How Does it Work?
When the body is introduced to irritation such as inflammation or tissue damage, it sends a sensory signal through nerve fibers to the brain, creating pain perception. Birch is an incredible essential oil that sends a cooling and warming sensation to the nerves, confusing the nerve and causing a distraction to the signal sent to the brain. The result is a relief from nerve signals that would create a situation of discomfort.
Birch’s ability to interact with nerves is primarily due to its naturally high levels of Methyl Salicylate and Ethyl salicylate. These two compounds are responsible for the simultaneous heating and cooling sensation. At the same time, 1,8 cineole also acts on the nerves in other methods to soothe and calm the signals that would indicate discomfort. However, it is the combination of over 33 compounds in birch that make it such a phenomenal natural product.
Methyl Salicylate and Ethyl salicylate can build up in the liver and, therefore, should not be used long-term unless diluted to a 1%-2% dilution. Not all birch essential oils have such a high level of Methyl salicylate; therefore, not every birch will have such a profound effect on soothing discomfort. For birch to properly soothe discomfort and muscle pain, you will want to confirm it contains the phytochemical Methyl Salicylate, Ethyl salicylate, and 1,8 cineole.
To obtain a high-quality birch for muscle and joint discomfort, we recommend it should contain:
- 89 to 95 percent of Methyl Salicylate
- 0.05 to 0.35 percent of ethyl Salicylate
- 0.1 to 0.2 percent of 1,8 cineole
Additional compounds at lesser percentages are also essential to give birch a profound and lasting benefit. The composition of essential oils can vary depending on many factors (such as harvest time), and some oil can be adulterated with synthetic chemicals.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Younifi products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
