Distilled from the needles of the balsam fir tree, this essential oil (also known as Abies balsamea or A. balsamea) has a deep woodsy fir scent that smells just like a Christmas tree. Typically, materials for this oil are harvested in the winter because this is when they have the highest concentrations of the oil. Diffusing it will fill your home with the wonderful aroma of a pine forest, and it has many other beneficial uses, as well.
1. Make an Antibacterial Cleaning Spray
A study published in Phytotherapy Research showed A. balsamea was effective at fighting one of the bacteria found in staph infections, Staphylococcus aureus. Using it in combination with tea tree oil, which is also antibacterial, is a natural way to kill germs when you clean your home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 20 drops of balsam fir essential oil
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle and spray surfaces. Leave in place for five minutes and wipe away with a damp paper towel.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
2. Soak Away Sore Muscles
In Ayurveda, balsam fir oil and its close relative, fir needle oil, are used to treat aches and pains ranging from minor pain to rheumatism. Using the oil in a bath soak is a great way to ease aches and pains. To use it:
- Fill the bathtub with hot water.
- Add 10 drops of balsam fir oil and 1/4 cup of Epsom salts.
- Soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Make a Muscle Rub
Likewise, you can harness the pain soothing power of balsam fir oil in a muscle rub or massage oil. For the massage oil, add 2 drops of balsam fir oil to an ounce of any carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. To make a muscle rub, use the following recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax pastilles
- 30 drops of balsam fir essential oil
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and beeswax pastilles, stirring constantly.
- Cool slightly and add the essential oil.
- Store in an airtight container in a dark place for up to six months. Rub into sore muscles as needed.
4. Add It to a Steam Cleaner
If you have a portable steam cleaner, a steam floor mop, or a steam carpet cleaner, you can add 5 drops per gallon to the water tank and clean as you normally would. It will fight staph bacteria and leave your home with the pleasing, natural scent of pine.
5. Make a Cold Righting Diffuser Blend
Many people use balsam fir essential oil to fight respiratory infections. Diffusing it alone (about three to five drops with water in the diffuser) or in combination with other congestion-fighting essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oils (with a max of five drops with water total) can help ease congestion and fight upper respiratory infections.
6. Refresh Fabrics
Couches, pet beds, curtains and other fabrics can get smelly over time. You can refresh the fabrics between cleanings with a simple balsam fir fabric spray that will leave the fabrics pine-scented instead of smelling like wet dog.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 8 ounces distilled water
- 30 drops balsam fir essential oil
- 15 drops orange essential oil
- 15 drops cinnamon essential oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle (you may wish to use a funnel).
- Shake well and spray a light mist on fabrics.
- Patch test fabric before using for colorfastness and always shake well before spraying.
- Store in a cool, dark area for up to six months.
7. Make a Staph Fighting Body Scrub
Your skin normally has staph bacteria on it, even when you're healthy. However, staph can become problematic if your immune system is unable to process it. This body scrub smells good, invigorates, moisturizes and exfoliates, but also has the added benefit of fighting potentially problematic staph.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 3 drops of balsam fir essential oil
- 2 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop of clove bud essential oil
Instructions
- In a small container, combine all ingredients, mixing well.
- Use as a hand scrub or in the shower to exfoliate dead skin.
8. Make a Deodorant
Store bought deodorants contain aluminum and other chemicals that may not be beneficial. Making deodorant with balsam fir oil and other essential oils will fight bacteria that causes odor without containing toxic chemicals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 5 drops balsam fir essential oil
- 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all ingredients well and allow to harden.
- Pour into a recycled deodorant container or jar and apply each morning.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
9. Make Boo Boo Spray (That Fights Germs)
You can also make a wound care spray that will help keep staph and other bacteria away from wounds and infecting them.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces sweet almond oil
- 15 drops of balsam fir essential oil
- 10 drops of orange essential oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray lightly on small scratches and other small wounds.
- Store in a cool, dray place for up to six months.
Cautions
Balsam fir essential oil is generally regarded as safe with no known interactions or reactions. However, when working with essential oils, you should always observe the following cautions:
- Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin as a severe reaction called sensitization may occur.
- When working with undiluted essential oils (such as adding them to the recipes above), wear protective gloves to ensure they don't make direct contact with skin in their nondiluted forms.
- Pregnant and nursing women should always check with their primary health care provider before using any essential oils.
- Do not ingest essential oils unless supervised by a qualified health practitioner.
- Always mix essential oils in a well-ventilated area.
A Whole World of Ideas
These are just a few of the many ideas for incorporating balsam fir essential oils into your life. Whether you are using it just for its scent or for its health and wellness benefits, this essential oil is a great ingredient to have handy.
