Fir tree: how to plant and care? Description of tree species, cones, leaves and sizes. 92 photos of the use of fir in landscape design

Extremely picturesque coniferous fir trees are characterized by slow growth and a conical crown shape. They have very decorative cones that are initially purplish-blue in color, contrasting well with the dark green needles. The trees look most beautiful when planted singly; they are suitable for oriental, Japanese, and modern gardens, and low varieties are suitable for rocky gardens and heather heaths. In this article we will talk about growing white and Korean fir - planting and care in open ground, how to water and feed the tree, how to deal with diseases and pests.

Description of the fir tree

Fir is a tall and large tree. The diameter of the straight trunk of the plant reaches 1.5 meters or more, and the length is 90–100 meters, which is similar to the height of a 30-story skyscraper.

The dark green dense crown grows from the base of the trunk and resembles a cone shape. From a distance, the fir looks like a large pyramid.

The tree has a well-developed powerful root system. Due to the fact that the roots grow deep into the soil, the wind cannot knock down such a tree.

On a young trunk, the bark is smooth and gray; every year it changes its structure, thickens, and becomes covered with tubercles and cracks.
Resin accumulates in the resin passages. Conifer needles are soft and narrow, with a flat structure. The needles are placed on the branch in the form of a spiral.
The petiole of the needles expands into a round heel, which leaves a rounded crack after being torn off. The lifespan of needles is from 10 to 15 years.

A young fir tree develops slowly. Around the 12th year of the plant, the rate of development increases. Fir is a long-living plant. The average age is 300 years. Some species grow up to 700 years.

The cones stand straight, closed at the top. They are rounded - cylindrical in shape, impregnated with resin. The seed scales have a wide wedge-shaped shape. They ripen during flowering and disintegrate in mid-autumn or early winter, releasing the seeds. The rods from the cones remain for a long time on spreading branches.

Plant characteristics

Like every plant, fir has a number of special characteristics, which may differ to some extent depending on the variety of the plant.

The main parameters of fir can be divided into the following categories:

height;
growth rate;
endurance;
demandingness.

Speaking about the size of this plant, it should be understood that the culture can be of two types:

medium height (150–200 years);
tall (300 years or more).

The average height of the tree in question is 0.5–90 m, depending on external factors.

Did you know? Fir seeds are distinguished by their lightness

-
1000 copies will weigh no more than 6-7 g.
Fir usually grows up to 150-300 years, but there are cases when the plant lived for more than 6 centuries . The Pine genus under consideration is characterized by slow growth; a young tree grows by 11–15 cm per year. The growth rate increases by 7–10 years of the plant’s life.

Fir is considered a shade-tolerant crop, so it is good to plant it both in partial shade and in shaded areas . Most varieties of this coniferous plant are characterized by high winter hardiness and can withstand temperatures from –15 to –25°C. Young trees are not frost-resistant enough, so before wintering they must be covered with special garden fabric or spruce branches. An adult plant is significantly resistant to frost.

Fir is considered a “fog tree” because it loves moisture, but wetlands or waterlogging of the soil negatively affects the root system, which can lead to the death of the plant

Although this genus of Pines is considered heat-loving, it does not tolerate heat and drought; there are frequent cases of needle burns from prolonged exposure to the sun. It is recommended to plant the tree in areas protected from winds.

Types of fir tree

There are more than 50 species of the fir genus.

The most common in Russia:

Siberian;
Vetkhova fir;
Sakhalinskaya;
Equal scale;
Balsamic;
Korean;
Parnassian;
Caucasian fir.

Fir trees are divided into two main groups: medium-sized and tall trees.

Medium-sized firs live up to 250 years, having a lush cone-shaped crown until old age. Smooth-barked tall trees have bark that is prone to cracking and live up to 400 years.

These include:

Siberian;
Korean breed;
Balsamic;
Sakhalinskaya;
Subalpine;
Amur fir.

The listed species are frost-resistant and are well cultivated in regions with harsh climates. The plant has gray glossy bark with randomly directed cracks.

The needles of a fir tree are 1 - 3 mm thick, with an average length of 15 - 30 cm. At the base - with two thin white stripes, at the edges - green with a glossy sheen.

The most common of this group is Korean fir. The tree has many dwarf subspecies, which makes it possible to grow it in garden plots as an element of landscape design. To create original compositions, lower fir branches touching the ground are used.

Tall firs. These species include crops of southern origin, most common in East Asia, North America, and the Caucasus Mountains. Among them:

Single color;
European fir;
Whole leaf,
Caucasian fir.

A characteristic feature of this group is considered to be its inability to cope with winter frosts.

The bark cracks and crumbles into scales.
The needles are long, unlike the medium-sized fir representatives, and more decorative. In particular, single-color fir needles grow up to 40 mm.
The lush crown forms a pronounced wide cone; in an old tree it loses its shape and looks like an umbrella.

Tall firs of the listed species are grown in Ukraine, the Baltic countries, Belarus, and the North Caucasus. In the Moscow region and Leningrad region, only single-color and whole-leaved fir trees take root well.

Diseases and pests of fir

The plant in question is also subject to various misfortunes.

Important! In addition to the misfortunes listed below, sudden changes in temperature and prolonged droughts cause great harm to fir, as a result of which the crop begins to get sick, and burns from the bright sun sometimes lead to its death.

Some of the persistent pests and diseases include:

Fir moth mercilessly damage tree needles in both caterpillar and butterfly forms. This pest commonly threatens fir trees growing in Europe. It is recommended to combat moths with anti-caterpillar agents, for example, “Pepidocide”, which must be sprayed with 3 liters of product per 1 hectare of land.
The Siberian silkworm is an insect that destroys the needles of many trees from the Pine genus. The caterpillars of this pest show preference for Siberian and blond fir. This type of butterfly covers large areas; as a result of their influence, needles and bark are destroyed, which leads to drying out of the tree. As in the case of the fir moth, any biological preparations for caterpillars are suitable for control.
Silkworm nun is a butterfly from the family of moths, whose caterpillars prefer to destroy spring shoots with buds, and then eat the needles. A massive invasion of pests leads to drying out of trees. An excellent remedy for combating this silkworm is the biological product “Lepidocide”.
Spruce-fir Hermes is a type of aphid that causes the warping and yellowing of fir needles. After wintering, larvae, nymphs, as well as mature individuals cover the tree, sucking the sap of the needles and eating the fir bark. It is necessary to combat this pest in several stages: destroy the larvae and spray the entire plant with insecticides in the spring.

Thus, fir is a unique tree, characterized by good characteristics, minimal requirements for planting and various variations of group and composition planting, which is a huge plus in landscape design.

Where does fir grow?

The geography of the plant habitat is Russian forests in the Far East, in the Siberian taiga, in the Urals. Outside our state - in Japan, South Korea, China, North America.

Fir grows in certain areas of the Northern Hemisphere with a subtropical climate.

The fir tree is heat-loving, loves shaded areas, and grows well in forests.
The plant amazes with its power, strength and extraordinary beauty.
Thanks to these features, fir is planted in botanical gardens and on private plots.
In the forest belt it is adjacent to pine and majestic cedar. Fir grows extremely rarely in mixed forests.

Siberian fir can be found in the lower reaches of the Yenisei in the Arctic. There are 10 species of fir trees growing in Russia. There are many of them in East Asia.

Some species can be found in Mexico and Guatemala. Algerian fir is cultivated in North Africa.

Some interesting facts about fir

The described plant, despite a number of similarities with other coniferous perennials, has many differences. Fir can be confidently called a unique tree.

This is evidenced by many interesting facts:

Fir bark is used to produce balsam, and pine needles are used for essential oil. They are actively used in medicine.
Wood is sensitive to air pollution. It grows poorly near plants, factories, and near major highways.
Fir needles do not fall off for a long time even when the branches dry out. At the same time, its color is preserved.
The tallest fir grows in Oregon in the northwestern United States. Its height reaches 99.7 m.
The Russian name "fir" comes from the Karelian word "pikhka", literally meaning "resinous".
Lapnik contains phytoncides that suppress harmful microorganisms. Therefore, freshly cut branches are placed in rooms to disinfect the air.

Fir propagation

On the same fir tree, female and male cones grow simultaneously. Therefore, fir is called a monoecious crop. Cones of different sexes are easy to distinguish from each other.

The female ones are firmly attached to the branch in a vertical position and directed upwards. Male cones look like dangling earrings. This feature distinguishes fir from other coniferous trees.

At the age of 40-60 years, the first flowering occurs, characterized by the appearance of female cones of a rich red color with a purple sheen. Pollination occurs by wind.
14-21 days after pollination has occurred, the cones close tightly. The process of seed ripening begins.
In the second half of October, the cones begin to crumble, the fragrant seeds fly out and are carried by the wind and birds. Once in the soil, they germinate, remaining viable for two years.

Growing and care

Once the tree has taken root, caring for the fir is simple and includes watering, occasional fertilizing, and disease and pest control.

Watering

The frequency of watering fir depends on many factors - season, weather, soil conditions, requirements for a particular species and variety. You should monitor the soil moisture status and adapt watering.

Newly planted trees have a greater need for water. Young firs are watered 3 times a week for the first 2 weeks. The best time for watering is evening or morning. It is not advisable to water trees during the day, especially on hot days, as this can cause the plant to burn.

Fir should also be watered in late autumn, early spring and even winter, especially if the winter is snowless and there is no frost. During this period, plants may be threatened by physiological drought (one of the reasons for the browning of needles). With good hydration, there is a much greater chance that plants will survive the winter better.

In the first 4 years after planting, fir is watered every 5-7 days during dry periods. Watering is carried out in large portions - 15-40 liters of water are poured under 1 tree. As a result, trees will take deeper roots and withstand drought periods longer in subsequent years.

A common mistake novice gardeners make is watering frequently and in small portions. This leads to moistening only the top layer of soil, where there are no roots. With this type of watering, the plant places its roots in the upper layers of the soil. In case of drought, without the possibility of watering, the tree will not be able to extract water from the deep layers of the soil. Watering is carried out in the hole, around the trunk; near the trunk itself, water is not so needed, the roots grow widely in diameter.

After 3-4 years, when the fir has already taken root, watering is carried out less frequently - once a week, if the weather is dry

Dwarf firs grown in containers are watered more often, adding 5-20 liters of water depending on the size of the plant.

Fertilizers and fertilizers

It is recommended to fertilize fir during planting or after 1-1.5 months. When planting in the fall, fertilizing is carried out in the spring.

For young trees, it is better to apply a multi-component slow-release fertilizer for conifers in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Trees 2-3 years old need spring fertilizer at the end of March. In early spring, you can use natural compost or granulated manure.

For sandy soils, it is recommended to divide the dose in half and administer at 2-week intervals.

Be sure to apply your final nitrogen fertilizer before July to mid-August. Applying fertilizers closer to autumn will stimulate plant growth. As a result, the fir may freeze.

Winter care

Winter protection of Korean fir is not necessary. In winter, it is recommended to remove excess snow from the branches.

White fir is sensitive to low temperatures, can withstand frosts down to -26 °C, grows better in regions with a mild climate, and freezes out in the Moscow region. In addition, it does not tolerate temperature changes well. For the winter, it is worth covering young plants with reeds or, for example, agrofibre to protect them from cold winds and moisture loss.

Trimming

Korean firs do not need pruning - they have a good crown. In the spring, you can carry out sanitary pruning of the fir - remove broken, damaged, dried shoots. Pruning is done with a sharp, sterile pruning shears.

Reproduction

In amateur cultivation, Korean and white firs are mainly propagated from seeds, since seedlings are difficult to root. For ornamental varieties, seedlings often do not display the characteristics of the mother plant. Professional breeders propagate decorative fir varieties by grafting.

Seeds are collected from trees from August to October. They are mixed with wet sand and kept for a month at a temperature of 10-15 °C. When the first shoots appear, they are sown in cold tunnels or directly into the ground.

The best time for planting fir seeds is from mid-April to the end of May. Sprouts appear after 3-4 weeks. In the second half of May or June, young seedlings are transplanted into open ground. Young seedlings grow slowly and require special attention - regular watering, shading from the rays of the scorching sun. After a year they can be transplanted. 4-6 year old seedlings are planted in a permanent place.

Diseases, pests

Fir trees can get sick and are affected by:

Late blight (a fungal disease that causes needles to turn brown and tissue to rot).
The wilting of fir needles and branches is caused by the fungus Acanthostigma parasiticum. The disease leads to discoloration and subsequent loss of needles. The needles are covered with tiny black spots, which increase over time and take the form of orange rims. Over time, the affected areas turn black, necrosis forms on them, and the infected tree loses needles en masse. When signs of the disease appear, fallen needles should be collected and burned. Spraying with fungicides (for example, Topsin M) is necessary.
Fir rust is the most dangerous disease that affects branches and trunks. Recognized by black brooms in the crown, it causes tree cancer. Places on young fir shoots infected in the spring become thicker in the fall and turn into cancerous tumors over the years. Located within infected areas of bark, the buds develop the following year after infection into painfully swollen shoots that produce short needles around the shoots. In subsequent years, these shoots branch, and since the branches are again arranged not horizontally, but vertically, a bushy creation is formed, called a witch's broom. Sore spots found on shoots grow into a thick trunk, in which lesions then form with severely and deeply cracked bark and even a large open wound.

Pests of Korean fir include:

hermes fir (Sacchiphantes viridis) – an insect that causes damage and falling of needles and entire branches;
Caucasian hermes spruce-fir (Dreyfusianordmannianae) - insect larvae damage needles and shoots, as a result of which entire branches and tree tops can die.

Aphids weaken plants, often transmitting viral diseases and facilitating fungal infections. After identifying symptoms of pest feeding during the growing season, you can use natural Emulpar 940 EC or Karate Gold insecticides for Thuja and Conifers, Mospilan 20 SP, Polysect 005 SL.

Spider mites, tiny pests that suck the juices from the plant, can also infect fir. Symptoms of spider mites feeding on fir include slight discoloration on the needles, fir needles turning yellow, browning, then dying and needles falling off. Sometimes delicate cobwebs appear. Among chemical insecticides, preparations for spider mites Karate Gold and Ortus 05 SC will help.

When young, plants should be protected from dog urine, which can be harmful.

Green shoots

A distinctive feature of firs from other conifers is propagation by layering. The lower branches hang so low that they sprout roots when they touch the ground. After the required time, a young tree appears.

Fir is an unpretentious plant that grows well both in the shade and in the sun. It tolerates severe cold with steadfastness, preferring warmth, fertile soil and moisture. It grows well in clean air; if it is polluted, the plant may die.

Seasonal care for fir trees

Some gardeners consider firs to be quite capricious. But if you create living conditions for the beauties that meet their requirements, then the “whims” will soon become unpretentious coniferous plants and will delight the gardener for many years. Spring for fir trees begins with sanitary pruning of dry and damaged branches outside and inside the crown. Branches with traces on the needles of the so-called spring burn (drying of the needles due to strong solar radiation and wind at significant negative temperatures and reflection from snow) are pruned only when we are convinced that the buds will not produce new shoots. When the air temperature reaches positive values, we carry out preventive treatment against diseases and pests. It should be noted that well-developed fir trees rarely get sick, and due to the secretion of resinous substances they are rarely damaged by pests. However, too snowy a winter and a long wet spring can provoke schutte and rust, and young needles and shoots can become too attractive for Hermes and various caterpillars. Therefore, we prepare the following mixtures, according to the instructions on the packaging: “Rakurs” + “Tanrek” / “Aktara” / “Konfidor” and “HOM” + “Fufanon”. Add green soap to the sticking mixture. If the spring turns out to be dry, be sure to water the young firs. In the future, when they are able to develop powerful roots that go deep, they will be able to do without watering for a long time. We loosen the soil, remove weeds, and apply complex fertilizers for conifers. Young plants - half the dose. Mulch with a layer of at least 5 cm.

Plants that are weakened due to various reasons, including physiological ( yellowing of needles due to strong soil compaction, drying out of the root ball, strong alkalization or acidification of the soil, etc.) are additionally sprayed once every two weeks with growth stimulants and immunomodulators: “Epin”, “NV-101” , “Zircon” + “Siliplant”, “Zircon” + “Tsitovit”/ “Ferovit”. During the summer we repeat all the same events. Be on the lookout for thermometers reading over 30 degrees in the shade and no rain in sight! The needles on the current year's growth of fir trees growing in the hottest sun can literally fry. Their wax layer is still very thin. If possible, shade and water. The soil under the fir trees should not dry out! This is especially true for recently planted firs and miniature varieties. Autumn care comes down to preparing an important test in the life of fir trees - wintering. At the end of August and at the end of September we apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. We periodically clean the crowns of cushion-shaped varieties from fallen leaves to prevent the needles from becoming damp. Moreover, we don’t carry the leaves far. Let them remain in the tree trunk circle. But it is better to remove the carrion from the neighboring apple tree completely. To avoid breaks from snow crust, we tie horizontal branches on complex forms of fir, such as “Bonsai Blue”, to stakes. We also install additional supports for the stamps. Increase the layer of mulch. About autumn watering. If the fir trees received enough water throughout the entire growing season and autumn cannot be called dry, then additional watering will be unnecessary. In early November, we install frame shelters (40 g/m spunbond, burlap, any cotton fabric, two layers of tulle) for the fir trees planted this year. Let the first winter be mild for them. For the rest, the above measures are sufficient.

Experienced gardeners know that there are winters and springs when even “the trees in the forest are burning.” But strong and well-groomed plants will be able to quickly recover from any stress. And it is in your power to make them like this!

Use in everyday life

Oil is extracted from young needles, which is widely used in modern pharmaceuticals as a wound-healing agent. Fir oil is used to produce camphor.

In Siberia, the population knits fir brooms for going to the bathhouse;
Wood is used as a building material;
Dwarf fir species are planted in parks;
Flour is made from pine needles to feed birds and livestock.

Healers have long known about the invaluable benefits of the fir tree. Needles are a source of vitamin C. Decoctions and tinctures from it are used to boost immunity.

Use in landscape design

Fir is considered one of the most popular coniferous trees that are used in landscape design , and this plant has been cultivated several centuries ago. A glossy coating on the dark green needles, as well as light stripes on the needles below, increase the decorative qualities of the plant.

It is unacceptable to plant more varieties in urban areas due to gas and dust in the atmosphere.

Did you know? The wood of the coniferous tree in question has been very popular in the woodworking industry for many years. For example, the total amount of white fir logging according to 1976 statistics in the USA was 14.2 million m

³
.
Fir plantings in compositions with Manchurian walnut, birch, maple, as well as other medium- and high-growing crops, such as pine or larch, are considered very beautiful. Basically, designers give preference to alley or group planting of the tree type in question. The option of planting fir as a hedge is also considered acceptable.

Photo of Fir tree

The structure of the needles of coniferous plants

In order to determine which coniferous plant a particular branch belongs to, consider the shape of the needles and their location on the stem. Measure the length and pay attention to the color.

Using the description of the characteristics of coniferous trees presented below, determine which tree the branch you are considering belongs to.

Description of needles	Tree name
The needles are long (up to 5-7 cm), sharp, convex on one side and rounded on the other, sitting in twos together	Scots pine
The needles are short, hard, sharp, tetrahedral, sit singly, cover the entire branch	Spruce
The needles are flat, soft, blunt, have two white stripes on one side	Fir
The needles are light green, soft, sit in bunches like tassels, fall off in the winter	Larch

Try to determine which branch is which.

Figure 1. Branches of various coniferous trees

Dosage forms

Decoction of pine needles

2 tbsp. Rinse the chopped dry or fresh fir needles well and add 250 ml. water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, insulate and leave until cool. Strain. Using boiled water, bring the resulting broth to its original volume.

This is a daily dosage, which is divided into 2-3 doses.

Fir infusion (fresh pine needles)

Wash the fir needles well and grind them using a meat grinder or blender. 1 tbsp. pour 200 ml of mass. warm water. Cover with a lid and leave for 3 hours in a dark place. Stir, strain, squeeze out the raw materials using gauze.

Take 40-50 ml. 3-4 times a day half an hour after meals

Oil

An alternative to essential oil is oil infused with fresh pine needles and buds. The benefits of fir oil prepared in this way are lower than those from the pharmacy. It is used for various skin diseases, damage to the skin (wounds, cuts, burns, frostbite, etc.), and joint ailments.

Chop the pine needles and buds, place in a saucepan and pour in unrefined vegetable oil (preferably olive) so that it covers the mass to the width of four fingers. Place the container in a water bath and simmer for 4 hours. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, insulate and leave until cool. Strain, squeeze out the raw materials.

In the same way, prepare the second portion of pine needles and buds, pour in the resulting oil and simmer in a water bath for 4 hours. Infuse and squeeze.

Fir water

Pour 100 ml into the bottle. warm water, add 3-5 drops of fir essential oil, cap tightly and shake vigorously for 10 minutes.

Fir water is intended for both internal and external use. Take 30 ml orally. 3 times a day. Externally 100 ml. for douching, washing and wiping.

Siberian fir. Therapeutic effects on the body

A large number of people, freely using plants to treat various diseases, believe that they are absolutely harmless. However, among medicinal plants there are potent, toxic and even poisonous ones. In addition, many people, especially older people, have several chronic diseases.

Therefore, in order for the treatment to be effective, when using it, one should take into account the benefits of fir and the harm that it can cause if used incorrectly, and this can only be done by a doctor. Based on this, before you start taking medications based on it, consult a doctor, or better yet, a herbalist you trust. The information given below is for informational purposes only.

Cardiovascular diseases

Both official and traditional medicine uses the medicinal and beneficial properties of fir to treat a number of cardiovascular diseases. Plant preparations stimulate cardiac activity and are indicated for acute and chronic heart failure. Most often, a decoction (infusion) of pine needles and essential oil are used for these purposes.

Also, the benefits of fir oil are manifested in its ability to regulate blood pressure: it reduces high blood pressure, and evens out low blood pressure, without affecting normal blood pressure.

A decoction (infusion) of young fir tips is taken for high blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

Tincture, as well as a decoction of the plant bark, help with noise in the head, headaches, and migraines.

Colds and bronchopulmonary diseases

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of Siberian fir for treating the respiratory system. Fir is used as a medicine, from the prevention of seasonal colds to the treatment of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Fir preparations relieve swelling and inflammation, act as an analgesic, have a diaphoretic effect, facilitate the discharge of sputum, and have an antibacterial and antiviral effect. All parts of the plant are used for these purposes.

A decoction (infusion) of pine needles is a good gargle. Also, a decoction (infusion) of pine needles and fir cones can be used for inhalation, which also helps relieve bronchospasm. Fir baths have a good effect.

The properties of fir oil are widely used for these diseases. The oil in its pure form is applied to the tonsils with a pipette or cotton swab for sore throats. For a runny nose, rub a few drops along the bridge of the nose. It is used for rubbing the subzygomatic and collar areas, bronchi, lungs, feet, followed by insulation - it has a diaphoretic and warming effect. Oil is a recognized component for inhalations.

Gastrointestinal diseases

The beneficial and medicinal properties of fir have been used for various gastrointestinal diseases. A decoction (infusion) of pine needles, cones, as well as fir oil - fir water, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, regulates the acidity level of gastric juice, relieves inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), small and large intestines. A decoction of young fir shoots is recommended for intestinal colic and diarrhea.

Bladder and kidney diseases

The healing and beneficial properties of fir needles have proven themselves well for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the bladder, such as cystitis, and kidneys. Young cones of the plant are also used for these purposes. Taking essential oil internally (fir water) stimulates the adrenal glands.

For the nervous system

The properties of fir have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Plant preparations have a relaxing and calming effect. Based on this, both official and traditional medicine recommends their use for depression, neuroses, increased nervous excitability, stress, insomnia, etc.

For this purpose, plant preparations are used both internally and externally, including in the form of baths, which also help with neuralgia.

For cancer

Official medicine uses fir in complex therapy against cancer. The most effective in this regard are a decoction (infusion) of young shoots, as well as essential oil, which is also indicated for leukemia.

Skin diseases

The use of fir (needles, cones, bark) has proven effective for the treatment of a number of skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, diathesis, acne, boils, nail fungus, etc.

For these purposes, the benefits of fir essential oil are also used, both in pure form and as part of ointments that can be prepared at home. An alternative to essential oil is oil infused from the plant's needles.

Fir baths, as well as bath procedures with a fir broom, are of great benefit for skin diseases.

Wounds, cuts, burns

The properties of fir (needles, buds, cones) have been widely used for various damage to the skin, such as: wounds, including purulent and non-healing wounds, trophic ulcers, scratches, cuts, burns, frostbite, diaper rash, bedsores, etc.

Plant preparations stimulate local lymph and blood circulation, accelerate regeneration processes, promoting rapid healing. In addition, the plant has antiseptic properties, prevents infection, and has an analgesic effect.

For these purposes, an infusion (decoction) of pine needles, extract, resin, oil in the form of ointments, compresses, rinses, etc. are used.

Joint diseases

Both official and traditional medicine widely use fir preparations for joints. For these purposes, a tincture of pine needles, buds or young cones is most often used, as well as essential oil, which can be replaced with homemade oil.

Rubbing and compresses are recommended for the treatment and relief of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, myositis, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, diseases of the leg joints, muscle pain, etc. Camphor preparations - oil, alcohol, ointment, which can be bought at the pharmacy, also have a good effect for these procedures.

The use of fir needles in the form of steam heating, baths, and sauna procedures has a good effect on these diseases.

Contraindications and possible harm

Doctors prohibit the use of fir-based drugs in a number of the following cases:
if you are allergic to pine needles;
with individual intolerance to fir;
during pregnancy and lactation;
children under 1 year old;
with a tendency to epilepsy and seizures;
for pain in the heart;
in the acute phase of joint injuries;
when tumors appear in the organs of the peripheral nervous system;
for acute liver damage and kidney pathologies;
for gastritis and stomach ulcers;
with increased acidity of gastric juice;
simultaneously with alcohol intake and during withdrawal from alcohol intoxication.

There are precautions that should be taken when using preparations from this plant:
do not take medications on an empty stomach, otherwise heartburn and nausea will not be avoided;
External use of undiluted fir oil after feeling frosty cold can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes;
the aroma of fir can lead to bronchial spasms - conduct a two-minute aerosol test, inhaling a drop of oil applied from a cotton pad;
exceeding the dosage can lead to chills, increased sweating, abdominal pain, nausea, and intolerance to fir needles in the future; store the product at a temperature of +12...+25°C away from children.

Official medicine has long confirmed the powerful effect of using any part of this beneficial tree. But the healing effect of such remedies will improve your health only if they are used correctly.