Birch Bark Essential Oil, Undiluted (Betula Lenta)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail (*CAUTION: Essential oils are NOT safe for internal use.  For external use only.  Do not apply directly to skin without first properly diluting with a carrier oil.) Sweet Birch Bark Essential Oil (Betula Lenta) 1 Dram, Undiluted HERB COMMON NAME :  Birch, sweet HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Betula Lenta OTHER NAMES :  Lady of the Woods, Sweet Birch, Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau FAMILY :  Betulaceae METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :  Element: Water Planet: Venus Direction:  West Zodiac Sign: Capricorn Energy:  Yin Gender: Feminine Rune:  Beorc, Ur Ogham:  Beithe Sabbat or Holiday:  Ostara, the Spring Equinox (b/w March 19 – 22), Yule, the Winter Solstice (December 21 – 23) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Eostre, Venus, Lugh, Thor, Cerridwen, Freya, Frigg, Aengus   Parts Used:  Leaf, Bark Description: The Birch name is a very ancient one, probably derived from the Sanscrit bhurga, meaning “a tree whose bark is used for writing upon”.  From its uses in boat-building and roofing, it is also connected with the A.S. beorgan, “to protect and shelter”. Birch promotes the detoxification of waste products from the body. Topically, the fresh wet bark placed over the affected area helps to alleviate muscle pain. Historical Uses:  analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, bitter, cholagogue, stimulant, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular injury, muscle pain, skeletal inflammation, lumbago, neuralgia, circulatory conditions, detoxifying, edema, heavy limbs, tonic, mild laxative, detox, eczema, psoriasis Mystical Attributes:  Birch is a sacred tree within the mythology of the Celts and is thought to have very protective influences. Birch is associated with cleansing, purification, protection, and exorcism, and represents renewal, rebirth, and beginnings as it is the first tree after Winter to come into leaf. To ward off the evil eye, tie a red ribbon on the branch of a birch tree. Birch rods are used in protection spells and carried to protect from malicious magics (crossing/hexing) or even mundane situations/people. A birch planted close to the home is said to protect against lightning, infertility, and the evil eye. The branches were marked with ogham and carried for protection in small pouches. To exorcise possessed people and animals, gently strike them with the twigs of this tree. The traditional witch’s broom is made of birch twigs. It is also associated with children. Cradles were often made of birch wood, as the wood would protect the young one within. Boughs hung over the child kept them from being enchanted by the Little People. Birch was given to newlyweds for fertility. In Wales, the Birch is a tree of love, and wreaths are made out of the branches and twigs as tokens of love. When beginning a new project or journey, call upon the powers of the Birch as it is also a tree of new beginnings and new viewpoints. Mystical Intentions:  protection, purification, new beginnings, renewal, birth, children, cleansing, exorcism Smell:  Strong, sharp, sweet, camphoraceous, wintergreen-like aroma Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Birch is native to Europe, in southern Europe it is only found at higher altitudes. Its range extends into southwest Asia in the mountains of northern Turkey and the Caucasus. Birch is a deciduous tree of the Betulaceae family that can reach heights of 50-80 feeet.  The tree has a slender trunk with white bark that often has black diamond-shaped marks or larger patches, particularly at the base.  The shoots are rough with small warts and are hairless.  The leaves are 1-2 inches long, triangular with a broad base and pointed tip, and have coarsely double-toothed serrated margins.  The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, produced before the leaves in early spring.  The small-winged seeds ripen in late summer on pendulous, cylindrical catkins. Birch trees grow best in partial to full sunlight.  Birch trees thrive in moist soil that stays cool.  They have shallow roots and cannot handle short periods of drought.  Plant the birch in soils with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.5.  Refrain from planting in compact soils or soils that may become compacted in the future, such as near driveways or sidewalks.  Birch can grow from seeds or cuttings. FOR SEEDS: capture seed pods from a birch tree in August when they start to fall from the branches and flutter to the ground.  Place seeds in containers with well-rotted compost and humus.  Cover with a little soil and water until damp, but not drenched.  Place the container in a plastic bag.  Place the plastic-wrapped container in an unheated area, like a garage or shed, as the seeds need a period of cold rest time until the early spring when the threat of frost has passed.  The sprouted seed can be planted after 6 to 8 months. FOR CUTTINGS: take a 5 to 8 inch cutting from the current year’s growth, making the cut just below the leaf node.  Remove all leaves from the lower 3 inches of the cutting and place the cutting in a root hormone solution.  Allow it to soak for 1 day.  Place it in a pot filled with an equal amount of peat moss and sand.  Plant the sprouted seed or branch cutting in cool, moist soil.  The branch can be planted after 8 weeks. The young tree should be planted where it will receive sunshine for most of the day, plant in late April or early May (when the danger of frost has passed).  Be sure to mulch with wood chips, leaf compost or shredded bark. The white bark naturally will begin to loosen or uncurl from the trunk; the loose bark is peeled off and separated into thin layers.  The bark is dried and then cut into small pieces.  Once the birch bark is cut and dried, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Constituents: Flavonoids (hyperoside, quercitin, luteolin) Volatile oil Salicylates Tannins Resins Saponins Betulin & Betulinic acid     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. 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