BIRCH - betula lenta

For the medicine cabinet x. Birch is used for its pain-relieving effect on the joints and muscles and for treating respiratory problems. It is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter preparations such as Deep Heat, Tiger Balm and Olbas Oil.  It has powerful pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that are beneficial for conditions such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout and fibromyalgia, etc. It can be used in massage blends and is also often added to liniments and ointments to help ease aches and pains.

Stubborn headache? Add a few drops to a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and wash your hair.

It can also be used inhalations for respiratory conditions to open the airways, clear the sinuses and stimulate the mind. It has detoxifying and diuretic properties, helps to stimulate the circulation, improves digestion, and can reduce fever by promoting perspiration.

For the mind/nervous system x.  Sweet Birch can be help to stimulate the nervous system and lift feelings of depression.

For meditation x. Birch has the ability to promote mental clarity and cleanse out cluttered unwanted thoughts.When mixed with some of the deeper, more meditative oils like frankincense and sandalwood, birch can bring us into a depth of self-introspection, where release of deep patterning can be achieved.

For the home/cleaning x. n/A

For beauty x. Often used in preparations for problem skin conditions and as a skin softener. It has an astringent action and can be used as a skin toner to tighten the pores and to reduce wrinkles and saggy skin. It also has antiseptic, disinfectant properties that can protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. It can be used in toothpaste and mouthwash for a flavoring agent and also for its antiseptic & disinfectant qualities.

Colour x.  Clear to pale yellow