Top 5 benefits of balsam fir

The balsam fir gum has many interesting properties: it contains antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and expectorant therapeutic molecules. This makes it an effective remedy for respiratory tract infections, wound infection, pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety.

The traditional name of this resinous tree is linked to its ancestral medicinal use and its abundance in northern forests.

Fir gum was part of the therapeutic knowledge that indigenous peoples transmitted to French colonists, among others, during episodes of scurvy. This remedy was also used for the flu, cuts and burns, as well as as a sealant for various containers and for bark canoes. Balsam fir essential oil broadens the use we can make of the benefits of this Canadian conifer. We will therefore see the benefits and uses of gum and essential oil of balsam fir both internally and externally.

The scientific name of the balsam fir is Abies balsamea, an emblematic species of the Canadian boreal forests.

The benefits and uses of balsam fir

The different ways of using balsam fir essential oil

• Oral: It is recommended to take a few drops in a teaspoon of honey or olive oil several times a day.

• Dermal: it is recommended to mix 3-4 drops of fir essential oil in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, and massage this mixture into the pectoral area several times a day. The fir tree will thus calm coughing fits with its antispasmodic effect.

• Inhalingfir essential oil is very effective against sinusitis and all respiratory conditions, because the active molecules will act directly on the site of infection and inflammation. Its mucolytic action (the mucus will be liquefied) will make coughing more effective.

In the mixed forests of Quebec, trees such as spruce and balsam fir coexist naturally, sharing an ecosystem rich in biodiversity.

Balsam fir against respiratory tract infections

The balsam fir gum is ideal for helping fight the flu virus, lung infections and respiratory disorders, such as asthma and emphysema. During coughing and irritation of the respiratory tract, the formula Special Syrup of the Sisters by Léo Désilets is an option of choice. It is composed of ingredients of echinacea, balsam fir gum, black cherry, myrrh and thyme essential oil. This synergy of plants can stop discomfort associated with colds and flu. Fir gum is also available in capsules.

It is also possible to benefit from the antiviral, bactericidal and expectorant properties of fir by oral, cutaneous or inhalation route.essential oil. [i]

Balsam fir for pain

Thebalsam fir essential oil contains ester molecules, bornyl acetate, which have a natural anti-inflammatory effect. It can therefore be used alone or in synergy with other essential oils, in a vegetable oil, a lotion or a balm to relieve rheumatic and neuralgic pain. This property is also effective in cases of cuts, cracks, wounds and burns, because it reduces pain, prevents infection and accelerates healing.

Balsam fir trees are also one of the tree species most used in North American herbal medicine for their targeted effects on pain.

Balsam fir against fatigue

Fir contains a monoterpene molecule, more precisely alpha pinene, which has a toning effect on the adrenal glands.[ii]. Coniferous essential oils have molecules that imitate the cortisol molecule, called cortisol-mimetic or “cortisol-like”. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which is largely responsible for variations in our energy levels throughout the day. Fatigue, weariness, demotivation, lack of concentration and even self-confidence, this essential oil can give us the little boost we need during difficult days. It is a good natural solution for occasional fatigue. For more chronic fatigue, ask our naturopaths for advice, as it is important to identify the possible causes.

Balsam fir cultivation is sometimes practiced on a small scale to harvest the resin, particularly in certain regions of Quebec.

Balsam fir for stress and anxiety management

According to a Japanese study, the simple fact of staying in a forest and breathing coniferous compounds present in the air, pinenes or limonenes, would promote a reduction in stress levels and improve immunity. [iii]. Breathing the fresh air, relaxing in the great outdoors and toning your body by walking in nature as often as possible is ideal, but if you cannot do it as often as you would like, you can broadcast balsam fir essential oil at home or at work to take advantage of anti-stress and anxiolytic benefits molecules naturally present in the forest.

Balsamea fir, a botanical name often used internationally, is recognized for its calming properties, particularly useful in aromatherapy.

Balsam fir for its anti-cancer effects

Historically, balsam fir was used to treat cancer. In vitro, fir essential oil had anticancer effects against solid tumor cell lines. Alpha-humulene has been identified as the main active cytotoxic component of fir essential oil.[iv]

Contraindications

Essential oil balsam fir is not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy.

Potential side effects

• When used internally, fir gum can cause diarrhea. Reduce the dose if this is the case.
• Taking fir gum internally may cause belching.
• In high doses, fir gum can stimulate the elimination of concretions (kidney or gallstones).
• Essential oil balsam fir may exacerbate skin irritation or mucosal damage; dilute this in vegetable oil or prefer fir gum.

The resin of fir gum is part of our Quebec pharmacopoeia against all the discomfort that the cold can bring, and much more. Let's think about using this beautiful local resource to treat our small and big ailments in a natural way.

The team of La Boite à Grains

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Research and writing

Laurence Couture-Dubé, ND.A.

 

[i]  Michel Turbide, Aromatherapy, Essential oils from Quebec and the world, therapeutic applications, Santé-Arôme Collection, p. 186

[ii]  Michel Turbide, Aromatherapy, Essential oils from Quebec and the world, therapeutic applications, Santé-Arôme Collection, p. 186

[iii]  De Sousa DP, De Almeida Soares Hocayen P, Andrade LN, Andreatini R. A systematic review of the anxiolytic-like effects of essential oils in animal models. Molecules. 2015;20(10):18620-18660. doi:10.3390/molecules201018620

[iv]  Legault, J., Dahl, W., Debiton, E., Pichette, A., and Madelmont, J. C. Antitumor activity of balsam fir oil: production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action. Planta Med. 2003;69(5):402-407.