- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 573
Abies balsamea
Herb · North America
Balsam fir
Abies balsamea
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, antiseptic, pain-relieving; for respiratory infections, cough and sore throat, cystitis and enteritis, aid to quitting smoking; externally for burns, wounds, haemorrhoids, muscle pain.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Resin can cause allergy.
Preparation
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, steep 8–10 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture: 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day; ointment or liniment externally as needed.
Use in traditions
Peoples such as the Mi'kmaq, Abenaki and Ojibwe spread the resin from the blisters on the bark on wounds, burns and sores, and drank needle tea for colds. The clear resin became known as 'Canada balsam' and was used into the 20th century as a cement for lenses and microscope slides. In sweat lodges the branches are laid on the stones.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Stimulating, antiseptic, pain-relieving; for respiratory infections, cough and sore throat, cystitis and enteritis, aid to quitting smoking; externally for burns, wounds, haemorrhoids, muscle pain.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, steep 8–10 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture: 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day; ointment or liniment externally as needed.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For colds and a tight chest; the resin for cuts and sores. Also as a steam bath after childbirth.
Preparation and amount
Boil twig tips into a strong tea; spread the resin on wounds.
Caution: Resin can cause allergy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureSalve and balm