Like most essential oils, there is a large variety of ways you can use fir needle essential oil. Here are some of the best ways to put this essential oil of the forest to good use:
1. Cancer Fighter
Fir needle essential oil has been found to be an efficient anti-cancer agent. Modern studies out of France have shown the many anti-tumor characteristics in fir needle essential oil, making it a promising natural cancer treatment. The in vitro study demonstrates how fir oil and its active component alpha-humulene possess significant anticancer activity in several tumor cell lines and low toxicity to healthy cells.
2. Infection Preventer
The essential oil of fir needle contains a high concentration of organic compounds that can aid in the prevention of dangerous infections. For this reason it can also be used as an active first aid agent. A balm or salve containing fir needle essential oil makes an excellent defense against infections.
In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, the antibacterial activity of fir needle essential oil was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the results showed that three constituents of the essential oil were active against S. aureus: alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene. This displays the infection-fighting power of fir needle essential oil.
Powerful chemical compounds like tricyclene, alpha-pinene, camphene, limonene and myrcene can all be found in the needles of the fir tree. The chemical compounds of alpha-pinene and limonene in particular have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activities against common pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Research published in the World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology concludes that fir needle essential oil, along with other essential oils, displayed antimicrobial and antioxidant agents that would notably benefit products in the personal hygiene and care industry.
3. Aromatherapy
Fir needle oil essential oil can be diffused or inhaled for its aromatherapy benefits. When diffused, fir needle essential oil is said to have a grounding and empowering effect stimulating the mind while encouraging the body to relax. When you feel stressed or overtired, taking a whiff of fir needle essential oil can be just the thing to help calm and re-energize you, making it a great way to relieve stress.
4. Pain Reliever
Traditional and Ayurvedic medicine often employ fir needle essential oil as a natural analgesic. To relax muscles and soothe body aches — important for muscle recovery — fir needle essential oil can be applied topically in a 1:1 ratio with a carrier agent. The stimulating nature of the oil can bring blood to the surface of the skin, hence increasing the rate of healing and shortening recovery time.
Fir needle essential oil can make an excellent therapeutic addition to a lotion or oil being used for a back or foot massage. If sore muscles are the issue, applying an oil, lotion or salve containing fir needle essential oil before bed can result in a less painful body by morning.
5. Detoxification
Fir needle essential oil contains active compounds that may trigger the body to rid itself of toxins. Due to the cleansing properties of fir needle essential oil as well as its free radical scavenging and bacteria destroying abilities, it can be helpful to people who are trying to detoxify their bodies.
6. Cleaning
In general, essential oils make excellent additions to homemade cleaning solutions, and fir needle essential oil is no exception. The next time you’re creating an all-purpose cleaner, you can add a few drops of fir needle essential oil for a natural yet powerful disinfecting boost. You can look forward to a home that smells refreshingly forest-like as well.
7. Respiratory Function
Cough? Sore throat? Try a few drops of fir needle essential oil in your diffuser and breathe in some natural relief. According to studies published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, fir needle essential oil can be very helpful for respiratory issues that accompany the common cold and flu.
When diffused or inhaled, fir needle essential oil can get to work relieving respiratory distress, working as a natural flu remedy. The essential oil helps loosen mucous and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the throat and bronchial tubes. In addition, fir needle essential oil fights free radical damage, another benefit to the respiratory system.
8. Body Odor
The fresh, clean smell of fir needle essential oil isn’t the only reason this essential oil is excellent defense against body odor. It also decreases the amount of bacteria that can lead to foul body odor. If you love the smell of the forest, you’ll love using products that contain this versatile essential oil.
9. Broken Bones and Osteoporosis
Fir needle often tops lists for the best essentials oils to assist with bone repair. You can apply the essential oil to the problematic area three times per day, but remember to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before applying to skin.
