Evergreens

What's the difference between Pines, Firs and Spruces?  Do they relax achy muscles or relieve coughs?  Find out how to tell the difference between the trees just by looking at their leaves.  Also, I'll follow up on the rash and give another example of how you can figure out what your triggers are and how to minimize them.

Music composed and performed by V. Karaitis

Transcript

Hey!  Thanks for listening!  I’m Chris Wagenti, and this is Who Gets It, Naturally.  Music was composed and performed by V. Karaitis.  I’m not selling anything, diagnosing anything; offering any cures or replacing your doctor.  I’m just sharing my passion for natural products.  If you’re pregnant, please consult your doctor before trying anything new.  Everyone is different so you may need to tweak the recipes a bit to work for you.  Always start with the least amount of essential oils…you can always add, you can’t take away.  Remember, these remedies don’t last forever, you need to reapply as needed.  If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use, please substitute for something you’re not allergic to.  Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean you can’t be allergic to it.

Before I jump into the topic for this episode, I want to update you on my rash.  The rash that was all over my body is completely gone, and hasn’t come back.  I also went back to Almond Milk, and have not had any grapes of any kind since.  I also go rid of the night rash.  I moisturized my skin before going to bed, and didn’t get itchy all night.  So, I’ve been moisturizing my skin a few times a day when possible, and before going to bed to avoid the night rash returning.  So far, so good.  I’ve been using Jojoba Carrier Oil and Black Spruce Essential Oil.  

This leads me into the topic for this episode: Firs, Pines and Spruces.  All three are in the Evergreen family, more specifically, they are coniferous evergreens, therefor have similarities, and they have their differences.  They each also have several sub-species, for instance, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce and Virginia Pine.  

One major way to tell the difference between the trees is their needles; Pines have long, slender needles in groups of 2, 3 or 5.  The needles of the Spruce are individually attached to the branch by a short peg-like piece of wood, and they are round and pointy on the end.  Fir needles are also individually attached to the branch, however, they don’t have the peg-like piece of wood, and they are flat.  

The cones differ by sub-species as well as type, making it harder to tell the difference.  For instance, the cone produced by a Canaan or Balsam Fir are different than those produced by a White Fir. 

With all three, the type of oil available, and what it’s called, depends on the manufacturer.  For instance, DoTerra has Arborvitae, Siberian Fir, Douglas Fir (which is not a true fir…more on that in a bit), White Fir and Black Spruce.  Plant Therapy has Balsam Fir, Fir Needle, Scots Pine, Black Spruce and Douglas Fir.  Now Essential Oils has Pine Needle and Balsam Fir.  These are just the single oils.  They all also have blends such as Now Essential Oils’ Woodland Walk. 

I came across a great website, The School of Evolutionary Herbalism.  Their page on Evergreens is awesome…it breaks down the taste, the main parts of the body it affects, how it does this including psychological and emotional aspects, and how to prepare the different parts of the trees. You can find the page at www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/2022/12/14/medicine-of-the-evergreens/.   Some of the highlights are, QUOTE:

“Evergreen trees are revered around the world for their medicinal properties, rich folklore, and uplifting symbolism.”

“When you think about the Evergreens, you might have one or two specific trees coming to mind. However, this name refers to a broad range of medicinal trees, including Pines, Spruces, Firs, Cedars, and more! There are different types of Evergreen trees all around the world, and you can likely find one in your region if you look out for it. 

Although the trees differ from one another in specific indications, many of the Evergreens share similar medicinal virtues.”

“The invigorating scent you associate with the Evergreens is mainly due to their essential oil-rich needles, which protect the trees from bacteria, infection, and fungi. These terpene-rich volatile oil compounds give the Evergreens a richly aromatic and pungent flavor. Although these aromatic needles are the parts typically used medicinally, you can also consume the young Fir (Abies spp.) tree tips, which have a sour taste due to their high levels of vitamin C.”

“The main organ affinity of the Evergreens is the upper respiratory system, which includes the throat and bronchioles, with some gettinig a bit lower into the lungs. With their pungent and warming volatile oils, Evergreens yield a stimulant expectorant effect, open the lungs, improve the breath capacity, and alleviate coughs, particularly when they’re cold and damp.  

With their antiseptic and broad-spectrum volatile oils and immune stimulant qualities, Evergreens have a secondary affinity for the immune system. I see this working together with their effect on the upper respiratory system.”

“Evergreens are rubefacient, which means they stimulate local circulation and drive the blood to the surface of the skin by opening the capillary beds. Through this mechanism, they mobilize and drain metabolic waste products that accumulate during patterns of excess cold and dampness. Over time, this build-up triggers the inflammatory response and leads to pain in the joints and musculoskeletal system. By improving circulation and driving blood to the local area, Evergreens drain the metabolic waste product accumulations, thereby lowering inflammation and pain.”

“These same compounds grant Evergreens a slight carminative effect as they direct blood flow to the digestive system and improve digestive functioning. Lastly, Evergreens are immune stimulants and protect the body from infection with their broad-spectrum antiseptic and antibacterial oils.”

“Evergreens have a warming, drying, and stimulating effect on the body. Although there is variation between each type of Evergreen tree, these energetics are common between them.”

“Evergreens have become powerful symbols of everlasting life in many cultures around the world. While all the other plants have died back, returned to their roots, or dropped all their leaves, the Evergreens continue to flourish, representing life persevering. Although wintertime is typically thought of as the season of metaphorical and literal darkness, Evergreens remain a vibrant green and continue to grow despite the dark and cold. 

These trees are highly revered and brought into the home during winter because they represent rejuvenation, hope, and the knowledge that there will be light once again. They remind you on a personal level that no matter how dark the world feels, there will be light again.”

END QUOTE

One of the preparations they suggest is similar to what I do with Cinnamon Sticks…put some fresh needles and other tree parts in pot of water and let it simmer on the stove all day.  Aromatherapy-wise, Evergreens instill goodwill, harmony, increase intuition and release emotional blocks.  Medicinally, they are decongestants, antifungals, analgesics, antiseptics, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, aid in healing wounds and burns, and decrease depression, stress and anxiety.

Another great article I found is at https://chanchalcabrera.com/chanchals-blog/evergree-medicine/, that’s C-H-A-N-C-H-A-L-C-A-B-R-E-R-A DOT COM SLASH C-H-A-N-C-H-A-L-S HYPHEN B-L-O-G HYPHEN E-V-E-R-G-R-E-E HYPHEN M-E-D-I-C-I-N-E SLASH. (you can check the transcript for spelling, or copy & paste it into your browser)

QUOTE:

“All the evergreens are edible – fir, pine, spruce, cedar, with the exception of yew which is a poison and should not be consumed. 

Evergreen trees are an amazing source for just about anything you can think of – including the obvious requirements for shelter and shade, but also for your pantry and pharmacy needs. Indigenous people around the world have used various parts of conifer trees for centuries, not only as building and food sources, but also for medicine. In the spring, the tender bright green tips were added to their diet in the form of teas from the needles, and the liquid from boiling branches was a natural cleaner and air freshener for their dwellings. Some call it the original Pine Sol!

This ancient knowledge is validated today by modern science. The tender young tips of evergreens trees are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are rich in potassium and magnesium. They are also great immune boosters and can relieve coughs and sore throats as the volatile oils and resins in these tips have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It has also been suggested that the abundance of chlorophyll the tips contain help with speeding up tissue healing and when ingested, keeps blood sugar in balance and helps to flush out poisonous metals from the tissues.  

All in all, evergreen trees are a natural pharmacy.” END QUOTE

It gives tips on when and how to forage and how to prepare syrups and teas.

Okay, but what about the Douglas Fir?

The Douglas Fir, also known as the Douglas Tree, Oregon Pine and Douglas Spruce, is an Evergreen, but it’s not a true fir, pine or spruce.  Why?  Because, although the trees produce cones and  keep their needles all year, making them Evergreens, Douglas Firs self-prune their lower branches.  Scientifically, this makes them fake firs.  Medicinally, Native Americans used Douglas Firs to heal stomach aches, headaches, rheumatism and colds.

Pines, Firs and Spruces aren’t just used as Christmas Trees.  Their wood is used for furniture, flooring, poles, fences and more.  Their scents, all very similar, but different in their own ways, evoke thoughts of winter, walking in a forest, give a sense of community and harmony.

As stated above, the properties are all similar, and the essential oils available vary by manufacturer.  Even then, the oils depend on the type of tree, and the geographical area they come from.  To be specific, you need to research which trees from what region were used for the oil you have.  Then you can get down to specifics.  Since I do use DoTerra, I’m only going to get into the Evergreens available to me.  

First up, Douglas Fir. Its main compounds are B-Pinene, A-Pinene, 3-Carene and Sabinene.

I’ve discussed Beta Pinene and Alpha Pinene before.  As a refresher, Alpha- and Beta-Pinene are also found in Lemon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary and Sage; both of which have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties.

3-Carene, also known as Delta-3-Carene or simply Carene, is a compound also found in Basil, Fennel, Lime and others.  It is manufactured and used in soaps, creams and perfumes; in food and beverages; and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and decongestant properties.  It may also aid with Alzheimer’s and treating bone diseases.

Sabinene is found in many different trees, clove, black pepper, nutmeg and other plants.  It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and is also manufactured for use as a fragrance and a flavoring.

Siberian Fir is calming, relaxing, uplifting and refreshing.  Some of its compounds are A-Pinene and D-3 Carene. So, again, we’re talking anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and aids with Alzheimer’s and bone issues.

Black Spruce, which is what I’ve been using to moisturize my skin, has been used by Native Americans for years to promote skin health.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiparasitic, expectorant, and more. It’s uplifting, promotes mental and physical relaxation and calming. The main compound of Black Spruce is bornyl acetate.  This gives it the ”piney” aroma.  It can be manufactured for use in perfumes, air fresheners, cleaners and personal care products.  

I’ve discussed these three oils.  I use them in several different recipes, mostly for muscle relaxation and decongestants. 

I haven’t tried this oil yet.  White Fir Essential Oil is calming, stabilizing and energizing. It can soothe skin, reduce stress, be uplifting and is great in cleaning products.  Some of its compounds are Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene, D-3 Carene, Camphene (remember this one?), Bornyl Acetate and Limonene (how about this one?).  This means that like the others, White Fir is an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antimicrobial and  antioxidant; and is great for the skin, reduces stress and more.

Arborvitae is more of a hedge than a tree, and is in the Cypress family.

Isn’t Cypress an Evergreen?  Yes and no.  The Bald Cypress is a conifer, but it’s not an Evergreen, it’s a Deciduous Conifer, which means it sheds it’s needs in the fall.  Evergreens don’t shed…unless they’re dying, like when the heat is too hot in your apartment and you forget to add water to the base of the tree stand. 

The Leyland Cypress is an Evergreen, but I’ll get into the Cypress family in another episode.

As you can see, the Evergreens have basically the same compounds, just in different amounts.  This is why they are pretty interchangeable when you’re looking for something to reduce inflammation or clear congestion, generally speaking.  As you get more specific to your needs, then you pay attention to the major compounds in each.  Like, for my rash.  The Black Spruce instantly cleared up the night rash.  Literally.  The day I wrote the last episode and said I was going to start with moisturizing my skin to see if that would work…that night I massaged the Jojoba and Black Spruce into my legs.  And it worked!  Know your body.  Know your options.  Research and experiment to find the perfect fit for you.  

Here’s something else I’ll share as an example.  The past few weeks have been very difficult.  Not just the rash.  My hips and knees have been a bit obnoxious.  The days I’m in the office, all the women were saying the same thing, my (insert troubling body part here) has been very sore, it’s been difficult to (insert activity made difficult here).  I was like, yay…not because they were hurting too, but because that meant it wasn’t just me.  I was beginning to think I was just going downhill and was going to need a walker or a wheelchair soon. Even my doctor said the same thing, a lot of his patients are having the same experience.  What’s causing it?  Odds are it’s not just one thing.  The air pressure changing, humidity, allergens.  So I started keeping track of the temperature, feels like temperature, humidity, air pressure, major pollen in the air, how I feel, what I’m doing to relieve the achiness, if it’s working, etc.  This may take a bit of time to figure out, but I’m determined to find relief that works.  Once I do, I’ll share it.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email me at vobyjypsee@usa.com, or send a text from the podcast… You can follow me on X and Instagram … @vobyjypsee; or LinkedIn…search either Chris Wagenti, Who Gets It, Naturally or Voice Overs by Jypsee.  Please download this episode, and make Who Gets It, Naturally a favorite on your preferred channel so you don’t miss an episode.

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