BALSAM FIR / Abies balsamea

A fir from the eastern side of North America. Oil of fir is distilled from the bark and needles, the latter aromatic, and often made up into balsam pillows (Schery). Blisters on the bark are the

source of Canada Balsam, used in American domestic medicine as an application to sore nipples (Weiner). Native Americans, such as the Menomini, would press the liquid balsam from the trunk and use it for colds and lung troubles (H H Smith. 1923). Another use by the same people was to steep the inner bark, and drink the subsequent tea for chest pains. The Ojibwe used it for sore eyes (H H Smith. 1945) and for gonorrhea (Weiner).