Presently Gritman carries three different Fir Essential Oils. They are Fir Needle Essential Oil from Canada (Abies balsamea), Fir Needle Oil from Siberia (Abies sibrica), Silver Fir Essential Oil from Albania (Abies  alba).  Chemically when we look at these oils we see that the Canadian and Silver Fir Needle are similar in that they contain high levels of terpenes. The Siberian Fir Needle is different and is high in esters.

Terpenes have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial therapeutic properties. Some terpenes can be analgesic or stimulating with a tonic effect. Others have stimulating effect on the mucus membranes and are called decongestants.  Terpenes are not valued for their scent and often removed in perfume oils.  They are considered mostly  medicinal. Almost all essential oils have terpenes in them and it is a huge catagory so making generalizations for this group is difficult.

Esters are formed from alcohols and acids, and are named after both their original molecules. Esters tend to be fragrant with fruity notes. Primarily they are sedative and antispasmodic. Some esters also have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Esters are gentle and tend to be very safe to use.

In talking to the Albanians, their favorite oil is Silver Fir Needle. They like using it for all kinds of complaints. The Albanians said that they use it like the Father in My My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex. Oils high in terpenes are like that. They seem to have a wide and varied effect.  Being antiseptic and antiviral, it can be used on skin infections, broncial infections, and to boost the immune system. The Albanians say that if you use Silver Fir Needle, you stay well and happy. You can see chemically that this is true.

Siberian Fir Needle since it has high content of esters is calming and sedative. With antispasmodic properties, it can be used with the onset of asthmatic symptoms and to help relief tension within the body and muscular system. In this way it is called a pain reliever. Siberian Fir Needle also has terpenes can have have similar properties to the other firs but just not as strong. Mild, soothing, and relaxing are words most associated with Siberian Fir Needle.

Energetically these oils have very distinct differences. Siberian Fir Needle is used to ease transitions like changing jobs and the challenges coming from the every changing economic climate. The Gritman Guide says that it calms and rejuvenates the nervous system and energetic field.

Silver Fir Needle is the tree most associated with European Christmas. Energetically it is used to balance giving and receiving. For those that give too much and get too little or for those that give little and take much, this oil can heal these imbalances. The Gritman Guide says that receiving is the major bridge to living in a cooperative world and Silver Fir Needle can lead the way to a new reality. I like to think of it as the oil of Santa Claus.

Canadian Fir Needle energetically is used to unblock and clear the nervous system. It has a powerful ability to ground and as the earth moves into new energy dynamics, it is greatly needed at this time. The Gritman Guide says that Canadian Fir Needle helps the energy field from overheating  and causing problems physically.

Fir Essential Oils play an important role in our leading healthy productive lives. They can heal our energy field and soothe and comfort us as we change and grow in new ways. Fir trees grow in many different parts of the world and each oil provides us with different but similar properties.