Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.). medicinal plants

Fir is a type of plant that belongs to the genus of trees. AT favorable climate it can grow up to 45 meters in height, and in crown diameter, it can be about 50 cm. The shape of the tree does not change during the entire period of growth and has the shape of a cone. Fir branches are rather thin and lowered to the ground, especially if the tree grows singly, and not in a group with its relatives.

Fir needles (needles) are located along the entire branch in a spiral order, one at a time. Fruits (cones) - have a cylindrical or ovoid shape. Fir is different from others coniferous trees. Her bumps grow with a sharp tip to the top. Trees are considered long-lived, they delight with their greenery and aromas for 150 - 200 years.

This tree, like many other coniferous plants, prefers moisture-saturated air. That is why Fir can often be found in mountainous areas or along the banks of water bodies. Most often, firs are found in temperate and subtropical zone Central and Eastern Europe. In the Far East, along the rivers of Siberia, in Central Asia and North America. Fir also feels ideal in the climate of the Western Hemisphere. These trees rarely grow only in coniferous forests. Fir welcomes the neighborhood of Cedar, the second tier of Aspen and other plant species. But with pine trees, they are extremely rare.

Procurement and storage

The most suitable time for harvesting raw materials of Fir is winter. The collection is carried out simultaneously with the harvesting of wood. Only the tips of the branches, up to 30 cm long, are cut off. The collected raw materials are sent to factories where essential oils are prepared from it, for the subsequent production of technical and medical camphor. Before being sent for processing, fir trees are stored in tents, on floorings made of poles, alternating layers of fir twigs with a layer of snow. This method of storage allows you to better preserve the quality of the essential oil in the needles.

Application in everyday life

In the domestic sphere, fir oil can be used to repel many insects and good air disinfection. Fir oil can protect against all kinds of diseases that are transmitted by airborne droplets and from staphylococci. It effectively cleans indoor air from dust, allergens and mold.

Pine oil is one of the best means during the treatment of boils and acne. It quickly relieves puffiness.

The deodorizing effect of the oil helps with long journeys or swimming in reservoirs with unknown water.

Composition and medicinal properties

1. The needles and small branches of the fir tree contain more than 3% essential oil, which includes: bornylacetate 50%, borneol, camphene 20%, apinene 10%, dipentene, a-phellandrene, santen, painless. Fresh needles may contain about 0.30% ascorbic acids. Seeds in cones of Fir contain up to 30% of the fattest oils enriched with vitamin (E). The bark of the tree contains 12% tannins and 16% fir balsam.
2. Fir camphor is widely used for medical purposes. Its 20% solution mixed with peach or olive oil is used for injection. For arthritis and rheumatism 10% camphor solution with sunflower oil used for rubbing. Camphor is part of the Dent drops, which are used for toothache. Fir essential oils are part of the drug "Camphocin", which is used for injections in acute heart and respiratory failure. This is just a small list of preparations that use Fir oil.
3. Fir oil balm, which includes 35% fir ether and 75% castor oil, is used for the rapid healing of wounds, burns, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
4. Preparations from Fir are used during acute depression of the functions of the medulla oblongata, in case of poisoning with narcotic substances and carbon monoxide.
5. Essential oil can enhance visual function when the eyes are very tired. It is used in the treatment of insomnia, the nervous system. Products based on Fir oils have a rejuvenating effect on the entire body and relax muscles well.
6. Extracts of this plant are used for rheumatism, various inflammatory processes, chronic and acute heart failure, with infectious diseases.
7. Fir oil is one of the best remedies during the treatment of frostbite. It promotes a quick withdrawal from stress, has an analgesic and restorative effect.
8. It is an excellent source of phytoncides and provitamins. Fir oil has a general strengthening effect, supports and strengthens the immune system. Fir camphor is a strong analgesic for neuritis, arthrosis, neuralgia and osteochondrosis. At the same time, the effect of the oil not only anesthetizes, but also relieves swelling.
9. Oil constricts blood vessels, tones the cardiological system, increases blood pressure and restores blood circulation.
10. Fir oil has a positive effect on the emotional sphere - the tonic aroma of essential oil allows you to achieve deep relaxation, calm down after severe stress. It is recommended to be used for nervous exhaustion, obsessive anxiety and nervousness. Essential oils of Fir allow you to get rid of passivity, depression, take a person out of a state of emotional stupor.

Application in traditional medicine

The healing properties of fir oil have been used in Ancient Russia and during Native American rituals. Today, these funds have found wider use in aromatherapy and the treatment of various ailments.

A decoction of Fir infusion for skin diseases

It is necessary to take 2 cups of hot boiled water and pour 5 tablespoons of pine needles with them. This mixture is infused for three days. To apply within 6 weeks on 100 gr.

A decoction of resin infusion for arthritis

10 g of fresh Fir needles are poured with half a glass of boiling water and boiled for 30 minutes. Then you need to add boiled water to the initial level. Such a compress is applied to sore spots.

Fir tincture to remove old calluses

First you need to steam the rough place in 1 liter of hot water with the addition of 1 tsp, soda. Then the body is wiped dry, a patch with a hole for the callus is applied. From the fresh raw resin, a few drops of juice are squeezed out, which are superimposed on the hardened place. The patch is again glued on top. This procedure can be carried out with a break of 1 day.

A decoction of resin Fir with angina

You need to take 10 g of salt and dissolve in 100 g of alcohol. Then 1 liter of chopped Fir needles is poured with this composition and infused for about 5 days in a dark, cool place. The contents must be shaken daily. Strain the prepared solution through cheesecloth.

Do inhalations - dissolve the prepared mixture in water in a ratio of 1/10, breathe over the steam for about 15 minutes.

Tincture for diseases of the lungs, prostate and kidneys

Chopped fir bark 1 tbsp. l., pour 1 glass of water, bring to a boil and then cook over low heat for 7 minutes. Infuse the broth for 1 hour and add boiled water to a volume of 200 ml.

This decoction should be taken 4 times a day, 50 g half an hour before meals.

A decoction infused with fir resin for Raynaud's disease

Mix 2 tablespoons of young needles with 5 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of onion peel and 2 tablespoons of crushed rose hips. The resulting composition is poured into 1 liter of boiling water and simmered for 10 minutes. Pour the prepared broth into a thermos and leave for about 12 hours.

Take a decoction 4 times a day for 100 g.

Fir oil for the treatment of trophic ulcers and festering wounds

Mix in equal proportions Fir oil and any animal fat. Put the prepared ointment on gauze and apply to the sore spot. This dressing should be changed every 12 hours. The course of treatment lasts up to 3 weeks.

Fir oil for psoriasis

Put 0.5 liters of water and 30 g of baby soap on fire and cook until the soap is completely dissolved. Add 500 ml of fir oil to the resulting broth. Add 30 g of the mixture to a hot water bath and soak in this water for about 20 minutes. For each subsequent bath, the amount of infusion should increase (up to 85 g).

Fir oil during an angina attack

The chest area on the left side is rubbed with 6 drops of oil. The attack must stop very quickly. Rubbing should be continued every 2 hours until complete recovery.

Contraindications for use

• Essential oils from Fir are contraindicated in pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcers and gastritis.
• With individual intolerance, fir oil ointments can cause severe skin irritation. And in some cases, attacks of bronchial spasm. Therefore, it is recommended that before taking the medicinal composition, conduct a test - apply 1 drop of oil on a cotton pad and inhale for 1-2 minutes.
• Fir oil should not be applied undiluted to the skin to avoid
• burns.
• In case of an overdose during ingestion, the decoction can cause severe heartburn.

Tall evergreen relative of spruce, decorating forests Far East Russia, China, Korea, Japan and North America- fir. For centuries, only the inhabitants of the places where she grew up admired her, but for some time now the stately forest beauty has begun to appear more and more often in parks and household plots throughout Russia.

People like its unusual appearance, which retains its decorative effect for years, ease of care, because, unlike many trees, fir does not require molding.

This representative of the pine family differs from its sisters in its shiny soft, flat, dark green needles, as well as the ability to retain its lower branches for a long time.

On the underside of each needle
The tree has white stripes that give the plant a memorable festive look.

An additional decoration is purple cones standing vertically on the top of the top of the tree.

Fir cones appear only after thirty years, and after ripening they fall to the ground already woody. The root of a tree is a strong rod that goes deep into the ground.

The growth of a coniferous beauty is peculiar, because, unlike most plants, it grows slowly for the first ten years. Having passed this mark, the tree accelerates growth and continues it to old age, despite the fact that some representatives of the species live up to four hundred years. For such a long time, fir can grow up to sixty meters.

Gallery: fir tree (25 photos)

Varieties and features

The description of a tree may vary depending on the species in question, and in fact more than fifty species of fir belong to this genus.

balsamic

Balsam fir is native to the forests of North America.

The tree is characterized by a dense, low-lying crown of a symmetrical pin-shaped shape. The height of the plant is from 15 to 25 meters. Gradually, the periderm changes its ash-gray color to red-brown, and the ruby ​​shoots become red-brown. The branches grow around the trunk in rings that make up the tiers.

Fir needles are shiny, poisonous green in color, have a clear balsamic smell. Purple cones of a cylindrical shape reach a length of ten centimeters.

The balsamic species is characterized by shade tolerance, frost resistance and rapid growth. In addition, its lower branches take root well.

In Russia, two decorative varieties of fir are grown:

• Nana,
• Hudsonia.

Variety Nana is a dwarf bush of slow growth. He's down to earth maximum height is no more than fifty centimeters. Outwardly, the bush resembles a pillow, since its diameter is about eighty centimeters. The needles are short, have a ruby ​​​​color and a pleasant smell. The variety endures winter and does not tolerate heat and drought.

Single color

The mountainous regions of the United States of America and the north of Mexico became the birthplace of this type of fir.

Trees with a wide conical crown reach a height of sixty meters. The single-color species of fir has the largest needles, its length is about six centimeters. Soft needles have a bluish-green matte color and lemon aroma. The periderm of the tree is dense. It is light gray in color and has oblong cracks. Oval-cylindrical cones of dark purple fir grow up to twelve centimeters.

This species is characterized by rapid growth, endurance to wind, smoke, drought and frost. The life span of a tree is up to 350 years.

There are several decorative varieties of single-colored fir, but two are the most popular in Russia:

• Violacea,
• Compact.

Violacea is called the bluest of the blue firs. Compared with wild relatives, it is low, no more than eight meters. The top of the tree is wide cone-shaped. The needles are light blue.

Kampakta is a dwarf variety. This shrub is characterized by chaotically placed branches and slow growth. Its blue needles can reach a length of up to forty centimeters.

Korean

From the name itself it follows that initially Korean fir grew only in the mountains in the south of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the Jeju Island. Moreover, you can meet it at altitudes from 100 to 1850 meters above sea level. Apparently, these factors explain the fact that the Korean species of coniferous tree was discovered only in 1907.

The tree has a height of no more than 15 meters. His needles are short, they are dark green and shiny above, and whitish below.

The cones of Korean fir are distinguished by a bright blue color with a lilac tint. The plant is characterized by slow growth and resistance to the conditions of the Russian winter.

The most widespread varieties of fir of this species are the following:

• Blue Standard is a tall tree with dark purple buds.
• Brevifolia - This tree has a rounded crown, needles with swamp green tops and gray-white bottoms, as well as small purple cones.
• Silberzwerg - this variety belongs to undersized, slow-growing and densely branching. The crown of the plant is short and rounded. His needles are silver.
• Piccolo is a shrub about thirty centimeters high, reaching a diameter of one and a half meters. The crown of the bush is flat and spreading. The needles are dark grassy in color.

Siberian

This type of fir natively grows in Russia, because its homeland is the vast forests of Siberia.

It is rarely used as a landscaping plant. Usually the height of the tree is thirty meters. It has a narrow cone-shaped crown and thin branches that lean towards the ground. For Siberian species characteristic cracked periderm at the bottom of the trunk and smoother at the top, its color is dark gray. The needles of the tree are soft, blunt and narrow, up to three centimeters long.

They are shiny, dark green on the upper side and with two parallel white stripes on the lower side. The cones of the tree are upright, cylindrical in shape. Initially, their color may be light chestnut or light purple, then it becomes light brown.

This species changes needles every eleven years.

The tree is resistant to harsh winters and also grows well in the shade. The coniferous Siberian has three varieties:

• blue,
• white,
• motley.

The varieties are similar in appearance and differ only in the color of the needles.

Sakhalin

This tree is native to Sakhalin and Japan.

The height of the plant reaches thirty meters. Its smooth steel-colored periderm becomes darker as the tree matures. Its dense crown has a wide conical shape, the branches of which are slightly bent upwards. Soft needles of dark green color have white stripes below. The length of the needles is four centimeters, and the width is not more than two millimeters. Cylindrical cones brown or black blue color.

The plant tolerates frosts and growth in the shade well, but is demanding on moisture. This species needs abundant watering, as well as high humidity.

Kefallin or Greek

The habitat of this species is southern mountains Greece and Albania. There, fir can be found at altitudes up to two thousand meters above sea level.

The plant is tall, it can reach thirty-five meters with a trunk diameter of up to two meters.

Its crown is low and thick, cone-shaped. The periderm of the tree cracks as it grows.

The needles are up to three and a half centimeters long and up to three millimeters wide. The needles have a sharp top. They are thick and shiny dark green above and pale green below. On the branch, the needles are arranged in a spiral close to each other. The plant has large narrow cylindrical buds. At the beginning of growth, they are lilac in color, but over time their color becomes brown-purple.

This type of fir is drought tolerant and does not tolerate winter cold. In addition, it is characterized by a rather slow growth.

high (noble)

A native of the west of North America fully justifies its name, because its top rises above the ground at a height of one hundred meters. Her favorite places are the valleys near the rivers, as well as the gentle slopes of the ocean shores.

At such a height, this type of coniferous beauty undoubtedly received the title of the tallest fir of the whole genus. The top of the tree is cone-shaped early in life, but becomes domed as it grows. The young branches of the plant have an olive-green or reddish-brown color of the fluff covering them. The older branches are bare. small and curved at the base. It is shiny and green above and bluish below. The cones are oblong, cylindrical in shape. In length, they reach up to 12 cm, in diameter up to 4 cm. Initially, the cones are emerald or red-brown, but when they ripen, they become dark brown-gray.

This type of fir lives for about two hundred and fifty years.

Whole-leaved (black Manchurian)

The homeland of this species is spread over the territory of three countries: the southern regions of Primorye of Russia, northern regions China and Korea.

Compared to the American fir, this tree is not tall, its height is 45 meters. The dense crown is shaped like a wide pyramid. It is loose and stretches to the ground. Distinctive feature species - the color of the bark. In young plants it is dark gray, and in adults it is already black. The needles are dense and hard, with a sharp end. In addition, they are solid, which is why the type of tree got its name. Top part the needles are shiny dark green, and the bottom is light. The needles form peculiar waves on the branches. Cylindrical cones are light brown and pubescent with a light velvety layer.

This species changes its needles every nine years.

The growth of a tree in the first ten years of life is slow, but after passing this segment, growth rapidly intensifies. In total, the tree lives for about four hundred years.

The plant is resistant to winter conditions, grows well in the shade, is not afraid of winds. For successful growth, he needs high humidity in the air and the earth.

Fir Nordmann (Caucasian)

The region of the Western Caucasus and Turkey became the birthplace of this beauty.

This type of fir rises 60 meters above the ground. The diameter of its trunk can reach two meters. The narrow top in the form of a cone is densely covered with branches. Fir needles are dense dark green in color with a silver bottom.

This type of tree is long-lived. Its maximum lifespan is five hundred years. But still, it is quite difficult to see the Caucasian fir, because the plant is quite rare. This is due to the fact that the tree does not tolerate winter cold.

However, several ornamental plant varieties have been bred:

• Pendula Aurea,
• Gtauka,
• Albo-spicata.

Subalpine (mountain)

This is another native of North America, only its habitat is located in high mountains mainland.

The diameter of the trunk reaches 60 cm, while its height does not exceed 40 meters. The low top of the tree resembles a narrow cone. The gray bark of the plant is smooth, but it is covered with small cracks. Matte needles are grassy blue above and have two white stripes below. Cylindrical cones of this species ripen every year at the end of summer.

Some types of mountain fir are used as ornamental plants:

• Argentea is a tree with silver needles.
• Glauka is a plant with oblong steel or blue needles and a pyramid-shaped crown. Its height reaches twelve meters.
• Compacta is a dwarf tree. His height does not exceed one and a half meters. The broad crown branches well. Silver-sky needles have gray stripes below. The shape of the needles resembles a sickle, and their length is three centimeters.

Low-growing varieties of wood are widely used in landscape design.

Fir is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful trees, and therefore it is precisely with it that parks, green areas and personal plots. Each type of this coniferous plant confirms that nature is the most talented creator.

Attention, only TODAY!

Fir tree in the photo

Fir - a relative of spruce, a genus of monoecious evergreen trees, from 25 to 50 m high. Homeland - North America, countries of the East - China, Japan, Korea, the Far East.

When describing a fir tree special attention the crown deserves - it is pyramidal, with one trunk-axis and branches arranged in tiers. The needles are flattened, dihedral, with stomatal stripes on the underside. Due to the wax coating, the needles appear whitish. At the top of the needles there is a notch, which is typical only for fir. The needles are attached to the branch with a disc-shaped expanded base in the form of a sucker, therefore, when it falls off, a trace remains in the form of a scar. The needles of the evergreen coniferous fir tree live without falling off for several years. The root system of fir is deep, but not branched.

At the age of 30 years and more, fir trees are decorated with cones. They appear in the upper third of the crown, are usually darker in color and stand on branches with candles.

The genus fir has more than 50 species, in natural conditions Russia meets eight of them. You can find photos and descriptions of fir species, especially popular in the middle lane, on this page.

Wood Siberian fir on the picture

In the northeastern regions of the European part of Russia, as well as in Siberia, Siberian fir is common. In the mountains, it can rise up to 2 thousand meters above sea level. The tree is tall, with a pyramidal crown, durable - the maximum age is 200 years, but even then it dies not from old age, but from root rot.

As you can see in the photo, Siberian fir needles are narrow, 2-3 cm long:

Siberian fir needles
Siberian fir needles

The root system is deep due to the tap root, but not branched and without visible root hairs. They are replaced by fungal mycorrhiza, with which fir forms a very productive symbiosis.

The buds are resinous, the bark also abundantly secretes resin. Resin has a beneficial effect on the plant, reducing evaporation.

The winter hardiness of Siberian fir is high, which cannot be said about resistance to air pollution. She also does not like waterlogged soils, and marshy ones kill her.

All parts of Siberian fir contain volatile and non-volatile resins. Turpentine and essential oil substances are volatile, and rosin-resin substances are non-volatile. Both those and others have bactericidal properties, due to which fir trees in their youth are almost not damaged by diseases.

From needles and young branches on an industrial scale, fir oil is extracted, which is used to make camphor. In its pure form, fir oil is widely used in medicine - for inhalation, rubbing, as a component of medicines for diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

As a heart remedy, this camphor surpasses imported ones in terms of vitamin C content and effectiveness.

Of great interest are also varieties of fir of eastern origin - from Korea, Northern China, from the Far East.

Look at the photo of Siberian fir, the description of which you could see above:

Siberian fir
Siberian fir

Caucasian fir in the photo

This plant is widely distributed, but less stable in culture. The tree is powerful, beautiful, very tall and durable. It lives up to 800 years, but, like the Siberian fir, it dies not from old age, but from fungal diseases and pests.

Caucasian fir in the photo

In culture, this species attracts the attention of breeders, they bred weeping forms, with golden needles.

When describing Caucasian fir, it is worth noting that its main drawback is that this tree often suffers from sunburn. Obviously, because the bark and branches are less protected by resinous substances than, for example, Siberian fir.

The dwarf ornamental form of Nordmann's fir is the slow-growing plant "Golden Spreader" with a spreading crown. In culture since 1961.

Pay attention to the photo of the Caucasian fir of this variety - its needles are yellow-colored on top and yellow-white below, the length of the needles is 10-25 mm, the width is 2 mm:

Caucasian fir
Caucasian fir

This is a great plant for decorating small gardens, can be used to decorate the bare trunks of other conifers, grows well in their shade.

Balsam fir in the photo

This is a North American fir that grows wild in Canada. It can grow in the Far North, in the tundra, where it forms dwarf-type thickets. She is not afraid of marshy places, near water bodies - the place for this fir is ideal.

The balsam fir coniferous tree has very fragrant dark green needles and resinous buds. The name itself speaks of the value of this pita as a balsam. They are saturated with bark, and young branches, and buds. Balm from this fir best quality by international standards. It was called "Canadian balm" and is indispensable in microscopic practice for fixing anatomical sections. It is widely used in medicine as a bactericidal agent.

When describing balsam fir, one cannot fail to note its frost resistance. However, this tree is not drought-resistant, so it feels bad in the south. Dry air has a particularly negative effect, and dry winds are generally destructive for her.

As shown in the photo, balsam fir has decorative forms with white needles at the ends:

balsam fir
balsam fir

There are also miniature forms, but they are used in landscaping only in central Russia.

Fir "Nana" in the photo

Fir balsamic form "Hudsonic", or "Nana", - a short, slow-growing plant of a rounded shape, reaching only 60 cm in height. Needs acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy up to -40 °C. Plant better in autumn or in winter. Her needles are dark green, short, glossy and thick.

In the wild, single-colored fir is a tree up to 30 m in height. Young shoots are yellowish-green, glabrous or slightly pubescent. The bark of the trunks is gray, initially smooth, then deeply fissured. Buds are spherical, yellowish, resinous.

Decorative monochrome fir in the photo

The needles are linear, 4-7 cm long, up to 2.5 mm wide, bluntly pointed or blunt at the top, narrowed towards the base. The description of the needles of a single-color fir follows from its name - the needles on both sides are one-color, bluish, bluish or grayish-green, dull, comb-shaped on the side shoots, somewhat curved.

Cones of decorative monochrome fir

Cones are oval-cylindrical, 8-12 cm long, 3-5 cm thick, adults are light brown, slightly resinous. Covering scales are half as long as seed scales, finely dentate along the outer edge, with a pointed end in the middle.

Seeds 10-12 mm long, wedge-shaped, light brown, with a 15-20 mm wing, ripen in October.

This is an excellent decorative fir for the garden, in addition, it is among the relatively hardy ones, which are not even so dangerous from air pollution. It is undemanding to soil and climate, propagated by seeds.

Of the dwarf forms of one-color fir, "Glauka Compacta" is very popular.. It is characterized by a dense asymmetrical crown shape and catchy gray-blue needles. This culture is suitable for larger rock gardens, it can also be planted next to them, as well as placed in the middle of the lawn and in small gardens.

Look at the photo - in a single-colored fir, the grayish-bluish color of the needles contrasts with the juicy green or green with a golden tint of the color of others conifers:

Fir "Glauka Compacta"
Fir "Glauka Compacta"

Single-flowered fir is advisable to use for the conditions of the arid south, southeast. Its homeland is North America, it grows along rivers, on shady slopes. The tree is beautiful, slender, with a waxy matte-gray crown. The needles are long - up to 5-6 cm, have the smell of lemon.

The plant is very photophilous. Extremely durable. Unpretentious in culture, grows on any soil, even saline. The tree is drought and frost resistant and in landscaping middle lane Russia is very popular, because it is so beautiful, so durable. Life span - 350 years.

As you can see in the photo, this decorative fir has shapes with silver-white needles, white-blue, golden or pale yellow, as well as dwarf and weeping:

decorative fir
decorative fir

Of great interest are also firs of eastern origin - from Korea, Northern China, from the Far East.

Korean fir as an adult, it seems too bulky for a small garden, but, nevertheless, it is quite suitable for such use. It will take many years before this plant reaches 2-4 m in height. It grows slowly. It often happens that the crown diameter of an old Korean fir is larger than the height of the entire plant.

Korean fir
Korean fir

Pay attention to the photo - this type of fir has very beautiful, dense, juicy green needles on top and white below, and most importantly, attractive purple cones that appear even on a young tree.

Dwarf fir "Silberlok" in the photo

This species has a dwarf form "Silberlock". The plant reaches only 80 cm in height - small dark green needles are white on the underside. Cones are dark red, 10 cm long, scatter seeds when ripe. Winter hardiness up to -29 °С.

Vicha fir in the photo

Vicha Fir originally from Japan. She is very unusual and decorative with her falling branches with soft, curved needles. AT young age growing fast. Winter-hardy and resistant to smoke, smog, gases. But loves light and fertile soil.

Silver fir also from Japan. The tree naturally grows in the mountains. Unlike Vicha, it has resinous buds. In Russia, it successfully grows on Black Sea coast, and in the European part it loses all its majesty, reaching a height of 20-25 m.

As shown in the photo, this type of fir in Japan is often cultivated as a bonsai, and in natural form it is an adornment of parks, temples, castles.

Vetkhova fir- a tall species, is a slender tree, reaching 20 m in height and 4 m in crown diameter. She has thick shiny needles dark green with a silver sheen on the underside. Every year this tree grows about 70 cm high and 20 cm wide. It is planted mainly singly in large gardens.

fir high, or gigantic- a species from North America, found in the mountains at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, where it reaches a height of up to 100 m. Of course, in Europe it does not happen so high, but it grows successfully, being unpretentious.

fir pretty is also a powerful tree. Grows wild in North America. Distinctive feature its - long (up to 3 cm) needles with the smell of orange. Buds and young branches are resinous.

Fir trees were the decoration of gardens in Ancient Greece. Several mediterranean species, which are of interest from the point of view of historical objects.

Fir pretty, form "Spread Star"- a tree up to 90 cm in height, with low-growing spreading branches.

Look at the photo - this variety of fir eventually forms a carpet 3-3.5 m wide:

Grows best in acidic soil and full sun. Winter-hardy down to -23 °С. Best planted in autumn or winter.

Greek fir (Parnassian), according to legend, was used to build Trojan horse. Its feature is the spiral arrangement of needles. It grows in the mountains of Greece. We feel good in Sochi.

Spanish fir found in the limestone mountains of southern Spain at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. This is a relatively low tree, up to 25 m, very beautiful with its dense crown.

As you can see in the photo, the needles of this fir tree are short, but thick and hard, which is not typical for other fir trees:

They are arranged in a spiral, because of which there are no gaps in the crown. The species is thermophilic, frost-resistant, undemanding to soils. In landscaping it is used on the Black Sea coast and in the Crimea.

Fraser Fir
Fraser fir

Fraser Fir- an alien from North America, a very stable and decorative look. The tree is low, slender. The needles are short, resinous buds. The species is winter-hardy and drought-resistant, but does not tolerate urban conditions well.

subalpine fir promising for central Russia and the Chernozem region. In the wild, it is found in Alaska, where it lives high in the mountains. The tree grows very slowly, reaching 20 m in height by the age of 200. The buds are resinous, the needles are relatively long, up to 4 cm. The species is unpretentious in culture.

There is a dwarf form - "Compact", which is used when growing in containers.

Sakhalin fir
Sakhalin fir

Sakhalin fir found in the south of Sakhalin and Kuril Islands on the wooded mountains. In landscaping it is used in the middle latitudes of Russia. The tree is very decorative. The correct conical shape, smooth bark, soft blunt needles - these are the main parameters of its appearance. Gives good seeds. Cones are ellipsoid, up to 7 cm long. Seeds are yellow or brown with a purple wing. It is moisture-loving, frost-resistant, although the needles freeze slightly during spring frosts, it is unpretentious in culture.

Propagation of fir seeds and cuttings

The main method of propagation of fir is by seeds. Cones ripen in the year of flowering, in early autumn (September). They must be collected as soon as the subtle divergence of the scales begins, otherwise they will crack and crumble.

Sow seeds better in spring after monthly stratification. When sowing, the land should be warm, which increases the germination of seeds and will allow you to get away from spring frosts.

Seedlings need a mandatory shade, otherwise sunburn will kill them. An equally important operation for the care of seedlings is soil mulching, which will protect the weak root system from overheating and save from overgrowing with weeds.

Seedlings are kept in one place for 3 years. Then they are transplanted at the very beginning of autumn into growing ridges, giving a feeding area of ​​15 x 20 cm. Seedlings are transplanted so that they can take root before winter.

After another 3-4 years, fir can be planted in a permanent place with a clod of earth in early spring or early autumn.

Vegetative propagation is also possible - cuttings and layering. These methods are very laborious, but allow you to completely save individual characteristics plants.

When propagating garden forms, the vegetative method, in particular cuttings, is preferred.

The best cuttings for propagation of fir are annual lateral shoots 7-10 cm long with small apical buds from branches of the 2nd-3rd order. They are cut off with a “heel” or broken out. Cuttings are harvested in early spring during the spring sap flow. Planted in sand to a depth of 1.5 cm, sprayed regularly, covered with polyethylene and placed in a shaded place. In the first 2-3 weeks, this regimen is maintained. Periodic ventilation is necessary, but without drafts. Roots are formed in 2-3 months.

In nature, fir is easily propagated both by seeds and vegetatively (by layering). Seeds germinate quickly even when self-sowing, and the lower branches, in contact with the ground, take root, giving numerous layering. They grow in the form of elfin when the connection with the mother plant is lost.

Decorative forms of fir are propagated by cuttings taken only from young plants.

Growing conditions and care of firs

All firs grow well in open places in single trees and in groups. They are demanding on soil and air humidity. Frost-resistant, do not endure burning, smog of urban conditions. Fir is more demanding than other conifers in terms of growing conditions. They are photophilous and only at a young age tolerate shading. Soils prefer clay-sandy, moderately moist, rich in nutrients and do not tolerate high levels of groundwater.

One of important conditions growing fir - a place protected from the winds and fresh air, since these trees do not tolerate gas and smoke at all and are better suited for suburban summer cottages.

Fir - photophilous plants. In thickened and shaded plantings, they are not very decorative. The typical shape of the fir crown will be formed only in open places.

It is not necessary to form a fir crown during the growth process, but making sure that the seedlings do not have two peaks is a must. If there are two peaks, which is possible when the top is broken or damaged by pests, the weaker one must be removed, and the sooner the better.

The healing properties of fir, an evergreen coniferous tree from the pine family, have been known since ancient times. In many diseases, treatment with infusions of fir and fir oil helps well. In the treatment, almost all parts of fir are used: needles, buds, bark, resin. Fir needles, in addition to essential oil, contain manganese, zinc, copper, a little lead, and a high content of vitamin C. Fresh fir legs secrete phytoncides, which have a detrimental effect on pathogens. The room becomes almost sterile if there are fir branches in it.

Beauty fir is considered almost a panacea. Its buds and needles are harvested in March-April, young branches - in May - early June, resin - in the summer, and the bark can be taken all year round. If you pour a handful of young needles with hot water and let it brew for a day, you can rinse your mouth so that your gums are healthy and your throat does not hurt. And if you drink such an infusion in a few sips, then the blood will become more fluid, clean, and will take off a cold as if by hand. And if you rub 4-5 drops of fir oil into your chest, you can even tame an old cough.

Fir is a plant species that belongs to the genus of trees. In a favorable climate, it can grow up to 45 meters in height, and in crown diameter, it can be about 50 cm.

The shape of the tree does not change during the entire period of growth and has the shape of a cone. Fir branches are rather thin and lowered to the ground, especially if the tree grows singly, and not in a group with its relatives. Fir needles (needles) are located along the entire branch in a spiral order, one at a time. Fruits (cones) - have a cylindrical or ovoid shape. Fir is different from other coniferous trees. Trees are considered long-lived, they delight with their greenery and aromas for 150 - 200 years.
The most interesting thing that distinguishes it from other conifers is that the cones grow upwards. Cones when ripe begin to crumble, they are long, dark brown.

Fir needles also have their own special properties. It is not prickly at all, a pleasant aroma emanates from it. The needles of the needles are flat, long, saturated green, tender and soft to the touch. The tree is considered a long-liver, it can grow up to two hundred years. Excellent lumber is obtained from its wood, which is used even in shipbuilding and the production of musical instruments. The wood is well processed, there are no ordinary resin pockets in it.

The light thin bark of most species contains resin-bearing nodules with a transparent resin that looks like honey.

For medicinal purposes in folk medicine, bark, needles and kidneys are used.

The astringent property of the bark is used in the form of decoctions as an external remedy for tumors and burns (in the form of compresses). For periodontitis and toothache, apply steamed fresh Siberian fir buds. In diseases of the musculoskeletal system, turpentine, obtained from the resin of the plant, will relieve pain and irritation.

Painkillers and distractions with turpentine.

Add to 100 ml. alcohol in a tablespoon of turpentine, camphor alcohol and table vinegar (9%), and you will get an excellent rubbing agent for diseases of the joints.

In the pharmaceutical industry, fir oil is used to produce synthetic camphor. Its preparations are used in inflammatory processes, in acute and chronic heart failure, in collapse, to stimulate respiration and circulation in lobar pneumonia and other infectious diseases.

Also, camphor alcohol is used externally for rubbing with colds, myositis, neuritis, articular rheumatism.

fir needles

Many of us do not even realize what healing power fir needles have. Here is a list of diseases in which needles can help:

Chemical composition

Siberian fir needles are a real pantry of useful substances and vitamins. The needles contain from 250 to 350 mg of vitamin C.

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and promotes accelerated oxidation of toxins and their removal from the body. Under the influence of vitamin C, elasticity and strength increase blood vessels. Together with vitamin A, it protects the body from infections, blocks and neutralizes toxic substances in blood.

Pine needles are a source of beta-carotene. In the body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which provides, increases the body's resistance to infections.

Fir needles contain essential oil, macro- and microelements. The phytoncides present in the needles are antimicrobial substances. They have a detrimental effect on viruses, accelerate wound healing, regulate the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate cardiac activity, and purify the air. Coniferous aroma relieves bronchospasm in asthma and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, successfully treats headaches.

The most important healing product from fir - essential fir oil. But fir is not valuable for oil alone. Fir (florentine) water - a by-product in the production of oil, as well as resin (resin), needles, cones, bark and even sawdust - were widely used in medicine.
Resin (resin) has long been used to treat wounds, especially infected ones, ulcers, colds, coughs, stomach ulcers. The bark containing tanides and resins (balm) is used externally for tumors and burns. Fir cones are an effective remedy for rheumatism and other catarrhal lesions of the leg joints. Why pour cones with boiling water and warm the legs for a couple, covering them with a blanket on top. Steamed sawdust applied to sore spots also helps.
Old red fir needles (from fallen trees) together with fresh and dry cedar needles (1:1:1) are very useful for dry "warming" baths.
An aqueous extract of the kidneys and bark is an ancient antiscorbutic, also used as a diuretic and analgesic for colds and rheumatic pains. A decoction of young pine needles is drunk as a diuretic and disinfectant for diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Needles and bark contain a large amount of phytoncides, due to which staying in a coniferous forest has a beneficial effect on health.

Healing drink from pine needles

Take fresh fir needles, pass through a meat grinder, pack in plastic bags for 1 tbsp. spoon (make sure that the juice does not flow out) and store in the freezer. To prepare a healing potion, take out a briquette with needles, pour a glass of boiled chilled water and leave for 3 hours in a dark place. Then stir, strain, wring out raw materials.

Drink 1/4-1/3 cup infusion 3-4 times a day before or after meals.
This coniferous drink is rich in vitamins and microelements, useful for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infectious and inflammatory diseases, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, prostate adenoma, prostatitis, diseases of the kidneys, liver, urinary and gall bladders, tinnitus, hernia, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, helps with weakening of vision, mastopathy and uterine fibroids, treats hemorrhoids, perfectly relieves fatigue.
Needle remedy regulates blood pressure, reduces elevated level cholesterol and blood sugar, helps to cope with excess weight, relieves shortness of breath, treats the musculoskeletal system.
In addition, the described infusion cleanses the body, normalizes metabolism, strengthens the immune system, protects against premature aging and prolongs life.

Fir oil for the treatment of joints .
1. First, the joint is warmed up with a sea salt compress.
I heat the salt in a dry frying pan, pour it into a bag of canvas and apply it to the sore spot. Hold until the heat spreads throughout the leg.
2. At this time, compress paper is impregnated with fir oil and applied to the joint heated with salt.
3. Tie a sore spot with a warm woolen scarf and hold the compress for no more than 30 minutes so that there is no irritation or even burns. With sensitive skin, a burn may occur, therefore, for the first time, the procedure time should be set experimentally: look every 10 minutes to see if the skin has reddened.

A few more recipes using fir oil.

With angina 1-2 drops of pure oil will need to be dropped onto the inflamed tonsil with a pipette, or smeared with oil with a swab. This function will need to be done 2-3 times a day, after 4-5 hours for 2-3 days. In the chronic form of angina, in addition to lubricating the tonsils, 1-2 drops of fir oil are instilled into the nose (if it does not cause allergic reactions). At bronchitis and pneumonia a good result is rubbing the body with oil and inhalation. In economic conditions, this is done as follows: pour boiling water into an enameled bowl or a teapot, add 3-4 drops of fir oil, cover with a blanket or a scarf and a steam-oil mixture breathe for 10-15 minutes .. After which the patient is rubbed and covered with a warm blanket.

With the flu, it was necessary to rub fir oil into the collar zone of the back, chest, do foot massage along the reflex zones 4-5 times a day (after 5-6 hours). After this procedure, the patient needs to drink an anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic herbal collection and cover himself with a warm blanket. With all this, it is recommended to drip 1 drop of oil into the nose. Improvement will come in a day. Chronic runny nose it is possible to cure it like this: 3-4 times a day with fir oil, you need to lubricate and massage the area of ​​​​the maxillary sinuses, while it is preferable to instill fir oil into the nose 1 drop.

At strong cough instill before going to bed 2-3 drops of fir oil on the tip of the tongue. There is information about the cure of colitis, enterocolitis with fir water. For these purposes, coniferous water is taken 0.5 cups 3 times a day for 20 minutes. before eating. For stomach ulcers and duodenum coniferous water should not be consumed. Some authors advise fir oil to cure angina pectoris: 2-3 drops of fir oil are rubbed into the area below the nipple 3-4 times a day. It can be especially useful to do this on the eve magnetic storms and sudden changes in weather pressure, which usually cause a shift for the worse in the state of well-being.

From dry inhalations for prevention viral infections and for coughs, inhalations from paper and cloth are most effective. Put 3-4 drops of oil on them and breathe in the aroma.
. Rubbing fir oil into the bruised area speeds up the healing process.
. With angina, you need to apply pure oil to the tonsils with a pipette or cotton swab. Repeat 2 to 5 times a day with an interval of 4-6 hours.
With sciatica, it is good to rub fir oil into painful places.
Fir oil contains biologically active substances, which have anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, wound healing and tonic effect. Camphor, obtained from fir oil, is used in medicine as a means of stimulating the central nervous system. Camphor alcohol is widely used for rubbing with myositis, neuritis and articular rheumatism.
Fir oil contraindications
Scientists at the Vladivostok Medical Institute found that the oil does not decompose into gastrointestinal tract, but penetrates into the blood and accumulates in painful foci of the body. And only two days after taking the oil is excreted from the body. Keeping this in mind, it is necessary not to overload the body with oil, not to allow it to increase the heart rate!
In addition, a small proportion of people may experience allergic reactions. Checking the predisposition to allergies is simple: drip 10-15 drops of oil on the back of the arm, chest or leg and rub it in. If red spots do not appear on the body the next day, then treatment can begin.
Fir Recipes

The use of needles

Vitamin drink.

This drink is especially useful in winter.

1 way.

Take 2 tablespoons of pine needles, rinse in cold water, put in a bowl with a lid, pour a glass of boiling water and put on fire for 20 minutes. The drink is cooled and insisted for half an hour.

2 way.

5 st. spoons of needles pour 0.5 liters of boiling water in a thermos, leave overnight, strain in the morning and drink throughout the day.

You can consume 1 glass per day, breaking its use into 2-3 times.

3 way

You will need 1 tablespoon of bark and needles and 200 grams of hot boiled water. Let it brew in a saucepan with a closed lid until the broth cools completely. Strain and consume 50 ml 4 times a day before meals. The duration of the course is 2 weeks, then a break for 10 days and again a repetition of the reception for 2 weeks.

4 way

You can brew tea from young branches of needles and small buds. This tea helps boost immunity.

Restoration of the vascular system:

Take five tablespoons of chopped pine needles, add 3 tablespoons of crushed rose hips, 2 tablespoons of onion peel. Pour 700 ml. water, bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Leave to infuse overnight, wrap in warm material. Strain in the morning and take from 0.5 to one and a half liters per day. Reception-3 months.

For stroke, lemon is included in this recipe, the recommended dose is up to 2 lemons per day, half a lemon at a time.

FOR PAIN IN THE JOINTS. Fir sawdust pour boiling water. Steam in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, then wring out and apply warm to the sore spot. Wrap with plastic wrap and a warm cloth. Treat daily until noticeable improvement.
. Make lotions with pure fir oil for 25-30 minutes. If the ends of the fingers are affected, then it is better to place them in a container with oil for 20-25 minutes. Continue treatment until complete recovery, usually it occurs within 7-10 days.
OSTEOCHONDROSIS. Fir branches to crush and warm, then attach to the sore spot. Do it better in a steam room. After a 30-minute compress, you should take a steam bath with a fir or birch-fir broom. For prevention, massage with fir oil 5-7 times a month.
ANGINA, ARRYTHMIA, TACHYCARDIA. Do an external rubbing of 10-15 drops of oil in the heart area, just below the nipple and up to the middle of the lateral line on the left. After 1-2 minutes, spasms will be relieved. If necessary, repeat. Even with the most severe attack, relief is sure to come after the first rubbing.
ANGINA. Lubricate the tonsils with a cotton swab with fir oil or irrigate them with oil using a syringe. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
HERPES. At the first signs of the onset of the disease (itching, burning), apply a cotton swab soaked in fir oil and hold for 25-30 minutes. Repeat after 5-6 hours. A good effect is achieved by alternating procedures from fir oil and delicate fine-grained (scientifically, fat-like) honey, preferably from acacia.

Treatment with infusion, decoction, resin of fir.

For skin diseases:
two glasses of hot boiled water, pour five tablespoons of chopped fir needles, leave for two to three days. Drink half a glass three times a day for 1.5 months.

Abies sibirica

Family - Pine (Pinaceae)

The parts used are needles, buds, young branches (spruce branches), bark.

Pharmacy name - Siberian fir extract (Abies Sibirica).

Botanical description

Siberian fir - coniferous evergreen tree up to 100 m high, up to 2 m in diameter, with a dark gray smooth, non-cracking bark and a narrow pyramidal crown that retains its shape until old age, bearing branches from the very bottom.

The trunk is covered with dark gray, smooth thin bark, cylindrical above, ribbed below, slightly fissured in the lower part of the trunk. Well-marked thickenings (nodules) protrude in large numbers on the bark, containing a fragrant transparent resin, also called "fir balsam". Young branches are cylindrical, thin, without longitudinal scars, covered with thick and short brownish hairs, in free-growing trees they descend almost to the ground. At the ends of the branches, buds develop, which are reliably protected by scales, covered with a protective layer of resin and tightly adjacent to each other. Not prickly, flat needles with a specific smell, up to 3.5 cm long, dark green, shiny on top, and below have two whitish stripes with a wax coating, each with 3-4 rows of stomata. On the shoots, the needles last up to ten years, and when it dies, it leaves a small flat scar on the branch. In areas with polluted air, the needles fall off earlier.

Male strobili (cones)

Male strobili (cones) are crowded at the ends of branches, oval, yellowish spikelets with pollen, up to 7 mm long and up to 35 mm wide. Pollen grains have 2 flying air sacs that help transport pollen over long distances. Female cones are usually located on the shoots of the previous year, sitting one by one on the upper side of the branches, oblong-oval, greenish, up to 18 mm long and up to 8 mm wide, sticking vertically upwards. Siberian fir blossoms in May. In the axils of the scales, which are located spirally inside the cone, the ovules sit in pairs. When the seeds ripen, the cones turn light brown and increase in size, reaching up to 9 cm in length. Seeds up to 7 mm long, slightly downy, with wedge-shaped or obovate volutes. In May - early June, pollen matures and disperses. The seeds ripen at the end of August, and in October-September, the cones crumble, the scales crumble along with the seeds, and only protruding rods of cones remain on the branches for a long time, and this distinguishes fir from other conifers. From the age of 70, the tree begins to bear seed, and in open places twice as early.

Siberian fir is widespread in Western and Eastern Siberia, from the headwaters of the Aldan River to the northeastern regions of the European part of Russia. Siberian fir grows on the plains, uplands, prefers fertile, moderately moist soils. It has high frost resistance and wind resistance, but is poorly resistant to smoke and gas, therefore it is unsuitable for landscaping large cities. Life expectancy is 150-200 years.

Collection and preparation

Needles, buds, young branches (spruce branches), bark are used as medicinal raw materials. Kidneys are harvested in March-April, spruce branches - in May, the bark is harvested throughout the year. The needles of young shoots are cut 2 times a year in June-August and October-February. The collected fir foot is used as a raw material for the production of fir essential oil.

Active ingredients

Needles and small branches of Siberian fir contain essential oil, fresh needles - ascorbic acid, fir seeds - fatty oil, vitamin E, bark - tannins, fir balsam. Fir resin - diterpene alcohol abienol, abietic and neoabietic acids.

Healing action and application

It has antiscorbutic, wound-healing, diuretic, analgesic, anti-burn and anti-inflammatory effects.

In folk medicine, fir has found the widest application:

- infusion and decoction of needles and kidneys are used for colds and rheumatic pains, as well as an antiscorbutic agent, a decoction of young needles is drunk for diseases of the kidneys and bladder,

- a decoction of fir bark is taken with noise in the head and headaches,

— fir cones are a good remedy for rheumatism and other catarrhal lesions of the joints of the legs,

- a decoction or infusion of young fir tops is used for malignant tumors, atherosclerosis, leukemia, periodontal disease, scrofula and scurvy,

- in the form of ointments and rubbing, they are used externally for inflammatory processes, myositis, neuritis and articular rheumatism,

A preparation from fir - camphor is used as a remedy that excites the nervous system and enhances the activity of the heart in acute and chronic cardiovascular insufficiency and shock conditions, as well as in pneumonia and infectious diseases.

Fir balsam, contained in large nodules, is processed and used in medicine for the preparation of a number of preparations and in optics for gluing elements of optical systems, and turpentine is also obtained.