Derived from a group of evergreen coniferous trees is an essential oil known as Fir Oil. This oil is extracted from a group of coniferous trees belonging to the genus Abies, and a species known as “Abies balsamea” in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted from “fir needles” using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil can be used for a variety of reasons such as detoxifying the body, providing relief from infections, improving respiration, promoting metabolism, and eliminating body odour.
A. Chemical constituents of Fir Oil:
This oil is extracted from a group of evergreen coniferous trees known as “Fir” belonging to the “Abies balsamea” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil also comprises of organic compounds such as tricyclene, a-pinene, borneol, limonene, acetate, and myrcene.
B. The uses and benefits of Fir Oil:
There are a number of benefits to using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Analgesic:
This oil comprises of a curative property that helps in relieving pain, relaxing muscles that are aching, and thereby serves as an analgesic.
2. Expectorant:
This oil when used is also capable of stimulating the expulsion of mucous and phlegm formed within the respiratory system, and thereby serves as an expectorant.
3. Stimulant:
This oil also when used acts by promoting stimulation of the body by increasing the rate of functioning of systems such as digestive, cardiovascular, and thereby by providing added energy serves as a stimulant.
4. Antimicrobial:
This oil possesses an “antimicrobial” property and hence is commonly used to treat infections. In addition, it does so by destroying disease causing microbes.
5. Deodorizer:
This oil also comprises of property that enables the masking of bad odour, and hence can be used as a deodorant.
C. The adverse effects of the Fir Oil:
There is a major adverse effect that might occur on using this oil. It is as follows:
- The excessive use of this oil could lead to damage to the skin, and hence must be used with lots of care.