When people think of birch trees, they think of autumn. The narrow stalks, planted in rows of almost perfect symmetry, ascend upwards and the leaves change with seasons to form a warm color palette. They change from green to yellow, from yellow to orange, and from orange to red. While birch trees are decorative and easy on the eyes, the health properties of the leaves have been used since ancient times.
The oil from birch leaves has commonly been used as an antiseptic. The oil contains salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, which are notorious germicides and bactericides in the medicinal world. They help prevent fungal or bacterial infections from growing on the skin.
People can buy birch leaf essential oil, but making your own birch leaf oil is easy and affordable. Birch leaves contain amazing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help soothe sore muscles. The skin absorbs these healing properties and your muscles reap the benefits. If cellulite is something that you worry about, birch leaf oil helps naturally get rid of cellulite. Additionally, you can decide to brew a tea from birch leaves to help detox your blood.
Birch leaves naturally stimulate the circulatory system, which is why they help with sore muscles and improved circulation. Conditions that are associated with poor circulation include arthritis, edema, and rheumatism. While the oil can help soothe these conditions when topically applied, the properties in the oil help remove toxins from the body, which are often the root of these conditions.
How To Make This Oil
You’ll need to fill a clean glass jar with birch leaves that are green and look fresh; you don’t want wilted, brown, or diseased leaves. Make sure there is about a half-inch of room at the top of the jar. Cover the leaves in extra virgin olive oil and remove any air bubbles.
Tightly wrap a piece of cheesecloth, or some breathable cloth, over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band instead of closing it with a lid. Place the jar in a sunny window and let the healing properties infuse for about one month. Strain the oil into another glass jar and store in a dark cabinet. It is very important to avoid direct sunlight.
How To Use
Whenever your muscles or joints are sore, dip your fingers in the oil and massage the affected area. After massaging the sore muscles, let the body rest and relax. This should help decrease any soreness. Repeat as necessary.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
