General Properties

• analgesic
• anti-inflammatory
• cleanser

Description

Sweet Birch is from a tree (the yellow and black species of this genus). Some of its countries of origin are Canada, Holland, Germany and eastern USA. The bark is macerated in warm water before being steam distilled to produce an oil that is clear to yellowish in color.

Birch essential oil contains one major constituent, methyl salicylate (up to 98%!), which was first identified in Willow trees, and is more commonly known as the original ingredient in aspirin! This should give you an idea what the properties of birch oil are. It carries with it the properties of being analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Birch is also a diuretic and blood cleanser. It is great for all kinds of muscular pain, and because of its diuretic and blood cleansing abilities; it helps to drain toxins, which help to cause the pain in arthritis and rheumatism. In treating cellulite, Birch partners up well with Rosemary, Geranium, Black Pepper and Juniper to help eliminate toxins, while the diuretic action helps reduce the water retention.

Specific Cautions

References

Information about this essential oil came from the following sources:

1. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Pharmacy. (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1990)
2. Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. (United Kingdom: Saffron Walden, 1988)
3. Tisserand, Robert and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. (Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1995)

Note and Disclaimer

The information and opinions provided here are for general educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to ensure that you will not have any medical problems from any of our products.

Product Specifications