Seasonal Scents Week 3: Fir Needle

I am writing this post while listening to Drummer Boy by Biebs and I’m not afraid to admit it! It’s ALMOST as good as the version that local talent Sean Quigley put out a couple years ago – if you’ve been living under a rock, check it out because he did a great job!
So, here we are, a few days before Christmas and into the third week of the Seasonal Scents mini series.

To recap, I introduced Peppermint a couple weeks ago which is great for headache and nausea and last week I talked about Sweet Orange and its’ benefits in helping with stress. This week, we’re chatting about Fir Needle!
There are different varieties of the fir tree, however I’m going to focus on Canadian Fir Balsam, Abies balsamea. In cases like this where different types of the plant exist, it’s important to note which one you are talking about because the variation in the chemical make up of the plant means that you are going to get different effects from each different type. There are a few different types of trees that are used in homes during the holiday season including fir, pine, cedar, and spruce. It’s no surprise that the essential oil that comes from Abies balsamea smells woody. I love it because it reminds me of the forest and hiking in the mountains!
Fir doesn't just make your home smell like the holidays, it also has some amazing health benefits that are useful at this time of year. Fir essential oil is very, very good to use during cold and flu season. Its’ effects on the respiratory system are exceptional as it has expectorant properties meaning it can be used to treat bronchitis, cough/sore throat, chills, and sinus infections. Your best bet would be to fill a large glass mixing bowl with boiling hot water and add 2-3 drops of fir oil. You would then put your face over the bowl (not too close so you don’t burn it), take a towel and put it over your head to keep the steam from escaping, and breathe in the steam deeply for about 10 minutes. Doing steams like this have really great and quick effects on colds. Sore muscles from the gym? Fir EO can help with that too! Dilute some into a carrier oil and rub on your aches and pains.
If you’re into meditating, fir EO is said to be very grounding and opening, allowing you to release energy and get rid of mental blocks. I can’t say how well it works as I don’t meditate (though I should probably start!) but I know some of my yogi friends might be into it!
A quick note of caution to wrap this up, if you have sensitive skin this oil may irritate it so keep that in mind if you’re going to try using it for muscle pain.
I also want to take the time to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, enjoy the spirit of the season and I hope Santa is good to you all!
Love Ash XO