BALSAM FIR
Abies balsamea
COMMON NAME: Christmas tree.
FEATURES: There are nine species of fir in the United States, constituting the genus Abies of the pine
family (Pinaceae).
The common name fir is probably applied only to the forty or so species of pyramidal or cylindrical
evergreen trees found mostly in the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia north to the Himalayas, and
eastern North America, where it extends from Virginia and West Virginia in the United States to Labrador
and Newfoundland in Canada. It may be 40–60 feet or more tall, but appears dwarfed near mountaintops.
Members of this genus are characterized by erect cones tht mature in one season but drop their scales
when ripe (unlike other members of this family). The stems of the cones remain attached to the tree, and
fir cones are never found on the ground. The male and female flowers are located on different parts of the
same tree, occurring on branchlets of the previous year’s growth. The female cones are usually high; the
male flowers hang on the lower part of the tree. Both are purplish in color when young. The variable
leaves are sessile, are attached singly.
It is a popular Christmas tree due to its persistent leaves. Turpentine and resin are the popular products
from balsam fir.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Bark, twigs.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant, expectorant.
USES: Very much like balm of Gilead in its action. The bark and twigs are filled with a season’s
storehouse of materia medica, produced only by the elements of nature.
As in all herbal practice we use the plant in its original state. The ancient recognition of balsam fir as a
treatment for rheumatism, kidney conditions, gleet, inflammation of the bladder, urinary difficulties,
typhoid fever, capillary bronchitis, etc., may give year-round meaning to its presence in your home other
than as a seasonal, Christmas adornment.
DOSE: From Dr. J. H. Greer: Balsam fir, 1 ounce; glycerin, 4 ounces; honey, 4 ounces. Mix thoroughly, 1
teaspoonful four times a day. The bark and twigs may be added to other herbal teas for the above uses.
EXTERNALLY: The resin is healing to external wounds. Used as a liniment for rheumatic pain. The twigs,
bark, and leaves are a refreshing and beneficial addition to steam cabinets for sore muscles and sluggish
skin action.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Oil of turpentine for albuminuria, amblyopia, asthma, backache, bladder
(irritable), bronchial neuralgia, bronchitis, chordee, chorea, ciliary neuralgia, cystitis, dropsy, dysentery,
dysmenorrhea, enteric fever, epilepsy, erysipelas bullosa, erythema, fibroma, gallstone colic, glands
(inguinal swelling of), gleet, gonorrhea, hematuria, hemorrhoids, hernia (strangulated), herpes labialis
pudendi, hydrophobia, hypochondriasis, insanity, intestines (ulceration of), iritis, jaundice, kidneys
(congestion of), lumbago, neuralgia (supraorbital), ovaries (pain in, dropsy of), pityriasis, strangury,
stricture, tetanus, tympanites, uremia, urine (suppression of), worms (retention of).