Spruce

Origin: Canada

Description: GRAS- Spruce is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the conifer tree commonly referred to as a Hemlock. This is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 50 meters tall. It produces small brown cones and has an estimated life span of 1200 years. 

Common Uses: Spruce is anti-microbial, antiseptic, astringent, anti-infectious, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and, nervine. Support the respiratory, nervous, and glandular systems. Beneficial general tonic, mentally grounding, balancing solar plexus, candida, stimulant to thymus, cortisone-like, prostate, hyper-thyroidism, rheumatism, arthritis, bone pain, joints, sciatica pain, poor circulation, colds, flu, infections, anxiety, stress, immuno-depression.  It is also credited with being a spiritual oil – stabilizing while opening.

Consistency: Thin

Blends well with: Pine, Cedarwood, Galbanum, Benzoin, Lavender and Rosemary.

Aromatic Scent: Spruce has a pleasant balsamic scent that is sweet with fruity tones.

History: American Indians heated the twigs in steam baths to induce sweating for relief of rheumatism, colds and coughs. They applied the bark and twigs externally to stop bleeding wounds and sore muscles, and by boiling the Spruce twigs and cones in maple syrup, made beer.

Cautions: Spruce should be avoided during pregnancy. At low doses it appears to be non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.