Black Spruce
Picea Mariana
When we think of winter oils, Black Spruce Oil immediately springs to our minds. Its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties make it helpful for clearing mucus, soothing sore muscles, and relieving joint pain. This fresh-smelling woody oil is also grounding and energising at the same time. Black Spruce Oil is a true ally of the mind, body, and spirit.
History of Black Spruce Oil
As the name suggests, Black Spruce Oil is extracted from the black spruce tree - a member of the Pinaceae pine family and a close cousin of cedars, firs, hemlocks, and, of course, pines. Even though there are about 40 different species of spruce in the world, only some of them have therapeutic properties. Black spruce is one of them. Black spruce (botanical name: Picea mariana) is native to Canada, but this evergreen coniferous tree grows in some parts of Alaska and the northern reaches of the United States as well. Wet, swampy regions are its typical home. This tree’s surprisingly sharp, bluish-green needle-like leaves are the main source of Black Spruce Oil. Compared to other essential oils from the Pinaceae family, Black Spruce Oil has a much sweeter aroma.
It is believed that the indigenous people of North America are the ones who discovered this wonderful oil. They started using Black Spruce Oil many centuries ago. Once they realised that Black Spruce Oil can be beneficial to their physical and mental health, Native Americans and First Nations began travelling hundreds of kilometres throughout the continental United States and Canada respectively in search of black spruce needles and twigs. The Lakota Americans boiled down these parts of the black spruce tree into extracts and used them to heal battle wounds, relax sore muscles at the end of an exhausting day, alleviate joint pain, and soothe the mind. The last explains why a number of Native American and First Nation tribes incorporated Black Spruce Oil into their rituals, especially into the meditative ones, today known as “grounding”.
Why is Black Spruce Oil still around?
Black Spruce Oil with its crisp, woody and earthy scent is still widely used thanks to its versatility and numerous health benefits. Although its production has been modernised, this traditional, all-natural remedy continues to be a powerful ally of the mind, body, and spirit. Black Spruce Oil can kill harmful bacteria, protect against viral infections, clear respiratory and emotional blockages, relieve muscle and joint pain, and encourage hormonal equilibrium (commonly used to promote healthy production of adrenal gland hormones during the winter season). Black Spruce Oil is a popular pick for meditation and yoga sessions and it is often used to create a fresh and calming atmosphere at home.
Have you ever had the chance to reap the benefits of Black Spruce Oil? What has your experience been like? We at Essentially Yours would love to read your thoughts on this, so feel free to share them with us!
Extracting Black Spruce Oil
As the name suggests, Black Spruce Oil is collected from black spruce (botanical name: Picea mariana) - an evergreen coniferous tree. This tree is a member of the Pinaceae pine family and a close cousin of pines, firs, cedars, and hemlocks. Black Spruce Oil is steam-distilled from the tree’s blue-green needles and branches. Steam distillation is one of the most popular methods for extracting and isolating essential oils from plants. This process happens when dry steam is passed through the plant material. The steam vaporises the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. One of the most significant advantages of steam distillation is that it generates organic solvent-free products.
The colour of Black Spruce Oil is clear to pale yellow, its consistency is thin, and its initial aroma is strong. The major constituents of Black Spruce Oil are: bornyl acetate, beta-pinene, alpha-pinene, camphene, (+)-limonene, and camphor. The presence of bornyl acetate explains why Black Spruce Oil is calming, soothing, and grounding.
Black Spruce Oil has numerous therapeutic properties, including: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, anthelmintic, expectorant, and insect-deterrent.
Can I make Black Spruce Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to make essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. However, this process might be too time-consuming for some of you. Plus, the Picea mariana tree is a slow-growing one, which is why we advise you to consider purchasing this oil online.
Have you ever had the chance to experience the beauty of Black Spruce Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
The colour of Black Spruce Oil is clear to pale yellow, its consistency is thin, and its initial aroma is strong. The major constituents of Black Spruce Oil are: bornyl acetate, beta-pinene, alpha-pinene, camphene, (+)-limonene, and camphor. The presence of bornyl acetate explains why Black Spruce Oil is calming, soothing, and grounding.
Black Spruce Oil has numerous therapeutic properties, including: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, anthelmintic, expectorant, and insect-deterrent.
Can I make Black Spruce Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to make essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. However, this process might be too time-consuming for some of you. Plus, the Picea mariana tree is a slow-growing one, which is why we advise you to consider purchasing this oil online.
Have you ever had the chance to experience the beauty of Black Spruce Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
Spruce Oil Varieties
Spruce Oil Varieties
The genus Picea consists of about 40 species of evergreen shrubs and trees - a.k.a. spruces. They are native to the temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Some of the major Picea species are: Black Spruce (Picea mariana), White Spruce (Picea glauca), Blue or Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens), and Norway Spruce (Picea abies). Black and White Spruce are used for pulp, Blue Spruce is often used as an ornamental tree due to its bluish leaves and symmetry, and Norway Spruce is used in the timber industry as well as in reforestation. All of these species are essential oil-bearing.
What are the most popular Spruce Oil varieties?
- Black Spruce Oil. This is probably the most versatile member of the Spruce Oil family. Black Spruce Oil can be paired with oh so many essential oils (we’ve written a whole article about this). Black Spruce Oil is considered to be a “warming” oil, which is why it’s a must-have during the chilly months. However, it can be used year-round because it can help with respiratory blockages, lethargy, stress and anxiety, muscular pain, and sore joints. Black Spruce Oil’s aroma is much milder and sweeter compared to the scents of the other Spruce Oils, which is yet another reason it’s many people’s first choice.
- White Spruce Oil. White Spruce Oil possesses a clean, crisp, woodsy aroma. It can support healthy lung and airway activity, ease muscle tension, manage pain and inflammation, and help soothe swollen lymph glands. White Spruce Oil blends nicely with essential oils of the wood, resin, floral, spice, and citrus families, which means it’s an incredibly versatile oil.
- Blue Spruce Oil. This oil wakes up the senses, soothes the anxious mind, relaxes the body, and relieves muscle tension. Blue Spruce Oil can also help cleanse cuts and bruises as well as serve as a respiratory aid. Comforting and invigorating, Blue Spruce Oil’s aroma has a strong camphor base with a slightly sweet and citrusy top note and green balsamic middle notes.
- Norway Spruce Oil. Norway or European Spruce Oil has an intense resinous scent with a slightly sweet hint. It can assist with congested lungs, arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is suitable for smokers and can be used in diffusers, baths, and massages.
Have you ever had the chance to experience the beauty of the Spruce Oil family? Black Spruce Oil is our absolute favourite, what’s yours? We would love to read your thoughts on this, so feel free to share them with us!
What are the most popular Spruce Oil varieties?
- Black Spruce Oil. This is probably the most versatile member of the Spruce Oil family. Black Spruce Oil can be paired with oh so many essential oils (we’ve written a whole article about this). Black Spruce Oil is considered to be a “warming” oil, which is why it’s a must-have during the chilly months. However, it can be used year-round because it can help with respiratory blockages, lethargy, stress and anxiety, muscular pain, and sore joints. Black Spruce Oil’s aroma is much milder and sweeter compared to the scents of the other Spruce Oils, which is yet another reason it’s many people’s first choice.
- White Spruce Oil. White Spruce Oil possesses a clean, crisp, woodsy aroma. It can support healthy lung and airway activity, ease muscle tension, manage pain and inflammation, and help soothe swollen lymph glands. White Spruce Oil blends nicely with essential oils of the wood, resin, floral, spice, and citrus families, which means it’s an incredibly versatile oil.
- Blue Spruce Oil. This oil wakes up the senses, soothes the anxious mind, relaxes the body, and relieves muscle tension. Blue Spruce Oil can also help cleanse cuts and bruises as well as serve as a respiratory aid. Comforting and invigorating, Blue Spruce Oil’s aroma has a strong camphor base with a slightly sweet and citrusy top note and green balsamic middle notes.
- Norway Spruce Oil. Norway or European Spruce Oil has an intense resinous scent with a slightly sweet hint. It can assist with congested lungs, arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It can be used in diffusers, baths, and massages.
Have you ever had the chance to experience the beauty of the Spruce Oil family? Black Spruce Oil is our absolute favourite, what’s yours? We would love to hear your thoughts on this, so feel free to share them with us!
Benefits of Black Spruce Oil
Black Spruce Oil’s fresh, coniferous aroma makes it a lovely natural air purifier. But Black Spruce Oil can do so much more than making your home/office/yoga studio smell heavenly. :
So, what are the benefits of using Black Spruce Oil?
Encourage hormonal equilibrium
Believe it or not, Black Spruce Oil can stimulate healthy thyroid function and provide balance to the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which is our central stress response system. Harness these benefits by pairing Black Spruce Oil with Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, or Lavender Oil - all of which are hormone powerhouses. Don’t forget to “weaken” them with a carrier oil (Almond, Coconut, Olive, Rosehip, and Jojoba Oil are some of the many you can choose from) before you apply them to your wrists, ankles, and behind your ears.
Keep the airways clear and open
Black Spruce Oil’s expectorant and antitussive properties make it a great ally of the respiratory system. Black Spruce Oil can come in handy during the flu season, when you have a cold, feel congested, or struggle with seasonal allergies. If you want to support your breathing, we suggest combining a couple of drops of Black Spruce Oil with a couple of drops of Eucalyptus Oil or your favourite citrus oil. Add them to your diffuser and let them work their magic.
Promote skin health
Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Black Spruce Oil is considered to be a wonderful skin cleanser. It can help calm redness, reduce blemishes, prevent the formation of dark patches, and soothe other irritations. You can reap these amazing health benefits by adding a drop of 100% Pure Organic Black Spruce Oil to your daily moisturiser or dilute it with your favourite carrier oil and apply it topically to your skin.
Elevate and balance emotions
Black Spruce Oil can energise someone who is feeling melancholic and have a soothing effect on hyperactive and nervous individuals at the same time.
Ease muscular tension and discomfort as well as relieve joint inflammation and pain
Research shows that Black Spruce Oil, especially when combined with other essential oils, can relax the muscles, lubricate the joints, and even promote healthy circulation. To create a soothing and comforting massage, particularly after a strenuous activity, we advise you to dilute a drop or two of Black Spruce Oil with Coconut Oil.
Although there aren’t any special precautions when using Black Spruce Oil, it’s important to be careful if you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care. Also, avoid using this oil if it has oxidised.
Have you given Black Spruce Oil a chance to seduce you? Would you recommend it to the rest of the Essentially Yours community? As always, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us!
Uses of Black Spruce Oil
Black Spruce Oil is a versatile essential oil, meaning its unique beauty can be experienced in a number of ways. Read on to find out what our favourite uses for Black Spruce Oil are.
In a diffuser
This, of course, is one of the simplest ways to reap some of the many benefits Black Spruce Oil offers. By adding a few drops of 100% Pure Organic Black Spruce Oil to your essential oil vapouriser, you can clear the air in your home/office/studio and create a relaxing atmosphere in it, balance your emotions and calm your anxious mind (which is exactly why this oil is perfect for yoga and meditation practices), and breathe more easily. How wonderful is that?
In the shower
This may seem a bit strange to some of you, but putting a drop or two of Black Spruce Oil on your shower floor in the morning is a fantastic idea. The steam of the shower will disperse the fresh, woody scent of the oil and, as a result, your sinuses will open up, you’ll start breathing more deeply, your energy levels will rise up, and as a bonus, your bathroom will smell heavenly. P.S. Make sure to drop the oil in an area that isn’t directly in the water stream.
In a moisturiser
Since Black Spruce Oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to some of its constituents, adding a drop of it to your daily moisturiser can help you keep your skin healthy and glowing. In case blending essential oils is your thing, you might enjoy combining Black Spruce Oil with Frankincense or Tea Tree Oil for an even stronger positive effect.
In homemade cleaning products
You can create a refreshing and, more importantly, effective cleaning spray with just three ingredients: water, vinegar, and Black Spruce Oil. All you’ll need to do is fill a 500 ml spray bottle with distilled water, half a teaspoon of vinegar, and about 50 drops of Black Spruce Oil. We know that counting 50 drops of oil can be an annoying task, which is why we recommend using a graduated cylinder (2 ml Black Spruce Oil will do the trick in this case). To make things more interesting, you can throw your favourite citrus oil to the mix too.
In a massage blend
Thanks to its antispasmodic and analgesic properties, Black Spruce Oil can be an amazing addition to practically every massage blend. After an intense workout or physical activity of any kind, consider diluting a couple of drops of Black Spruce Oil with Coconut or Jojoba Oil and gently massaging the parts of your body that need topical support. It can assist with pain, inflammation, and stiffness. A Black Spruce Oil massage can also help you ease your mind.
Blends well with
Black Spruce Oil is a woody oil with a fresh, coniferous aroma and a sweet floral hint. It blends extremely well with other conifer essential oils, including Pine, Cypress, Fir Douglas, Cedarwood, and Juniper Berry. In addition to these, Black Spruce Oil can also be mixed with pungent oils such as Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Rosemary, Fragonia, Lavender, Thyme, Geranium, Bergamot, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Spearmint, and many others. Let’s take a closer look at some of these wonderful oils.
Cypress Oil
This oil is steam distilled from the branches of the cypress tree. Its clean and energising scent makes it a great blend partner for Black Spruce Oil. If you love the smell of pine forests, chances are you’ll love this powerful duo too.
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Lavender Oil
Black Spruce and Lavender pack a powerful punch. On the one hand, there’s Black Spruce with its fresh, earthy, and a touch sweet scent - an oil that can help with coughs, colds, chest congestion, muscle pain, and lethargy. On the other hand, there’s Lavender - probably the most popular and versatile oil in the aromatherapy kingdom. Lavender can do wonders for your skin (prevent and heal acne breakouts, soothe eczema and dry skin, soothe burns, promote the healing of skin tissue, etc.), relax your mind, treat fungal infections and allergies, assist with insomnia, and offer a number of other positive effects. You can practically smell your way to better health by blending these two.
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Eucalyptus Oil
As you may already know, Eucalyptus Oil can clear up sinus congestion, relieve muscle and joint pain, and combat stress - just like Black Spruce Oil. This oil has an airy aroma, which is why combining it with Black Spruce Oil’s crisp, earthy scent works so well.
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Frankincense Oil
This oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Studies show that Frankincense Oil may help reduce joint inflammation caused by arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, relieve asthma symptoms and reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks, and offer other health benefits. In the Black Spruce & Frankincense duo, Black Spruce plays the key role because it holds the blend together with its floral undertone to ensure it has a long-lasting aroma.
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Cedarwood Oil
As the name suggests, Cedarwood Oil is extracted from the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. Its warm, balsamic aroma and its calming and grounding properties assist those of Black Spruce Oil. This is another fabulous pair.
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