Fir Balsam

Botanical Name: Abies balsamea

Botany and Origins: Fir Balsam is a North American fir, native to most eastern and central Canada and the northeastern United States. It is a small to medium size evergreen tree typically 14 to 20m tall. The narrow conic crown consists of dense, dark green leaves. The bark on young trees is smooth, grey and with resin blisters, becoming rough and fissured or scaly on old trees. The leaves are flat and needle-like. The seed cones are erect, 40 to 80mm long, dark purple, ripening brown and disintegrating to release the winged seeds in September. It is very popular as Christmas trees for its rich green needles, natural conical shape, and needle retention after being cut, and it is notably the most fragrant of all Christmas tree varieties.

Method of Extraction: Fir Balsam oil is produced from the steam distillation of the leaves (needles) and twigs.

Cultivation: Wild Harvested

Historical and Traditional Uses: In the eastern United States, Fir Balsam is the holiday season's tree of choice where, in days gone by, the sweet smelling needs were sewed into sachets and sold to weary city folk. Coniferous trees such as Fir, Pine and Spruce, are truly the guardian tress of our plant's atmosphere, with their dense profusion of cleansing molecules constantly being released from the highest canopy to the outermost needles, and even in the underground world of the 'wood wide web'. For thousands of years, Native Americans used it for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The needles are eaten directly off the tree by many animals and humans. Higher content dosage is ingested in tea. Fir Balsam contains vitamin C, which as been studied for its effects on bacterial and viral infections. The resin was traditionally used as a cold remedy and as a glue for glasses, optical instrument components, and for preparing permanent mounts of microscope specimens. Fir Balsam oil is an EPA approved nontoxic rodent repellent and also used as an air freshener.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Fir Balsam oil and some of its compounds have shown efficacy against ticks.

Indications:

• Musculoskeletal System: It is recommended for the relief of muscular aches and pains due to rheumatism or arthritic conditions.
• Nervous System: It is recommended for alleviating anxiety and stress.
• Respiratory System: It is recommended for catarrhal illness of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Safety: Fir Balsam oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising. 

Country of Origin: Canada

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)