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The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year for many reasons. Even if the holidays get a bit stressful, a fresh fir standing in a living room lit by lights provides relaxation and joy. Balsam fir essential oil bottles up the happiness of the holiday season for use year-round. The oil can evoke memories of sleigh rides and cups of hot chocolate, but it is more than just a mood booster. This essential oil has also been used to reduce pain, treat illness, and freshen up both the house and body.
You may know the balsam fir by one of many names including Eastern Fir, Canada Balsam, Silver Pine, or the common Christmas Tree. Long before fir trees were adorned with garland, lights, and ornaments, they were sought after for a variety of medicinal uses. Icelandic writings from as far back as 1475 praised the balsam fir for healing earaches and wounds with excessive bleeding. The tree was also incorporated into dysentery treatments and was thought to improve memory. In the 19th century, the founder of the Eclectic Healing Movement experimented with balsam fir. Wooster Beech, found that the tree acted as a stimulant and laxative when consumed, as well as a coolant when applied externally.
External application of balsam fir essential oil is common today to treat sore muscles and cold and flu-like symptoms. Balsam fir also has a rich history in Native American cultures. The needles of the fir were used to stuff pillows and promote restful sleep, while other parts of the tree helped in the treatment of infections. Many tribes made tea from the fir needles to relieve cold symptoms. Today, the balsam fir tree is a popular species to harvest for lumber, and many families place a balsam fir in their home for the holidays.
Most importantly, however, when the needles are dried and steam distilled, they produce an essential oil with a wide range of health benefits. While balsam fir may capture the magic of the holidays, its benefits are backed by science. A few distinct chemical components work together to give this essential oil antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. The bulk of balsam essential oil is made of terpenes—both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes—that contribute to the oil’s distinct, woodsy scent while providing a range of health benefits. Balsam fir oil also contains esters, such as bornyl acetate, that provide a relaxing fragrance with anti-microbial benefits.