Essential Oil Spotlight: Siberian Fir

Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) essential oil is steam-distilled from the needles and twigs of the tree. It has a fresh, woody, earthy, sweet scent.

Some properties of this oil include analgesic, antiarthritic, anticatarrhal, antiseptic (pulmonary), expectorant, and stimulant.

Siberian fir is found throughout the cold taiga forest in northern Eurasia and North America. Though highly regarded for its fragrance, the fir tree has been prized through the ages for its medicinal virtues in regards to respiratory complaints, fever, and muscular and rheumatic pain.

Fir creates the symbolic effect of an umbrella protecting the earth and bringing energy in from the universe. At night the animals in the wild lie down under the tree for the protection, recharging, and rejuvenation it brings them.

Today, Siberian fir essential oil is commonly used for bronchitis, bursitis, cartilage inflammation, cleaning, emotional balance, energizing, frozen shoulder, furniture polish, massage (soothing), muscle fatigue, muscle pain, overexercised muscles, relaxing, and sprains. Fir may also be beneficial for reducing aches/pains from colds and the flu, fighting airborne germs/bacteria, arthritis, asthma, supporting the blood, bronchial obstructions, coughs, fevers, oxygenating the cells, rheumatism, sinusitis, and urinary tract infections.

Siberian fir essential oil affects the respiratory system.

Applications of Siberian Fir Essential Oil and Safety Data

Topical Application: Siberian fir essential oil can be used neat (with no dilution). Dilute with carrier oil for children or those with sensitive skin. Apply to reflex points and/or directly on area of concern.
Aromatic Application: Diffuse, or inhale the aroma of Siberian fir essential oil directly. The aroma of Siberian fir creates a feeling of grounding, anchoring, and empowerment. It can stimulate the mind while allowing the body to relax.
Internal Application: Siberian fir essential oil can be taken internally via capsule or beverage. Try diluting 1 drop of Siberian fir essential oil in 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey or 4 oz. (125 ml) of beverage (such as non-dairy milk). It is not to be used for children under 6 years of age and should be used with caution and in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.
Safey Note: This oil can irritate sensitive skin.

5 Ways to Use Siberian Fir Essential Oil

1. Diffuse
Siberian fir is both stimulating and relaxing, which can leave the body feeling refreshed and grounded. Try these blends in your diffuser when you feel the need to be a little more grounded, energized, or relaxed:

  

2. Add to a Body Salve
Due to its anticatarrhal and expectorant properties, Siberian fir is great for respiratory issues. Its analgesic and antiarthritic properties make it a good oil to use on muscles and joints. Siberian fir is also helpful for cuts and scrapes due to its analgesic and antiseptic properties. Try adding Siberian fir essential oil to the following coconut oil salve, or use one of the blends below.

Coconut Oil Salve

Servings: Yield 1/4 cup (60 ml) | Time: 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

• 2 tsp. (3 g) Beeswax Pellets
• 3 Tbsp. (36 g) Coconut Oil
• 15–20 drops essential oil
• 2 oz. Glass Salve Jar or Tin Container

Instructions:

1. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler.
2. Once the beeswax is melted, add the coconut oil. Remove from heat once melted. Allow to cool.
3. When cool, add the essential oil, and use a hand blender to combine. Blend on high for several seconds until well incorporated and creamy.
4. Spoon the cooled cream into sealable glass containers. The salve is ready to use.
5. If using for cuts and scrapes, avoid contaminating the cream with stray bacteria—try not to touch it directly with your hands. Instead, use a cotton swab or clean tissue to apply it to a wound.

Essential Oil Blends:

3. Use in Furniture Polish
Siberian fir is a great oil to add to natural furniture polish that can be used for wood, leather, stainless steel, and other metals. It polishes woods and metals, softens leather, removes sticky residue, and more.

Furniture Polish

Servings: Yield 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) | Time: 2 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

• 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 Tbsp. (7.5 ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 Tbsp. (7.5 ml) vinegar
• 6 drops Siberian fir essential oil
• 2 oz. Glass Trigger Spray Bottle

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the spray bottle. Shake to combine.
2. To use, shake and spray on rag, then rub onto any wood, metal, or leather surface needing polishing.

4. Add to Deodorant, Perfume, or Room Spray

Siberian fir smells so good and its scent is so grounding; it is a great oil to add to deodorant, perfume, or a room spray. Simply add one of the following blends to this soft deodorant recipe, this hard deodorant recipe, this room spray recipe, or this perfume recipe.

5. Open Airways with a Steam Facial Bath
Because it contains expectorant and anticatarral properties, Siberian fir is great to use for respiratory issues, especially a stuffy nose. Try this recipe for a steam facial bath to help open your airways:

Source:
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 9th Edition, p. 112.