Fir Douglas
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Fir Douglas Oil has healing properties when applied topically. Not only can it keep nasty bugs and insects away, but it can also help to heal small cuts and wounds due to its antibacterial properties. It is a great oil to purchase if you want a natural alternative to bug repellent.
History of Fir Douglas Oil
Fir Douglas, also known as Pseudotsuga Menziesii was discovered by Scottish botanist David Douglas in 1827. Unlike most essential oils, it doesn’t have a deep history behind it, however after its discovery, its health benefits positioned it as a good essential oil to own. Fir Douglas is native to America, but due to its growing conditions and resistance against extreme weather it can also be found in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Since the oils discovery it has been popular in aromatherapy, beauty and seasonal industries (mostly Christmas) due to its coniferous scent. It has antibacterial properties meaning that it is also a popular oil to be used to treat sores, minor cuts and wounds. The oil today is popular in America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand as these are the main distributors, but it can be obtained by practically any country due to its accessibility.
So, why is Fir Douglas Oil popular today?
Despite it not having a history of use spanning thousands of years, the oil is popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, the tree in some cases can live for over 1000 years, therefore yielding the oil isn’t difficult as there is access to multiple trees. This is also warranted by its growing conditions, as it can withstand extreme cold and heat providing that there is sufficient moisture and drainage in the soil, which can’t be said for a lot of other essential oils. For example, there are certain oils such as Boronia Oil that are less popular due to the fact that growing the plant is extremely difficult to do, and it can only be sourced from one place in the world currently.
Finally, Fir Douglas Oil is popular because it can be used for more than just aromatherapy. Whether it’s scenting the home, creating candles, household cleaning products or an antiseptic ointment; Fir Douglas Oil can wear many hats in the essential oil world. It complements a number of other oils on the market, and overall is an accessible and affordable oil for many. There is an element of commercialisation around the oil, as it can be found in seasonal products due to its association with Christmas or the holiday period in winter for those who don’t celebrate Christmas. It has a fresh but comforting scent which is why it’s so popular.
Extracting Fir Douglas Oil
Like most essential oil extractions, Fir Douglas Oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. The needles and branches of the tree are first cleaned, before being put into the steam distillation unit. The process uses steam to gently lift the oil from the needles and branches, where it later condenses and sits on top of the water. It can be skimmed off the water and put into bottles, and that’s how the oil is made! It’s a very common way to make essential oils, as it doesn’t damage the essential oil but still enables you to make a high yield.
Can I make Fir Douglas Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Providing that you have a Fir Douglas tree nearby (or even better if you have one on your own land) you can make the oil. The only time you may struggle to make this oil at home is if you are in a country that is unable to grow Fir Douglas due to an unsuitable climate. Assuming that you have access to a Fir Douglas tree, and a small steam distillation unit, you can create the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you’re someone who enjoys making essential oils on a regular basis, we recommend purchasing a steam distiller which is more cost effective than renting one.
If you don’t own a steam distiller, you could make a Fir Douglas infused carrier oil, but it will not be as strong or possess all of the properties that a true essential oil would. You can make an infused carrier oil by heating the mixture for 6-8 hours, before draining the needles/branches from the mixture. You could also put a sprig of the needles into Gin or Vodka if you wanted to make infused alcohol - as Fir Douglas Gin is popular due to its refreshing taste. Pair with a plain tonic or elderflower tonic if you like a fragrant taste. It isn’t the healthiest way of infusing Fir Douglas but it definitely tastes great!
Can I make Fir Douglas Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Providing that you have a Fir Douglas tree nearby (or even better if you have one on your own land) you can make the oil. The only time you may struggle to make this oil at home is if you are in a country that is unable to grow Fir Douglas due to an unsuitable climate. Assuming that you have access to a Fir Douglas tree, and a small steam distillation unit, you can create the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you’re someone who enjoys making essential oils on a regular basis, we recommend purchasing a steam distiller which is more cost effective than renting one.
If you don’t own a steam distiller, you could make a Fir Douglas infused carrier oil, but it will not be as strong or possess all of the properties that a true essential oil would. You can make an infused carrier oil by heating the mixture for 6-8 hours, before draining the needles/branches from the mixture. You could also put a sprig of the needles into Gin or Vodka if you wanted to make infused alcohol - as Fir Douglas Gin is popular due to its refreshing taste. Pair with a plain tonic or elderflower tonic if you like a fragrant taste. It isn’t the healthiest way of infusing Fir Douglas but it definitely tastes great!
Fir Douglas Oil Varieties
Fir Douglas Oil Varieties
Fir Douglas was first discovered in the 1800's, and when the properties of the oil were found to be antiseptic and useful in alternative medicine practices, the oil began to grow in popularity. Today, Fir Douglas Oil is commonly associated with Christmas, due to its coniferous and refreshing scent. There are multiple products infused with the scent and taste, such as Gin, Vodka, candles hand washes and soaps.
There are three varieties of Fir Douglas, but within these there are other types - depending on where they are grown. The main three recorded are coast Douglas Fir (P. menziesii var. menziesii), Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir (P. menziesii var. glauca) and Mexican Douglas fir (P. menziesii var. lindleyana). There is no preferred type of Fir Douglas tree that is used to create the oil, as it seems as they all have similar properties within the different variations. You may find that distributors may use other varieties than the three listed, but it depends on their location and which Fir Douglas tree type they have the ability to access.
So, which type of Fir Douglas Oil should I use?
There is no stand out variety of Fir Douglas Oil which is preferred in the essential oil community, however it’s important when purchasing your essential oil that you are looking for a high quality supplier. We always recommend purchasing oils that are “absolute” or “essential” when listed by a supplier, and that the ingredient is 100% essential oil. This not only allows you to reap the benefits of your essential oil, but it also enables you to purchase an oil that is of high quality and purity. There are a lot of brands that will sell pre mixed blends, or essential oils that have been distilled in a carrier oil (but the branding is deceptive). Make sure that you always check this as well as how that distributor extracts their essential oils on a commercial scale (where possible).
There are three varieties of Fir Douglas, but within these there are other types - depending on where they are grown. The main three recorded are coast Douglas Fir (P. menziesii var. menziesii), Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir (P. menziesii var. glauca) and Mexican Douglas fir (P. menziesii var. lindleyana). There is no preferred type of Fir Douglas tree that is used to create the oil, as it seems as they all have similar properties within the different variations. You may find that distributors may use other varieties than the three listed, but it depends on their location and which Fir Douglas tree type they have the ability to access.
So, which type of Fir Douglas Oil should I use?
There is no stand out variety of Fir Douglas Oil which is preferred in the essential oil community, however it’s important when purchasing your essential oil that you are looking for a high quality supplier. We always recommend purchasing oils that are “absolute” or “essential” when listed by a supplier, and that the ingredient is 100% essential oil. This not only allows you to reap the benefits of your essential oil, but it also enables you to purchase an oil that is of high quality and purity. There are a lot of brands that will sell pre mixed blends, or essential oils that have been distilled in a carrier oil (but the branding is deceptive). Make sure that you always check this as well as how that distributor extracts their essential oils on a commercial scale (where possible).
Benefits of Fir Douglas Oil
Fir Douglas Oil has been popular since its discovery in the 1800's, with antiseptic properties which enabled it to be used to treat small wounds, cuts and bruises. Its coniferous and refreshing scent has been used in seasonal products, as well as flavourings in Gin and Vodka. It is a beautifully fragrant oil that has cemented itself in multiple industries, and is readily available on a commercial scale in most countries.
So, what are the benefits of Fir Douglas Oil?
Alleviates pain
When used topically, Fir Douglas Oil can work brilliantly to alleviate pain. You can create a blend with a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil that can be used on sore muscles and joints and on your forehead if you have a headache. You can also add a few drops to petroleum jelly or a fragrance free moisturiser if you don’t like using carrier oils on your skin. It’s a great alternative to using painkillers or rubs that have chemicals or artificial ingredients that you’d prefer not to use.
Eliminates toxins
Fir Douglas Oil is a natural antioxidant - inhale, diffuse or create your own rub by mixing with a carrier oil..
Antibacterial
Fir Douglas Oil has antibacterial properties that can be used to keep fungus and infection away. Whether it’s on athletes' feet, or on bacterial skin conditions - it’s a natural remedy that can be a great alternative.
Can be used to clean
Fir Douglas Oil is one of the essential oils on the market that can be used in homemade cleaning products such as polishes, floor cleaners and kitchen cleaners.
Healing
Fir Douglas Oil has a number of healing properties that can be used for the skin. It can be used on acne-prone skin to help with stubborn breakouts, but can also be used on minor cuts and grazes to help it heal quicker.
Please note that the benefits of an essential oil can vary from person to person, and if you suffer with sensitive skin or you’re on prescription medicine for you skin, to always consult with a dermatologist before experimenting with natural remedies such as essential oils.
Uses of Fir Douglas Oil
Fir Douglas Oil is a popular oil made from the needles and twigs from the Fir Douglas tree. It’s an oil created via steam distillation and it produces a coniferous and refreshing essential oil. It was first discovered in the 1800's, and was mostly used for cuts and small wounds due to having antiseptic properties. Today, it is an oil that can be found in many commercial products such as candles, alcohol, household cleaners and perfumes.
So, what can I use Fir Douglas Oil for?
Aromatherapy
Fir Douglas oil is used in aromatherapy to boost your mood, make you feel energised as well as reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. Whether you use it on your own, or blended with other refreshing oils such as eucalyptus or lemon, it can work to tackle a number of issues.
Acne
Due to its calming and antibacterial properties, Fir Douglas Oil can be used as a skin treatment or integrated into your current skin regime. Whether it’s to make a serum or use topically on acute breakouts, the oil works well to combat spots and calm acne-prone skin.
Aches and pains
Fir Douglas Oil works well to combat aches and pains in your muscles and joints. You can mix it with a carrier oil, lotion or ointment to create your own massage blends or use it as a daily moisturiser to keep persistent pain at bay. It is a great alternative to painkillers or topical painkillers that may be harmful to you.
Home cleaning
Like a lot of essential oils, Fir Douglas Oil can work well as a natural household cleaner. Whether it’s a few drops in a DIY floor cleaner, or massaged into wood to bring a shine to it, it’s versatile and adds a beautiful scent when cleaning. One of our favourites is making a floor cleaner with vinegar, hot water, Lemon Oil and Fir Douglas Oil
Home scents
Whether it’s a few drops in your electric diffuser, or mixed into a spray bottle with water and other essential oils, you can create a beautiful, refreshing scent in moments.
Massage oil
Even if you don’t struggle with muscle pain, Fir Douglas Oil works well as a massage oil regardless. It feels refreshing but soothing on the skin. Try blending with Lavender Oil and some Jojoba Oil with a touch of Jasmine Oil - and thank us later.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding the best blends, or understanding the benefits of a certain oil; our website has all the information you’ll need. We are passionate about creating a community where you can learn every day about essential oils. In this blog we’re going to talk about Fir Douglas Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
Creamy, nourishing and thick, Coconut Oil is one of our favourite carrier oils because it is packed full of key vitamins and fats. It works beautifully with a number of other essential oils on the market and acts as a great base for hair masks, face masks and night treatments for your skin. With a few drops of Fir Douglas Oil you can make a beautiful night oil, or a massage oil for tired muscles and joints. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so if you are creating a blend that you’ll use later, make it over a low heat first.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and packed full of vitamins, Almond Oil is another carrier oil we love as it can be used as a daily moisturiser without feeling greasy. Mix with a few drops of Fir Douglas Oil and you’ve got a beautiful daily facial oil which can be absorbed by the skin and also act well as a makeup base if you are struggling with dry skin.
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Jojoba Oil
We love Jojoba Oil as it is the carrier oil that is a holy grail for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin, as the oil has a similar makeup to our skin's natural oils. Therefore, when you use it you’re less likely to break out. Mix with some Fir Douglas Oil and some Eucalyptus Oil and sugar to create a body scrub, as well as a facial scrub to be used on your forehead and nose area.
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Lavender Oil
Fragrant, floral and soothing, Lavender Oil is one of the few essential oils that blends with practically every single fragrance on the market! If you are looking to add a subtle but beautiful scent to a room, add a few drops of lavender and fir douglas into your electric diffuser and be transported to serenity.
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Grapefruit Oil
Punchy and vibrant, Grapefruit Oil and Fir Douglas Oil work well to create linen sprays or to be used in soaps, diffusers and facial mists.
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