Birch Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

In this article, I’m going to look at birch essential oil benefits and uses and hopefully bring to your attention some ways this wonderful oil can enhance your life.

Birch has a very similar aroma to Wintergreen essential oil. If you’re not familiar with Wintergreen oil it has a mentholated aroma and is typically used in ointments and rubs to treat pains, I’m sure you’d recognise it if you smelled it.

Birch oil (Betula lenta) is actually one of the rarer essential oils. This is due to the harvesting process being more difficult that most plants and herbs and a lot of companies only sell the oil at seasonal times of the year. All the more reason to pick up a bottle when you see one, especially if it’s on offer!

Therapeutic Grade Birch Essential Oil

Birch Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Clears up Skin Infections

Birch oil contains Methyl Salicylate and Salicylic Acid, two properties known to combat bactericides and germicides. It’s great for skin and can help clear up some common infections. I know someone personally who uses this oil to help relieve psoriasis on their scalp.

Relieves Muscle and Joint Pain

Containing antispasmodic and analgesic properties, Birch essential oil is very effective at relieving muscle and joint pains. People who are on their feet a lot during the day find great relieve rubbing a little into their ankles and feet.

It’s also a great solution for plantar fasciitis. This is a specific condition, but plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain and can be tough for some people to treat. Try using some birch oil if you haven’t yet, it’s a natural and easy solution.

Relieves Headaches and Toothaches

The same antispasmodic and analgesic properties that help to relieve muscle and joint pain also make this oil a popular choice in aromatherapy when treating headaches and toothache pain.

Aids Weight Loss and Detoxing

Birch oil contains Betulin and Betulenol, two components that increase the frequency that you urinate. This stimulates your body’s natural healing system and flushes more toxins from your body. This can also lower blood pressure, keep your kidneys running healthily, and prevent kidney stones.

Antidepressant and Mood Enhancer

With natural stimulant properties, Birch oil can be used to stimulate your body, both on the physical and mental side. You can diffuse this oil to help reduce your levels of stress and anxiety and life your mood.

Birch Essential Oil Blends Well With

Birch works well with almost all spicy oils and a few of the floral ones. It has a lovely earthy smell with almost a hint of mint. Try making a blend by using with:

• Lavender
• Cinnamon
• Sandalwood
• Wintergreen
• Eucalyptus
• Cypress
• Frankincense

Ways to Use Birch Essential Oil

Here are some methods of suggested use:

Aromatic – This is a great oil to use in a diffuser. It has a really pleasant scent and a lot of the benefits discussed above are best achieved through diffusing, you can also just smell straight from the bottle.

Topically – You can massage a drop or two into your neck for a tension-relieving effect. Mix with a carrier to make a massage lotion and work into larger areas for a wonderful muscle relaxing combination.

Birch Essential Oil Side Effects and Precautions

You should always seek medical advice before using if you are pregnant, have a chronic disease, or think you may be allergic. I always advise diluting essential oils with carrier oils before using them topically and never let them come into contact with broken skin or sores.

Keep in mind that all oils and brands are different. When using an oil for the first time always test on a small area of skin. Follow any instruction on the label and keep away from sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

In Summary

There are a lot of birch essential oil benefits and uses that can apply to most of our lives. I’m  big fan and diffuse this oil sometimes at night when I’m trying to unwind, as well as using it as a foot rub sometimes if my feet are aching.

If you have used this oil or have any comments to share with others please leave a comment below.