White Spruce
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Picea glauca
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Pinaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Canada and Alaska
PLANT PART
Branches, twigs, needles
NOTE
Middle-top
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Fresh, coniferous, piney and woodsy
GC/MS REPORT
Esters, Ketones, and Monoterpenes: α-pinene (19%); β-pinene (25%); limonene (l) 13%; camphor (7%); Bonryl acetate (8%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
α-pinene 's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anxiolytic, and gastroprotective. β-pinene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant. Limonene (l)'s known therapeutic properties include: antioxidant, skin penetration enhancer, and wound healing. Camphor's known therapeutic properties include: antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, antitussive, mucolytic, and stimulant. Bornyl acetate's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammtory, antioxidant, and sedative.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve coughs, cold and flu, asthma, bronchitis, and overall respiratory issues; expectorant and mucolytic. Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle tension. Skin healing and rejuvinating.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Helps relaxing, restoring, calming, uplifting, and anxiety relieving.
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. Native Americans used its sap, gum, needels, and bark to cure many ailments, offering protection from evil spirits.
SAFETY
Skin sensitization may occur if the oil is oxidized; oils rich in pinene may need extra caution for people with respiratory issues.
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.