PRODUCT NO.: 1-0110 GCC: DS-GP
COMMON NAME: Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch, Southern Birch, Mahogany Birch, Mountain Birch
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Betula lenta, Betula capinefolia
FAMILY NAME: Betulaceae (Birch)
INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Southern Canada, Southeastern US
COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: USA, Canada
HISTORY INFORMATION: Native Americans eat the cambium, the layer underneath the bark, like vermicelli. It was used medicinally as a tea brewed from the leaves for headaches, rheumatism, menstruation, skin complaints, and to expel worms. A syrup from the sap was used for dysentery and urinary irritation. The wood was used to make canoes and the branches for birch beer. Birches were considered symbols for Spring. The word birch is said to come from the Sanskrit bhurga meaning "tree whose bark is written on".Sweet birch oil was in great demand during the 19th century. The Birch trees were decimated only to be saved by the production of synthetic wintergreen.
GENERAL INFORMATION: It is very similar to wintergreen in composition. This oil is considered unnatural because the oil does not occur in the living tissue of the tree. The bark is macerated in warm water and an enzyme is produced that creates the essential oil. Wintergreen is made in the same way. There are many species of Betula growing through out the world. This oil is often adulterated with synthetic methyl salicylate and is usually the only form of the oil found today. We have created a Sweet Birch Blend that uses the methy salicylate with other natural essential oils to create a more normal profile. Be very wary of people who say they have an all natural Sweet Birch..
DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A tree growing to 85 feet high having bright green leaves smelling of wintergreen and a black, reddish-brown aromatic bark which is broken into plates or patches.
PARTS PROCESSED: Macerated bark in warm water.
PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.
COLOR RANGE: Clear to reddish yellow.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Primarily methyl salicylate (up to 98%).
YIN\YANG: Yin
PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic. Used to reduce cellulite, calm nerves, promote sleep, relieve sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and lessen pains in the joints.
MENTAL USES: I can say what I need to say. I can say the hard things in a way that is well received. I can say no easily.
EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling timid, afraid to hurt other's feelings, fear of asserting TO confident, able to assert without fear, say no easily.
SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have a hard time standing up for yourself. You have allowed others to determine what will happen whether you agree with it or not. It is now time in your development to support your values. Do you know what you value? What is your intention for yourself and your world? What will you support and what will you not support? You may be experiencing or soon will experience multidimensional reality. Many energies or people will want to work with you. It is for you to decide if they will. Just because something or someone wants to work with you does not mean that they will. Is there agreement between you? If there is not, they will have to go. All you have to say is NO! You realize that you have hurt others and others have hurt you. Know that you can act in the world without hurting others and the world can offend without hurting you. Just do not take it personally.
APPLICATIONS: Bath, diffusor, compress, hair products, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.
WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Use small amounts, methyl salicylate is toxic, skin sensitizer.
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