Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Balsam fir

Balsam Fir essential oil has a balsamic, resinous fragrance and is wonderful for diffusing. Traditionally used for its toning properties, Balsam Fir essential oil is recommended for respiratory comfort. Soothing, Balsam Fir essential oil is reputed to promote joint health.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Possible but not recommended

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Appropriate

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Suitable

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Possible but not recommended

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Possible but not recommended

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Needles

Botanical name

Abies balsamea

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Health

Wellness

Find out more

Properties

Balsam fir essential oil is recognised for its health properties:

  • Balsamic, respiratory purifying, oxygenating

  • Antispasmodic

  • Rich in anti-inflammatory active ingredients

  • Analgesic, rubefacient (warming)

Uses

It is traditionally used to improve the following conditions:

  • Colds and bronchitis, asthma, coughs

  • Cold rheumatism, osteoarthritis

  • Muscle cramps and contractures

In practice

Muscle relaxant: Mix with your oil blend. Rub or massage your mixture into the area concerned.

Respiratory comfort: air diffusion.

Precautions

  • Not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy.

  • Skin irritant in its pure form, always use diluted (max 20%) on the skin.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

  • Avoid contact with the eyes.

  • Some natural compounds in this essential oil may present an allergy risk for sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic formulation (according to the 7th Amendment of the European Cosmetic Products Directive (2003/15/EC)): limonene.

  • As a general rule, always perform a patch test of your mixture in the crease of the elbow at least 48 hours before use.

Find out more

In its nativeCanada, the Balsam Fir is traditionally used as a "Christmas tree" , as it has the property of giving off a much appreciated fragrance. The Amerindians have long been aware of the benefits of this tree, considered to be the most vigorous of the softwoods.

They used its resin, needles and buds, its young shoots and the gum it produced.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Absolute relaxation bath salt "Dans les vapeurs d'un Spa" (S. Macheteau)

Wellness

Recommended container: 125 ml glass jar

  • 100 g Epsom salt

  • 3 to 5 moka spoons (small teaspoon) of Plant Chlorophyll, depending on the desired intensity

  • 0.5 ml Baobab carrier oil (to be measured with a graduated syringe)

  • 10 drops of Balsam Fir essential oil

  • 10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil

  • 5 drops of Peppermint essential oil

  • 5 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil

  • 1 pinch of white Mica

Directions: Place the Epsom salt in the bowl along with the Baobab carrier oil. Then add the Chlorophyll powder, the white Mica and the drops of essential oil. Mix everything together, shaking vigorously to obtain an even colour. Pour into the jar.

Use: Add 5 capfuls of these bath salts when you run your bath under the jet of water to give your bathroom the maximum fragrance.

Storage: Store away from light and air for up to 6 months.

Bibliography

1

"Huiles essentielles - 2000 ans de découvertes aromathérapeutiques pour une médecine d'avenir"

Dominique Baudoux

2

"Aromatherapy"

Dr Jean Valnet - Éditions Maloine

3

'L'aromathérapie exactement'

P. Franchomme and Dr D. Pénoël

4

'La bible de l'aromathérapie'

Nerys Purchon

5

'L'ABC des huiles essentielles'

Dr Telphon

6

'Aromatherapy'

Nelly Grosjean

7

'Les huiles essentielles pour votre santé'

G. Roulier

8

"Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Pédiatrie"

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris

9

Aroma-News newsletters from the NARD association

10

"L'aromathérapie - Se soigner par les huiles essentielles"

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris