Sitka Spruce
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Picea sitchensis
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Pinaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
France, Iceland, USA
PLANT PART
Needles
NOTE
Middle-top
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Fresh, coniferous and piney with camphor notes
GC/MS REPORT
Esters, Ketones, and Monoterpenes: β-myrcene (27%); camphor (9%); β-phellandrene (11%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
β-myrcene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, sedative, and antihypertensive. Camphor's known therapeutic properties include: antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, antitussive, mucolytic, and stimulant. β-phellandrene's known therapeutic property is antifungal.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve coughs, cold and flu, asthma, bronchitis, and overall respiratory issues . Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, and poor circulation.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Helps relieving mental fatigue, depression, low vitality, and lack of motivation; energizes and uplifts; brings clarity of mind, intuition, inner strtength, and hope for the future.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
The word "spruce" originates from spruse which literally means "from Prussia." In the nineteenth century, North American colonists made spruce beer and used it as antiscorbutic; Captain James Cook used it to preserve his crew's health and prevent scurvy. In Germany, herbal baths with boiled spruce or fir shoots were used to help internal organs fight ailments. Today, spruce is most commonly used as "Christmas Tree," building timber, and Steinway pianos.
SAFETY
Overall safe and non-toxic; however, skin sensitization may occur if the oil is oxidized
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.