{"id":2794,"date":"2017-03-24T20:28:07","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T20:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/?p=2794"},"modified":"2018-09-19T20:53:40","modified_gmt":"2018-09-19T20:53:40","slug":"8-birch-essential-oil-benefits-uses-plus-4-recipes-faq-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/8-birch-essential-oil-benefits-uses-plus-4-recipes-faq-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Birch Essential Oil Benefits & Uses (Plus 4 Recipes, FAQ & Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Though long used\u00a0by Native American cultures for healing and uplifting, birch is not commonly known for it’s rich source of therapeutic essential oil.<\/p>\n

Birch essential oil offers a cool, fresh aroma along with many health benefits for both physical and psychological well being.. Let’s dive into the uses and benefits of this oil.<\/p>\n

Origins and History of \u00a0Birch Essential Oil<\/h1>\n

Birch essential oil is made by steam distillation from the bark and twigs of the Betula lenta<\/i> tree, also known is the black birch, cherry birch, mahogany birch, sweet birch, and spice birch. It is a deciduous tree with bright green leaves and reddish-brown bark native to North America. Originally the black birch was found on the eastern North American coast, from Quebec to Georgia, and west to Alberta, Canada. Now it is grown in cool climates in Europe and Asia, particularly in Russia.<\/p>\n

The soothing, camphoraceous smell of birch essential oil may remind you of country doctor house calls, if you are of a certain age, and it was an essential tool in treating joint and muscle pain before the era of pharmaceuticals. Native Americans used birch essential oil for the musculoskeletal system as well as to treat respiratory illnesses and to improve the mood. This knowledge was passed on to early settlers from Europe, and birch essential oil became a vital part of medicine between the 17th and early 20th Centuries.<\/p>\n

Today, in addition to essential oil, the Betula lenta<\/i> tree is used for cosmetics, perfume, chewing gum, toothpaste, root beer, insect repellent, baskets, canoes, flooring, furniture, tools, and \u201cheat\u201d balms to combat muscle and joint pain.<\/p>\n

Eight Uses for Birch Essential Oil<\/h1>\n

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\u00a0Relief from Muscle and Joint Pain<\/h2>\n

Two of the key chemical compounds found in birch essential oil are salicylic acid and methyl salicylate. These compounds are made synthetically today for pain relief medications. Birch essential oil is ideal for eliminating the pain associated with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritis to athletic muscle fatigue. You can use birch essential oil in homemade liniments and massage oils to take advantage of its natural pain-killing properties.<\/p>\n

Related: 9 EOs for Sore Muscles \/ Muscle Pain<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Treatment of Neuralgias and Fibromyalgia<\/h2>\n

Birch essential oil also works to ease nerve pain associated with neuralgias and fibromyalgia. For both of these conditions, most of the pharmaceutical treatments available come with undesirable side effects, unlike birch essential oil, which will not cause grogginess, constipation, or addiction. It can be applied for nerve pain in the manner suggested above for joint and muscle discomfort.<\/p>\n

Related: 10 Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia \/ Fibrositis<\/a><\/p>\n

Tightening and Toning the Skin<\/h2>\n

The natural astringent properties of birch essential oil make it perfect for reducing the appearance of pores on the skin and for tightening sagging skin that is the result of childbirth, weight loss, or aging. You can add a small amount of birch essential oil to your existing facial toner or dilute it and swab it on your face. For bodily treatments, add birch essential oil to after bath lotions or oils.<\/p>\n

Stimulating the Nervous System<\/h2>\n

For centuries, people who suffer from depression or bad moods have found that birch essential oil makes them feel better and gives them energy without the side effects of antidepressants.You can use birch essential oil in a diffuser, candle, or inhaler to reap its uplifting benefits.<\/p>\n

Fighting Microbes (Germs)<\/h2>\n

Birch essential oil has inherent antimicrobial properties that make it a good choice to add to wound dressings to fight bacteria and fungi. Native American medicine has used birch essential oil for hundreds of years for this.<\/p>\n

Opening the Airway<\/h2>\n

Inhaling birch essential oil can help open clogged breathing passages from the lungs to the sinuses. You can use an inhaler with birch essential oil in it or even add it to shower or bath bombs when you have a cold or bronchial infection.<\/p>\n

Related: 5 EO Remedies for Sinus Infection \/ Sinusitis<\/a><\/p>\n

Diuresis<\/h2>\n

Topical applications of birch essential oil can promote diuresis (urination) when your body is retaining too much water. This helps flush the body of toxins, cleanses filter organs like the kidneys, and assists with undesirable water retention, such as that with menstruation.<\/p>\n

Combatting Fever<\/h2>\n

The same feeling of heat generated by birch essential oil for muscle pain (due to stimulating circulation) can help rid the body of fever during illness. Using topical birch essential oil can help you sweat out a fever, another use learned from Native American medicine.<\/p>\n

4 Health\u00a0and Wellness Recipes for Birch Essential Oil<\/h1>\n

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Unisex After Shave Lotion<\/h2>\n

Ingredients:<\/p>\n