Black Spruce MNB

Abeto negro-Picea negra

Botany

Spruce is a large evergreen tree up to 50 m tall, also known as hemlock spruce. Spruce is native to the east coast of the USA. Arctander states that the oil is usually derived from several different botanical sources.

Tudge states that several of the hemlocks epitomise the image of what a conifer tree should look like- tall, dark, with needle-leaved like spruces, but the T. canadensis of the eastern United States are smaller, slower growing and often cut into hedges. 

The word spruce originates from spruse which literally means ‘from Prussia’.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Plant part benefits

The needles allow the tree  to breathe. They also protect the tree from water loss and support photosynthesis.  We can use oils made from needles to support respiration and deeper breathing. These oils can also protect us from infection.  They can help us breath when we feel stress and anxiety, while supporting expansion and creativity. Needle oils can also support us when we get into over-thinking and need a calm, clear mind.

1 kg oil yields from 100 to 200 kg of the twigs and needles.

35.5 oz of oil from 100000 to  200000 grams

1 drop of oil from 9.44 grams of twigs and needles.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Calming, soothing, sedative, emotionally uplifting.

Antispasmodic; regulating and balancing action on the sympathetic nervous system; anti-inflammatory; effective on skin rashes and irritations. They are adaptogenic (helping the body adjust to, and deal with stress)

Airborne deodorizers and purifiers; decongestant (respiratory and muscular); some are rubefacients and provide an analgesic effect where muscle pain and stiffness are present; skin penetration enhancers; inhibit the accumulation of toxins; many have anti-inflammatory effects; many are antiviral; reduce stagnation, supporting movement or change in the body.

Tend to be uplifting and energetic.

Bornyl acetate  23.02% Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cns depressant, sedative.

  • Camphene 17.69 % Antioxidant, mucolytic, General tonic, analgesic
  • Α-pinene 16.66% Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal (candida), antispasmodic, antiviral
  • Δ-3-carene  9.61%  Anti-inflammatory, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, mucolytic prevents bone loss 
  • Β-pinene 5.21% Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic
  • Myrcene 4.06% Tonic, analgesic
  • Limonene 3.51% Helps activate white blood cells, Immune supportive, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, skin penetration enhancer
Black-Spruce

Bronchial infections, catarrh, sinus congestion, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, over exercised muscles, stiff joints, muscular strains, tendonitis.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.

Mental fatigue or burnout, apathy, discouragement, low motivation, low self-confidence, depression, hallucinations, low stamina, low vitality, weight gain, chronic infections, shallow breathing, chronic weak cough, menstrual disorders, muscle aches and pains, weight loss, dry skin, cold extremities.

Essential PNEI function and indication: Stimulant in weakness conditions.

Possible brain dynamics: Increases prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia functioning.

Fragrance category: Top tone with pungent-camphoraceous and woody notes.

Indicated psychological disorders: ADD, depression, psychotic and schizoid conditions.

PROMOTES WILL POWER, COURAGE AND ENDURANCE

  • Low willpower or strength, indecision
  • Discouragement, low endurance or perseverance
  • Mental and emotional burnout

PROMOTES MOTIVATION AND SELF-CONFIDENCE

  • Loss of motivation with apathy, procrastination, self-neglect, flat affect
  • Low self-esteem and self-confidence, depression

TOPICAL – Compress, liniment, lotion and other cosmetic preparations

Skin care: Dry skin type

Rubefacient, capillary stimulant: dry eczema, dry lifeless skin, acne; muscle fatigue (e.g. from sports)

Insecticidal: lice, tics, scabies

Misc. breast enlargement

Precautions: Do not exceed the dilutions below when applying Black spruce oil topically Some skin sensitization with rashes is possible if Black spruce oil is high in delta-carene or is somewhat oxidized from age; therefore avoid in those with sensitive skin. Avoid internal use during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Preparations: 

  • Diffusor: 3-4 drops in water
  • Massage oil: 2-3 % dilution in a vegetable carrier oil after doing a patch test

Tropism: Neuroendocrine, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, musculoskeletal systems.

Essential functional and diagnostic indication: Restores hypnotic / weak conditions and decongests  congestive / damp conditions. 

Primarily restorative:

Systemic neuroendocrine -immune restorative and regulator, adaptogenic: chronic hypotonic (weak) conditions involving functional pituitary/adrenal/ thyroid / thymus, ovarian (and other endocrine) and immune deficiencies and imbalances; with chronic fatigue, debility.

  • Immune enhancer:  immune impairment with recurring or chronic infections; all immunodeficiency disorders, incl. DFS, FM, AIDS
  • Pituitary – adrenal and -thyroid restorative and regulator: adrenal fatigue or exhaustion with low stamina, afternoon fatigue, salt craving; hypothyroid syndrome (thyroxine resistance), HPA axis deficiency, anabolic and catabolic deficiencies with weight gain or weight loss, debility; metabolic disorders in general; CFS, neurasthenia, chronic asthma.
  • Pituitary – gonadal / reproductive restorative and regulator: hormonal dysregulation with estrogen /progesterone deficiency, incl. Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, PMS, menopausal syndrome, frigidity, impotence.

Primarily stimulant and decongestant:

Arterial circulatory stimulant: poor circulation with cold extremities, painful diarrhea.

Respiratory restorative, stimulant expectorant: chronic lower respiratory weakness and congestion, incl. Weak lungs, chronic cough, bronchitis, emphysema.

Stimulant spasmolytic: muscle cramps, stomach cramps, colic, asthma

Prostate decongestant: prostate congestion / hyperplasia, prostatitis

Anti-inflammatory: rheumatic and arthritic conditions, asthma. 

Antimicrobial actions:

Antibacterial, immunostimulant: bacterial, respiratory infections, incl. Colds, bronchitis, flu (?); chronic and recurring infections in general.

Antifungal: intestinal fungal dysbiosis, candidiasis.

Anthelmintic, antiprotozoal: intestinal parasites, incl. Giardia lamblia, hookworm (ankylostoma).

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Musculoskeletal system

Spruce oil is recommended for the relief of muscular aches and pains, poor circulation and rheumatism.

Psychological

Holmes recommends black spruce for mental fatigue and burnout. He suggests using it whenever one feels low motivation, low stamina and vitality, and depression. 

Zeck beautifully describes the tonifying effect of spruce on our psyche:

When suffering lingers too long and defeat and exhaustion pervade all areas  of your life, refreshing aromatic spruce descends deep into the unlimited energy reserves that lie dormant within  your being. 

Like the warmth of a radiant sun upon your face, spruce activates the release of a healthy energy flow from the adrenal glands to refresh and bring strength to each new day.

Respiratory system

Spruce oil is very effective for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, coughs and respiratory weakness. 

Tonic

Schnaubelt notes that a number of pine needle oils have a balance of stimulating monoterpene and calming esters. They are endocrine tonics, re-establishing hormonal balance in the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and ovaries.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
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pruce promotes communication of inner feelings. It is said to bring objectivity and clarity to the intuitive mind.

black spruce oil evokes strength and endurance at the level of the soul. He describes the aroma as centring, strengthening and energising. It helps us find the inner strength whenever we need to face challenging situations. The oil will help us draw energy from the deeper wellspring of connected, deep inner strength and hope. It connects us to our collective past, our ancestral wisdom, becoming a source of deep and enduring strength for the future

Spruce promotes communication of inner feelings. It is said to bring objectivity and clarity to the intuitive mind. Spruce teaches us to walk our spiritual path with ‘practical feet’, moving forward and making choices with grounded wisdom and intuitive understanding. Spruce supports intuition and teaches us about compassion – for ourselves and others. It will allow us to feel compassion despite our mistakes and fears. 

Lavabre states that spruce oil is excellent for balancing energy and recommends it for any type of psychic work because of its opening and elevating quality. 

Holmes states that inhaling black spruce oil evokes strength and endurance at the level of the soul. He describes the aroma as centring, strengthening and energising. It helps us find the inner strength whenever we need to face challenging situations. The oil will help us draw energy from the deeper wellspring of connected, deep inner strength and hope. It connects us to our collective past, our ancestral wisdom, becoming a source of deep and enduring strength for the future

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Black Spruce is a great essential oil to promote a sense of centering, calm, focus. Black Spruce instills a sense of rootedness. Once feeling grounded, we can feel more connected to our breath, opening and expanding on many levels

Grounding/Rootedness

Calming/Sedative

Centering/Focusing

https://www.stillpointaromatics.com/black-spruce-Picea-mariana-essential-oil-aromatherapy
  • Aroma energy: Woody, pungent
  • Movement: Stabilizing, rising.
  • Warmth: Neutral to warm
  • Meridian tropism: Lung, Kidney, du, chong, ren
  • Five-Element affinity: Water, Metal
  • Essential function: To tonify the Qi and Yang, and strengthen the Shen
  • Qi and protective Qi deficiency with Shen weakness with fatigue, low endurance, frequent or recurrent infections, chronic stress, low motivation, depression: Rosemary / Ravintsara / Sage
  • Lung Qi deficiency with Shen weakness with mental and physical fatigue, shallow breathing, low motivation, sadness, withdrawal, disconnection:  Grand fir / Rosemary / Eucalyptus / Frankincense
  • Lung and Kidney Yang deficiency with chronic cough, wheeze, chest tightness: Pine / Clove / Cypress
  • Kidney Yang deficiency with Shen weakness with low stamina, mental and physical fatigue, backache, weak knees and legs, low libido, fearfulness: Pine / Clove / Cinnamon
  • Kidney Essence and chong and ren mai deficiency with long or irregular cycles, amenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, frigidity, impotence: Vetiver / Niaouli / Geranium
  • Large Intestine damp-cold with diarrhea, irregular bowel movement: Nutmeg / Myrrh, Cinnamon
  • Lower Warmer damp-cold with prostate congestion, difficult dribbling urination:  Silver fir / Niaouli / Basil / Juniper berry
  • Wind-damp-cold obstruction with rheumatic pain (esp. In the upper parts), joint cramping: Ginger / Frankincense / Juniper berry
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
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Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
  • Black Spruce + Scotch pine: systemic neuroendocrine-immune restorative in chronic endocrine and immune deficiencies of all types.
  • Black spruce + Scotch pine: respiratory restorative, expectorant and antiseptic for all chronic lower respiratory infections, incl. Chronic asthma, emphysema
  • Black spruce + Niaouli: pituitary-ovarian restorative, progesteronic (?) for chronic dysmenorrhea, PMS, frigidity, menopausal syndrome.
  • Black spruce + Niaouli: prostate decongestant for benign prostatic congestion
  • Black spruce + Vetiver: systemic neuroendocrine-immune restorative in chronic endocrine and immune deficiencies of all types in general; for convalescence
  • Black spruce + Vetiver: hormonal restorative and regulator for chronic amenorrhea, PMS, frigidity, menopausal syndrome.
  • Black spruce + Clary sage / Geranium: hormonal regulator, progesteronic (?) for dysmenorrhea,  PMS,  frigidity, menopausal syndrome. 
  • Black spruce + Rosemary  + Geranium: pituitary-adrenal restorative for all metabolic disorders, chronic adrenocortical deficiency and dysregulation.
  • Black spruce + Myrrh: thyroid stimulant / restorative for hypothyroid syndrome
  • Black spruce + Green myrtle:  respiratory restorative and expectorant for chronic chest congestion with cough, sputum expectoration, fatigue
  • Black spruce + Clove: anthelmintic for a wide range of intestinal parasites.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.

For the relief of musculoskeletal conditions such as inflammation, tension and pain, consider blending spruce with essential oils such as black pepper, ginger, kunzea, spike lavender, pine or rosemary.

For the relief of coughs and respiratory congestion, consider blending with essential oils such as aniseed, cajeput, cypress, 1,8 cineole-rich eucalyptus, fragonia, niaouli, pine and thyme.

To alleviate fatigue, lack of stamina, adrenal burnout and stress, consider blending spruce with essential oils such as bergamot, black pepper, ginger, lemon, galbanum, grapefruit, cold-pressed lime, pine, rosemary or vetiver.

Holmes recommends a blend of black spruce and scotch pine as a neuroendocrine-immune restorative tonic.

Spruce is excellent in ‘fresh’ perfume types. It blends well with all other ine oils and with oils that have a rich green note such as oakmoss absolute and galbanum. Spruce also blends well with herbaceous scents such as lavandin and rosemary.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

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xxxx book

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends an infusion or decoction of hemlock bark for the treatment of diarrhoea, cystitis, leucorrhoea, stomatitis and gingivitis. 

In the nineteenth century , the North American colonists made spruce beer, which was the tops of spruce infused in beer. Spruce beer was used as an antiscorbutic. The British Naval Surgeon James Lind in 1753 had high praise for spruce beer:

The Newfoundland spruce beer, made of the black spruce, either fresh or dried, or from its essence, is an excellent medicine. The beer must be drunk daily, and parts affected with the eruption bathed with night and day.

Captain James Cook used it to preserve the health of his crew and prevent scurvy.

A1905 book, Curative foods fro mthe cook: in place of drugs from the chemist, noted that spruce beer made with the Norway spruce fir is an agreeable and wholesome beverage, very useful against scurvy and for chronic rheumatism.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018. 

Hazards: Skin sensitization if oxidized. 

Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be avoided

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

3-4 years

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