Balsam
Latin name: Picea excelsa
Other names: Fir, Spruce, Norway Pine
A Remedy For
BronchitisColdsCoughFeverNerve painRheumatismSore throatTendency to infection
What It Is; Why It Works
Picea comes from the Latin "pix" meaning "pitch."
Balsam trees are found in northern and central Europe. Their medicinal property
resides in the oil extracted from the needles, branch tips, or branches, and the
fresh fir shoots.
All pines yield a certain amount of resin, obtained by tapping
the trees. This is distilled to make oil of turpentine and rosin. The latter is
used for treating violin bows and making sealing wax, varnish, oil paints, and
resinous soaps. It was formerly used as "brewer's pitch" to seal the
insides of beer casks. Both oil of turpentine and impure turpentine (known as
tar) are used medicinally. Balsam is also used in the U.S. as an aroma for beer.
Used medicinally, Balsam exerts a decongestant and
antibacterial action. Applied to skin, it improves local circulation.
Avoid If...
Avoid Balsam in any form if you have bronchial asthma or whooping cough. Do not
use it as a bath additive if you have a large skin injury or an acute skin
disease, heart problems, unusually stiff muscles, or an infectious disease.
Special Cautions
Use of Balsam can aggravate bronchial spasms.
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or
Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
Balsam is available in oil, gel, emulsion, solution, and ointment forms.
Typical Dosage
Oral administration: 4 drops of Balsam oil on a lump of sugar or in a
little water 3 times daily, not to exceed 5 to 6 grams (about 1 teaspoonful)
daily
Inhalation: 2 grams (about one-half teaspoonful) of Balsam oil added to
hot water several times daily
Skin application: Rub several drops of oil, lotion, or ointment into the
affected area
Bath additive: Boil about 1 cup of oil with 1 quart of water; let stand
for 5 minutes, then add to a full bath. Be sure to relax afterwards.
Store Balsam in a closed container.
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.