Balsam Fir

Balsam fir, Abies balsamea, is a North American fir native to most of eastern and central Canada and the northeastern United States. It is a small to medium evergreen tree with a narrow conical crown of dense, dark green needles, bark with resin blisters on young trees, and erect dark purple cones. Native Americans have used it for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. The needles are high in vitamin C and are taken in tea. The resin is made into Canada balsam, traditionally used as a cold remedy and as a glue for optical instruments and microscope slides. Balsam fir is also used as an air freshener and as incense, and the wood goes into lumber and paper. The page lists many Native American uses by nation, among them the Abenaki, who use the gum as an antiseptic ointment, and the Atikamekw, who chew the sap for colds.