Family Name: Pinaceae
Botanical Name(s): Abies Balsamea
Popular Name(s): Balsam Fir, Balsam of Gilead Fir, Fir Balsam,
Fir Pine, Sapin, Silver Fir and Silver Pine.
Parts Used: All parts are used
Habitat: Native to North America.
Description: Balsam fir is an evergreen tree growing 40 - 80
feet tall. It has dark, shiny green and flattened needles. The needles
look as if it was arranged in two rows. It flowers around May-June.
There are separate male and female flowers. The bark is smooth and
grayish and is covered with resin blisters when young. As the tree
matures, these resin blisters crack into scaly plates.
Uses: Balsam fir is an antiseptic and stimulant, and has been
used in North America and Europe for congestion, chest infections such
as bronchitis, and urinary tract conditions such as cystitis and
frequent urination. Externally, balsam fir was rubbed on the chest or
applied as a plaster for respiratory infections.
