Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Balsam Fir
- Medicinal Uses of Balsam Fir
- Alternative Uses of Balsam
- Growing Abies Balsamea
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is an edible and mostly medicinal tree that’s the closest local plant to frankincense that I know of, scent-wise. (But it’s not a sedative.) Its resin can also be used to make Balm of Gilead, mentioned in poplar posts.
A little ecological history: When the fight against eastern spruce budworm vs firs started, so did the fight over the spraying of forests. But there’s a topic for another time! Fir is a widely used medicinal and was even available in drug stores back in the day.
Edible Uses of Balsam Fir
As a starvation food the inner bark of balsalm fir was grated and eaten, or dried and ground into meal to extend flour supplies. It’s not very palatable.
The bitter bark gum or branch tips can be used to make a tea, like spruce tip tea!
Needles high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Medicinal Uses of Balsam Fir
Balsam fir is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant, and Stimulant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes the resin for colds and cough, and also for sores and wounds (including in a version of Balm of Gilead – covered here). The resin is commonly used both to wash and dress wounds and sores.
Fir has been a best bud this last winter. I popped some resin out for my stuffy nose numerous times, and gathered boughs with my sticky hands to stuff in my pillow to help me breathe clearly at night. Better change those every few days or they’ll fall apart and end up sticking all over you if they get out of your pillow case!
Alternative Uses of Balsam
It’s a popular Christmas tree because it holds its needles longer.
The resin or gum from bark blisters was a vintage cottage industry – it was used to make turpentine. It has also been used for soaps, candles, deodorizers, perfumes, and unsurprisingly once you’ve had it on your fingers, as a cement glue.
And for fun, there’s the balsam sap boats:
Growing Abies Balsamea
Firs like to grow all around their parents, often in clusters, where few if any will survive long term. Reminds me of when someone called a tree I planted “dirty”. “Fertile” sounds better. So once you find some mature firs, you’ll likely spot many young trees that are losing the race to the top of the forest, to begin with, that can be used as an Xmas tree or replanted in sunnier spots. (From trees to grouse to raccoons and so on, most forest dwellers die young.)
Speaking of age here’s young fir tree bark (left) next to an old fir tree’s bark (right). Amazing difference, isn’t it?
WARNINGS
The resin can cause a reaction in sensitive skin.
It may induce vomiting in strong doses.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Abies balsamea (Linnaeus) Miller – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Reader’s Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada