Balsam Fir Gum Stéphanie Bureau, n.d.

Native to North America, the balsam History tells us that it was the native Indians who first introduced French settlers to the In oral application, fir, or Abies balsamea L., is a majes- many medicinal uses they made of balsam tic conical evergreen that typically fir: as a flu remedy, for sore throats and balsam fir is known grows to between 50 and 80 feet, coughs, as well as for the treatment of cuts, to be one of the best burns and sores. So effective was balsam fir with a narrow conical crown. It in fact, that the harvest of pine gum quickly natural solutions produces aromatic needle-like leaves spread among trappers under French rule, for sore throat, and it became a staple of popular medicine and characteristic purple fir cones. in early French Canadian culture. persistent coughs Primarily recognized as our belo- and other As far as its medicinal properties go, the respiratory tract ved Christmas tree, its liquid balsam fir offers unique therapeutic benefits has long been prized for its many which are specific to each of its medicinally conditions. potent therapeutic properties. In fact, active parts - needles, resin, roots, branches and bark. In many places around the world, balsam fir gum has an extensive and the balsam fir is prized for its powerful well-documented history of thera- analgesic, antiseptic and healing qualities - where it is used in topical application, to peutic use in North America and treat things such as burns, bruises, wounds, In an effort to try and elucidate balsam fir's throughout Europe. sore muscles and various other skin condi- many potent medicinal properties, Quebec tions. Because of its potent healing quali- researchers recently identified more than 15 ties, folk medicine has also relied heavily on active compounds in balsam fir . balsam fir to treat sore and cracked nipples Many of which were shown to have power- in breastfeeding women. ful antibacterial properties in vitro, in parti- cular against the bacterium Staphylococcus In oral application, balsam fir is known to aureus. be one of the best natural solutions for sore throat, persistent coughs and other respira- tory tract conditions. Indeed, the German Pathologies Commission E has approved the use of bal- sam fir to treat inflammation and infections Cold and flu : Balsam fir is a strong of the airways, as well as to relieve rheuma- antimicrobial agent for colds and the flu. It tic aches and pains. is an excellent expectorant, decongestant and mucolytic and exerts a calming effect Balsam fir also possesses well-documented on the respiratory passages in cases of anti-scorbutic, diaphoretic, tonic and diure- spastic cough. Balsam fir is also antiseptic, tic qualities, and can be useful to treat di- anti-infectious and antiviral, and comprises gestive disorders such as diarrhea, though a high percentage of chemical compounds caution is advised, as it does have purgative called monoterpenes which are recognized qualities when taken in excess amounts. as powerful natural germ fighters. These same chemical compounds also play a role

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Since 1974 also has potent antitussive properties, and so serves as an effective cough suppres- Medicinal sant, and can also act as an anti-inflamma- properties: tory agent in the throat and bronchial tubes. Finally, as a natural expectorant agent, bal- • Analgesic sam fir loosens mucous and phlegm depo- sits in the lungs and respiratory tract, and • Antiseptic cleanses the respiratory passages to help • Coolant speed the recovery process.

• Decongestant Detoxification and metabolism: Some of the active constituents in balsam fir • Emollient help stimulate the body to flush itself clean. Its tonic properties in fact, make it a great • Laxative addition for those on cleanses and detoxes, who are looking to eliminate a few extra • Stimulant toxins from their system. Balsam fir also in- duces sweating, which aids in flushing ad- ditional toxins and other cellular debris from the body, as well as assists the liver, thus helping to stimulate and support the clean- in stimulating the immune system in cases sing of numerous organ systems. Further, of colds and flu and in preventing dange- balsam fir acts as a general stimulant for the rous infections. Finally, the soothing nature body, bolstering metabolism and increasing of balsam fir makes it ideal for soothing the everything from our digestion to our heart aches and pain and relaxing aching muscles rate, and our overall energy levels. that so often accompany the cold and flu.

Cough and respiratory tract: Concomitant According to Ayurveda, respiratory illnesses products occur mainly due to aggravated kapha en- ergy, which causes water retention, and the build-up of phlegm and mucous deposits. Atlas cedarwood, basil, black spruce, black This same tradition points to an increased pepper, , bergamot, thyme, vata dosha as being responsible for sinu- peppermint, rosemary and all com- sitis, asthma and breathing problems. With bine extremely well with balsam fir. It may this mind, balsam fir's antiseptic properties also be used as an adjuvant along with can help prevent the spread of harmful mi- conventional or alternative approaches to croorganisms, which are among the primary the treatment of cough and cold and respi- reasons for respiratory infections. Balsam fir ratory ailments.

1. Sagow Pimachiwin Plants and Animals used by Mikisew Cree First Nation for Food, Medicine and Materials. 2010 (Public version). Mikisew Cree First Nation Government and Industry Relations. Prepared by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources. 2. Ellen Evert Hopman. A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 2008. 3. By Jeffrey B. Harborne, Herbert Baxter. Chemical Dictionary of Economic Plants. 2001. 4. Therapeutic Research Faculty (Ed). Canada balsam, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. www.naturaldatabase.com 5. J. T. Garrett. The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. 2003 6. Blumenthal M (Ed). The Complete German Commission E Monographs, American Botanical Council, in collaboration with Integrative Medicine Communications, États-Unis, 1998. DerMarderosian A et al. , The Review of Natural Products - Facts and Comparisons, États-Unis, 1993. 7. Pichette, A, Larouche, PL, Lebrun, M, et al. Composition and antibacterial activity of Abies balsamea essential oil. Phytother Res 2006;20(5):371-373. 8. Mittelhauser, Glen H., Linda L. Gregory, Sally C. Rooney, and Jill E. Weber. The Plants of Acadia National Park. Orono, Me.: University of Maine, 2010. Print. Since 1974 9. Moerman, Daniel E. Native American Medicinal Plants: an Ethnobotanical Dictionary. Portland, Or.: Timber, 2009. Print Léo Désilets Maître Herboriste Inc. 35, rue du Victoria O, Scotstown, QC, J0B 3B0 (819) 657-4733 • www.leo-desilets.com