Balsam Fir
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Abies balsamea
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Pinaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
USA (east coast) and Canada
PLANT PART
Branches, twigs, needles
NOTE
Middle-top
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Fresh, coniferous, deep-forest and woodsy with some fruity tones
GC/MS REPORT
Monoterpenes: α-pinene (17%); β-pinene (33%); δ-3-carene (13%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
α-pinene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anxiolytic, and gastroprotective. β-pinene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant δ-3-carene's known therapeutic properties include: anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and bone loss prevention.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - expectorant and mucolytic. it helps relieve coughs, colds and and chronic respiratory issues. Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle tension. Nervous system - alleviates mental and physical fatigue; exhaustion, depression.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Promotes motivation and self-confidence; Helps relaxing, restoring, uplifting, and anxiety relieving; used for treating apathy and depression.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
Balsam fir is also called "Canadian fir needle" and it exudes a resin called fir balsam. Native Americans used it for religious and medicinal purposes; as a traditional herbal remedy, it was inhaled to treat colds or applied topically to treat rheumatism and neuralgic pain.
SAFETY
Overall safe and non-toxic, however skin sensitization may occur if the oil is oxidized; oils rich in pinene may need extra caution for people with bronchial asthma and whooping cough.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.