safe wood stain and sealer advice

I have two projects that require wood cleaning, staining and finishing and need advice on safe
products to use for this. One project is a birch rail that I'd like to keep natural color. It needs cleaning, so
I figured sanding with a clear sealer is called for. The other is a side table that needs refinishing. I am not
quite sure on the wood type. I'd like to stain it dark, like ebony dark. Any advice would be appreciated.