Somehow I had a need for tar: voles started running around in the garden, the Colorado potato beetle was infested, and the wooden shed needed to be tarred. The pharmacies only sold small tubes of tar; they definitely wouldn’t have been enough for me. Remembering how to make birch tar at home, I went to the forest, collected birch bark and tried it the next day. There was a lot of tar, I had enough for everything and still had some left.
Source womond.com
What is it used for?
When figuring out how to make birch tar with your own hands, you should start with why it is needed in the first place.
Tar is a liquid obtained by dry distillation of wood. Birch tar is boiled in special retort pots made of birch bark. The composition is thick, oily, but non-sticky, has a black color with a greenish or bluish tint, as well as a specific odor. The latter is especially noticeable at high tar concentrations.
It is worth noting that if the tar is sticky, then it contains another resin, for example, pine. Birch tar does not stick.
Birch tar is used in various fields:
- In the garden: it protects against the Colorado potato beetle, mosquito, mole cricket, ants, aphids, flies, rodents, hares, mice and other insects and pests. It is noteworthy that the tar does not kill them, but only drives them away;
- For impregnation of wooden products and lubrication of parts;
- As a wheel lubricant;
- Like glue;
- To protect leather products: in Rus', boots and harnesses were lubricated with tar so that the latter would not rot, dry out or tan at low temperatures;
- As a raw material for subsequent processing;
- Tar is a natural antiseptic that disinfects humans well;
Source otnogi.ru
- When choosing how to prepare tar at home, it is worth remembering that it is also used in medicine. Use the product only externally, in pure form or as part of preparations. In folk medicine, tar can be used internally, but it is better not to do this: tar contains carcinogens. The latter cannot be removed, since the beneficial properties are also lost;
- In veterinary medicine, the remedy is used for lichen; it is used to treat the hooves of cattle.
Archaeologists have recreated “Neanderthal” methods of producing tar
Reconstruction of a spear with a stone tip glued to a wooden shaft with tar
Leiden University
Neanderthals knew how to glue stone tools to handles back in the Middle Pleistocene, about 200 thousand years ago. Proof of this is a bone found in Italy with a flint plate glued to it with tar. Archaeologists from Leiden University have recreated methods for producing tar from birch bark that Neanderthals could have used. The study was published in Scientific Reports
.
Both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens
made stone tools more convenient and functional by attaching a handle to them. Ancient people mastered this skill at least 200-300 thousand years ago. One way to attach a bone or wood handle to a stone point was with birch or pine tar. In addition to the oldest bone glued to stone, found in Italy and dated to the Middle Pleistocene, archaeologists have found pieces of tar and its remains on stone tools at Neanderthal sites. They were dated to the period 40-80 thousand and 115-128 thousand years ago (,). The authors of the article suggested that Neanderthals could have obtained tar from birch bark. In the Middle Pleistocene, birch was one of the most common trees in Europe, and more tar can be obtained from birch bark than from other tree species. After being separated from the tree, the birch bark is rolled into a tube. If you leave it on the fire, and then pull out the partially charred birch bark and unfold it, sometimes traces of tar remain along the edges. There aren't enough of them to stick something together, but enough to make sure it's a sticky substance. But how ancient people obtained enough tar to use it to make tools is unknown.
Tar is produced from wood using pyrolysis - heating to high temperatures with limited air access. This is a complex process, and in order to develop the technology for producing tar, the ancients had to have abstract thinking, be able to plan and know the properties of materials. But it is impossible to verify these assumptions without knowledge of ancient technology. The authors of the new study decided to reconstruct several methods for producing tar that Neanderthals might have used, and assess their complexity (the components required to obtain the product and the number of steps), the yield of tar and the need to maintain a constant temperature during the process.
Obtaining tar from birch bark using the “ash hill” method
P.R.B. Kozowyk, M. Soressi, D. Pomstra & G.H.J. Langejans / Scientific Reports, 2017
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The researchers started with a method they called "ash hill." To get tar, they put birch bark rolled into a tube into a dying fire and covered it with ash and coals. They scraped the resulting tar from the half-burnt bark with a stick. This method was the simplest: to obtain the product, you only needed bark and a fire. But on the other hand, I had to constantly monitor the temperature. The product yield when using this method turned out to be the lowest, at best about one gram of tar from 100 grams of birch bark.
Producing tar using the “birch bark in a pit” method
P.R.B. Kozowyk, M. Soressi, D. Pomstra & G.H.J. Langejans / Scientific Reports, 2017
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Next, the authors of the article tested the “birch bark in a pit” method. Now they put a bundle of birch bark in the hole, and put a birch bark cup down to collect the tar. Then the researchers poured burning coals onto the surface of the birch bark so that it slowly smoldered. This method was already more complex. To organize the process, in addition to a fire and birch bark rolled into a tube, it was necessary to dig a hole and make a birch bark cup. But, on the other hand, the tar yield turned out to be higher than in the first case - about 2.4 grams per 100 grams of bark. There was also no need to constantly monitor the temperature.
Finally, the researchers tested the production of tar in the most difficult but also most effective way, called “high-rise construction.” Scientists placed a birch cup in a hole covered with willow twigs and pebbles to collect the product. They placed a birch bark bundle on the rods, which they covered with earth and coated with clay, covered with splinters and lit a fire. Here, in addition to the components from previous tests, pebbles, willow twigs and clay were needed, from which it was necessary to build a rather complex structure. But at the same time, she herself “maintained” the desired temperature, due to the fact that the birch bark was insulated from fire, and the tar yield was the highest - 9.6 grams per 100 grams of birch bark.
The authors of the article write that the amount of tar obtained from different types of wood in laboratory conditions ranges from 3.1 percent (from Austrian oak) to 14.3 percent (from white birch). That is, the product yield of 9.6 percent, obtained in a primitive, “Neanderthal” way, turned out to be comparable to the quantities obtained in a laboratory installation. Scientists notice that tar can be obtained by various methods, and not just the three that they tested. But the production of tar among Neanderthals could have developed in the way that the researchers proposed: from a simple method to more complex ones. The necessary resources and technologies (for example, digging sticks and the ability to maintain a fire) already existed in the Middle Pleistocene.
Neanderthals knew how to make not only complex tools and weapons, but possibly also dental instruments.
On the teeth of Neanderthals found in Croatia and dated back to 130 thousand years ago, traces of intravital processing with pointed objects were found. Ekaterina Rusakova
Preparing to produce tar at home
You can easily buy tar at a pharmacy or make it yourself. The second option is preferable, since the result is a pure natural product. The production of tar is called tar smoking or tar smoking. This is an old production: in Rus' they have been doing this since the 12th century.
In industry, the production of the substance is a simple process: birch bark is placed in closed devices where air does not enter. heated to +250-300 degrees, after which the birch bark begins to decompose into water, gases and tar.
Birch bark itself is mined in different ways:
- They use leftovers from a wood processing plant. When peeling blanks, the birch bark is removed and given away. This is an inexpensive and profitable method.
- The top cork layer is removed from the growing tree. The bast layer is no longer suitable. This is a labor-intensive and expensive process.
Source rusunion.com
Making tar at home begins with removing birch bark using the second method. Anyone can use it. It is important to remove bark correctly for tar:
- It is necessary to use a special cutter knife with a limiter. This device allows you to remove only the necessary top layer, which will grow back in a few years without damaging the tree.
- You can make preparations until the fall, but most often it is done in the spring, when the juices begin to flow. At this time, the birch bark is easily separated. Most often this time falls at the end of May and lasts up to 40 days.
- Birch bark is removed from trees 50-70 years old at a distance of 3-4 meters from the roots. The diameter of the trunk must be at least 12 cm.
- It is not advisable to cut down trees. In industry, birch bark is usually removed from trees that will be cut down in a few years.
To obtain 0.5 kg of tar you will need 2-2.5 kg of birch bark. It is necessary to make an incision at the top and bottom, then pull off a strip of bark.
What is tar?
Let's start with the fact that tar is a liquid product - in most cases, tree resin. Its composition is very complex. It largely depends on how the tar was made and from what raw materials it was extracted - we’ll talk about this a little later. May contain benzene, phenol, a number of resins, toluene, cresol, guaiacol and other complex components.
It practically does not dissolve in water, since it has a lower density, spreading over the surface. But it dissolves quite quickly in alcohol and alkali, often losing some of its original properties.
Manufacturing process
First of all, you need to prepare the containers. You will need two dishes:
- Small for collecting finished tar;
- More for birch bark. The container should have a tight-fitting lid and a small hole in the bottom through which the tar will flow out.
The larger container must be connected to the smaller one so that there are no gaps or holes between them. Air should not pass inside the large container.
Source blogspot.com
Next you need to make a fire. When figuring out how to get birch tar at home, don’t forget about safety. You need to make a fire in an open area away from fire-hazardous buildings. They dig a hole in the ground, place a small dish inside, a large one above it, and cover them with firewood. Shredded birch bark is placed inside the latter and closed with a lid. To prevent air from getting inside, the lid is pressed down with a brick or the joint is covered with clay. The lid can also be covered with firewood so that the heat comes from everywhere.
Now all that remains is to light the fire and wait. The process will begin when the temperature inside rises to +650 degrees. Tar will begin to separate and flow into the pan below. When finished, you need to let it cool, then pour it into a storage container and you can use it. A dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap is suitable for storage.
It will take several hours to obtain birch tar: at a temperature of +600-650 degrees it will take 1.5-2 hours. Burnt birch bark can be used as birch coals.
You can see clearly how the tar production process occurs in the video
Internal use of birch tar
Birch tar is beneficial when consumed internally. But it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor.
For respiratory diseases, use a solution consisting of tar and water in the ratio of 1 spoon of tar per liter of water or milk. Drink this mixture before bed in the amount of 1 tablespoon per day.
Birch tar for worms. The remedy is quite effective and has long been familiar. It is used like this: on the first day, add 1 drop of tar to 1 teaspoon of honey, washed down with a small amount of warm water. In subsequent days, the number of drops is increased by 1, and so the course lasts 12 days (on this day you need to drink 12 drops of tar with honey). Should be taken at night before bedtime.
Another simplest remedy to prepare is tar water, which will help you:
strengthen the heart, normalize metabolism, help treat fever, remove waste and toxins from the body, in the treatment of purulent cough and dropsy, normalize blood pressure, normalize the functioning of the digestive system.
It is recommended to drink tar water three times a day, 100 ml: in the morning - on an empty stomach, in the afternoon - a couple of hours before meals and before going to bed.
The recipe is very simple: for 1 liter of water - 120 grams of tar. The solution is infused for two days, filtered and then stored in a sealed glass container.
Harm of tar
Any tar poses a certain danger. Even pure birch applied to the skin of the face can lead to various problems. But those extracted using complex chemical methods are much more dangerous. For example, tar extracted from oil poses a danger even during normal storage. It is enough to inhale the vapors emanating from it to get serious poisoning.
Therefore, it should be handled with the utmost care. As mentioned above, when applied to the face, natural wood tar must be diluted with any cream. Then it lasts a very long time, acquires a pleasant smell and will not cause skin problems. Well, most people are not familiar with complex chemical analogues. Anyone who encounters it at work already knows perfectly well the rules for safe handling.
To protect against mosquitoes
In taiga villages, their own method of protection against midges and mosquitoes has been practiced for centuries. The local population does not need chemical means of protection. They already have the most universal and effective thing - simple birch tar.
Tar is mixed with oil and applied to exposed skin.
However, this product can only be washed off later in a bathhouse. The solution is to dilute birch tar in alcohol in a proportion of two-thirds tar and one-third alcohol. An alcohol solution of tar works no worse than an oil solution. It is enough to lubricate the edges of the hood and sleeves with it. There is another way - to set fire to a tar cone soaked in a spirit solution. Thick smoke with a peculiar smell will create a barrier that will protect you from insects. To treat pets (dogs, cats, cows, rabbits), you can use tar water (tar diluted in water). After this, ticks and fleas will bypass them ten times.
How to prepare tar yourself?
If your farm needs large volumes of tar, and you are not afraid to work with your hands, you can prepare birch tar yourself.
To get started, stock up on birch bark and two metal containers.
Make a small hole in the bottom of the larger one (in our case it’s an old boiler with a lid).
Fill it tightly with dry birch bark and small wood chips, and close the lid as tightly as possible.
Place a smaller container in a hole dug in the ground. The resulting tar will collect in it. Place a large container on a shallow one with the hole facing down (the tar will drain from there). Cover the top container with firewood and set it on fire. You can see the process in more detail in the video below. After 4 hours, tar will collect in the lower container. From 10 kg of birch bark it will yield about 3 kg.
In medicine
In 1927, Soviet surgeon Alexander Vasilyevich Vishnevsky invented an ointment that he used to treat ulcers and festering wounds of soldiers.
The composition of the ointment is natural: birch tar, xeroform and castor oil. Despite the fact that the ointment is considered outdated, it can be used in many cases when there is nothing better at hand or the wallet does not allow you to buy a more expensive product.
The benefits of pine tar for survivalists.
1. A pleasant smell that can be used to create some comfort and improve morale. If you manage to organize a sauna, you can dilute it with water and pour it on hot stones for aroma.
2. Wood paint when mixed with linseed oil.
3. Anti-dandruff component in shampoo, component for soap.
4. Impregnation of wood and rigging
© SURVIVE.RU
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How to get it?
Now you know enough about what tar is like and how to use it correctly. This means we can tell you how tar is made.
As an example, let’s consider the simplest option, which does not require special knowledge, skills, rare raw materials and expensive equipment. At the same time, the output can be obtained from environmentally friendly and maximally safe raw materials.
So, how to get birch tar?
First you will need birch bark or birch bark. It is quite easy to collect it in almost any deciduous forest. True, this should be done carefully - it is better to remove a little bark from a dozen birches than to strip one - in this case the tree will be doomed to death.
It is advisable to remove the bark in long strips that are not too wide (about 3-5 centimeters). When you have enough, you can proceed to the next step. To do this, you will need several cans of canned food - you almost always have them on a hike. Yes, and along the picturesque banks of rivers and lakes, alas, you can almost always pick up in sufficient quantities.
You will need three cans: two high and one low, wide. This is the most convenient way to work. To start, take a wide one. Bend the bottom a little - just press with your palm or a stone - and then make several small holes in it with a knife.
Then place the birch bark as tightly as possible in one of the free jars. Dig a small hole, preferably in wet sand or soil. Place a flat jar in it so that the concave side with holes faces down into the buried jar. Now carefully bury them so that only one plane with holes remains on the surface. Place the jar with the birch bark open side down on it. Fix it (you can also dig it in slightly) and build a small fire on top. Due to the lack of air, the birch bark will not ignite, but will simply heat up, releasing valuable tar. It will flow down and end up in an empty jar buried at the very bottom.
As you can see, the mechanism is quite simple and can be used in any conditions.
In cosmetology
We already know how to use birch tar on the farm.
Now let’s figure out whether it is worth using it as a cosmetic product. Our great-grandmothers regularly used tar soap. It contains up to 10% tar, the rest is a natural soap base. Thanks to the antiseptic properties of tar, this soap deeply cleanses the skin, has a wound-healing effect, and helps get rid of acne, blackheads, and inflammation. Birch tar is good for hair care. Helps stop hair loss, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminates excess fat, and helps cleanse the skin of various types of rashes. Shampoo with tar fights dandruff well.
You can make your own liquid soap with tar, which is good for the skin. To do this, just take a suitable shampoo or shower gel and add a little tar to it (for example, 1 tenth).
