Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea
Abies balsamea
Pinaceae
History and Origin
Fir forms an important part of our cultural heritage. Around this evergreen tree, our families
gather to celebrate love, abundance and warmth in the middle of winter.
When life used to be in the woods, it saved numerous lives in the camps. Natives, settlers, and
wood runners used it to cover the cold ground and get a comfortable and aromatic bed or to
build lodges covered with a thick layer of insulating snow. In the woods, it also makes it easy to
build a fire since the high concentration of essential oils in its needles makes it very flammable,
even on rainy days. Besides, fir has always been an important element of traditional medicine in
French Canada.
Balsam fir is also used by Native Americans in pomades for superficial wounds and mosquito
bites, as a laxative and analgesic, for cardiac, renal and pulmonary disorders, for irregular
menstruations, as well as to treat gonorrhea, cancer and rheumatisms.
Today, it is used in construction and its resin is used in optics.
| Distilled part |
Needles and twigs |
| Extraction |
Steam distillation |
| Main components |
?-pinene, ?-3-carene, ?-pinene, myrcene, camphene, bornyl acetate.
|
| Oil Characteristics |
A transparent liquid with a clearly coniferous smell, yet mildly sweet and fruity. The oil has a very fresh aroma representing the essence of Quebec.
|
| Properties |
Antiseptic++, anti-parasitic, antispasmodic+, anti-arthrosic+, stimulant.
|
| Indications |
Rhinitis+, bronchitis, sinusitis++, colds+, aerophagia+, ascaridiosis, arthrosis, and arthritis+. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
Fir recalls freedom and Mother Nature’s purity and generosity. It is able to root us and elevate our minds on the path of Truth at the same time. It brings an extra inspiration to the persons looking for evolution. Sleeping in the presence of fir (using a few drops on the pillow) induces colorful dreams. For a healing of the throat chakra, we suggest that you combine it with parsley (leaves). Sprayed over the head, fir stimulates the crown chakra. Misted over the head, it is like a rain of pure light. Balsam fir oil is one of unconditional love. |
| Type Chromatography |
Abies balsamea
|
Aromatherapy: See “Aromatherapy Data Sheet”
Culinary: A certain number of culinary products flavored with fir have started to arrive on the shelves of our grocery stores.
Cosmetics
Environment
Safety Data: Non toxic and non irritant. No contraindication known under normal physiological doses.
Discharge: In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
L’aromathérapie exactement, La Flore Laurentienne, The Illustraded Encyclopedia of Essential Oils and Native
American Ethnobotany.