Birch Oil Information

Birch A graceful tree about 25m high, which has a pyrmidal shape while young. It has bright green leaves and a dark reddish-brown aromatic bark, which his broken into plates or patches. Native to southern Canada and south-eastern USA; produced mainly in Pennsylvania.

Properties -Analgesic, antiflammatory, antipryetic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic.

Uses - The bark, in the form of an infusion, is used as a general stimulant, and to promote sweating. The flavor wintergreen and birch bark, in the form of tea was popular among Native American and European settlers. More recently, this has been translated into a preference for root beer flavourings. Limited use as a counter-irritant in anti-arthritic and antineuralgic ointments and analgesic balms. Limited use as a fragrance component in cosmetics and perfumes; extensively used as a flavouring agent, especially ‘root beer’, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc., (usually very low-level use).

Blends well with - chamomile, frankincense, lemon, cajeput, basil, chamomile, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, peppermint, patchouli and other woody and balsamic oils.

Cautions - Metyl salicylate, the major constituent, is not exactly toxic but can be very harmful in concentration. -dilute before use

Flash point: 205°F.