Birch tar is a viscous, resinous liquid that is obtained by dry distillation of birch bark. It has a characteristic dark color and a rich, pungent odor.

Birch tar is obtained by dry distillation (pyrolysis) of the outer part of birch bark. Birch tar is black or dark brown in color and has a specific odor. It dissolves in alkalis and alcohol. It dissolves poorly in water (birch tar is lighter than water) and shaking tar with 10 parts of water produces yellowish tar water with a tar smell. Recommended use: used only externally in the form of:

•         10–30% ointment or liniment for the treatment of skin diseases.

•         3% cosmetic creams and balms,

•         5% shampoos and soaps,

•         3% aftershave lotions,

•         3% perfumes,

•         10–30% veterinary products,

•         10–50% leather care products.

 Diluted with water, it is used as an aromatic substance with a specific taste and smell:

•         as a sauna aroma: mixed with water thrown on the heater;

•         as an anti-dandruff component in shampoo;

•         as a component of soap;

•         as a component of cosmetics;

•         as a paint for wood when mixed with linseed oil;

•         as a spice for the production of food products, such as meat;