COMMON NAME: Hemlock Spruce, Eastern Hemlock

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tsuga canadensis, Pinus canadensis, Abies canadensis

FAMILY NAME: Pinaeae (Pine)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: North America

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Canada, USA

HISTORY INFORMATION: Some confuse this oil with the herb that killed Socrates. This tree is not poisonous. Native Americans used the inner bark to make a tea to treat colds, induce sweating, and treat feverish conditions. It was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as a counterirritant for rheumatic pain. Veterinarians used the oil as a liniment.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There is also a Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Often this oil is found as a mixture of various spruces and often just called Spruce oil. Constituents of Hemlock Spruce are similar to Douglas Fir and very different from the Western Hemlock.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: Looks like a Christmas tree. An evergreen tree growing up to 80ft producing flat needles with rounded points and reddish brown cones.

PARTS PROCESSED: Needles and twigs

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Terpene. Pinene, limonene, bornyl acetate, tricyclene, phellandrene, myrcrene

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitussive, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, tonic. Used for muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu, infections, anxiety, stress, and meditation.

MENTAL USES: I am my own person. I am able to commit to someone or something without losing myself. I am free to be me while I am with you. I love you and you can depend on me.

EMOTIONAL USES: Lonely, afraid, smothered, claustrophobic, need to be free, commitment scares you, running, not dependable TO loved, loving, intimate, committed, stable, dependable, free.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have a fear of being smothered or devoured. You could want to be close but free at the same time. A butterfly lands and enjoys only to fly off again and again. Are you longing to set down some roots but afraid of getting caught? Hemlock Spruce will help you overcome this fear. You can set roots but still be free. There is a suggestion that this fear has interfered in your love life and you are longing for more than a few days - few month relationship. It is on the way. Clear the fear and it is yours.

APPLICATIONS: Bath, diffusor, disinfectant, inhaler, massage, mist spray, and steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic and nonirritating at low doses. No formal testing avoid in pregnancy and with infants and children.