The
parts used are the needles and the inner bark or pitch.
You can harvest these at any time, although summer is probably the best.
The active ingredient is what Maude Grieves calls a
”true turpentine”. It is
an excellent antiseptic, diaphoretic and aromatic for all pulmonary problems
and, like cottonwood buds, is a fine treatment for mouth sores and as an
external remedy for all cuts and sores.
I
have personally found that the tea from the needles and especially the raw pitch
itself is an excellent remedy for sinus or lung congestion.
It is a diuretic and disinfectant to the urinary tract, though in large,
strong doses it can be an emetic. It
is most effective as a urinary tract disinfectant if used in conjunction with
goldenrod. It is also an excellent
on the spot ‘bush remedy’ for sinus or nasal congestion. Simply extract a little, (just a few large drops) of the
fresh pitch from the blisters that are often found in the bark of these trees
and put it in your mouth until the aromatics penetrate your sinuses.
You will know this has happened when you taste the turpentine in your
mouth. In almost all cases, there
is an immediate clearing of the sinus passages.
Then you can spit out the pitch, which, if you don’t have a taste for
that sort of thing, you may be starting find unpleasant.
The
salve is decongestant and expectorant as well as antiseptic. It helps to clear the sinuses and can be used much like
“Vicks Vaporub" either as an aromatic rub or in a humidifier or steamer.
The needles and/or bark simmered on a stove will have a similar clearing
and calming effect on the lungs and sinuses.
Bella
Coola First Nations used Grand Fir as a treatment for tuberculosis. They claimed
it cured many cases when it was taken daily.
The German Commission E recognizes the efficacy of European varieties of
Abies for the antiseptic and aromatic properties of the inhaled vapours.
OTHER
USES: Abies
resin, known as “Canada Balsam” is still a popular adhesive for mounting
microscope slides. Many First
Nations Peoples ground, mixed with fat, and served as a delicacy with the added
benefit of aiding digestion.
