BALSAM FIR 

Abies balsamea L. Mill.

ESSENTIAL OIL

Best for diffusion, steam inhalations, inhalation sticks. Antibacterial, antifungal. Used as atmospheric antiseptic, air cleanser, to purify and regenerate polluted air. Tonic, energizing properties. For respiratory and joint comfort. In colds and flu congestions and associated symptoms, in support of healthy lungs, in case of catarrh, coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma. For targeted massages for muscles, joints and chest, arthritis, rheumatisms, sore muscles, post-workout. Small cuts and minor burns balms; general tonic, energizing, physical and mental fatigue. Ambience: to uplift mood, Christmas tree scent, forest scent. 
 

INCI Name : Abies Balsamea Needle Oil 

SYNONYM :

CAS Number :8021-29-2

SKU code :

EXTRACTION METHOD: Steam distillation.

PARTS USED: Needles and twigs.

ORIGIN: Canada (Quebec)

COMMON NAMES: Canadian Fir needle oil, Québec balsam Fir, Huile essentielle de Sapin Baumier (French)

APPEARANCE: Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid.

ODOUR DESCRIPTION & NOTE: Top to middle note. Very aromatic, characterized by a fresh very terpenic start, forest-like aroma, (Fresh, cool, watery, clean, crisp, and sharp/ “medicinal”) followed by a balsamic dry-down (Rich, warm, slightly sweet, and spicy, woody, and earthy). Reminiscent of resin-bleed forest. Leaves the air smelling clean and purified.

QUALITY: 100 % pure, organic, whole, essential oil.

MAIN MOLECULAR CONSTITUANTS: β-pinene (30.18%), δ-3-carene (14.33%) Bornyl acetate (4.06%), α-pinene (16.06%) limonene (3 %), β-Phellandrene (14.33%); camphene (5.89%)

STORAGE CONDITION: Keep bottles tightly closed, in a cool, dry place protected from sunlight and heat sources. Store away from children and pets’ reach.

INFOS AND INTERESTING FACTS 

Native to Canada, Abies balsamea, known as the Balsam Fir, offers a beautiful fresh, clean, purifying essential oil with some sweet and warm undertones, distilled from its aromatic needles.Balsam fir essential oil is recognized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Balsam fir essential oil expectorant, antiseptic and energizing qualities, have traditionally been used to promote respiratory and joints comfort in time if colds, congestion, and coughs. This essential oil can be found in balms and rubs for rheumatism, muscle cramps, or digestive discomforts. 

With its evergreen crisp resinous forest aroma, Balsam Fir essential oil olfactive signature is directly associated in the northern hemisphere, with the winter holidays. It is iconic in many traditional Christmas season blends for home fragrances. 

Canadian fir essential oil is also a natural and powerful ally for air purification and is cherished for its purifying, “breathe easy” and invigorating scent. 

Balsam fir essential oil is often added to synergies to promote feelings of relaxation and grounding, to reduce stress and revitalize stamina. Its fresh, woody aroma is sometimes used as a bridge between top and base notes in natural perfumery, to add depth and a forest-like quality to fragrances, and to suggest a clean, active, dynamic yet grounded and positive attitude.

• Antiseptic, respiratory antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-bacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic: muscle, respiratory spasms.
• Expectorant: mucus from the airways, lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
• Analgesic, calming, soothing. 
• Decongestant: nasal congestion.
• Tonic, general stimulant 
• Anti-parasitic
• Antirheumatic

WELLBEING and AMBIANCE DIFFUSION, INHALATION

• Ultrasonic & Steam diffusion
• Mood Enhancer: Diffused to uplift spirits and give a boost of energy especially during winter months.
• Air cleansing, sanitizing: in diffuser blends to purify the air in living spaces in diffusions.
• Respiratory Support: Used in blends to support healthy respiration.
• In anti-mycosis blends for air diffusion.
• Inhalation: steam and inhaler sticks
• Home Sprays, on wooden, paper supports or pot pourri, In shoes and cupboards.

WELLBEING MASSAGES & BODY CARE/ SKIN APPLICATIONS ON SMALL AREAS

Massages: 

• In massage blends for rheumatisms: chest massages in periods of bronchitis, flu, various ENT coughs
• Muscle, joints Comfort: Added to massage blends to soothe sore muscles or joints.
• In anti-mycosis/ anti-fungal blends, powders, or balms for topical applications.
• In Baths: In bath salts or neutral shower gels for decongestion and soothing.
• On Compresses for minor wounds and burns.

OTHERS

• Homecare purifying, sanitizing: sprays, powders, pot pourri, cleaning liquids...
• Natural Perfumery
• Holiday Ambiance: Frequently diffused during the holiday season for its festive aroma reminiscent of forests.

FOR DIFFUSION: Atmospheric diffusion for well-being, air sanitizing or ambiance

And in steam inhalation/ inhalers blends.

• Ultrasonic Diffusers for air purification, 5-10 added directly to your water- filled reservoir. Diffuse for 15- 20 min 3 times a day. Before entering the room or space. Do not sleep with diffuser on. 
• Inhalation: 1-2 drops on a tissue, an inhaler stick.
• Steam Inhalation: 3-5 drops in a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, inhale deeply for a few minutes. Do not exceed numbers of drops recommended, even when congested and not “smelling”. Rather repeat operation more often during the day. Keep your eyes closed. Keep a safe distance between nose and bowl (20cm) and wait a few second before positioning your face over the hot water to allow for a cooling time, and safer temp. for your delicate mucous membranes and facial skin. Water should be steaming and the temperature comfortable, not scalding hot!!!!)
• Tip: You can use the left-over water from steaming, in your ultrasonic diffuser. 

OTHERS 

• Homecare 
• Home Cleaning Products: 10-20 drops per cup of water in a spray bottle.
• Candles: Varies based on the candle-making method and desired scent intensity, generally, 6-10 drops per ounce of wax.
• Natural Perfumery: Used as a top to middle note. See below idea of blends and blending companions. 
• Occasional massages & body care: Skin applications for wellbeing targeted massages or rubs. 

Always dilute our pure Balsam Fir essential oil in a suitable carrier (oil, neutral base…) before any skin applications: 20% in a carrier oil (20% balsam fir essential oil and 80% carrier (ex: for a 10ml empty amber bottle: 2 ml (40 drops) e.o. and 8ml/top up with carrier oil).

• Well-being Massages, Targeted/topical Body massages: 2%-5% dilution (12-30 drops max per 30ml of carrier oil).
• Baths and bath powders/ oils: 5-10 drops mixed with a carrier oil, natural liquid soap, or Epsom salts before adding to the water. 

For more detailed information, please go check this LINK TO Instructions of use essential oils page

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED ON THE SKIN and SEEK MEDICAL AND SPECIALIST GUIDANCE WHEN IN DOUBT.

SEE OUR PAGE ON PRECAUTION - HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY

Some suggestions for:

Wellbeing synergies

• Congestions: diffuse or add to inhaler stick or for steam inhalation: with Eucalyptus radiata and peppermint essential oils
• In baths with Epsom salts or diluted in neutral shower gel/castile soap: with eucalyptus citriodora, cedarwood, peppermint essential oil.
• Joints or muscular comfort: Add to Jojoba, Arnica, or St John’s Wort carrier oil, in our sports massage oil or the natural cream base/ neutral gel base before applying for topical massages with ginger and rosemary essential oils.

Ambiance, diffusions, and natural perfumery: 

• Citrus Oils: to uplift, brighten and balance the deep forest aroma: Lemon, Sweet Orange, Bergamot.
• Woody Oils: to enhance the deep forest feeling. Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Pine.
• Herbaceous Oils: Lend a refreshing and clean aspect to blends: Lavender, Rosemary, Clary Sage.
• Resinous Oils: to complement the balsamic notes of Balsam Fir, add depth and mystery: Frankincense, Myrrh
• Spicy Oils: io bring warmth and balance the coolness of Balsam Fir: Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg
• Floral Oils: to introduce a softness to the blend: Geranium, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang
• Minty Oils: To enhance the refreshing aspect of Balsam Fir. Peppermint, Spearmint.

Relaxing inhaler stick

in an inhaler stick, add: 

•          5 drops of  lavender EO, 

•          5 drops of rosemary cineole EO. 

•          10 drops of balsam fir EO. 

Breathe 4 to 5 times in the morning.

Festive Diffuser Blend (Ambiance)

•          4 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Sweet Orange essential oil

•          2 drops Cinnamon essential oil

Add the oils to your diffuser and fill with water. Enjoy the holiday ambiance!

Air-Purifying Diffuser Blend (Cleansing Air)

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Lemon essential oil

•          2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

OR

•          2 drops balsam fir essential oil

•          2 drops pine essential oil

•          2 drops grapefruit essential oil

OR

•          4 drops of balsam fir EO, 

•          4 drops of Ravintsara EO

•          4 drops of Lemon essential oil

Add the drops directly in the water reservoir of your ultrasonic diffuser to help purify and refresh the air in your home.

Diffuse for 10- 20 minutes before entering the room.

Relaxation ambiance (Well-being diffusion)

•          4 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Lavender essential oil

•          2 drops Bergamot essential oil

Add to a diffuser and fill with water. This blend is great for creating a calming and peaceful environment.

Soothing Massage oil.

•          30ml Jojoba oil (carrier oil)

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Chamomile essential oil

•          Method: Combine oils and use for a soothing, muscle-relaxing massage.

Winter Skin Soothing Balm 

•          30ml Shea Butter

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Lavender essential oil

Melt shea butter gently and mix in essential oils. Allow to cool and solidify before using.

Forest Walk Natural Perfumed Oil

•          10ml Jojoba oil (as a base)

•          4 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Cedarwood essential oil

•          2 drops Juniper Berry essential oil

Combine in a roll-on bottle for a fresh, woodsy scent.

Traditional Northern Merry Season: 

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil 

•          4 drops Sweet Orange essential oil 

•          3 drops Cinnamon essential oil 

•          2 drops Clove essential oil 

•          1 drop Pine essential oil

Combine these essential oils in a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil or in a liquid soap for use on the skin or in a bath. Always do a patch test before applying blends to the skin.

Crisp, energizing, refreshing Forest Walk: 

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          4 drops Cedarwood essential oil 

•          3 drops Pine essential oil 

•          2 drops Hemlock spruce essential oil 

•          1 drop Juniper Berry essential oil 

Mix these essential oils for use in a diffuser to create the of a clean forestatmosphere in your space. For skin application or a bath, combine with a carrier oil (jojoba…) or a natural liquid soap (castile soap/ neutral shower gel).

Festive Season diffusion

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          7 drops Sweet Orange essential oil

•          3 drops Clove essential oil

Add essential oils to a bottle. Diffuse or apply a few drops onto napkins, shredded paper, pot pourri, dry branches…

Refreshing Bath 

•          15ml / 2 Tbsp of shower gel or castile soap

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add oils to the liquid soap, then pour into a warm bath for an invigorating soak.

Natural Drawer Sachet

•          Small sachet or cloth bag

•          A handful of wood chips, shredded paper, or dried lavender buds

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

Add the essential oil to the cedarwood chips or lavender buds, then place in the sachet. Keep in drawers to maintain a fresh scent.

Candle Infusion

•          Unscented candle

•          Balsam Fir essential oil

Light the candle and let it burn for a few minutes. Blow it out and add 1-2 drops of Balsam Fir essential oil to the melted wax. Relight and enjoy the aroma!

Diffusion support for Congestion 

•          5 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

•          2 drops Peppermint essential oil

Add the essential oils to your diffuser's water tank. Follow the diffuser's instructions to operate. This blend can help clear airways and make breathing easier.

Joints soothing Balm: 

•          30 ml (approx. 2 tablespoons) of carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil or coconut oil)

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          7 drops Ginger essential oil

•          5 drops Rosemary essential oil

Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil in a small glass jar. Rub a small amount onto affected areas to help soothe aching joints.

Inhaler Stick for Congestion:

•          Inhaler stick 

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil

•          5 drops Lavender essential oil

Open the inhaler stick and place the wick inside. Drip the essential oils onto the wick. Once saturated, close the inhaler stick. Inhale deeply whenever you need congestion relief.

Chest Rub 

•          30 ml (approx. 2 tablespoons) of carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil or coconut oil)

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil

•          5 drops Lemon essential oil

•          Optional: 10 ml Beeswax (to create a thicker consistency)

Instructions:

1.         If using beeswax, melt it in a double boiler.

2.         Once melted, remove from heat, and add the carrier oil, stirring well.

3.         Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Mix well.

4.         Transfer the blend into a glass or metal container.

5.         Apply to the chest and back for congestion relief.

 Purifying anti-fungal Foot Soak: 

•          Warm water

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Lavender essential oil

• 1 tsp carrier oil

•          2 tablespoons Epsom salt

Fill a basin with warm water. Dilute essential oils to carrier oil and add to Epsom salt, stirring well. Add salts to water. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes.

Sore Muscle Massage Oil:

•          30 ml (approx. 2 tablespoons) of carrier oil (e.g., Arnica, Grapeseed oil or almond oil)

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Marjoram essential oil

•          5 drops Peppermint essential oil

Instructions: Blend essential oils with the carrier oil in a glass bottle. Massage onto sore muscles.

Invigorating Shower Gel

•          60 ml unscented shower gel base or castile soap

•          10 drops Balsam Fir essential oil

•          5 drops Bergamot essential oil

•          5 drops Lemon essential oil

Instructions: Add essential oils to the liquid soap base. Mix well and use in the shower for a refreshing experience.

DISCLAIMER for recipes and info:

The recipes and information provided on this website are intended for informational and personal home use purposes only and are not meant to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 100% Pure essential oils are potent plant extracts and can cause reactions if not used correctly. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or aromatherapist before making changes to your health and wellness routine. Always conduct a patch test before applying any new essential oil to the skin. Keep your essential oils and essential oils blend tightly closed and well out of the reach of children and pets. eOil.co.za cannot be held responsible for any harm, injury, or adverse reaction resulting from the use or misuse of any information/ recipes provided here.

Remember always to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any homemade balm or rub on larger areas. This ensures you don't have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the ingredients. If you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed health condition, consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils.

Our balsam fir (Abies balsamea) essential oil production:

In Canada, balsam fir trees are also grown in Agro forestry to be used for lumber. The primary raw materials used in the distillation of balsam fir essential oil are the needles and sometimes the twigs. Their collection is done during regular forest maintenance campaigns and do not require cutting down the entire tree. Harvesters take care not to over-harvest from any individual tree, ensuring the tree's continued health and vitality.

The residues (needles and twigs) from the lumber production are also used for essential oil distillation and makes use of parts that would otherwise be discarded.

Balsam Fir Resin oil: Balsam fir trees are also known for their resin. While the resin can be tapped without harming the tree, please note that our essential oil is produced from steam distilling the needles and twigs and not the resin.

Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy / breastfeeding 

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED and seek medical and specialist advise when in doubt