Abies balsamea Minnesota - Conifer - Balsam Fir Page

Abies balsamea, commonly known as Balsam Fir, is a popular Christmas tree, especially in the northeastern USA. The resin obtained from this tree has been used throughout the world as an effective antiseptic and healing agent. It is used to treat burns, bruises, wounds, and sore nipples, and is considered one of the best curatives for sore throat. The buds, resin, and sap are used in folk remedies to treat cancers, corns, and warts. The resin is also antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, and tonic. It can be used to cure coughs and diarrhea, although excess intake may have a purgative effect. A warm liquid of the gummy sap was drunk as a treatment for gonorrhea. The leaves are antiscorbutic and used in the treatment of coughs, colds, and fever. The plant was widely used medicinally by various North American Indian tribes as an antiseptic healing agent applied externally to wounds, sores, and bites, and as an inhalant to treat headaches. The balsam fir is a slow-growing tree with a conical shape and medium texture foliage. It is adapted to coarse, medium and fine-textured soils with medium moisture usage. It requires a minimum of 80 frost-free days and a minimum pH of 4.0. It is routinely available for commercial availability with a moderate fruit/seed abundance. It is suitable for Christmas tree, lumber, and pulpwood products.