Betula lenta Bark, Extracted by Steam Distillation from China

THIS IS A "NATURAL BLEND": Natural Blends are composed of oils from various natural sources to approximate the pure essential oil. WE ARE OFFERING THIS BIRCH SWEET NATURAL BLEND OIL because unadulterated, therapeutic-grade Birch Sweet Essential oil is not available at this time. Natural Blends are all-natural, and do not contain any synthetic ingredients or aromatic compounds, nor do they contain artificial flavours or colourants. They are not therapeutic grade, but they are suitable for all-natural product preparations.

Aroma: Birch Sweet has a sweet, sharp, camphoraceous scent that is minty fresh and similar to Wintergreen (smells like root beer), and offers a strong top note in perfumery.

History: Birchbark (NOT the essential oil!) was historically used by North American First Nations people as a tonic and beverage to bring on a sweat and to induce heating.

Common Uses: Birch Sweet is credited with being an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic. An effective addition to massage oil for sore muscles, sprains and painful joints because of its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, but only if formulated by a Registered Aromatherapy Health Practitioner - TTF

Main Constituents: Methyl salicylate: 97%

Colour: A thin, colourless to pale yellow liquid.

Consistency: Light

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Cautions: Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

Ingestion can cause severe poisoning and death, Lethal doses with children at 10 ml, adults at 30 ml. ~ Guenther, volume II, page 640 written around 1949
Read more: http://www.naturesgift.com/birch.htm#ixzz0hSFW7rXx

Birch Sweet is potentially toxic and may cause skin irritation. Use in dilution. I recommend that birch only be used in a diffuser or incense.

Photo Thanks to Chhe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons