Exclusive Guide to Black Spruce Essential Oil
Picea mariana
Origin: Canada
Distilled part: Needles and branches
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Colorless to yellow
Scent: Characteristic, fresh from moss and conifer, resinous and balsamic.
Note: Base note
Plant Family: Pinaceae
SUPER POWERS
Analgesic
- Pain killer, reduces pain
Anti-inflammatory
- reduces inflammation and swelling
Anthelmintic
- destroys parasites, worms
Antibacterial
- kills bacterial growth or prevents bacteria from growing
Antifungal
- prevents or kills fungus growth
Antispasmodic
- prevents or relieves spasms
Diuretic
- helps to increase the production of urine
Expectorant
- promotes the removal of mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
Insect repellent
USAGE TIPS
Acne
Mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of coconut oil, and massage into the face and neck. Acne can benefit from the astringent, antiseptic, and antimicrobial actions of spruce oil.
Aching joints
Mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage into areas of concern. Spruce oil relieves inflammation and eases the pain of joints. Alternatively, add 3 drops to a hot compress, and drape over painful joints.
Aging skin
Add 2 drops of spruce oil to your moisturizer each morning, or mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and use as a facial oil. It has excellent regenerating properties and helps to improve skin tone with regular use.
Athlete's Foot
Very effective for fungal infections of the skin. It helps to relieve itching and inflammation, and prevents the infection from spreading. Add 3 drops of spruce oil to a warm foot bath and soak for 20 minutes. After the bath, make a foot lotion using a blend of 3 drops of spruce oil mixed with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of coconut oil.
Bronchitis
Spruce oil helps to dispel mucus, and clear respiratory passageways. Mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the chest area. You can also add 3 drops to a steam inhalation.
Insect Repellent
This is the perfect repellent to use during daytime, because cedarwood is not sun-toxic as lemon and lemongrass for instans. Add 5-7 drops per 30 ml of cream/oil. Diffuse it on your patio.
Cellulite
Spruce oil encourages the removal of wastes and toxins from the body, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite over time. Mix 5 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of coconut oil, and firmly massage into areas of concern.
Coughing
Mix 3 drops of spruce oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage into the chest area, or add 3 drops to a steam inhalation. Spruce oil eases coughing by driving out excess mucus.
Fatigue
Boost energy levels and help to energize a fatigued mind by diffusing 4 drops of spruce oil.
Hormonal Imbalance
To regulate hormones and create a balanced endocrine system, mix 4 drops of spruce oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage into the feet.
Sinus Congestion
Black Spruce is great for relieving sinus congestion. Add 3 drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes. This steam inhalation helps clear blocked sinuses and promote easier breathing.
Muscle Tension
Black Spruce helps relieve tight, sore muscles after physical exertion. Mix 3 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage into the affected areas. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce muscle soreness and tension.
Meditation Aid
Use Black Spruce to create a calming atmosphere for meditation and mindfulness. Diffuse 3-4 drops of Black Spruce essential oil to promote grounding, inner peace, and mental clarity.
Immune System Support
Black Spruce can help boost the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Add 3 drops to a diffuser or create a chest rub by mixing 3 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Massage into the chest and back to support overall immunity.
Sleep Support
To improve sleep quality, diffuse 4-5 drops of Black Spruce essential oil in your bedroom before bed. Its calming, grounding properties promote relaxation and help you unwind, supporting a deeper, more restful sleep.
Use as Food flavoring
(FEMA n°: 2825 / CoE n°: 143n)
Food dosage: 4 drops in a dish for 5 people (never exceed 2%)
Always use essential oil diluted in a suitable medium (example: vegetable oil, honey, etc.)
Skin type
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
- Benefits: Black Spruce has natural antiseptic, astringent, and antimicrobial properties, making it effective at balancing oil production and reducing acne breakouts. Its ability to calm inflammation also helps soothe irritated skin.
2. Mature and Aging Skin
- Benefits: With regenerative and toning properties, Black Spruce can help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and support cell regeneration, making it ideal for aging skin. It helps promote a youthful complexion and improve skin tone over time.
3. Sensitive Skin
- Benefits: When diluted properly, Black Spruce can soothe irritated and inflamed skin. Its anti-inflammatory effects help calm redness and discomfort without being too harsh on sensitive skin.
4. Dry Skin
- Benefits: Black Spruce essential oil has moisturizing properties, especially when blended with a nourishing carrier oil. It helps soothe dryness, improve skin texture, and support the skin’s barrier function to retain moisture.
5. Combination Skin
- Benefits: Black Spruce can balance both dry and oily areas of combination skin. It addresses excess oil production in the T-zone while hydrating and soothing dry patches, promoting an overall balanced complexion.
Skincare
Black Spruce essential oil offers a wide range of skincare benefits, from balancing oil production and reducing inflammation to promoting skin rejuvenation and moisture retention. It’s suitable for various skin types, making it a valuable addition to any natural skincare routine.
1. Anti-inflammatory Action
Black Spruce essential oil helps reduce inflammation, making it ideal for soothing irritated skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Its calming properties help alleviate redness and swelling, promoting a more even skin tone.
2. Antimicrobial Properties
The oil has natural antiseptic and antimicrobial effects, which make it beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps cleanse the skin of bacteria, reduces breakouts, and keeps the pores clear of impurities.
3. Balancing Oil Production
For oily or combination skin, Black Spruce can help regulate sebum production, reducing excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This balance is essential for preventing clogged pores and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
4. Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
Black Spruce oil is known for its regenerative properties, which help with cell turnover and skin repair. It aids in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and promoting a more youthful complexion.
5. Moisturizing and Nourishing
When combined with a carrier oil, Black Spruce hydrates and nourishes dry skin. Its soothing properties help protect the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing dryness and flakiness while promoting soft, supple skin.
6. Toning and Tightening
The astringent properties of Black Spruce help tone and tighten the skin, improving overall texture and providing a smoother, firmer appearance. This makes it effective for reducing the look of enlarged pores and sagging skin.
7. Healing and Soothing
Black Spruce assists in the healing of minor skin issues like cuts, burns, or rashes. Its soothing effects speed up recovery while providing comfort to the affected areas.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's Base Notes:
Aromas categorized as base notes are usually heavy and soothing. They evaporate slowly, and their scent can last for up to a week. They have a very powerful impact on the mind and emotions, making them ideal when mental and emotional calm is needed. Base notes can heal the body from the inside out and treat a wide range of ailments, from dry skin to circulatory or digestive issues. They can also strengthen a weak immune system and have a sexually stimulating effect.
Typical Base Notes:
Woody oils:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Rosewood
Powerful floral oils:
Ylang-ylang, Rose, Jasmine
Resin oils:
Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
PINACEAE PLANT FAMILY
The Pinaceae family, represents the largest and most widespread conifer family predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere. This family encompasses about 250 species distributed across 10 genera, including some of the most familiar and economically significant coniferous trees such as pines, spruces, firs, and cedars. These trees are the quintessential components of boreal, montane, and temperate forests, and they play crucial roles in their ecosystems by providing habitat, stabilizing soil, and influencing the hydrological cycle. Their ability to thrive in diverse climates, from snowy mountain ranges to temperate forests, underscores their ecological versatility.
In terms of their biological and chemical characteristics, members of the Pinaceae family are notable for their adaptive strategies, particularly their development of complex defense mechanisms against environmental stressors and biological threats. The bark of these trees often contains a rich composition of resins, phenolics, and polyphenols, substances that contribute to their resistance against pests and diseases as well as extreme temperatures. Economically, the wood of Pinaceae trees is highly valued for construction, paper manufacturing, and as a source of turpentine and other resins used in various industrial applications. Additionally, the essential oils derived from these trees are widely used in aromatherapy and natural medicine, credited with a range of health benefits from respiratory relief to stress reduction.
Black Spruce Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Bay laurel, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile german, cypress, lemon, frankincense, geranium, lavandin, lavender, lavender spike, lemon, niaouli, orange sweet, peppermint, pine, ravintsara, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree, thyme linalol, vetiver, yarrow.
The main chemical composition of Black Spruce
The main chemical composition of Black Spruce (Picea mariana) essential oil includes several key compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties. Here’s an overview of the primary constituents:
1. Bornyl Acetate
Percentage: 25-38%
Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects, bornyl acetate is a major component responsible for Black Spruce’s soothing and relaxing properties. It also supports respiratory health.
2. α-Pinene
Percentage: 10-20%
Benefits: This compound has strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bronchodilator properties. It helps clear the airways, making Black Spruce useful for respiratory issues, while also providing energizing and uplifting effects.
3. Camphene
Percentage: 4-10%
Benefits: Camphene contributes to the oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress and supporting skin regeneration.
4. δ-3-Carene
Percentage: 2-6%
Benefits: δ-3-Carene has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, aiding in respiratory relief and reducing excess fluid buildup in tissues. It’s also helpful for soothing joint and muscle discomfort.
5. Limonene
Percentage: 1-5%
Benefits: Known for its antioxidant and skin-penetrating properties, limonene supports detoxification, aids in skin brightening, and helps reduce signs of aging by protecting skin cells from free radical damage.
6. Camphor
Percentage: 1-3%
Benefits: Camphor has cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it helpful for soothing sore muscles, relieving skin irritations, and improving circulation.
7. β-Pinene
Percentage: 1-5%
Benefits: This compound offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, contributing to Black Spruce’s ability to cleanse and purify the skin, while also supporting respiratory health.
These components work synergistically to provide the wide-ranging benefits of Black Spruce essential oil, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, respiratory, and skin-healing effects. The presence of such compounds makes it particularly effective for skincare, respiratory relief, and emotional balance.
What is a Chemotype in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Black Spruce is Safe to Diffuse around Pets
Pet Safe
If you have dogs and cats in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your pet can leave the room if desired.
If your pet is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your pet outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
History of Black Spruce Essential Oil
Black Spruce (Picea mariana), native to the cold boreal forests of North America, has a rich history rooted in the traditional practices of Indigenous peoples. For centuries, Native American tribes used the black spruce tree in spiritual rituals and natural healing practices. The needles, twigs, and resin of the tree were prized for their medicinal properties, helping to relieve muscle pain, respiratory conditions, and fatigue.
Traditional Uses
Black Spruce has been used in ceremonial practices to cleanse and purify spaces, as its refreshing and grounding aroma was believed to connect people with the earth and provide emotional clarity. The needles and bark were often infused into teas or poultices to treat respiratory ailments, colds, and flu-like symptoms. The tree’s bark and resin were also used topically to heal wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
Development of Essential Oil
Though Black Spruce had long been used in herbal medicine, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the process of steam distillation was used to extract its essential oil. This method captures the potent therapeutic properties of the plant, distilling the essence from the tree’s needles and branches. As aromatherapy and essential oil use gained popularity in the modern world, Black Spruce oil became recognized for its powerful physical and emotional benefits, much like the ancient practices of Indigenous cultures.
Modern Use
Today, Black Spruce essential oil is known for its versatility in both natural medicine and aromatherapy. It is widely used for its respiratory support, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties. Whether applied topically for muscle pain or diffused to promote relaxation and mental clarity, Black Spruce has secured its place as a staple in the world of holistic health.
This deep connection to nature, both in its traditional and modern uses, highlights Black Spruce’s enduring value as a therapeutic plant. It continues to offer the same grounding and healing benefits that have been valued by Indigenous cultures for centuries.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
