Extracted from a tree belonging to the “Picea” genus is an essential oil known as Spruce oil. This oil is derived from a “coniferous evergreen” tree belonging to the “Picea mariana” species within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the leaves and twig of the tree using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil is thin and colourless to pale yellow in colour. The tree from which this oil is extracted is mainly found in Canada.
A. Chemical constituents of Spruce oil:
This oil is derived from a “coniferous evergreen” tree belonging to the “Picea mariana” species within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as camphene, α-Pinene, and y-3-Carene – y-Bornyl acetate, and sesquiterpenes. In addition, this oil is supposed to contain about 55% of monoterpenes.
B. The use and benefits of Spruce oil:
There are a number of benefits in terms of health that an individual can gain by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Anti-inflammatory:
The oil when used serves as an “anti-inflammatory” by suppressing inflammation and swelling.
2. Antibacterial:
This oil when used helps in destroying bacteria, preventing bacterial infections, and thereby serving as an antibacterial.
3. Antiviral:
This oil also possesses an “antiviral” property, and thereby serves by inhibiting the growth of viruses.
4. Antiseptic:
This oil when used helps in the treatment of wounds by destroying disease causing microbes, and thereby serves as an antiseptic.
5. Expectorant:
This oil when used also helps in the removal of sputum from air passages within the respiratory system, and thereby serves as an expectorant.
