Birch black, Betula lenta
Latin: Betula lenta
French: Bouleau noir, bouleau flexible, merisier rouge
English: Birch, Cherry birch, Wintergreen
Family: Betulacea
Source: United-States
History and Origin:
Sweet Birch is a tall tree (up to 25 meters) mainly found around Montreal, Ottawa region and in the Eastern region of United-States.
In times of food shortage, people used to crush and dry its internal bark to produce a substitute for starch and use it added to flour to make bread and to thicken soups. Its leaves and the bark of its roots were used as a decoction. Finally, the sap used to be collected for the preparation of drinks and vinegars.
Since the essential oil of this tree is so easy to copy (because of its simple composition), « wintergreen » sold on the market is often of synthetic origin.
| Part Used |
Twigs |
| Extraction |
Steam Distillation |
Main Component
|
Methyl salicylate (99%) |
| Oil Characteristics |
Clear liquid of a pale pink color with a camphoric smell typical of methyl salicylate. This oil has the particularity to be heavier than water.
|
| Properties |
Antispasmodic+++, anti-inflammatory+++,
hepato-stimulant+, analgesic (eases pain), antirheumatic, antitussive
(calms coughing), muscle warming |
| Indications |
Rheumatism and
contractures, tendinitis+++, cramps, arthritis, epicondylitis+++,
torticollis, mild liver insufficiency+, headache.
|
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
Sweet birch oil helps becoming conscious of emotional blockages, and to dissolve it. |
Chromatography typical
|
Betula lenta |
Aromatherapy: See “Aromatherapy Data Sheet” tab
Culinary: Sweet birch has long been used in confectionery.
Cosmetics: It is included in the preparation of medicinal ointments.
Environment: The wood is used in cabinet work.
Perfumery: It is also used in Perfumery.
Safety data: None known when respecting physiological dosages, according to the Aromathérapie exactement.
Discharge: In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
L’AROMATHÉRAPIE, huiles essentielles du Québec et du monde, Michel Turbide
L’AROMATHÉRAPIE EXACTEMENT, P. Franchomme et Docteur P.Pénoël, Éditions Roger Jollois
LA GUÉRISON VIBRATOIRE, Deborah Eidson