This particular balsam fir comes from the Canadian border of Christmas tree farms that became overgrown. Idaho balsam fir belongs to the pine essential oil family. Now there is some evidence that the “liquid gold” referred to in the Bible was none other than balm, an oil suitable for kings and kings. It was one of three oils found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 and the balm is now believed to have been the “Balm of Gilead.” The balm has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal oil for respiratory, muscular and rheumatic pain. Balsam fir is mentioned 18 times in the Bible in 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, the Psalms, the Song of Songs, and in the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Nahum, and Zechariah.
How did medieval healers use balsam fir?
Balsam fir has been used for ailments of the respiratory and muscular system. In the 12th century, Hildegard of Bingen referred to the balm and said that it was “royal in nature” and warned that it should be used as a medicine with great caution because it was so powerful. He used it for fever, paralysis, and for someone who was insane by making an ointment out of it and rubbing it on his temples and around his head to restore his mind and good health.
How Can Balsam Fir Help Us Stay Healthy Today?
Balsam fir has been shown to be an anticoagulant and an anti-inflammatory. Many masseurs use it because it relaxes the nervous system and muscle spasms. The balm can lower cortisol levels. Studies have shown that the balm inhibits MCF7- (aggressive breast cancer cells). Idaho Balsam Fir and Frankincense work very well together inhibiting cancers in seven different lines of cancer. The balm is used for throat, lung, sinus infections, fatigue, arthritis, and rheumatism. It is also good for urinary tract infections, scoliosis, low back pain, and sciatica. The main effects of Idaho balsam fir are anti-inflammatory.
How is balsam fir used?
This oil can be inhaled, applied neat (undiluted) to the body, or diluted one part Idaho balsam fir in one part mixing oil. It can be diffused or taken as a dietary supplement and can be applied on the spot for muscle spasms. In terms of safety, Idaho balsam fir is non-toxic.
To learn more about how this ancient oil has modern applications, you may want to attend an aromatherapy program that discusses biblical oils. The Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy offers courses in the United States and discusses biblical oils, including balsam fir.