Plant Description

There are about 40 species of evergreen ornamental and timber trees of spruce. They are pyramidal trees with thin, scaly bark. Each of the linear, spirally arranged needle-like leaaves are jointed near the stem on a separate woody base. The hanging, persistent-scaled cones are egg-shaped or cylindrical, similar to pine cones. Resonant spruce wood is used for making sounding boards in pianos and the bodies of violins, as well as in construction and for boats and barrels. Spruce oil smells sweet and inviting, similar to fir or pine, but milder. It is clear in color.

Health Benefits of Spruce

Spruce essential oil has been used traditionally for infections and for supporting the immune system. It is also very good for arthritis, rheumatic, sciatica and lower back pain.

• Tonic:

  As a tonic, spruce stimulates and fortifies the immune system. It regulates hormones and tones the endocrine system, which controls all the glands.

• Emotional Support:

  Spruce promotes happiness and relieves sadness. It helps you think positive and see things optimistically. It can regulate energy and restore equilibrium, even in cases of mood swings. It enhances memory functions. Spruce can help release emotional blocks and restore a sense of emotional balance.

Spruce for the Skin:

• Acne Relief:

  Acne can benefit from the skin-stimulating, antibacterial, and hormone-balancing actions of spruce. It also calms outbreaks triggered by hormonal imbalances, nerves or stress.

• Healing:

  Spruce can also soothe skin problems such as boils, burns, skin inflammation, sores, and wounds.

• Dry Skin Relief:

  Spruce wood powder is good for skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhea.

• Anti-Fungal:

  Because it is antifungal, spruce may help clear fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, facial candida, jock itch and fingernail fungi.

• Improves Skin Appearance and Texture:

  It also improves skin tone, accelerates cell renewal and reduces cellulite by encouraging waste removal and improving circulation.

WARNING:

This article is for informational purpose only. Spruce is not a treatment for any disease or condition. It is generally safe when used on the skin or hair, but to ensure safety, it is best to do an allergy test. Consult your doctor before using for medical purposes.

Bibliography:

1. Bull, Ruah. "The Spring Months." Daily Aromatherapy Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils. By Joni Keim. Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2008. 154.
2. Book “Herbal Encyclopedia” by Doctor Hakeem Hari Chand Multani.
3. Classification: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PISI
Article last updated 11/15/14