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Balsam Fir Essential Oil Benefits and Uses in Aromatherapy

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is one of many varieties of fir needle essential oils. Looking at balsam fir essential oil benefits shows they center around the respiratory system and inflammation relief. This stimulating oil is also uplifting, cleansing, and clarifying.

Aromatherapy supplies with the words Guide To Balsam Fir Essential Oil Benefits and Uses and photo of balsam fir tree needles.Buy Balsam Fir Essential Oil

Basic Balsam Fir Facts

Balsam fir is also called Canadian balsam or Canadian fir and grows in Canada and the Northwestern United States.

Plant family: Pinaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the needles and twigs of the tree. An absolute is available, though it's typically used only in perfumery.

Aroma: Woodsy, evergreen.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle to top.

System affinity: Respiratory, according to The Aromatherapy Companion (Shutes).

Is balsam fir safe to use during pregnancy? Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed., states the evidence suggests this oil is not hazardous during pregnancy. However, consult a professional.

Is balsam fir essential oil safe for children? Yes, properly diluted, but avoid using with young babies.

Cautions: An oxidized oil may cause skin sensitization.

Main components:

  • beta-pinene      28.1–56.1%
  • delta-3-carene    0–27.3%
  • bornyl acetate    4.9–16.2%
  • alpha-pinene      6.2–14.3%
  • (+)-limonene      1.8–15.6%
  • beta-phellandrene 4.4–12.6%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Balsam Fir Essential Oil Benefits

Balsam fir helps create movement in the body—such as letting the breath flow more easily and easing restrictions in muscles and joints to restore comfortable, natural mobility, according to Aromatics.

Physical Benefits

Balsam fir supports the respiratory system when diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the chest or used in an aromatherapy diffuser. The oil helps relieve the symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, and chest congestion and is useful for respiratory infections, bronchitis, difficulty breathing, sinusitis, rhinitis, catarrh, and spasmodic coughs.

The essential oil also helps reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle aches and injuries.

Other physical uses mentioned for balsam fir include burns, cuts, wounds, sore throat, chills, fever, hemorrhoids, and urinary bacterial infections.

Mental/Emotional Benefits

Balsam fir has excellent emotional balancing effects from the psychological perspective, according to Aromatica, Vol. 2.

This essential oil has a tonic effect on the central nervous system and an elevating, warming, and grounding effect on the mind. Balsam fir helps relieve depression, anxiety, nervous tension, mental or emotional fatigue, and stress-related conditions.

Sources:

Balsam Fir in Ayurveda

Ayurveda and Aromatherapy:

  • The rasa (taste) of balsam fir is pungent and bitter, the vipaka (aftertaste) is pungent, and the virya (energy) is heating and drying.
  • The oil increases pitta and generally decreases vata and kapha but can increase vata in excess.
  • Tissues most affected by the oil are muscular.
  • Indications for this essential oil include back pain, joint pain, and tissue congestion.

Balsam Fir Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Because balsam fir essential oil benefits include helping relieve nervous tension and depression and balancing the psyche, use this oil in sleep-enhancing balms, chest rubs, and sinus balms, according to Organic Body Care Recipe Recipes.

Gentle Back Rub Oil for Cough and Colds

  • 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
  • 3 drops roman chamomile essential oil
  • 3 drops balsam fir essential oil
  • One 1-ounce glass or PET plastic bottle

Add jojoba to bottle. Drop in essential oils. Close bottle. Shake gently to mix.

To use: Shake gently. Rub some of the blend on the back of the neck and back before bedtime or as needed during the day.

Caution: Do not use on children under five. Source: Essential Living

Kid's Focus Inhaler

Does your child have trouble focusing? Add the following essential oils to an aromatherapy inhaler and let the kid sniff as needed:

  • 3 drops balsam fir
  • 2 drops frankincense
  • 2 drops grapefruit
  • 1 drop sweet orange

Source: Plant Therapy

Moisturizing Body Butter

Makes about four ounces.

  • 1.5 teaspoons beeswax
  • 2 tablespoons argan oil
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 25 drops balsam fir
  • 20 drops copaiba essential oil
  • 15 drops tangerine essential oil
  1. Prepare a double boiler over low heat.
  2. Add the beeswax and let melt.
  3. Stir in the coconut and argan oils until blended.
  4. Remove the blend from heat.
  5. Add your essential oils, stirring gently.
  6. Pour moisturizer into 4-ounce (120-ml) glass jar, and let it cool.

Source: Aromahead

Balsam Fir Oil Diffuser Blends

Winter Diffuser Blend

  • 5 drops balsam fir essential oil
  • 5 drops black spruce essential oil
  • 5 drops grapefruit essential oil

Use according to your diffuser's instructions. Source: Essential Living 

Holiday Diffuser Blend

  • 20 drops balsam fir essential oil
  • 20 drops mandarin (green) essential oil
  • 8 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
  • 8 drops clove bud essential oil
  • 5-ml glass dropper bottle

Blend essential oils in the bottle. Close and shake. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Use according to your diffuser's instructions, typically 5 to 10 drops.

Adapted from Aromatics

Bacteria-Fighting Diffuser Blend

Diffuse this blend when someone has cold or flu symptoms. You can also diffuse generally in the living room or other high-traffic areas.

  • 20 drops balsam fir essential oil
  • 20 drops eucalyptus dives essential oil
  • 20 drops ravintsara essential oil
  • 5-ml glass dropper bottle

Use according to your diffuser's instructions, typically about 10 drops. Source: Essential Living

Balsam Fir Essential Oil Benefits FAQ

Can I use balsam fir essential oil in skin and hair care?

For skin and hair care, you can add balsam fir to lotions, creams, balms, shampoos, conditioners, or scalp treatments at a concentration of 0.5% to 1%, according to New Directions Aromatics. The essential oil may refresh and cleanse the skin while supporting a more balanced appearance and is sometimes suggested for acne.

Can I use balsam fir for cleaning?

In general, you can use the deodorizing and cleansing properties of all fir oils in air fresheners, detergents, and household cleaners.

Can I use balsam fir with dogs and cats?

The oil (properly diluted) is safe to use with dogs, according to Simply Earth. You probably don't want to use the oil directly with cats.

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Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

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Photo Credit: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / 1995., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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