the skin from bacteria and other harmful microbes. It is useful in skin care products, helping to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin by tightening pores, while keeping the skin clean and pure. It has a detoxifying effect, helping to remove toxins from the blood, improving overall heath, and relieving problems with joint inflammation. Sweet birch oil also has an overall stimulating effect on the body, benefiting the nervous system, the digestive system, and even the endocrine system. In this way, it can help lift feelings of depression, improve digestion, and facilitate normal body functioning.
How to Use Sweet Birch Essential Oil
Sweet birch essential oil must be used with caution. It can be toxic if ingested, and can cause skin irritations if not properly diluted. Only use sweet birch essential oil externally. It can be blended with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, or unscented lotion, and applied to the skin, being careful to avoid any open wounds. Ten drops for every eight ounces of a carrier is sufficient. For a soothing, pain relieving bath, blend eight drops of sweet birch essential oil and eight drops of jasmine oil into a cup of water, then add to running bath water.
A few drops of sweet birch essential oil can also be placed in an essential oil burner to be inhaled. Again, only a small amount is necessary. Allow the aroma to diffuse throughout, enjoying the pleasing scent while at the same time picking up the healing qualities through the olfactory glands. This is an ideal way to stimulate a positive mood, and bring feelings of warmth and vitality. Sweet birch blends well with rosemary, jasmine, sandalwood, and all citrus essential oils.
Sweet birch essential oil should be avoided if pregnant or nursing.
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photo by: Ptrkrn
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