Québec Balsam Fir Balm
Balsam Fir Balm
An all-natural, multi-purpose, soothing, healing balm made from Quebec balsam fir gum, is applied topically to the skin as needed.
Use this balm on scrapes, abrasions, cuts, redness, insect bites, and cracked skin from the in winter elements or over washing.
“I put this balm on everything from minor cuts, scraps and rashes, to bug bites and dry skin.”
— Abies Balm user
“In the winter, I grew to love this product as a wind protector on my skin for going on hikes.”
— Abies Balm user
History of Balsam Fir gum
The First Nations introduced French settlers to the many uses and benefits of fir tree gum: remedy for the flu, scurvy, cuts and burns. Also, the natives used fir gum as a sealant for various containers such as for bark canoes.
Harvesting fir gum quickly became an activity from which the ‘coureurs des bois’ and the trappers were able to earn an extra seasonal income. Balsam Fir gum quickly made its way into the essential therapeutic arsenal of French Canadian folk medicine.
Our artisan herbalist Aïssa, who is established in the upper Laurentians, has this indigenous know-how and perpetuates this tradition of formulating products based on Québec balsam fir gum for consumers to enjoy.
Today, fir gum is considered a non-timber forest product (NTFP).
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has adopted the following definition of NTFPs:
"Non-wood forest products are goods of biological origin other than wood, originating from forests, other wooded land or from trees outside forests" (FAO, 1999).
We feel very privileged to promote a natural product from our forests with a ‘leave-no trace’ mindset and a deep respect for part of our heritage.
Abies’ VP of Operations, Aïssa, is born in Quebec from a Tunisian father and a Quebec mother of Aboriginal descent (Algonquin), Aïssa is a trained cook, a legacy from his father. A little over 20 years ago, Aïssa had a burn that wouldn't heal. He sought advice from his nurse and herbalist mother, who suggested one of her First Nations-inspired balsam fir gum recipes. This product proved to be very effective and since that day, Aïssa has been using it frequently whether for muscle inflammation, pimples, dry skin, cracked skin, capillary irritation, for the sciatic nerve, "cold sores" or pain in the lungs. Believing in the power of balsam fir gum and wanting to share her mother's knowledge, Aïssa created Abies in 2015. Sébastien and Karyn (TreeTop Productions) would then embark on the Abies adventure to help Aïssa promote this local, versatile and wonderful product to the masses.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more, don’t be shy to connect or buy !
Abies Balsam Fir Balm Characteristics
Québec Artisanal Product • Organic Ingredients • Helps in soothing : Insect bites • Dry skin • Wounds • Burns • Cuts • Skin ulcers • Lesion of the oral cavity • Labial or genital herpes • Supports healing for respiratory tract infections : Colds • Coughs • Sore throats • Bronchitis • Helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract (expectorant) • Considered to be : Anti-rheumatism • Anti-osteoarthritis • Analgesic (painkiller) • a Rubefacient (warming) • May help with : the elimination of toxins • Immunity (rich in vitamin C) • Urinary tract infections • Constipation • Hemorrhoids • May be effective as a : Tonic • Antiseptic • Antibiotic • Disinfectant • and as an Anti-inflammatory aid (relieves sore muscles and aches) • and in creating a sense of calm for folks with : Sleep disorders • Stress • Anguish • and Anxiety • And so much more ….