The Benefits of Fir

The green eternity of the fir tree is an unsolved mystery showing that, through the fir’s core must travel particularly strong saps that might be useful to man. The fir tree is an old remedy used in a variety of diseases. In ancient times, baths with fir tree were used to strengthen the weak and those recovering from illness, and for healing the bones and chest pain. Fir resin was used in greases for musculoskeletal infections or for healing wounds and burns. The fir tree’s fragrance was considered a true elixir for lung diseases. Chest problem patients were advised to go at night in a fir tree forest, where the conifers’ ethereal emanations immediately had a healing effect. In winter, it used to be customary to place freshly crushed fir needles and branches at the head of a patient with chest problems. The fir buds and honey syrup with healing virtues were used in treating asthma, asthmatiform bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Fir resin was used for fumigation. The smoke of fir resin was said to ward off disease, sorrow, and all evil spirits.

Fir buds are picked in the spring. The fir bud’s syrup is the best treatment for bronchitis, cough, and various diseases of the respiratory system. Fir buds mixed with honey are covered for six weeks, after which it is strained to obtain the syrup. The syrup can be taken one teaspoon at a time or diluted in a warm cup of tea. Drink it especially when coughing or having a chronic lung disease.

Baths with fir branches or buds

Pick a handful of buds and twigs (mainly tips) and put them in three liters of water. Boil for three hours, then strain. Pour this liquid into the bathtub. Baths with fir branches or buds are recommended in various conditions for the restoration of poor circulation, or against various infections, and even in cases of paralysis and stroke. The liquid obtained can be used against hemorrhoids, cystitis, and urinary tract or genital infections. Take a few 20 minutes baths every day for a few days.

Treatment with fir syrup

Fir trees secrete a large amount of aromatic oils with excellent healing effects. The fir needles’ syrup is made of fir needles loosened up from branches with a knife, washed and then crushed with a rolling pin. Fill a quarter jar with these fir needles, then fill with honey. Close tightly. Keep on stove or near a heat source for three weeks, then filter the obtained syrup. It has a strong fir smell (much stronger than the buds’ syrup). Use for the following conditions:

• Persistent cough, decreased immunity of the respiratory system: Take half a teaspoon of fir needle syrup six times a day. The treatment lasts at least seven days and has anti-infectious, regenerative, and immunostimulating effects.
• Excessive appetite: administered five minutes before and after the meal, one tablespoon of fir needles syrup, no water. This preparation is good also as dessert, because it inhibits the appetite for sweets for quite a long time.
• Intellectual fatigue: take one or two teaspoons of fir needles syrup when you have to make an extended mental effort. The honey in the syrup nourishes the brain and balances blood glucose levels, while the volatile oil from fir needles is a good mental and psychic tonic.
• Sterility in women: take a one or two months cure with fir needle syrup. Fir needles have a strong stimulation and regulation effect over the activity of women’s reproductive glands.

Compresses with boiled fir branches are an excellent cure for wounds that do not close, sprains and fractures that are hard to heal, and infections. Apply compresses on the affected area several times a day until healed. Fir tree resin ointment is recommended for healing burns, light cuts, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, asthenia, convalescence, muscle pain, hyper- and hypothyroidism, and as an adjuvant in multiple sclerosis.

Please consult with your doctor or a professional herbalist before using any herbal remedy.