| Silver fir (Abies alba) The European Silver Fir, or Abies alba, is a relatively tall (up to 55m), long-living, evergreen conifer with a base up to 260cm, a long clear trunk and smooth, silvery-grey, scaly bark. It has glossy, dense dark green needles about 2.5cm long, with silvery-white stripes on the underside and it produces pollen cones that are 1-3 cm long. It is the largest fir tree in Europe, native to the mountainous regions, from the Pyrenees, across the Alps into the Carpathians where its distribution is wide – Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Poland and into Yugoslavia. It is characterized by its ‘Christmas tree’ pyramid shape and silvery-white bark. It is an important tree, for economical importance and ecological relevance, and it has been used over the centuries as timber in construction. The plant has traditionally been used for respiratory issues, fever, muscular and rheumatic pain. The essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the needles and twigs. It produces a pale-yellow oil with a warming, balsamic aroma. It is a middle note oil that blends well with pine, citrus, lavender and rosemary. Note: Many oils from coniferous families (Abies, Larix, Picea, Pinus & Tsuga) are called fir needle oils so it is important to purchase the correct oil with the specific botanical name, Abies alba. The essential oil contains primarily monoterpenes (90-95%) – Limonene (10-30%), α-Pinene (15-30%), Camphene (5~20%). It is useful for respiratory infections, bronchitis, influenza, sinusitis, winter blues, fever and muscle aches. Diffuse 5 drops for improved respiration and mental well-being – like having a walk in the forest. Add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam – this is beneficial against respiratory issues and viral infections. Blend 3 drops each of silver fir, black pepper and rosemary and mix into 20ml of almond oil or cream for a massage oil before or after exercise to relax muscles, reduce aches and improve overall muscle tone. |
