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Birch
(Betula Lenulta)
 The sap of the birch tree is collected in the same way as the maple; collected in Buckets and boiled into syrup. It has historically been used to make birch or root beer. Its bark is often distilled with wintergreen leaves and birch oil has often been substituted for wintergreen. It is sometimes used in after-shave lotions because it has a smell reminiscent of leather. Its most therapeutic uses involve external application especially for sore, cramped muscles and for skin or scalp irritations.
Origin of Birch
This decorative tree is native to the northern hemisphere and grows up to 15-20 meters in height. In Scandinavia, young birch leaflets and twigs are bound into bundles and used in the sauna to tone the skin and promote the circulation. The sap is also tapped in the spring and drank as tonic.
Properties of Birch
It has a bitter, pungent taste with cooling, moisturizing energy. Its effects are diaphoretic, diuretic, analgesic, astringent, dissolves uric acid, alterative.
Most common Uses
· It is used as massage oil for compresses and bath.
· It is excellent for hair growth.
· External application for sore, cramped muscles, and skin irritation.
Mixes well with: Wintergreen, eucalyptus, myrtle, juniper, orange, lavender, pine, Fir and rosemary.
Warning: do not use if underweight.
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