Norway spruce: useful properties of needles, application

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Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an evergreen coniferous tree that is a member of the Pine family (Pinaceae).

The height of a slender, straight tree sometimes reaches 60 meters. The bark at a young age is smooth and reddish-brown, while in older trees it is cracked, crumbly and brownish-gray. The branches of the tree are variable in color, they can be yellow-brown or reddish-yellow.

The needles reach lengths from 1,5 to 2,5 centimeters, and also have a varied cross-section – square-diamond-shaped or flattened. The needles are thin, narrow, with sharp tips, which are densely located. The buds are cylindrical in shape, 4 centimeters wide and 15 centimeters long.

The needles that form the crown are renewed every 7-8 years. Spruce is a unisexual plant. It is found in the temperate zones of Asia, Europe and North America. All parts of the plant are used for both medicinal and decorative purposes.

The chemical composition of needles

The chemical composition of the needles of an evergreen tree includes:

• high percentage of essential oils;
• resinous and tannins;
• catechins;
• alpha and beta myrcene;
• tannins;
• hydroxybenzoic, coumaric and gallic acids;
• vitamin C.

Spruce: health benefits

Wood is the main source of resin, which has many uses. The essential oil extracted from the needles of spruce is used in the perfumery industry because of its pronounced aroma.

Spruce wood of medium hardness, relatively elastic, water resistant. Suitable for the manufacture of furniture, windows, musical instruments and more. It is widely used in the production of pulp and paper.

Spruce is often used in alternative and traditional medicine, as its needles and resin have expectorant, antibiotic and antiseptic properties.

Spruce oil: application

For centuries, the essential oil, extracted from aromatic needles and spruce branches, has been used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine to improve conditions such as fever, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain and respiratory problems.

The oil has a wide range of therapeutic properties, thus it is suitable for massage, muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism. It has a beneficial effect on mood, stimulates emotions and reduces stress and anxiety.

Works well with oils such as lavender, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, sandalwood and citrus.

Antineoplastic agent – Essential oil of pine needles is an effective anticancer agent. Scientific research reveals its many anti-tumor properties. They involve essential oil and alpha-humulene.

Increasing the dose alternately increases the content of cellular glutathione (GSH), which is also a powerful antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Antiseptic

The essential oil is rich in organic compounds that help prevent infectious processes in the body. Therefore, it can be used as an active first aid agent for trauma.

In scientific studies related to herbal medicine and antibacterial activity, the essential oil of spruce needles has been found to be effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus).

Anesthetic

In some countries, pine oil extract is used as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the general circulation, which significantly shortens the recovery time of the muscles.

Expectorant agent

By inhaling the scent of spruce oil, respiratory distress is relieved. Inhalation has a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect on the throat and bronchi, and also stimulates the expectoration (expectoration).

Additional properties:

•  sedatives;
• diuretic;
• tonic;
• immunomodulatory;
• anti-cellulite.

Diseases for which spruce is used

• cough;
• pulmonary inflammation;
• rheumatism;
• muscle pain;
• joint pain;
• fever;
• stress and anxiety.

Spruce essential oil:

• For inhalation – 1 tsp. needles essential oil in a glass of hot water;
• for gargling – add 500 g of unripe cones to boiled water (100 ml), boil for about 30 minutes, and then soak for 3-4 hours and filter;
• for colds – boil 30 g of young shoots in one liter of milk. Take 3 times a day.

Attention: spruce is not toxic. There are no side (proven) effects from its use. There is also insufficient information on the safety of eating for pregnant or breastfeeding women. First you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using spruce for medicinal purposes!

How to make fir needle syrup

Spruce syrup increases the body’s defenses. Helps to stimulate appetite, improves digestion, reduces chronic fatigue and increases the body’s defenses.

Moreover, it also serves as an excellent remedy for the relief of diseases such as sinusitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, and even tuberculosis. Here’s how to make it at home.

Recipe 1:

Put 1 kg of spruce needles in a saucepan. Add 2 liters of water. Leave the liquid to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Then remove from the stove and cool.

Add 1 kg of sugar dissolved in 1 liter of water. Return the liquid to the hob and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes. Cool, strain and pour into a container with an airtight seal. Store in a dry and dark place.

Recipe 2:

Place the spruce needles on the bottom of the glass jar. Add sugar. Alternate layers until the jar is full. The top layer should be sugar. Close and leave in a sunny place for 7-10 days. Strain the resulting syrup and place in a saucepan.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain again and pour into a sealed bottle. Store in a dry and dark place.

Method of application: dissolve 2-3 teaspoons of spruce needle syrup in 250 ml of water (or tea). Consume before meals.

To prepare this remedy, young needles are needed. It differs in that it has a light green color. Spruce needles should be harvested in late April and early May. Brown sugar can be added to give the syrup a nicer color.

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