The Benefits of White Fir Essential Oil

White fir essential oil, which is also known as silver fir essential oil, is best known for its piney, Christmas-tree scent. But the benefits of white fir essential oil go beyond its pleasant scent.

What is White Fir Essential Oil?

White fir essential oil is extracted from the white fir tree, which has been in use for centuries for a variety of purposes. Along with being an excellent building material, white firs are also used as Christmas trees and by Native Americans in their traditional medicine practices.

They would also pad their pillows with fir needles to promote a restful night of sleep. Women would be given fir needles as a sudatory after childbirth.

The essential oil is extracted using steam distillation from the needles of the tree. It’s the needles of the tree that contain the majority of its beneficial compounds.

As you may have guessed, white fir essential oil has a woody and earthy scent, much like the tree itself. 

Much of the white fir essential oil on the market today is derived from Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, and France because these countries are so heavily forested. 

White Fir Essential Oil Uses

Traditionally, white fir essential oil has been used to help treat or improve a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Respiratory infections
• Sore throats
• Arthritis
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue 

It’s found in bath oils, cosmetics, perfumes, incense, and even air fresheners. Of course, you can also use this essential oil in a diffuser for aromatherapy purposes or applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil.

The Benefits of White Fir Essential Oil

No matter how you choose to use it, white fir essential oil offers many potential benefits, including:

May Fight Against Cancer

While essential oils should never be used as a replacement for cancer treatments, there is some evidence that fir essential oils have anti-cancer effects. 

Studies out of France found that fir needle essential oils have anti-tumor properties. In-vitro studies have looked at fir oil and its active compound alpha-humulene. The research has found that this compound has potent anticancer activity while having low toxicity to healthy cells.

May Prevent Infections

Fir needles contain a high concentration of compounds that can help prevent infections. That’s why it’s commonly used as a first-aid agent. Balms and salves containing fir essential oils can help combat infections.

One study looked at the antibacterial effects of fir essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study found that the oil was effective against Staphylococcus aureus thanks to three compounds found in the oil:

• Alpha-humulene
• Alpha-pinene
• Beta-caryophyllene

Other powerful chemical compounds, like limonene and camphene, can also be found in the essential oil of fir needles. These compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial activity.

May Help with Pain

Fir needle essential oils are often used as a pain reliever and muscle relaxer because they have analgesic properties.

For this purpose, white fir essential oil is best applied topically diluted with a carrier oil. It can be added to lotions and massage oils and used to massage aching muscles. 

The oil’s stimulating properties can help draw blood to the surface of the skin to help facilitate healing and speed up recovery time.

May Help with Respiratory Conditions

Fir needle essential oil may help alleviate coughs and sore throats associated with colds and flu. The essential oil has expectorant properties, which means that it helps loosen and dislodge mucus that may be trapped in the nasal passages. 

Many of the compounds in fir needle essential oils may help with treating respiratory issues, including coughs, colds, bronchitis, and flu.

Just add a few drops of white fir essential oil to your diffuser or steamer to enjoy the respiratory benefits of this oil.

Promotes Healthy Skin

Fir essential oils have astringent properties, which can make them effective against a variety of skin issues, including itching, eczema, acne, and even psoriasis. 

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the oil can not only help in the treatment of these conditions but also help prevent them from developing in the first place. 

White fir needle essential oil also contains antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and may slow the aging process. 

The oil can be added to your facial moisturizer, or you can add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply it to your skin as needed. Jojoba is a great option for a carrier oil because its composition is very similar to sebum, the oil your skin naturally produces.

Great for Aromatherapy

White fir essential oil is great for aromatherapy. The fresh scent promotes focus while being energizing, soothing, and empowering. 

One animal study found that inhalation of silver fir oils helped prevent the elevation of cortisol levels, which causes stress. 

It helps the air feel fresher and cleaner, which is something we can all benefit from if we’re spending more time indoors. Plus, white fir is a scent that complements many other essential oils, so they’re an excellent addition to aromatherapy blends.

May Help with Detoxing

The active compounds in fir needle essential oil may help the body with detoxing. The oil’s antibacterial, free radical scavenging, and cleansing properties may help people trying to detoxify their bodies.

Tips for Using White Fir Essential Oil

White fir essential oil is easy to add to your personal care routine. Here are some tips to make the most out of this essential oil.

Add a Few Drops to Your Favorite Massage Oil

White fir essential oil may help ease pain and inflammation, which makes it a great oil to add to your favorite massage oil or lotion. Apply the lotion or oil to the affected area to enjoy some soothing relief.

Dilute with a Carrier Oil

If you’re going to use white fir essential oil topically, make sure that you dilute it with a carrier oil first. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin because they can cause irritation.

Add to a Diffuser for a Pick-Me-Up

If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, try adding a few drops of this essential oil to your diffuser or steamer. The piney scent will energize and uplift you while helping you stay focused.

The Takeaway

White fir essential oil has many benefits, from pain relief to help with respiratory issues and even help prevent infections. Use the tips above to help make the most out of this essential oil.