Birch essential oil is derived from Betula alba, a plant of the Betulaceae family . Known for its numerous properties, it has a draining action on the body and invigorates the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Let's find out better.
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Properties and benefits of birch essential oil
Anti-inflammatory, the rubefacient action is exploited in the case of arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, sciatica, as it determines the recall of blood in the most superficial layers of the skin, warming the area and lightening the inflammation to the underlying layers thanks to the blood subtraction.
Draining, prevents venous problems and circulatory disorders, in the case of heavy legs, swelling, edema and lymphatic stagnation; while for the diuretic property, it favors the elimination of excess liquids and significantly reduces the kneading and the painful component. The essential oil of birch is therefore indicated in the case of cellulite and obesity, and to eliminate stagnant liquids in the tissues,
Antiseptic, the purifying action of birch essential oil is used to revitalize oily or oily dandruff and for oily or impure skins
Healing is used on the skin as an excellent remedy for dermatological problems, against eczema and psoriasis.
Description of the plant
Native to central Europe, Canada, northern Asia, birch in Italy is more common in the Alps where it sometimes forms pure woods. Arboreal plant that can reach 25 m. tall, with a sparse and light crown, expanded vertically, with the terminal branches falling back has a slender stem; the white and smooth bark, which tends to crack and peel with age.
The leaves are in the shape of a rhombus with a serrated edge. The male flowers bloom in April May and are collected in long and hanging catkins; female ones are shorter. The fruits are cylindrical infructescences which at maturity release small samaras provided with a membranous wing.
The essence of birch is used in perfumery for the preparation of "Russian leather", in the food industry, in leather processing, for personal hygiene products (soaps, shampoos, hair lotions, aftershaves).
When and how to use birch as a herbal remedy
Part used
Gems
Extraction method
Steam current distillation
Note birch essential oil
Base note: smoky and tobacco fragrance, which resembles leather
Use and practical advice on birch essential oil
Environmental diffusion: 1 gc of essential birch oil for each square meter of the environment in which it is spread, using essential oil burners or in the water of the radiators humidifiers to purify the air
Anti-cellulite oil : in 100 ml of sweet almond oil, dilute 10 drops of essential birch oil, 5 of rosemary, 5 of lemon essential oil with a small amount of mixture, rub the legs, from the bottom to the other, for 10 minutes once a day, in the presence of water retention and cellulite.
Soothing ointment: mix in 50 ml of shea butter with 5 drops of essential birch oil, 5 of lavender essential oil, 6 of chamomile. Massage until completely absorbed, in case of eczema and dermatitis
Shampoo Revitalize your hair Add a few drops of Birch essential oil in the neutral shampoo we use to wash your hair.
The essential oil of birch among the remedies against cellulite: discover the others
Contraindications of birch essential oil
Birch essential oil does not present toxicity problems but should not be used in case of edema due to heart or kidney failure.
Its use is not recommended when taking drugs with diuretic action, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.
Background
Birch is the sacred tree par excellence of the Siberian populations where it holds all the functions of the Axis Mundi, cosmic pillar.
Pliny thought that birch was originally from Gaul and informs us that with his wood we make "to the magistrates the bundles that everyone fears, and to the panierai the circles and ribs necessary for the manufacture of baskets and baskets". The historian adds that it was also used to make wedding torches, held as fortune holders on the wedding day ( Historia Naturalis ).
Already in the Middle Ages birch water was well known for its ability to break up urinary calculi, and for this reason it was proclaimed "The renal plant of Europe". His sap was also considered a very effective remedy against kidney stones and bladder.
In collaboration with Erboristeria del Pigneto
