The betula lenta tree has dark red bark with a sweet scent very similar to wintergreen. The tree has been used for hundreds of years – Native Americans pounded the bark and used it in poultices and warming teas. Our birch essential oil is steam-distilled from the bark of Russian birch trees.

Common Uses:

Birch is a very warming essential oil, and is great to add to massage blends. Aromatically, it has a sweet, wintergreen scent. Topically, it quickly causes warming. It should always be applied with a carrier oil, even to very oily skin, as topical application has a remarkable drying effect. Diffuse or apply in 2-5% dilution.

Aromatic Scent:

Birch Sweet has a sweet, sharp, camphoraceous scent that is very fresh and similar to Wintergreen.

History:

Birch bark was historically used by North American native people as a tonic and beverage to bring on a sweat and to induce heating.

Caution:

Birch has a naturally high concentration of salicylates, which are similar to aspirin in their ability to thin blood. It is also very sweet, which makes birch essential oil a hazard for children. Keep out of reach of children and always use in dilution. Avoid use during pregnancy.