Imagine a silent forest that is blanketed in snow. The air is so crisp and still. Towering above you, stands the majestic Fir Tree. What deep mysteries has this tree witnessed in its long life? What deep mysteries can we understand when the fragrance of this essential oil cuts through our mental fog to uncover a deep inner stillness within?
Siberian Fir Needle pure essential oil is refreshing with its prickly, woody scent and is known for its calming and grounding properties.
Our Fir Needle essential oil is sourced from Russia and the trees are considered to be from a large and stable population. The Siberian Fir tree grows across a large area including North and Eastern Russia, the Russian region of Siberia, Turkey, Mongolia, and Northern China.
Once the needles and twigs of the tree are harvested, they are put into a vat. Hot steam is then pumped through the plant material causing the aromatic molecules to vaporize. The steam flows into a cooling tube known as a condensing unit. As the steam is cooled it becomes water and essential oil. The water is known as a hydrosol and has many aromatherapy applications. The essential oil floats on top of the hydrosol and is collected, bottled and ready for use.
The Siberian Fir Needle Tree is a glorious evergreen tree that grows in a conical shape. It can tower up over 30 meters high and live for about 200 years. The bark is smooth and can range from a gray – green to gray – brown color. The leaves are actually needles that are highly aromatic and they protect the tree from water loss and predators. The tree is resistant to all the challenges of the cold northern environment, it is resistant to frost, snow and shade and can survive in temperatures as low as – 50℃. Siberian Fir Needle trees prefer a moist soil and was first described by Carl Friedrich von Ledebour in 1833.
For many people, Fir trees smell like Christmas. The essential oil has a ‘piney’ fragrance that is balsamic, sweet and slightly crisp. The essential oil has a fragrance profile that is clearing and calming.
There are many varieties of Fir, and they can be found across North and Central America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. North American Indians used the resin, also known as fir balsam, from the trees for ceremonies and medicinal purposes. Ancient Egyptians were reported to use the plant for beauty treatments such as skin and hair care. Some cultures consider Fir trees to be the guardians of the forests and used the plant for protection and to promote strength.
You may have seen essential oils from a few different types of Fir trees such as Douglas Fir or White Fir. Different species of Fir essential oils have similar actions, although their fragrances are unique, this is due the the chemical make-up of each essential oil, the chemical compounds are similar, just in different proportions. Typically, Abies sibirica essential oil is rich in
Diffuser: Promote a refreshing, calm atmosphere by adding 6-8 drops of Fir essential oil into a diffuser.
Quick fix: To manage stress or help clear your thoughts, take a few deep inhalations from the bottle. A quick and easy treatment when you are at work, in the car, or anytime you need a quick break.
Shower: Add 2-3 drops to a face washer and place in the corner of the shower to support the respiratory system.
Massage: Use a 2.5% dilution; up to 15 drops per 30 mls of carrier oil for sore muscles and stiff joints.
Steam Treatment: During colds or other respiratory conditions, add 2 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place your face close to the bowl and cover the back of your head and bowl with a towel to trap the aromatic vapours. Caution due to risk of burns or scalding and keep eyes covered during treatment.
Blending:
Beautiful, sweet, and refreshing Fir has an affinity with the lungs and the mind so it would be perfect to add to your decongestant treatments or in blends that support the throat or crown chakra. Essential oils such as Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Kunzea, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, and Lemon blend nicely with Fir. The pine-like fragrance might overpower florals such as Rose or Neroli and ‘muddy’ some of the softer citruses like Sweet Orange and Mandarin. But, blending essential oils is an art form with plenty of room for experimentation. If you discover an amazing Fir essential oil blend, please consider sharing it with the ECO Facebook family, we are always excited to try new combinations of precious essential oils.
Fir essential oil is considered safe to use and gentle on the skin. Some sources do recommend avoiding the essential oil in the bath due to a slight risk of skin irritation.
Author: Alissa Geddes
Aromatherapist
Alissa is a fully qualified Aromatherapist with further qualifications in Remedial Massage & Myotherapy. She qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2005 and has worked in hospitals, day spas and in clinical practice. Alissa contributes her extensive knowledge to ECO. and helps with detailed education to our ECO. community. Alissa is passionate about assisting and teaching others how to restore and maintain their health and wellbeing.
