Our Complete Guide to Fir Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and Cautions
The scent of fir essential oil may conjure up images of wintry wonderlands, but it’s an essential oil that’s useful all year round. It can be used to fight flu, colds, and respiratory infections, ease arthritis, and soothe muscle pain, along with providing a generally relaxing atmosphere.
You can use fir needle essential oil in many different ways, adding it to a carrier oil for an aromatherapy massage or applying it directly to aching areas. You can also inhale it using a diffuser, create a pillow mist for more restful sleep or spruce up the scent of the space you’re in.
However you choose to use fir essential oil, we always advise that you get to know more about it beforehand. This ensures that you can use it safely and enjoy the maximum benefits from its amazing properties.
Our guide has all the information you need, and answers questions you may not even have thought to ask!
Content/Quick links
- What is fir essential oil?
- Fir essential oil - quick facts
- How is fir essential oil made?
- Benefits of fir essential oil
- Muscle aches and arthritis
- Bone repair
- Skin care
- Respiratory benefits
- How to use fir essential oil
- Aromatherapy massage
- Topical application
- Inhalation
- Pillow mist
- Fir essential oil research
- Fir essential oil and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties - 2020
- Fir needle oil and stress - 2018, 2022
- Fir essential oil and tumors - 2003
- Side effects of fir essential oil
- Contraindications of fir essential oil
- Where to buy fir essential oil
- Volant
- Amazon
- Pharmacies
- DoTERRA
- Fir essential oil FAQs
- Is fir essential oil safe to use?
- Is fir needle oil good for your skin?
- What essential oils mix well with fir needle oil?
- Is fir essential oil good for your hair?
- What are the benefits of using fir needle oil?
- Can I take fir oil internally?
- In summary
What is fir essential oil?
Needle essential oils are created from the leaves of coniferous trees, and fir needle essential oil gets extracted from the needles of the fir tree. This is where the tree stores most of its important and active compounds. While certain types of oils also use lumber in the process, the primary source of their well-known fragrance and the benefits derived from the plant’’s volatile compounds is the needles.
Today, most of us know fir trees because of their popularity as Christmas trees but they were actually popular long before this celebration became a cultural norm. The genus contains almost 60 different species of coniferous, evergreen, symmetrical trees that belong to the pine family. Their root system prevents soil erosion and they’re found in Asia, Central America, Europe, North America and North Africa. They usually grow in the mountains, and the essential oil is most often made from the needles of the Siberian, balsam and silver firs.
Historically used by Native Americans to promote peaceful sleep and for its sedative effects, these days we know about fir needle essential oil benefits for skin and use it widely. You’ll find it in air fresheners, bath oils, cosmetics, medicines and perfumes, to name just a few products.
Characterized by its freshness and invigorating qualities, fir needle essential oil is the perfect way to inject some energy into your day and clear your mind enough to rest well at the end of it.
Fir essential oil - quick facts
🌲 Latin name: Abies spp. sibirica, balsamea, amabilis, alba
🌲 Also known as: Siberian fir, balsam fir, silver/white fir
🌲 Countries of origin: Central and North America, North Africa, Europe, and Asia
🌲 Scent note: Top
🌲 Popular uses: Fighting infections, relaxation, pain relief
How is fir essential oil made?
Did you know that when you use fir essential oil for muscle aches and arthritis, you are applying a liquid version of the plant itself? Essential oils are not man-made or produced in laboratories. They are extracted from plants using the most suitable method for the oil in question.
Steam distillation is the most popular method of extraction overall and the one used to extract and isolate fir essential oil. Fir needles are placed in a stainless steel still and steam is then added. It’s injected into the plant by an inlet and the aromatic molecules are released and turned into vapor.
These compounds then travel to the condenser, where two pipes allow hot water to exit and cold water to enter, transforming the steam back into liquid. The liquid drops down and collects into a separator and because oil and water don’t mix, the oil floats on top. It is siphoned off from here and then eventually makes its way to the marketplace.
Benefits of fir essential oil
People have known about the benefits of fir essential oil for many years now, with records revealing that the Ancient Egyptians used it as a hair tonic. That means it has been helping us for 5000+ years! In modern times, its most common advantages include:
- 🌲 Muscle aches and arthritis
- 🌲 Bone repair
- 🌲 Skin care
- 🌲 Respiratory benefits
Let’s take a closer look at these benefits:
Fir essential oil for muscle aches and arthritis
Because it has a warming effect, many people use fir essential oil for muscle aches and arthritis. It works because this oil contains bornyl acetate, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Its antioxidants are amazing scavengers too. These roam around your body, searching cells for oxidative damage and intrusions to repair.
Fir oil and bone repair
Fir essential oil can assist with repairing bruised, damaged and even broken bones. Apply a dilution of 1:1 essential oil and carrier oil three times a day and let it do its work in helping you heal.
Fir needle essential oil benefits for skin
Fir needle essential oil benefits for skin include its ability to treat conditions like acne and rosacea. It has astringent properties and a stimulating effect which boosts blood circulation to the skin where it’s applied, amplifying the healing rate.
Fir essential oil and your lungs
Fir essential oil is traditionally used for its respiratory effects to help with breathing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or colds. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects on your lungs may help you breathe better when inhaled. Fir essential oil can also help purify the air.
How to use fir essential oil
How you use fir essential oil depends on what your purpose for it is. You can start benefiting from it in the following ways:
- 🌲 Aromatherapy massage
- 🌲 Topical application
- 🌲 Inhalation
- 🌲 Pillow mist
Let’s explore these methods of using this essential oil a little more deeply.
Aromatherapy massage
One of the best ways to harness fir needle essential oil benefits for skin is by adding a few drops to a carrier oil and indulging in an aromatherapy massage. Aching, weary muscles and joints respond very well to the anti-inflammatory properties this oil delivers and its refreshing scent will revitalize you. Not only will the fir essential oil impart its healing properties, but the improved blood flow and circulation from the massage will support your healing too!
Topical application
If you want to use fir essential oil for muscle aches and pains, you can apply it topically as well as during a massage. It is antiseptic and antibacterial for the skin and will soothe inflamed joints, help with wound or bone healing, and may lower the pain of arthritis and/or osteoporosis.
Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties also make it ideal for use on the skin to soothe inflammation and help with various skin conditions such as acne or fungal infections. Like for aromatherapy massage, dilute a few drops of fir essential oil with a carrier oil that is non-comedogenic like jojoba oil or rosehip oil for use on your face or sensitive skin.
Inhalation
Fir oil has a highly distinctive fragrance that’s not just pleasant but also works wonders for your respiratory system and will help you maintain clear sinuses. Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and cover your head with a towel as you lean over it to recover more quickly from colds during flu season. Or add it to your diffuser and fill an entire room with its refreshing aroma and purify the air.
Diffusing fir essential oil is also the easiest way to defuse negative emotions and stress and enhance your mood. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser and allow fir’s fresh aroma melt away the day’s stress.
Pillow mist
Because fir needle oil cleanses the mind and relaxes you, you may find it useful to create a pillow mist with it. Simply fill a spray bottle with distilled water and 10-15 drops of fir essential oil, shake it and spritz your pillows before getting into bed at night to enjoy a more restful sleep.
Fir essential oil research
Although folk medicine is rich in the use of fir needle oil, research on fir essential oil is a bit wanting. Below are some of the studies on fir essential oil that stand out the most.
Fir essential oil and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties - 2020
In a composition analysis, European silver fir needle oil was found to be mostly made up of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. It was shown to have antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects against 8 strains of bacteria, and antifungal effects against a strain of fungus.
Fir needle oil and stress - 2018, 2022
This study investigated how using fir oil as an aromatherapy and massage therapy treatment affected middle-aged women in terms of fatigue, sleep quality and stress. Twice a week for 8 weeks, the experimental group inhaled fir oil for 5 minutes and received a 20-minute back massage with fir oil. The control group rested for 5 minutes and received a back massage with sunflower oil. While both groups improved, the results for women exposed to fir needle oil improved even more.
Another study in male and female university students looked at how 3 minutes of exposure to the aroma of fir essential oil affected them physiologically and psychologically compared with breathing normal room air. They found that positive feelings of vigor were increased while negative feelings like fatigue, anger, tension, depression and hostility were reduced. Sympathetic nervous system activity (a measure of stress) was reduced and autonomic nervous system activity was increased, indicating relaxation.
Fir essential oil and tumors - 2003
Balsam fir essential oil was found to have antitumor activity with the ability to increase free radicals and reduce glutathione, which can help kill cancer cells.
Side effects of fir essential oil
Use fir needle essential oil only when it's properly diluted to avoid skin irritation. Performing a patch test is always the smart choice as it lets you check whether or not you have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the oil.
Avoid direct contact with your eyes and other mucus membranes at all times. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check in with their doctors before using fir oil.
How much fir oil you need to use will depend on factors like your age and health, among other conditions. The best course of action is to follow the relevant directions on your product’s label and/or consult your doctor, healthcare worker, pharmacist or naturopath before you start using it.
Contraindications of fir essential oil
Fir oil has blood-thinning properties. So, if you are taking anticoagulants regularly or have a bleeding disorder, peptic ulcers, suffer from hemophilia or are pregnant, avoid using it.
Where to buy fir essential oil
When you are ready to start enjoying fir needle essential oil benefits for skin, lungs, to reduce stress and relax or other purposes, you will be happy to know that it’s widely available. You can buy it in stores or online and can choose from vendors like:
Volant
The Siberian Fir in Volant’s Cabin Essential Oil Blend will bring the best of the outdoors indoors. A heady mix of Cedarwood, Fir Needle, Sandalwood and Spruce, you are sure to feel refreshed and revitalized whenever you use it.
Our essential oils are made using only the finest plants and we oversee each step of their creation, from harvest through to
Amazon
Many people get their essential oils from the Amazon marketplace. Due to its size, you’ll find hundreds of options here. Take your time checking the ingredients list and read reviews to ensure you are always getting the best quality product.
Pharmacies
If you prefer in-store shopping, your local pharmacy may stock fir needle essential oil. Due to its many medicinal aspects including fir needle essential oil benefits for skin, you’ll likely find it there.
doTERRA
The range of organic essential oils at doTerra includes a Douglas Fir option. When you want to start using fir essential oil, you’ll find an option here.
Fir essential oil FAQs
Is fir essential oil safe to use?
Yes. It is also packed with monoterpenes which are excellent for promoting good respiratory health. This makes it useful when you’ve got a cold or the flu.
Is fir needle oil good for your skin?
Yes, it’s a potent skincare agent. Its astringent properties make it a wonderful option for treating conditions like acne, psoriasis, itching, and eczema.
Is fir essential oil good for your hair?
Yes. In fact, this marks one of its earliest recorded uses. The Ancient Egyptians created a formula from fir oil to promote hair growth.
What are the benefits of using fir needle oil?
There are many and they include physical, mental and emotional advantages. It’s anti-inflammatory, calming and soothing, to name just a few properties.
Can I take fir oil internally?
There are certain essential oils that you should never ingest. Fir Needle Oil is one of these, along with Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Spikenard. At Volant, we caution against ingesting essential oils internally.
In summary
Fir needle essential oil is a very popular product, and people all over the world use it in a number of different ways. It promotes mental wellness and soothes aches and pains while helping you relax and get a good night’s sleep. This is all above and beyond its ability to treat skin conditions, promote hair growth, fight off infections, help wounds heal faster and freshen whatever room you’re in.
You can even use your fir essential oil as an antibacterial cleaning agent and a natural body deodorizer. With its clean, fresh smell, you can turn your space into a forest whenever you feel like it.
When you’re ready to start using fir essential oil, don’t be afraid to experiment with blends. It works wonderfully with many other scents and you can mix and match it until you find something you love. Our Cabin Blend is a great place to start and you can rest assured that you’re getting the best quality essential oil whenever you buy yours at Volant.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@volantaroma.com if you have any further questions about fir essential oil or any of our other products. We’re always eager to engage with our customers and to help you make the best possible essential oil decisions.
