Plant of the week with Alexander McCowan

Legendary gift from the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon

Balsam (Abies balsamea or Balsam fir) is an evergreen coniferous member of the Pinaceae family, growing up to 25m in indifferent soil on the North East coast of North America. The tree displays the traditional pine needle leaf, which grows to about 2.5cm, with scented purple cones and a brown bark, which is usually covered in blisters that contain the valuable resin. The whole tree is aromatic.

There are a number of taxonomic families that are called balsams. The name derives from the Latin abire (to rise up), indicating its forest prominence. The common name comes from the Hebrew basam, a sweet smell. This tree is not to be confused with Balm or Balsam of Gilead (Populus balsamifera), the legendary gift from the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon.

All parts of the tree contain oleoresins and essential oil and it is the source of the popular emollient Friar’s Balsam. It is also analgesic, anti-scorbutic (relieves scurvy), antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant and anti-venereal.

The Native Americans used it medicinally, internally and topically, to treat a range of ailments including burns, bruises, wounds, fevers, colds and sores. It was applied by nursing mothers to their nipples to overcome soreness and was used by medicine men to treat surface cancers, warts and corns. It is regarded as one of the most effective cures for laryngitis and winter coughs. The early American settlers adopted it as a treatment for gonorrhoea and infections of the urinary system.

The tree has numerous practical uses: the tribes used the resin to waterproof their canoes, and the early settlers to caulk their fishing boats. Both communities cut young shoots from the tree and stuffed pillows and mattresses with them, which not only provided a warm and sweet-smelling bedding material, but also acted as an insect repellent.
The resin, which oozes from the bark, is eaten like chewing gum and has a number of modern applications. It is used as cement by dentists and by microscope manufacturers. The cosmetic industry uses the resin as a fixative for soaps and perfumes and it is present in aromatic candles.

The bark was consumed at times of famine and was ground and mixed with cereals to make bread and soups.

The Balsam fir is one of the mainstays of the American timber industry, being turned to pulp for newsprint and is a source of lacquers and plywood.

Next week Woodruff

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