Baumier Fir : The perfect tree for a Merry Christmas!

The balsam fir is a Christmas tree cultivated for its height and perfect conical shape, and is often used for indoor or outdoor Christmas decorations. It's also known as a balsam fir or cultivated Christmas tree.

Christmas history

The exact origin of the balsam fir is uncertain, but it is generally considered to be a cultivated variety of the common fir (Pinus sylvestris). The first balsam fir crops were developed in Germany in the 19th century to satisfy the growing demand for Christmas trees in Europe and the United States. Growers selected trees with a perfect conical shape and rapid growth, and then began to cultivate them using pruning and trimming techniques to maintain their shape. Today, balsam fir trees are grown in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Germany. They are grown in large quantities for sale as Christmas trees, with millions sold every year.

Composition of Balsam Fir Oil

Balsam fir oil is obtained from the needles and branches of the balsam fir tree. It is rich in phenolic compounds, terpene acids, vitamins and minerals. The main chemical components present in balsam fir oil are :

• terpenes, such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which give it its characteristic fir scent

• terpene alcohols such as camphor

• terpene esters such as borneol and bornyl acetate

• terpene aldehydes such as cineole

• phenols such as syringol and syringeol.

Balsam fir oil is used for its antiseptic and expectorant properties, for respiratory ailments and skin problems. It can also be used to perfume cosmetics and household cleaning products.

Properties of Balsam Fir Oil

Balsam fir oil is used for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. Properties most commonly associated with balsam fir oil include :

• Antiseptic : balsam fir oil is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections due to its antiseptic properties. It can also be used to disinfect skin and wounds.

• Expectorant : Balsam fir oil is used to treat respiratory ailments thanks to its expectorant properties. It can help clear the airways by thinning bronchial secretions and increasing mucus production.

• Anti-inflammatory : Balsam fir oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the pain and swelling associated with certain conditions.

• Stimulant : balsam fir oil has stimulating properties that can help boost energy and vitality.

• Aromatherapy : Balsam fir oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties, and can help relieve stress and anxiety.

Indications for Balsam Fir essential oil

Balsam fir essential oil is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including :

• Respiratory : It is used to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, coughs and nasal congestion. It has expectorant properties that can help clear the airways by thinning bronchial secretions and increasing mucus production.

• Musculoskeletal : Used to relieve joint and muscle pain, it is effective for pain associated with rheumatism and back pain.

• Stress and anxiety : Used to relieve stress and anxiety, due to its calming and soothing properties.

• Skin care : Used to treat skin problems such as acne, bruises, cuts and burns. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of infection.

It is important to respect recommended doses and not to use on pregnant or breast-feeding women, children or people with epilepsy.

How to use Balsam Fir oil

There are several ways to use balsam fir essential oil, including :

• Inhalation : You can use an inhalation to take advantage of the oil's expectorant and antiseptic properties. Simply place a few drops of oil in a bowl of warm water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the fumes for a few minutes.

• Massage : You can use balsam fir essential oil to relieve muscle and joint pain by massaging it into the skin. It is important to dilute the oil in a vegetable oil before use to avoid irritation.

• Diffusion : You can use a diffuser to diffuse balsam fir essential oil into the air to benefit from its calming and soothing properties.

• Bath : You can add a few drops of balsam fir essential oil to your bath to relieve pain and muscle tension.

• Cosmetics : You can use balsam fir essential oil to treat skin problems by adding it to your lotions, creams, soaps and shampoos.

It's important to note that essential oils are concentrated products and should be used with caution and under the supervision of a health professional. A skin test is recommended before using them on a large surface area of the body, to avoid allergic reactions. It is important to respect recommended doses to avoid adverse effects.

Home recipes using Balsam Fir Oil

Here are a few home recipes you can use with balsam fir essential oil :

1. Inhalation for the respiratory tract : Add 3 to 4 drops of balsam fir essential oil to a bowl of warm water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for a few minutes to relieve symptoms of coughing and nasal congestion.

2. Massage oil for muscular pain : In an empty bottle, mix 30 ml of vegetable oil (almond oil, apricot kernel oil, etc.) with 3 to 4 drops of balsam fir essential oil. Apply to painful areas and massage gently.

3. Diffuser for aromatherapy : Add a few drops of balsam fir essential oil to a diffuser to benefit from its calming and soothing properties.

4. Relaxing bath : Add 5 to 7 drops of balsam fir essential oil to your bath to relieve muscle tension and pain.

5. Household cleaner : Add 5-7 drops of balsam fir essential oil to a bottle of household cleaner spray to give a fresh scent and eliminate germs.

It's important to note that not all of these recipes are backed by scientific studies, and that balsam fir essential oil should be used with caution and under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to respect recommended doses to avoid adverse effects. It is also important to check that you are not allergic to any of the essential oil's components before use.

Precautions when using Balsam Fir oil

There are a few precautions to bear in mind when using balsam fir essential oil :

• Dilution : It is important to dilute balsam fir essential oil before use, especially when massaging or applying it to a large area of the skin.

• Doses : It is important to follow recommended doses to avoid adverse effects. It is recommended to consult a health professional before starting to use balsam fir essential oil.

• Pregnant and breast-feeding women : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Children : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

• Epileptics : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for epileptics.

• Allergy : It is important to do a skin test before using balsam fir essential oil to avoid allergic reactions.

• Drug interaction : It is important to consult a health care professional before using balsam fir essential oil if you are taking medication, as it may interact with certain drugs.

It is important to note that these precautions are not exhaustive, and it is important to consult a health professional before using balsam fir essential oil.

What are the contraindications ?

There are a few contraindications to consider when using balsam fir essential oil :

• Pregnant and breast-feeding women : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is insufficient data on the effects of this oil on pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Children : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for children under 6, as they are more sensitive to essential oils.

• Epileptics : Balsam fir essential oil is not recommended for epileptics, as it may increase the risk of convulsions.

• Allergy : It is important to do a skin test before using balsam fir essential oil to avoid allergic reactions.

• Drug interaction : It is important to consult a health care professional before using balsam fir essential oil if you are taking medication, as it may interact with certain drugs.

• Photosensitization : Balsam fir essential oil is photosensitizing, i.e. it increases the risk of sunstroke if you expose yourself to the sun after using it. It is therefore not recommended to use it before exposing yourself to the sun.

It is important to note that these contraindications are not exhaustive, and it is important to consult a health professional before using balsam fir essential oil.

Scientific research on Balsam Fir

There are scientific studies on the medicinal properties of balsam fir essential oil, but most studies are preliminary and have been carried out on animals or using cell models. The results of these studies are encouraging, but require further study to establish the safety and efficacy of balsam fir essential oil for the various indications.

For example, a 2007 study showed that balsam fir essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2011 study showed that balsam fir essential oil has expectorant properties and can help clear the respiratory tract. A 2018 study showed that balsam fir essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used to relieve muscle and joint pain.

It is important to note that these studies are preliminary and that further studies are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of balsam fir essential oil for the various indications. It is therefore important to consult a health professional before using balsam fir essential oil for medical or therapeutic purposes.