The beautiful evergreen that smells like Christmas, also has many medicinal properties.

The leaves, twigs  can be used to make teas, tinctures and extracts and the pitch is used to make tea and as an application for skin issues.

It is usually found in cooler climates, in rich moist soils and does not grow well in climates south of zone 5. Given that it will not be found for foraging and cultivation is possible but may not be the best use of your resources you can find oils for sale. I did not find anyone who sells teas of any kind.

Balsam Fir pitch has antiseptic properties and will help wounds heal quickly. You cover the cut, sore, wound or abrasion with the pitch and it not only seals out infection but will heal it. You can also use the pitch as glue to seal the edges of a wound. Infused oil will work the same way. It will heal chapped lips and keep them covered to prevent further damage. A Study published in  Phytotherapy Research showed that Balsam Fir will fight E.coli and Staph infections. It was found to have alpha pinene and limonene that are antimicrobial and will fight against the most common bacteria and fungi. The World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology concluded that Balsam Fir essential oil would be a great addition for personal care products. So if you are making your own soaps, deodorants, and even toothpastes adding Balsam fir oil would be beneficial. It will kill odor associated with bacteria growth on your body or in your mouth. Along with that it can be used in slaves, lotions and oils to relieve muscle pains and body aches. It also fights against stress. So the smell of the lotion or slaves will help calm and re-energize you.

It has been used for treating Bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, chest congestion and tuberculosis. You can use a tincture or a pitch tea to sip as needed to calm bronchial spasms. Throwing balsam needles into bath water and using it in a sweat bath or sauna. Breathing in the steam of the needles will loosen phlegm from the lungs and help breathing.

Drinking the tea will also cure Gonorrhea. It is a great all around detox oil and it looks to destroy bacterial free radicals. So if you have a bacterial infection this would be a good tea to use. Even if you are not sure that you may have a bacterial infection, Balsam Fir will just be good to clean your system out of toxins.