Botanical Name: Abies balsamea Common name: Balsam fir, Fir balsam Read More
Botanical Name: |
Abies balsamea |
Common name: |
Balsam fir, Fir balsam |
Plant family: |
Pinaceae |
Genus: |
Abies |
Appearance/Color: |
A medium, clear,
colourless to pale yellow liquid. |
Odor: |
A middle note of
strong aroma, Fir Balsam Essential Oil has the crisp, clean scent of fir
balsam needles. |
Blends With: |
Cedar wood, Pine, Benzoin, Lavender, Patchouli, Spruce
and Rosemary |
Origin: |
Canada |
Source: |
Leaves (Needle) and Twigs |
Method of
Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Absolute oils are the essential
oils which are highly concentrated and have high potency. These Concentrated
absolute oils have high aromatic properties thus they are majorly preferred in
cosmetics, perfumery, and aromatherapy. During the postproduction processes
these oils are further concentrated to make their absolute.
Abies is the important genus of
the Coniferales, commonly the plant has been termed as the FIRS. Some of the
species of the FIRs has been termed as the silver FIRs Abies names has been
proposed by the Nirgil (70-19 BC) for the wood of the plant , the name has been
used for the scandivinian FIRs, silver FIRs usually found in the high
mountainous area (500-2000 m. The moist humid conditions are required for the cultivation
of the FIRs, the rainfall for the cultivation of the FIRs should be between the
800-2000 mm, it is distributed in whole of the northern part of the world ,
they are distributed in the central Europe, south and eastern Germany.
Balsam fir is the native of the northern
United States and Canada, from Newfoundland to Alberta. The fragrances of the
tree are like the balsam. The name balsam is also applied to the other species
of the firm also. The plant is erect, pyramidical typical cone shaped, the
plant has the very marvelous appearances, likes the typical ornaments. Leaves
of the Abies are like the other Coniferales needles; in some of the species
dimorphism can be observed. Abies spectabilis is an evergreen tree with a
narrow, conical crown; it can grow up to 45 meters tall. The straight,
cylindrical bole can be 200cm or more in diameter
The tree is harvested from the wild for mainly local use as a source of
medicines and materials.
This species has a wide distribution from East Nepal into eastern Afghanistan
and is usually the dominant tree in the stands, but may also occur with other
conifers or broadleaf trees. The forest has suffered severe depletion,
especially at the lower elevations, from logging and deforestation. A
population decline of approximately 25% over the past three generation has
occurred. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species (2013).
In Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, this
plant had been described for using against swasa (chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases), kasa (cough), gulma (tumor), agnimandya (hypochlorhydria), amadosha
(amoebiasis), hikka (hiccup), chhardi (vomiting), krimi (helminthiasis) and
mukharoga (mouth disorders). The leaves of this plant have been traditionally
used for their carminative, stomachic, expectorant, decongestant, antiseptic,
astringent, antihyperglycemic, female antifertility, febrifuge and
anti-spasmodic properties. The decoctions of the leaves are useful orally in
cases of cough, phthisis, asthma, chronic bronchitis and catarrh of the bladder
and other pulmonary infections. Furthermore, leaves of the plant have been used
traditionally for its chemotherapeutic efficacies in several ailments like
rheumatism, hoarseness, chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary affections.
Fir Balsam Oil in Pharma
The leaves are astringent,
carminative, expectorant, stomachic and tonic. The leaf juice used in the
treatment of asthma, bronchitis etc. An essential oil obtained from the leaves
is used to treat colds, rheumatism, and nasal congestion. The leaf juice is antiperiodic.
Essence of Fir Balsam Oil
An essential oil is obtained from
the plant, though the report does not give yields or uses. The dried leaves,
mixed with other ingredients, are used in making incense
COMMON USAGE
·
Improves respiratory function
·
Relieves pain and fear
·
Increase metabolism
·
Uplift emotional strength
·
Detoxifies the body
Ingredients:
S.No |
Key Constituents |
Strength (%) |
1 |
b-pinene |
28.1-56.1 |
2 |
d-3-carene |
0-27.3 |
3 |
Bornyl acetate |
4.9-16.2 |
4 |
a-pinene |
6.2-14.3 |
5 |
(P)-limonene |
1.8-15.6 |
6 |
b-phellandrene |
4.4-12.6 |
7 |
camphene |
3.5-9.7 |
8 |
A-p-b-terpineol |
0.6-4.5 |
9 |
thymol |
0-2.9 |
10 |
b-myrcene |
0.6-2.3 |
11 |
borneol |
0.3-2.1 |
12 |
Tricyclene |
0.6-1.7 |
13 |
terpinolene |
0.2-1.7 |
14 |
Santene |
0.3-1.4 |
TOXICOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
Safety Summary
·
Hazards: Skin sensitization if oxidized.
·
Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be
avoided.
Systemic Effects
·
Acute Toxicity Not known
·
Skin corrosion/irritation: May be irritating to
skin.
·
Serious eye damage/irritation: May be irritating
to eyes. Prompt rinsing and removal of the substance will avoid damage.
·
Respiratory sensitization: Not applicable under
normal use.
·
Germ cell mutagenicity: Not specified
·
Carcinogenicity: Not Listed As Carcinogen
·
Reproductive toxicity: Not specified
·
STOT-single exposure: Not specified
·
STOT-related exposure: Not specified
·
Aspiration hazard: Not specified
·
Interactive effects Not specified
ECOLOGICAL
INFORMATION
·
Acute aquatic toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life
with long lasting effects.
·
Persistence and degradability: Not available
·
Bioconcentration Factor: Not determined
·
Mobility in soil: Not available.
·
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment: Not
determined
Do not allow the material to
enter streams, sewers or other waterways.