8 Benefits and Uses of Birch Tar Oil

Birch bark tar is currently acknowledged as the oldest known adhesive substance, with archaeologists attributing its use to European Neanderthals – although there are suggestions it could date back even further.

The substance found far more use beyond its adhesive capabilities, with health practitioners of the time applying it to the skin to create a more even tone and improve blood circulation. Some also chewed it as a method to improve oral health.

Despite several new important scientific discoveries in recent years, it is still one of the lesser-known essential oils, and the benefits of birch tar oil continue to be felt across the world of aromatherapy.

We take a closer look at the wellness possibilities of birch tar oil and assess how its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties could be helpful for you.

How does birch tar oil work?

The main components of birch tar oil are lupeol and betulin, both of which can potentially provide a host of health benefits for the body.

For example, lupeol has been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties, with some animal studies suggesting that it could be used to treat bronchial asthma. [1]

The same study also stated that the anti-inflammatory effects were as good as a well known anti-inflammatory agent called dexamethasone.

Birch tar oil benefits have been found in betulin, which could provide antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components that may prove useful for drug treatments in the future, although more research is needed to understand its full impact on the body. [2]

What are the benefits of birch tar oil?

Depending on how you want to use it, the benefits of birch tar essential oil may be able to:

1. Provide natural antimicrobial properties

The antimicrobial properties of birch tar are the main reason it came to the forefront in traditional medicine, and modern day studies have continued to find those claims still hold relevance today.

For example, this study published in 2019 found that birch tar essential oil could affect the activity of a variety of bacteria. [3]

It also had a positive effect on Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus that if left to overgrow can lead to yeast infections.

The oil is rich in salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, which are well-known germicides and bactericides.

This may explain why so many people use it to treat and soothe the symptoms of conditions such as ringworm and eczema.

In fact, birch tar can often be found in the list of ingredients of many popular over-the-counter skin creams and lotions.

2. Help to repel snails and slugs

Not many people find it easy to warm to the sight of slugs and snails and birch tar oil benefits may allow it to keep them out of your garden, along with other molluscs.

A 2010 study investigated this in more detail, finding that use of the oil helped to keep snails and slugs off plant pots and fences. [4]

Its effects could also be extended when the oil was mixed with Vaseline.

This may be due to the strong and distinctive scent associated with birch tar, which is likely not enticing to certain creatures.

You could try this in your own garden to help safeguard pot-based flowers and plants without producing toxic effects on the surrounding environment.

3. Promote healthy urination

The presence of two components in birch tar - botulinal and butylene – may be able to stimulate the bladder and encourage frequent, healthy urination.

Some people believe that the benefits of birch tar oil include bladder stimulation which can also result in improved circulation.

Frequent, healthy urination also plays a key role in helping to prevent bacteria buildup whilst also removing potentially harmful toxins from the body.

Urination helps to remove uric acid from the blood – a toxin that if left to develop can lead to joint or bone damage and long-lasting health complications.

4. Create smooth, evenly toned skin

In addition to its ability to treat skin conditions like eczema, the skin boosting properties of birch tar essential oil also extend to everyday use.

Its astringent properties see it used in a variety of skincare products, as it can help to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

To try this at home, simply blend the oil with a carrier oil of choice and apply to the desired area.

Alternatively, add a few drops to your favourite skin cream and apply the mixture in the normal way.

5. Offer treatment for diabetes

People with diabetes have to take extra care when dealing with injuries and wounds, as they often take longer to heal and can develop into infections and other complications if the healing process is too slow.

According to this study published in 2016, birch bark could help people with diabetes to treat wounds, although further research is needed to further substantiate these findings. [5]

Birch bark can promote perspiration which can lead to a lower body temperature during fever.

This could allow sweat to remove toxins from the body, which helps to aid recovery time.

6. Deliver natural treatment for arthritis

Birch bark extracts have been used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years, helping to treat an array of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis.

A 2015 study explored the therapeutic potential of birch tar, finding that extracts of the tree were able to inhibit cell growth and division when certain cells were eliminated. [6]

Researchers noted that this led to a decrease in inflammation caused by arthritis.

Research is ongoing in this area, so whilst the initial findings are promising, further developments are needed to realise the full potential of birch oil as an arthritic treatment.

7. Contain anticancer activity

Recent explorations into the anti-cancer potential of birch tree bark-derived betulin has produced some positive outcomes.

It has already been established that through the modulation of diverse cellular pathways, betulin can provide important anticancer activities. [7]

One study published in 2012 stated that the anti-inflammatory properties of betulin could eventually see it be used as a natural compound to treat inflammation-related tumours. [8]

Researchers also noted that derivatives like betulinic acid could be used as a treatment agent to combat various types of cancer and could even be beneficial when combined with certain chemotherapeutic drugs.

8. Prevent dandruff

Birch leaf extract contains a high number of vitamins, including В1, В2, А, С and Е, which can all help to keep skin hydrated.

This can be beneficial for combating dandruff and similar conditions, as this helps to retain moisture in the scalp and prevent the buildup of broken, flaky skin.

You can include birch tar essential oil as part of a hair mask by applying it to the hair and scalp before washing it out after leaving it to settle for 15-20 minutes.

Another option could be to add a few drops of the oil to a shampoo or conditioner and use the product as normal.

How do you use birch tar oil?

Common uses of birch tar oil include applying it as a skincare agent and to repel certain types of insects. You can also use the oil:

As an aromatherapy treatment

The smoky, earthy aroma of birch tar essential oil brings to mind the scent of a smoky campfire, which many people find to be calming and relaxing.

In aromatherapy circles it is also favoured for its expectorant properties, helping to clear the respiratory tract and support better breathing.

If you have a cold or just feel bunged up, simply add a few drops to a diffuser or oil burner and let the natural aroma work its magic.

In candle, soap and home perfume recipes

You can enjoy the benefits of birch tar oil by using rich, woody aromas as a base to support lighter scents such as peppermint and tea tree in candle, soap and homemade perfume recipes.

We recommend following a tested recipe or guide, especially if you are at the beginner stage, as this will make it easier to get to grips with the various processes involved.

Head over to our beginner’s guide section which is full of great ideas for you to try.

What is the history of birch tar oil?

Birch tar oil uses could go back as far as the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods, with some experts estimating that the distilled tar of the birch tree has been used as an adhesive for thousands – perhaps even millions – of years.

Around 10,000 years ago, Scandinavian societies used birch tree extract as a chewing gum to promote better oral health (whilst also using it as a glue to attach stone tools to handles).

It also has a strong association with leather, as the oil was used in the 17th and 18th centuries to varnish the material to make it water resistant before export.

And it has continued to hold prominence in the perfume industry ever since as a leather-like base aroma.

With new birch tar oil benefits constantly being discovered by curious researchers and avid aromatherapy users eager to promote its natural benefits, there is every reason to believe its influence will continue to spread around the world in years to come.

Birch Tar oil FAQs

What are the risks of using birch tar essential oil?

There are no known risks associated with birch tar oil, which means it should be safe for most people to use, provided it is applied in an appropriate manner.

First-time users should complete a patch test to ensure it is compatible with their skin and the oil should never be consumed in any amount, as this could lead to serious health complications.

What does birch tar oil smell like?

Birch tar oil has a smoky, woody smell that many people have commented reminds them of a smoky campfire.

It blends particularly well with minty, earthy and woody oils, so you could try to mix it with the likes of peppermint, tea tree, cedarwood, eucalyptus, frankincense and spearmint.

How do I dilute birch tar essential oil?

Birch tar essential oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application.

To do so, add two drops of the oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil (or 5 drops per 10ml of carrier oil) and mix well.

If you are attempting a patch test and notice any signs of skin irritation, stop using the oil immediately and wash it off with warm water.