abies sibirica

• conifer
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• Abies_sibirica.pdf

review of abies sibirica (siberian fir)

• abies sibirica, commonly known as the siberian fir, is a coniferous tree native to siberia and parts of northeastern europe. this evergreen tree is known for its aromatic needles and essential oils. it grows in cold, temperate climates and has several uses in various industries.

parts of the plant and their uses

• root: not commonly used commercially or medicinally.
• stem: primarily used for timber and construction.
• fruit (cones): used for extracting essential oils and resins.
• leave (needles): used for extracting essential oils, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• bark: used for extracting tannins and other compounds with medicinal properties.
• flower: not typically used as siberian fir produces cones, not flowers.

uses

• plants/fruits: cones are used for extracting essential oils and resins.
• plants/greens: needles are used for essential oil extraction and sometimes for medicinal purposes.
• plants/resins: resins from the tree are used in traditional medicine and for making varnishes and adhesives.
• plants/timber: the wood is used in construction, furniture making, and paper production.
• plants/medicine: essential oils from needles and resins have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
• plants/fuel: timber can be used as firewood.

data

• sun requirements: full sun to partial shade.
• water requirements: moderate; prefers well-drained soils and regular watering.
• soil ph: slightly acidic to neutral (ph 5.5-7).
• plant/roles in permaculture guilds: can serve as a windbreak, provides habitat for wildlife, and its needles can be used as mulch.
• spacing in meter: 4-6 meters apart.
• germination days: 30-60 days.
• strata: canopy layer in permaculture designs.
• height: 30-35 meters
• days to maturity: 15-20 years for full maturity.
• plant, harvest, pruning calendar in months:
• plant: early spring or late autumn.
• harvest: resins can be harvested year-round; essential oils are typically extracted in spring and summer.
• pruning: late winter to early spring.
• good neighbors: compatible with other conifers, deciduous trees, and shrubs that thrive in similar conditions.
• bad neighbors: avoid planting near plants that require significantly different soil or water conditions.

chemical compounds

chemical compound	plant part	amount	description
--------------------	------------------------	----------------	--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
bornyl acetate	needles (essential oil)	28-40%	provides a pine-like aroma, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. overuse can cause skin irritation and sensitization.
camphene	needles (essential oil)	15-25%	has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, but can cause skin and eye irritation if used excessively.
α-pinene	needles (essential oil)	10-20%	exhibits anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects. excessive inhalation can cause respiratory irritation.
β-pinene	needles (essential oil)	5-15%	has similar properties to α-pinene, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. overuse may lead to skin sensitization.
limonene	needles (essential oil)	5-10%	known for its citrus aroma, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
myrcene	needles (essential oil)	1-5%	has sedative and analgesic properties, beneficial for pain relief and relaxation. high doses can cause drowsiness.
terpinolene	needles (essential oil)	1-3%	possesses antioxidant and sedative effects. overuse may lead to skin irritation.
β-caryophyllene	needles (essential oil)	0.5-2%	exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, beneficial for pain relief. generally safe with minimal adverse effects.
linalool	needles (essential oil)	0.1-1%	provides a floral aroma, has sedative and anti-anxiety effects. can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
tricyclene	needles (essential oil)	0.1-1%	has antimicrobial properties and contributes to the characteristic scent. overuse can lead to skin irritation.
vitamin c	needles	moderate	boosts the immune system and has antioxidant properties, but excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
tannins	bark, needles, cones	1-10%	have astringent properties and can help in treating diarrhea and skin conditions. high intake can inhibit iron absorption.
flavonoids	needles, bark, cones	1-3%	have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. they generally provide health benefits without significant harm.
terpenoids	resin, timber, cones	0.5-2%	have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, beneficial for respiratory and skin conditions. overuse can lead to skin and mucous membrane irritation.
resin acids	resin, timber, cones	2-15%	have antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. excessive exposure can cause skin irritation.
saponins	bark	low	have immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering effects. high doses can be toxic, causing nausea and vomiting.
chlorophyll	needles	high	has detoxifying and antioxidant properties. it is generally safe but can cause mild digestive issues in large amounts.
cellulose	timber	40-50%	provides structural strength to the wood. it is a major component of the cell walls in plants. generally safe and inert.
hemicellulose	timber	20-30%	works alongside cellulose to provide structural integrity. it is biodegradable and non-toxic.
lignin	timber	25-35%	provides rigidity and resistance to rotting. it has antioxidant properties but can cause respiratory issues if inhaled as dust.
phenolic compounds	timber, cones	0.1-1%	have antioxidant properties and can protect against oxidative stress. high amounts can cause toxicity and potential health issues.
polysaccharides	cones	1-2%	have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. generally safe but can cause digestive issues in high amounts.

• availability:: unknown

traditional medicine recipes using abies sibirica (siberian fir)

1. siberian fir needle tea

• ingredients:
• a handful of fresh or dried siberian fir needles
• 1 liter of water
• honey or lemon (optional)
• instructions:
• 1. rinse the fir needles thoroughly.
• 2. bring the water to a boil in a pot.
• 3. add the fir needles to the boiling water and reduce the heat.
• 4. let the needles simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
• 5. strain the tea into a cup.
• 6. add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
• uses:
• boosts the immune system due to high vitamin c content.
• helps alleviate respiratory issues like coughs and colds.

2. siberian fir essential oil salve

• ingredients:
• 1/4 cup siberian fir essential oil
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
• instructions:
• 1. melt the coconut oil and beeswax pellets in a double boiler over low heat.
• 2. once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• 3. stir in the siberian fir essential oil and lavender essential oil.
• 4. pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let it cool completely.
• 5. store in a cool, dark place.
• uses:
• apply to sore muscles and joints for pain relief.
• use as a chest rub to relieve congestion.

3. siberian fir resin balm

• ingredients:
• 1/4 cup siberian fir resin
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (optional)
• instructions:
• 1. melt the siberian fir resin in a double boiler until it becomes liquid.
• 2. add the olive oil to the melted resin and mix well.
• 3. add the beeswax pellets and continue to heat until the beeswax is melted.
• 4. remove from heat and stir in the eucalyptus essential oil.
• 5. pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let it cool completely.
• 6. store in a cool, dark place.
• uses:
• apply to cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds to promote healing.
• use as a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory balm.

4. siberian fir steam inhalation

• ingredients:
• a handful of fresh or dried siberian fir needles
• 1 liter of boiling water
• instructions:
• 1. place the fir needles in a large bowl.
• 2. pour the boiling water over the needles.
• 3. cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl, creating a tent to trap the steam.
• 4. inhale the steam deeply for 10-15 minutes.
• uses:
• helps clear nasal congestion and sinusitis.
• provides relief from respiratory issues like bronchitis and colds.

5. siberian fir infused oil

• ingredients:
• a handful of fresh or dried siberian fir needles
• 1 cup carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, jojoba oil)
• instructions:
• 1. rinse the fir needles thoroughly and let them dry.
• 2. place the needles in a clean, dry jar.
• 3. pour the carrier oil over the needles until they are fully submerged.
• 4. seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
• 5. strain the oil into a clean bottle.
• uses:
• use as a massage oil to relieve muscle pain.
• apply to the skin to soothe irritation and inflammation.
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