Balsam Fir Essential Oil

Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea

Source: Needles
Origin: Canada
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Balsam Fir needle oil has a fresh, evergreen aroma with soft balsamic notes.
Blends Well With: Myrtle, Caraway and Cedarwood. 

About

Balsam Fir essential oil is largely used for its disinfecting properties. For this reason it’s used frequently in diffusers during the Winter months to cleanse the air, especially in enclosed spaces.

Historical Snippets

Balsam Fir Essential Oil has a long history of use in the Americas by the indigenous inhabitants. Balsam Fir Oil has been used on burns and cuts. Salves and poultices were used on the thoracic front and back to help with colds and chest conditions. Even tea was infused with Balsam Fir sap to treat lung ailments. Steam inhalation of Balsam Fir gum was also used to treat headaches. Balsam Fir branches made into a paste was then steamed to aid childbirth.

Key Constituents

• beta-Pinene        29.62%
• alpha-Pinene       15.96%
• Limonene             13.09%
• Bornyl acetate     13.01%
• delta-3-carene     10.68%
• camphene             7.01%
• myrcene                 1.61%
• santene                   1.52%
• terpinolene             1.30%

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Balsam Fir essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
For transportation purposes, this product has flash point above 93.3°C

References

Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.