Fir: medicinal properties and contraindications

Fir, a natural balm

the fir is much more than a Christmas symbol under whose snowy canopy we meet.

This tree is one of the most characteristic landscape elements of mountain environments where it lives, such as the Pyrenees, the Alps and other mountain ranges in Central Europe. There are many different types of fir, many of them native to our country: the popular Spanish fir is characteristic of Mediterranean mountains.

thrives in areas of high and medium mountain, in humid soils, sometimes mixed with beeches and birches. And for the inhabitants of these areas, and for the herbalists who have collected their knowledge, it is a remarkable source of medical uses.

fir characteristics

fir leaves they are linear, up to 3 mm wide, and are perennial, hence their decorative value in winter. This is notable in varieties such as the blue spruceOriginally from Colorado.

male and female flowers They live separately, but in the same tree.

The pineapples are elongated, with tight scales. pineapples they are harvested in spring and green are used, to extract from them the turpentine or fir resin. This resin is also obtained by making an incision in the trunk.

Next to turpentine essential oilcontains abetinic acid, glycosides and tannins.

Fir medicinal properties

the fir stands out for its balsamic virtues and for its power to decongest the respiratory tract. It is indicated as a very effective remedy againstflu, the cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and as support against asthma. It has been said that walking through a fir tree and breathing deeply benefits asthmatics. Due to its power antisepticAct like urinary tract disinfectantin conditions such as cystitis and urethritis, helps to increase the flow of urine and rebalances the functioning of the kidneys.In combination with other purification plants, it can improverheumatic, arthritic and low back pain processes.In external use, the turpentine it’s recommended in skin rashes, boils and on inflammations of bones and jointsbut it should be avoided by allergic people.

How to use the fir?

Infusion to remove mucus

In pectoral congestions, the spruce shoots in equal parts with plantain, white horehound and Iceland lichenin the proportion of one tablespoon per cup of water.

How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes, leave 10 more to infuse, filter and drink up to four cups throughout the day, but very hot.

Infusion for bronchitis

You can try an infusion that combines spruce with marshmallow, lungwort and coltsfoot. It is sweetened with a little honey and taken short doses, every four hours.

Steam baths to breathe better

To decongest the respiratory tract in case of flu or cold, they are used fir leaves and buds, Scots pine buds, coltsfoot and eucalyptus leaves in equal parts. One tablespoon per liter of water.

How to prepare them: The herbs are thrown into a pot, which is put on the fire covered. When it has started to boilis withdrawn from the fire, we cover our heads with a cloth or sheet and we breathe the vapors over the pot.

Tea for rheumatic processes, arthritis and low back pain

A useful formula in this case is the decoction that combines two parts of fir buds and one of catnip and juniper berriesin the proportion of one level tablespoon per cup of water.

How to prepare it: Boil for 3 minutes and strain. Three cups are taken a day, hot.

Fir Precautions And Contraindications

His oral intake is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Advisor: J. Mª. Teixé, herbalist of “El Manantial de Salud”