Black Spruce Essential Oil (Picea mariana)

Smooth, slightly sweet ~ earthy and engaging. Black Spruce essential oil grounds the body and mind while uplifting the spirit while purifying the environment around the user.

• Astringent / Expectorant
• Aids in yoga | meditation
• Cleansing / Odor neutralizing
• Antimicrobial | Anti-septic
• Expectorant
• Respiratory stimulant
• Stress Reduction
• Immune system support
• Balances nervous system
• Muscular Pain Reliever

Aromatic Scent: Brightly fresh, crisp coniferous, deeply green, soothing yet stimulating. Refreshing, dry woody aroma with soft-sweet tree needles hues on the drydown.

Dr. Nick Notes

Black Spruce essential oil is one of my primary go-to oils for daily use as a pure essential oil. Black spruce is incredible added into blends to enhance mental clarity yet relax the nervous system with sweet yet earthy notes. It has a wonderful pleasing, fresh sweet-fruity aroma that provides delicious mid-base notes when blended with other oils. Black Spruce oil has a slightly sweeter scent with more balsam notes than many other needle oils. Black Spruce steam distilled extract that comes from the needles and twigs of the tree – the pure essential oil is a pale yellow or even colorless liquid.

Black spruce essential oil carries the energy and aromas of its environment into products. The native environment of this tree is in the northern U.S. forests just below the tundra ecosystem. Though it is a somewhat little known oil ~ I have become enamored with the calming, soothing & clarifying effects of Black Spruce. Seemingly it not only helps me breathe better, but it makes me feel more energetic and is able to clear both emotional and physical “blockages” in daily life. The aroma of Black Spruce breeds feelings of harmony, contentment and good will. Used as a ritual with meditation or yoga practice seems to aid in dropping into the present moment and slowing distracting thoughts.

Historically, the Native American tribes of the northern U.S. used the oil to heal wounds and muscular pain. In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Black Spruce oil is listed to address diarrhea, cystitis, gingivitis, uterine prolapse, and pharyngitis. It also has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system supporting the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands thus may promote restoration of a healthy hormonal balance. The anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, and anti-fungal properties of this oil also make it an excellent product to aide in genito-urinary system health, especially in common UTI infections.

How to Use

For general dispersion and aromatherapy: Rub a few drops of the oil between your hands, snapping your fingers to heat it up and move your body around the room to spread the aromatic molecules through out the room. Then massage it into the scalp and temples to soothe and refresh your mind and body – use diluted at 5-10% in carrier oil if your body has sensitive skin. Add ten drops to your favorite oil diffuser or room spray and allow the aroma to infuse your environment.

For respiratory system: As an expectorant, antitussive, and respiratory disinfectant, mix 2-5 drops of black spruce into hot water and soak a rag, place the rag over your face deeply. The rag can also be placed on the chest. Alternatively, place a few drops in your palm, rub your hands together, put them over your nose and inhale deeply.

For muscular and other pains: Blend 5 to 10 drops of Black Spruce with one to two tablespoons of carrier oil such as Coconut or Argon. Massage into the affected area for 5 minutes or more a 1-3 times a day.

For urinary tract support and adrenal system support: Blend 5 to 10 drops of black spruce with a carrier oil and massage into lower abdomen and lower back. Also consider deep inhalations using the palm inhalation method or hot water and towel method.

For everyday cleaning and use: Mix the pure essential oil with your favorite household cleaner (diluted vinegar, distilled water, household surface cleaners) and use every day for maintaining a clean and fresh scented environment.. Try adding a few drops into your laundry sheets or during the clothing wash process to “spruce” up your clothes. Winning!

Safety Summary

Black Spruce essential oil is non-toxic, not-irritating, and non-sensitizing. As is the case with many powerful botanical extracts, care should be taken in the use of this product - it is advisable to dilute the product, especially for those with sensitive skin. Make sure that the person using it doesn’t have any associated allergies or aversions. Always use care when dealing with pure essential oils – less is more!

Blends Well With: Amyris, Balsam of Peru, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedar, Citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon), Cypress, Eucalyptus, Giant Fir, Silver Fir, Frankincense Carterii (CO2), Galbanum (CO2), Rose-Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thyme, Tobacco Absolute, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

Cultivation: Organic
Country of Origin: Canada
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts of Plant Used: Needles

References

• Lawless, Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Essential Oils, 1995 Element Books Ltd, p. 231, Rockport MA.
• Proano-Carrion, Christina. The Aroma Blog, http://thearomablog.com/black-spruce-essential-oil-breath-fresh-air/ Accessed 12/9/2015