Balsam Fir - Abies balsamea Actions: antiseptic, coolant, decongestant, emollient, laxative,stimulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic Parts used: branches, leaves, resin, bark This is a tree/herb dear to my heart. As a Northwestern Ontarian it is likely one of the most prolific trees next to Trembling Aspen in my area and is the choice tree for Christmas tree harvesters on the basis of its smell alone. The aroma of the balsam has been used in cleaning products, car fresheners and aromatherapy for years. It brings comfort and cleansing of the lungs allowing the user to breath cleaner and fresher. First Nations persons taught settlers their long practiced uses of this tree in treating lung congestion and gastrointestinal inflammations. The Ojibwa peoples from my area still use it in sweat lodges as a purifying agent and it is known as the Elder Sister – one who can guide you and help with your troubles. Early settlers to North America were taught to make an herbal tea from the leaves to treat scurvy and provide a vitamin rich survival food in times of need. A natural cough remedy can be made with an infusion of young fir shoots followed by a further heat infusion in honey. Balsam resin is far wider known for its ‘glue’ properties and its wide refractive index made it the resin of choice in early optical lens insertions and bondages. It can also be used as a natural bandage quite like the liquid bandage sold commercially today. Recently balsam fir oil has shown great promise in the relief of ovarian cysts and fibrocystic breasts. An infused oil of the leaves can be used to massage the affected areas and will aid in drainage of the cysts through the lymphatic system. Gastrointestinal disorders and urinary tract infections can be alleviated by drinking a decoction of the inner bark of fir. Fir needle oil has can ease pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscular tension. An infusion with olive oil can be slightly heated and used as a massage oil to alleviate some of the pain symptoms caused by the aforementioned ailments. Although quite familiar with the sticky resin from handling balsam for year, I had never personally gathered the pitch from balsam, and have learned that August is the best time to gather, while blisters form on the older tree’s trunks. I went on a gathering mission yesterday and was quite excited to see the resin filled blisters on the trunks. Unfortunately summer has been so late, they were not quite ready but if you see look at the pictures you can see the blisters on the trunk and the subsequent resin running down after I broke the blister. I will revisit in a few weeks when the resin is hard enough to gather. Then I will begin my personal familiarization with the uses of the resin. I already have used the leaves in aromatherapy and teas. I quite like the spicy, sweet flavor and love the aroma. Even simmering on the stove in water creates a soothing atmosphere. I use the oil on myself as a massage oil for achy joints and to help drain breast cysts that I am prone to. The balsam fir to me is a joyful spirit that works to create more balance in the body when joy or empty spaces are evident. The smell Balsam Fir reminds me that I am of the earth and that my feet need to be firmly planted so that I can feel my roots. I welcome your personal experiences with this very special tree.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 12:55:56 +0000
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