All About Balsam Fir
Balsam fir has been used topically as an antiseptic and as an antibacterial in dentistry. It has also been used as a folk remedy to improve breathing. However, there is not enough research to determine a safe dosage internally beyond tiny amounts found in foods.
Fun Fact
Balsam firs are well known for their use as Christmas trees!
Balsam Fir Blog Articles
Balsam Fir: Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Abies balsamea
Family: Pinaceae
Other Names
- Other common names: Canada fir, Canada turpentine, Eastern fir
- Other fir species: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis), Japanese fir (Abies sachalinensis), Siberian fir (Abies sibirica), Silver fir (Abies alba) (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
Plant Description
- Balsam fir is an evergreen tree of North America.
- Do not confuse with Oregon Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesil)
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the needles and twigs with a somewhat resinous texture, a pale yellow color, and a fresh, woody, earthy sweet aroma.
Key Constituents
- Bornyl acetate
- Carene / Delta-3-Carene
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
- d-Limonene / Limonene / Dipentene
- Phellandrene / Alpha Phellandrene / Beta Phellandrene
- Camphene
- Terpineol (alpha, beta, or gamma) / Terpinen-4-ol / Terpinolene
