Birch essential oil
Element - Water
Property - refreshing
Note - Head
Group - Essential oil
Synonym - Birgit or Lightbringer
Botanical name - Betula lenta
Plant family - Betulaceae (birch family)
Contents
Botany
Botanical name
Betula lenta
Plant family
The birch family (bot. Betulaceae) belongs to the beech order (Fagales). They contain two subfamilies, which are divided into six genera and 110 to 200 species.
The subfamilies are called Betuloideae and Coryloideae. The former are birch plants in the narrower sense, the latter hazelnut plants. In Europe, the Betuloideae include the species Betula and Alnus, i.e. birch and alder. Among the Coryloideae are the Corylus species (hazelnut) and Carpinus (hornbeam).
Betula species are used both as ornamental trees and as timber for the wood industry. The bark of the Betula is also used, mainly in handicrafts. The bleeding sap of the Betula is used to make hair tonic.
Source: → Detailed information about the Betulaceae plant family - Hostmann Nursery
Origin & distribution
Betulacae are native to temperate regions in the northern hemisphere. The best-known species in our latitudes are the common birch, hornbeam and hazel.
Origin for the production of the oils
Europe, North America
Plant part used
Birch essential oil (also spelled birch essential oil) is mainly extracted from the twigs and flowers.
Ingredients Birch essential oil
- Monoterpenes: 0.15%
- Ester: 98%
- Monoterpenols: 0.1%
- Phenols: 0.13%
- Aldehydes
Warnings
Internal use:
- Not for pregnant women, infants and small children
- Birch is not specifically suitable for internal use. It is used in certain cases.
External application:
- Only in low concentrations for infants
- Caution is advised for people who suffer from an allergy or intolerance to salicylates. Asthmatics often cannot tolerate this oil either! It is essential to carry out an arm bend allergy test beforehand.
Background
Today, the birch is still a symbol of youth, spring, lightness and new beginnings. The birch was already an integral part of folk medicine in the Middle Ages, when leaves, buds, bark and tree sap were used to make valuable and healing teas, tinctures, baths and ointments.
Source: The birch → Find out more about the birch here
Aroma
Grade
Perfumery counts the birch among the Top notes.
Top notes
The top note describes aromas that are perceived immediately after opening the container. The top note conveys the first and often the decisive impression of a fragrance composition. They are often citrusy, green, fresh and Airy fragrances. The volatile fragrance molecules that open the door to the next fragrance phases evaporate very quickly. Already 10 - 15 minutes After application, there is hardly anything left of the top note fragrance.
You can find more interesting information on this in the article "→ World of fragrances„.
Fragrance
minty, spicy
Mixes well with...
Carrier oils
Possible carrier oils depend on several criteria such as skin type and effect. Below I list some neutral carrier oils that can be used well because they are odorless and generally well tolerated.
You can find a wider selection of carrier oils in the → Aromatrix
Body, mind & soul
In the Body, Mind & Soul section, a possible therapeutic use of essential oils is described. An attempt is made to make both the Western and the Eastern perspective transparent.
The Western approach can be found under Effect and use differentiated according to body and mind & soul. For comparison, the Eastern approach describes the chakras and functional areas.
As an Aromatrix+ reader, simply read on now...
Western approach
This section is written for the aroma therapy expert:
Effect
BODY
analgesic, antiseptic, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, stimulates blood circulation, stimulates circulation, regulates the skin, analgesic, diuretic, diaphoretic
Mind & Soul
stimulating, constructive
Use
BODY
Detox, purification, muscle pain, joint pain, numbness, arthritis, rheumatism, skin irritation, eczema, psoriasis
Mind & Soul
Physical strengthening, self-confidence
Eastern approach
This section is written for the TCM expert:
Birch oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it unfolds externally, reduces fever and has antispasmodic properties. It can soften hardenings and dissolve deposits.
5 elements
Element water
Birch essential oil is associated with the element metal.
The element assignment of an essential oil is determined by the →Aroma profile and the direction of action. Birch oil has predominantly yin components. It is used as Yin as inward movements predominate.
Chakras
No assignment to a chakra
Essential oils without a classification listed here may also have a connection to one or more chakras. As there may not yet be a classification for the oil in question or it is too complex in its properties, it is not suitable for this systematization, as the aim of the systematization is to simplify possible applications.
A detailed explanation can be found in the following article: → Etheric oils & chakras
Functional areas
Qi deficiency
Unfolding on the outside: Reduction of fever in general
concerning the skin: Skin rashes, sores, itching, mouth sores,
concerning the scalp: for hair loss
dehydrates and removes moisture: Urinary retention, edema, high blood pressure, frequent bladder infections, cloudy or dark urine, painful urination, dribbling urination, cystitis.
Clears damp heat, stimulates bile secretion: Intestinal parasites, constipation, weak digestion, burning stools, pus and blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, dysentery.
softens hardening and dissolves deposits: Urinary stones and other deposits, bone pain, arteriosclerosis, gout, rheumatism, obesity, cellulite.
Main use:
Sexual, psychological, mental and acoustic problems (hearing)
Psycho-emotional representation:
Loss of true essence and the ability to individualize oneself. Person is easily manipulated.
Sources:
Icon by Nikita Kozin from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)
Texts are based on the following publications:
Pocket dictionary of aromatherapy by Dietrich Wabner, Verlag Systemisch Medizin, 2013
Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine by Dennis Willmont, Willmountain Press, 2003
Applications
5 ELEMENTS APPLICATION
5 elements against itchy head - hair tonic made from birch and other essential oils.
5 ELEMENTS APPLICATION
Birch massage oil to activate the water element.
