Pure undiluted essential oil of Sweet Birch, Betula lenta, organically steam distilled from the bark of trees grown in Canada.
Also known as Cherry Birch, Black Birch, and Spice Birch, this is a different variety from Betula Alba, or White Paper Birch. The bark requires many hours of special preparation before distilling the oil. The resulting oil is light, crystal-clear, and the scent is outrageously minty and sweet.
Sweet Birch oil contains a very broad spectrum of compounds, most notably Methyl salicylates and Salicylic acid, making it wonderful for relieving minor pain and inflammation. It is antispasmodic and sedative, and encourages the body's natural healing cycles. Used in massage oils and salves, it is stimulating and detoxifying, and is a superb astringent for toning and tightening skin. In aromatherapy, Sweet Birch is used to reduce fatigue, depression, and feelings of melancholy. Often used in tiny amounts to flavor home-made toothpastes with a powerful and very sweet mint flavor.
This oil is a sweeter alternative to Wintergreen, with a very similar scent and therapeutic qualities, but often tolerated better. Both Birch and Wintergreen are very high natural forms of aspirin, which offers pain relief but can be toxic in high doses, so both require reasonable caution and should not be ingested.
Watch for our Birch oil on sale at Azure Standard natural foods store!
