Balsam Fir essential oil is great for soothing sore muscles.

Introduction To Essential Oils

Essentials oils have been used around the globe for centuries. They are used for both pleasure and medicinal purposes. Medicinally, certain essential oils can be ingested orally to have a biochemical effect on your body. Because essential oils are volatile, meaning they can evaporate into the air especially when added to hot water, they can be breathed in through your respiratory system.

This can have a local effect on your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs. They can even enter your blood circulation through being inhaled which will then have a biochemical effect on your entire body. Topically essential oils work by penetrating your skin to affect an area locally and by penetrating your skin a small amount can enter your blood stream affecting your whole body. Applied topically, essential oils are absorbed through your olfactory nerve in your nose affecting your brain and nervous system. These various pathways can affect your health both mentally and physically. The study of Aromatherapy – the medicinal use of essential oils – falls under the new science called Psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of the interaction of your psyche, nervous system and immune system. Science has shown that when you have a positive outlook and feel relaxed your immune system works better.

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils and resins from plants have been used in cultures globally since Biblical times. They were in such demand that they played an important role in international trade around the globe. In Egypt, high priests recorded the many medicinal uses of essential oils onto papyrus paper. Records show the Chinese used aromatic herbs and massage over 2000 years ago. And in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, essential oils were and still are used in massage and on pressure points to correct underlying imbalances and to improve health.

How To Use Essential Oils

  • inhaled through steam inhalation, humidifiers, diffusers, and vaporizers
  • added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin directly or as a hot or cold compress
  • spritzed onto objects like pillows, bedding and furniture
  • added to infusers, potpourri and candles to enhance the odour of an indoor space
  • applied to skin as perfume
  • used as a gargle or mouth wash, added to toothpaste, soaps, cleaning solutions, lotions and creams, face and body spray
  • added to baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, hand and foot baths and saunas

What is Balsam Fir Essential Oil?

Balsam Fir Essential Oil is oil extracted from the Balsam Fir tree native to Eastern and Central Canada and North-eastern United States.

Its oil is located in its needles and is extracted by steam distillation and used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It’s often added to natural cleaning products and candles to make indoor spaces smell welcoming and clean.

Health Benefits of Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir Essential Oil is used topically as a soothing agent for tense and sore muscles. This is because it acts to draw blood circulation to affected areas which hydrates and nourishes tense and sore muscles. It’s also good for aches and pains from exercise.

Balsam Fir is good for your respiratory system. It’s oil opens respiratory airways in your nose, sinuses, bronchi and lungs. This is especially useful during coughs, asthma, sinus infections and colds.

Balsam Fir Essential Oil is also thought to work on a mental emotional level. It’s thought to be transformational in changing beliefs and emotional patterns. It grounds the body and empowers the mind.

Ways To Use Balsam Fir Oil

Topically: in a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil:

  • For sore tense muscles
  • Aches and pains
  • Sore joints, Arthritis
  • Post exercise
  • On chest and neck for colds, coughs, asthma, sinus infections

Inhaled via steam inhalation, vaporizer, bath, diffuser or humidifier:

Works synergistically with:

  • For colds – Eucalyptus, Oregano, Ginger
  • For sore muscles – Frankincense, Ginger, Rosemary
  • To ground the body and energize the mind – Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Basil