Siberian Fir (Abies siberica) is a particularly powerful essential oil from the evergreen family.
While it bears the hallmark “pine-y” scent of its family, that is not the aroma that anchors it.
Instead, it offers a unique woodiness and richness in its aroma. It is among my all-time favorite essential oils, not just for its complicated aroma, but also for its vast therapeutic and energetic applications.
The Siberian Fir tree grows up to 30 yards tall and 3 feet in diameter; it’s typically found in cold, Northern climates. As you might expect, it commonly comes from Siberia in Russia. They are quite hardy, though they are susceptible to fungus, causing few of them to survive more than 200 years.
The essential oil of Siberian Fir is extracted from its highly aromatic leaves (or needles) as well as from its twigs and cones.
In addition to its essential oil, it is prized both for its pine nuts and associated pine nut oil which is reputed by some to be supportive of digestion and stomach ulcers.
There are many therapeutic properties associated with Siberian Fir.
It’s effective in reducing inflammation, particularly in rheumatic issues. Reportedly, it is antispasmodic, too. Aromatherapists also cherish it for its decongestant and antimicrobial properties.
(Subscribers to our monthly newsletter received a free recipe for a cold/flu steam stock blend featuring Siberian Fir in their December email. If you were signed up, you’d have it, too!)
Cherokee lore says that the Great Creator asked all of creation to “fast” for four Great Days (seasons to you and me) in order to share the energy and spirit needed for the Great Creator to create humankind. By the end of the four days, in what we know as winter, most of creation was tired and weary. Life force dwindled, leaves dropped, and animals were hunkered down–only the Evergreens remained green and strong enough to continue to share their energy through the winter.
All evergreens, including Siberian Fir, hold powerful Medicine, indeed.
That year-round strength is evidenced in Siberian Fir’s energetic qualities which include lifting one’s spirits, encouraging positivity, restoring energy, and raising self-confidence. It’s perfect when you need an earthy pick-me-up or desire added conviction. It’s perfect for strength and protection blends, too.
There are many opportunities to include Siberian Fir this season–one of my personal favorites is in a confidence and courage blend for an aromatherapy candle. This one is particularly wonderful if you are challenged by stress during the holidays: while the people around you just think your candle smells divine, you alone know it’s supporting your courage and energy!
Aromatherapy Confidence & Courage Candle
A sublime candle featuring supportive aromatics elevated by natural beeswax.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pure beeswax wax
- 2 ml Siberian Fir (Abies siberica) essential oil
- 1 ml Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil
- 1 ml Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) essential oil
- 1 wick
- chopsticks or bamboo skewers(to hold/secure the wick)
- Appropriate (heatproof) glass jar or candle mold(s) >8 oz
- Pyrex measuring cup
- Pot wide enough to fit the Pyrex cup
Directions
- Step 1 Prep the Pyrex cup by wiping it down with vegetable oil, Jojoba, or other oil.
- Step 2 Heat water in the pot (not the Pyrex!). When the water is boiling, turn down the heat.
- Step 3 Place the wax in the Pyrex and place the Pyrex in the pot (so as to mimic a double boiler/water bath).
- Step 4 Allow the wax to melt.
- Step 5 Measure your essential oils.
- Step 6 Add the essential oils to your melted wax and stir to blend.
- Step 7 Wipe down your candle mold, if using, with a small amount of vegetable oil or jojoba wax. (If pouring and leaving in a heatproof glass jar, you can skip this step.)
- Step 8 With wick secured so it doesn’t slide around, slowly and carefully add the hot wax to the jar/candle mold.
- Step 9 Allow the candle to solidify for 48 hours before removing from mold and/or burning.
- Step 10 Be sure your jar/candle can burn safely by placing it on a heatproof surface or in an appropriately sized candle holder and remember: never leave a burning candle unattended.
To use, light your candle and know that the power of the Evergreens supports and sustains, the hardiness of Siberian Fir lifts and holds you–you have light and warmth even in this dark and cold time!
Bless and blessed be!
