The birch is a magical tree, symbol, in Celtic mythology, of every new beginning and renewal. And from the birch bark, through steam distillation, a very special essential oil is extracted, which, just like the plant from which it is derived, can help renew skin and hair, counteracting acne, excess sebum, itching, dermatitis but also cellulite. Not only that, birch oil also counteracts and relieves pain. Scientific studies have verified these properties that tradition has since always attributed to birch, so let's try to better understand and see how to exploit these precious effects of birch essential oil.
Birch essential oil against cellulite and retention
Birch essential oil has a draining action, stimulates microcirculation and counteracts cellulite (Rastogi et al, J Ethnopharmacol, 2015). This essence is helpful in case of heavy legs and swollen ankles. Add 2 drops of birch essential oil to two tablespoons of a vegetable oil, such as sunflower or jojoba oil, and massage until the oil is completely absorbed. To increase the anti-cellulite action, you can also add a drop of cypress essential oil.
Birch essential oil in case of pain, sciatica and arthrosis
Birch oil is anti-inflammatory and can be helpful in case of pains such as sciatica, back pain and arthrosis. In fact, this essence is characterized by the presence of a particular compound, called methyl salicylate, which performs an analgesic and rubefacient action, that is, capable of drawing blood to the involved area and thus counteracting inflammation (Powers et al, Molecules, 2018 ). Methyl salicylate has been tested for rheumatism and muscle strains and has shown its ability to relieve pain (Higashi et al, Clin Ther, 2010). You can perform massages by mixing 6-7 drops of birch oil into 50 ml of a vegetable oil, such as sweet almond or sunflower oil.
Birch essential oil for skin and hair
Birch oil is antiseptic, antifungal and astringent and therefore helps to combat skin diseases such as acne or eczema, but also oily skin, both of the face and of the scalp (Powers et al, Molecules, 2018). Not only that, the terpenes contained in this essential oil are healing and help stimulate the healing of wounds, even in conditions where healing is more difficult such as diabetes (Wardecki et al, J Nat Prod, 2016). For the face or body skin mix in 50 ml of jojoba oil 5 drops of birch oil, 5 of lavender, 2 of chamomile and 1 of tea tree, which are essences with soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action, apply a couple of drops on damp skin. For the hair, prepare a small bowl in which you can pour two tablespoons of grapeseed oil, 3 drops of birch oil and 3 drops of lavender, which helps relieve itching and is antimicrobial. Apply to damp scalp and leave on for ten minutes, then rinse with shampoo.
