Birch essential oil is a less common oil that you may not have in your oil collection. It has amazing pain-relieving properties that are appreciated by those who suffer from joint and muscle pain and other ailments. In this spotlight, you will learn the uses and benefits of birch oil plus DIY Birch Essential Oil Recipes you can make.
Birch essential oil can be used to improve back pain, inflammation, fatigue, sore joints, muscle pain, and even can be used as an astringent.
Birch essential oil has similar chemistry to wintergreen essential oil. Both contain high levels of methyl salicylate. This is why wintergreen and birch oil use should be limited because these essential oils can be toxic in high doses.
It is important to have childproof caps on these two essential oils if using in a home with children. It has an enticing candy smell that may be tempted to taste.
Birch Essential Oil Facts
Birch essential oil comes from the bark and twigs of the birch tree. Birch is thought to have protective qualities to ward off bad spirits.
- Botanical Name: Betula lenta
- Botanical Family: Betulaceae
- AKA: Black Birch, Cherry Birch, Mahogany Birch, Southern Birch, Sweet Birch
- Note: Top
- Aroma: Camphorous, sweet, and similar to Wintergreen
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled
- Plant Part Used: Bark
- Shelf Life: 4-5 years
- Safety Concerns: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Avoid if on blood thinners, are about to have surgery, have bleeding disorders, have salicylate deficiency, seizure disorder, or ADD/ADHD. Possible skin sensitivity. Best to use at a dilution no greater than 2.5%.
What does birch essential oil smell like?
If you are wondering what the aroma of birch oil is, it is quite unique and not everyone can agree on what it smells like. Some say it has a minty, pine-like scent while others describe it as being earthy or reminiscent of winter. It reminds me of wintergreen essential oil.
No matter what you think it smells like, birch essential oil has some amazing therapeutic benefits worth checking out!
Birch Essential Oil Blends Well With:
There are many oils that Birch blends well with, this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions:
- Juniper Berry
- Clary Sage
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Cedarwood Himalayan
- Lavender
- Patchouli
- Tea Tree
- Spearmint
- Frankincense
- Sweet Marjoram
- Geranium
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant, warming.
What is Birch Oil Used For?
Birch oil is a popular essential oil that has many uses, including relaxing and balancing. Some of the uses of birch oil include its ability to improve skin health, support respiratory health, aids digestive issues, and enhance overall well-being.
Birch oil is also known for its detoxifying and refreshing scent, which can be enjoyed aromatically or through topical application. Keep reading to learn more about birch oil and how to use it in your own wellness routine.
Birch Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Birch oil can offer many natural wellness benefits and uses. It has strong astringent properties that can tone skin and cleanse nails. Try using with basil for an antispasmodic blend.
Add this powerful oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented lotion and apply it to the skin… massage onto aching muscles.
More benefits of Birch essential oil:
- Assists with scalp health and conditions like dandruff
- Has purifying and cleansing effect
- Soothes aches and pains
- Antiseptic qualities useful for a clear complexion
- Invigorating effect on the body and mind
- Alleviates headaches and worry
- Promotes openness and strength
- Assists with water retention
Birch Emotional Benefits
- Promotes: Strength, self-work, courage, openness, support, vitality.
- Addresses: Worry, fear, weak-will, alienated, unsupported.
Birch Essential Oil Recipes
Check out these recipes with birch essential oil and birch diffuser blends.
Birch Diffuser Blend - Relax in the Breeze |
Diffuse birch for a sweet, uplifting aroma. Let this essential oil blend to support strength and vitality.
Directions: Add oils to your diffuser with the recommended water for your diffuser. Learn more about diffusing essential oils. |
Evening Unwind Inhaler |
Add birch to the calming floral oils of lavender and chamomile essential oil for this lovely bedtime blend.
Directions: Add essential oils onto cotton wick of aromatherapy inhaler. Once inhaler assembled, take off the cap and deeply inhale the aroma. Read more about using inhalers for aromatherapy. |
Birch Diffuser Recipe - Clean Home |
Birch oil offers a strong scent that can mask odors. This oil blend includes the refreshing aromas of cypress and siberian fir.
Directions: Add oils to your diffuser with the recommended water for your diffuser. |
Soothing Body Oil |
Try this DIY recipe after taking a bath or shower to revitalize your skin and stimulate your mind.
Directions: Fill the bottle with essential oils and jojoba oil. Shake well to mix. Apply as needed to desired locations. 2% dilution. |
Muscle Massage Oil |
Fatigued Muscles? This potent analgesic essential oil blend makes a wonderful massage oil to rub onto a sore body.
Directions: Fill the bottle with essential oils and jojoba oil. Shake well to mix. Apply enough to cover the area and massage onto affected areas. 2% dilution. |
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners
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