Guide To Fir Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

The scent of fir essential oil increases feelings of family harmony and goodwill, according to Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art. The oil creates a sense of feeling both grounded and elevated at the same time and can help release emotional blocks.

Fir trees and the resulting fir needle oils come in many varieties. Here's a summary of the most common.

Grand Fir

Psychologically, grand fir (Abies grandis) promotes motivation, self-confidence, and optimism and also promotes judgement and foresight, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume I. Physically, the oil restores hypotonic/weak conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the essential function of grand fir is to tonify the Qi, dispel wind-damp-cold, and strengthen the Shen.

Jeanne Rose calls grand fir the “Oil of Clean Forest Air” for its refreshing, healthful, slightly stimulating qualities. Use the oil as an air freshener and for all respiratory and mental pain problems.

Silver Fir

Silver fir (Abies alba) has benefits similar to grand fir, although silver fir has a more gentle effect on stimulating the mind, motivation, and self-confidence, according to Aromatica. Thus, the oil is appropriate for children and sensitive individuals.

"The spirit of [Abies alba] extends around the planet, encircling us in it's wide enveloping arms of protection, bringing down the rainbow of heavenly lights that shine upon us," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She says the oil encourages, protection, steadiness, grounding, harmony, compassion, clarity, achievement, strength, and inner unity.

The oil may help relieve muscle aches and pain, anxiety, and tension and serve as a general tonic, according to The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.

Working With Unusual Oils states silver fir helps relieve pain and mucous, supports mental clarity, eases stress and tension, and is an excellent oil for meditation and visualization. Suggested energizing diffuser blend:

• 2 drops silver fir
• 1 drop rosemary
• 1 drop eucalyptus radiata

Nasal Inhaler

• 3 to 5 drops silver fir essential oil
  
• 3 to 5 drops myrtle essential oil
• 3 to 5 drops Ravensara aromatica essential oil

Add the oils to a wick of an aromatherapy inhaler. Inhale as needed to keep sinuses clear and open breathing. OK for children over five years of age.

Source: Shanti Dechen CCAP, CAI, LMT. "Autumn is Here: The Metal Element." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Autumn 2016.3, p. 19.

Floracopeia suggests this children's breathing blend: 1 drop silver fir and 1 drop lavender essential oil in 1 tablespoon carrier oil. Rub a little over the chest before bedtime. You can also diffuse the essential oils without the carrier oil.

Siberian Fir

Psychologically, Siberian fir essential oil (Abies sibirica) promotes will power, courage, and endurance and also promotes motivation and self-confidence, according to Aromatica. Physically, the oil restores hypotonic/weak conditions and relaxes hypertonic/tense conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the essential function of Siberian fir is to tonify and regulate the Qi and strengthen the Shen.

Siberian fir is useful for deodorizing, cleaning, and for relieving the symptoms of colds and flu, according to Essential Living.

Children's Allergy Diffuser Blend

• 1 drop German chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops Siberian fir essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil

Source: Amy Emnett, "Aromatherapy for Seasonal Allergies in Children," Spring 2017.1 NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, p. 63.

Balsam Fir

Balsam fir essential oil (Abies balsamea) may help relieve colds and the flu and is useful for cleansing, according to Essential Living. See a full profile of balsam fir.

Douglas Fir

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a member of the pine family and not a true fir. However, the oil's benefits are similar to grand fir, according to Aromatica.

Douglas fir helps clear energy blocks and balance emotions, according to Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques. The oil is especially useful for the sixth chakra to promote mental clarity and support intuition.

This oil also supports the respiratory system and is useful in a massage for sore muscles, according to Jeanne Rose.

To help relieve coughs and colds, 150 Ways to Use Essential Oils suggests a blend of 1 drop douglas fir, 2 drops cilantro, and 3 drops blood orange essential oils in 2 tablespoons carrier oil. Massage a little on the chest area before bed.

Other Firs

Other fir oils you may encounter include:

• Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis)
• Japanese fir (Abies sachalinensis)
• Noble fir (Abies procera)
• Nordman's fir (Abies nordmanniana)
• White fir (Abies concolor)

While the fir essential oils have many similarities, you will get better results if you understand the nuances of each oil.

Basic Fir Essential Oil Facts

Plant family: Pinaceae

Production: Steam distilled from the needles and twigs of the tree.  

Aroma: Varies according to the type of fir but generally woodsy.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle to top.

Is fir safe to use during pregnancy? Consult a professional.

Is fir essential oil safe for children? Consult a professional.

Cautions: If fir oil becomes oxidized, it may cause skin sensitization.

Main components vary depending on the type of fir. See Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

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Photo Credit: Crusier, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons