Botanical name Abies spectabilis
Synonym East Himalayan fir, Himalayan silver fir
Botanical synonyms Abies webbiana (Wall ex D. Don) Lindl., Pinus spectabilis D. Don, Pinus webbiana Wall ex D. Don
Family Pinaceae
Source Needles (leaves) and twigs
Origin India
Processing Method Steam Distillation
Color/Consistency A medium, clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid.
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma A middle note of strong aroma, Fir Balsam Essential Oil has the crisp, clean scent of fir balsam needles.
Blends With Cedar wood, Pine, Benzoin, Lavender, Patchouli, Spruce and Rosemary
Product Abstract
Like so many popular essential oils, fir needle essential is extracted through a process of steam distillation from fir needles, primarily from the species Abies balsamea. The needles are the most important part of this plant, as that is where the active ingredients and powerful chemical compounds are located. Once the essential oil is extracted, it can be used for a wide variety of applications, notably in the form of topical ointments or additives to other carrier oils that have other health properties. The combination of tricyclene, a-pinene, borneol, limonene, acetate, and myrcene all combine for these impressive health effects.
History
First described in 1768, balsam fir is a medium-sized tree generally reaching 40-60 feet in height and 1-1 1/2 feet in diameter. It exhibits a relatively dense, dark-green, pyramidal crown with a slender spire-like tip. The scientific name "balsamea" is an ancient word for the balsam tree, so named because of the many resinous blisters found in the bark. Balsam fir and Fraser fir have many similar characteristics, although geographic ranges of the two species do not overlap.
Dr. Wooster Beech (1794-1868), founder of the Eclectic healing movement, regarded balsam fir as a stimulant and laxative when taken internally and as an emollient and coolant when used externally.
Harvesting/Extraction Information
The antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Abies balsamea (balsam fir) was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil of A. balsamea was found to be inactive against E. coli (>100 µg/mL) and active against S. aureus, with an MIC of 56 µg/mL. The oil composition was analysed by GC-MS and the antibacterial activity of each oil constituent was determined.
Common Usage
Caution
Despite the versatility of this particular essential oil, it is important to never consume essential oils internally. Inhalation in the form of aromatherapy is safe in certain situations, but it is always better to speak with an herbalist or an aromatherapist before embarking on this sort of alternative treatment. Also, due to the high concentration of chemicals in these oils,undiluted oils can be very powerful and dangerous when your skin is directly exposed to it.
Key constituents
(þ)-Limonene 29.6%
a-Pinene 19.1%
b-Pinene 9.1%
b-Caryophyllene 5.3%
Bornyl acetate 4.7%
Calarene* 4.2%
Camphene 3.7%
b-Bourbonene 3.3%
b-Maaliene 3.3%
g-Selinene 3.3%
b-Myrcene 2.5%
-Caryophyllene 2.4%
d-Cadinene 2.1%
Quality Fir needle oils may be adulterated with turpentine oil fractions, mixtures of camphene, ()-bornyl acetate and so on.
Safety summary
Hazards Skin sensitization if oxidized.
Cautions Old or oxidized oils should be avoided.
Our safety advice
Because of its (þ)-limonene and a-pinene content we recommend that oxidation of Himalayan fir needle oil is avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of an antioxidant to preparations containing it is recommended .
Regulatory guidelines
Essential oils derived from the Pinaceae family, including Pinus and Abies genera, should only be used when the level of peroxides is kept to the lowest practicable level, for example by the addition of antioxidants at the time of production.
Organ-specific effects
Reproductive toxicity The low reproductive toxicity of (þ)- limonene, a-pinene and b-pinene suggests that Himalayan fir needle oil is not hazardousin pregnancy.
Systemic effects
Carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic potential No information! found for Himalayan fir needle oil, but it contains no known carcinogens. (þ)-Limonene exhibits anticarcinogenic activity.
Comments
Limited availability.
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