Fir buds

The fir tree (Abies) is a member of the Pinaceae family and is predominantly found in mountainous areas above 500 meters altitude.

Fir buds are the youngest part of the fir tree and grow at the end of the twigs. They have a light green color and are easily noticeable in spring.

The harvesting period can start in April or the first half of May and can even extend into June for mountain areas.

They are harvested when the buds are at least 2 cm but no larger than 7 cm.

It is best to choose unpolluted areas for harvesting fir buds.

Like preparations made from fir buds, we can use young fir cones in the form of a syrup or tincture as a treatment for colds, respiratory and rheumatic diseases.

🌲 The nutritional profile of fir buds

Fir buds have a multitude of beneficial effects for the body and are a rich source of minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, etc), vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C), resins, essential oils (alpha-pinene, l-limonene lauric aldehyde, l-bornyl acetate, sesquiterpenes), enzymes, flavonoids, tannins, resins, chlorophyll, carotenes.

🫁 Benefits of fir buds

The phytotherapeutic actions of fir buds underpin many treatments. They are known to have healing effects on respiratory, laryngeal, trachea and bronchial disorders, cough soothing and healing effects on pneumonia, pleurisy, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and tuberculosis. The main benefits are:

• antiseptic and antibiotic
• buds are a good lung tonic
• antimicrobial
• helps heal respiratory diseases faster
• cough reliever
• mild diuretic
• adjuvant in respiratory and pulmonary diseases: viral infection, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
• improves kidney function
• strengthening the immune system
• can be used to combat osteoporosis

Cures respiratory diseases

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bactericidal and bronchial secretions fluidizing action, fir buds are an effective treatment for respiratory diseases.

Strengthens the lungs and improves breathing

It is recommended to take gentle walks, physical exercise and breathing exercises in pine forests to fortify the airways and lungs; this treatment is called Silvo-therapy and is recommended due to the strong concentration of negative ions in the forests which can reach up to 4,000/cmc of air.

Fights infections

Buds fight infections in the body thanks to their antibiotic, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

Relieves digestive diseases

The beneficial effects of fir buds intervene in the treatment of diseases such as: bloating, gastroenteritis, gallstones, intestinal infections, intestinal infections, fermentation colitis, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, parasitosis

Kidney diseases

Fir buds are a good treatment for kidney infections and inflammation such as cystitis, pyelitis, nephritis, metritis or uterine bleeding.

Regenerates

Thanks to its healing and disinfecting effects, buds help tissues regenerate after various infections.

Removes bad breath

Chewing the raw buds disinfects the mouth and banishes unpleasant odors.

Fixes calcium in bones

Buds are successfully used to fix calcium in bones and treat rickets.

Relieves joint pain

The anti-inflammatory and sedative properties of buds are beneficial in treating rheumatism.

Intellectual fatigue and stress

Eating fir buds relaxes the nervous system and regulates blood sugar levels, helping us to become calmer.

⚠️ Contraindications and precautions fir buds

Fir bud syrup is contraindicated for people with diabetes due to the amount of sugar used in its preparation.

Instead, they can consume sugar-free extracts of buds and twigs of fir.

However, caution is advised for pregnant and lactating women, children under 3 years of age, people with epilepsy, the chronically ill, people with whooping cough or acute renal failure, and to consult a doctor experienced in apiphytotherapy to be sure of the treatment for the above categories.

We also pay attention if we have intolerance to the smell of fir tree to know if we can use preparations of fir tree buds.

🍳 How are fir buds used?

Fir buds can be consumed or used in different ways depending on the ailment we want to treat. For better health, you can try:

• Fir bud syrup
• Chewing raw fir buds
• Macerate
• Infusion
• Inhalation
• Decoction
• Pine bud extract (Gemoderivative)
• Essential oil
• Poultices with fir buds

🍵 Pine bud preparations and their benefits

Syrup

• fights colds
• strengthens and protects the airways and helps maintain a healthy respiratory system
• relieves respiratory disorders such as coughs of various etiologies, acute or chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis
• decongests the respiratory tract
• helps normalize bronchial secretions;
• cleanses the airways, frees the pharynx, bronchi, lungs and trachea from accumulated mucus;
• diuretic
• syrup prepared with honey acts as a disinfectant and helps regenerate tissues damaged by various infections
• it is also used to treat anemia
• the syrup can also be used as a refreshing drink when mixed with mineral or still water

Macerate of fir buds in honey

• used in respiratory diseases, cough, hoarseness, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia
• useful in nervous exhaustion, anemia, asthenia
• also used for anorexia

Raw fir buds

• stimulates and regulates appetite if chewed
• disinfect the mouth and freshen the breath
• fir buds can be used to treat vomiting; pick a few buds and chew them, without swallowing.

Poultices with fir buds

For rheumatic or joint pain, you can use the buds as a poultice.

Infusion

• drink a tea made from fir buds to stimulate your airways and strengthen your lungs
• the tea helps you breathe easier and more deeply

Decoction

Another way to enjoy the beneficial effects of fir buds is when you take a bath in the tub

Essential oil

• can be used for aromatherapy, massage, inhalations, compresses or when bathing in the bath tub
• for internal use for respiratory ailments, flu, sinusitis, nervous system diseases, asthenia
• for external use for conditions such as pneumonia, T.B.C., influenza, flu, phthisis, sinusitis, fatigue, general asthenia, skin inflammations, rheumatism, arthritis

Pine bud extract

• promotes calcium fixation in the bones and bone tissue growth
• helps strengthen bones after fractures
• stimulates red blood cell formation
• helps children develop harmoniously
• maintains the integrity of tooth enamel

Pine oil

• has antibiotic effects
• acts as a good expectorant
• fights coughs, bronchitis and angina pectoris
• treats headaches
• combats insomnia
• is used as a diuretic and choleretic

fir bud tincture

• used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
• has anti-neurotic, sedative, diuretic, astringent, astringent, cicatrizant, anti-diarrhoeic, anti-rheumatic, vitaminizing, anti-rheumatic effects
• one tablespoon of tincture is diluted in a quarter of a glass of water, 3-4 times a day

🤔 Did you know that...? Curiosities about fir buds

• 🌲 Fir trees stay evergreen! This is because they adapt easily to all climatic conditions and are protected by the resin they produce.
• 🌿 The leaves of the fir tree (needles) keep the water inside so they don't freeze in winter.
• 🍋 F ir buds are a rich source of vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system and fight colds.
• 🫁 They have expectorant and antiseptic properties, being effective in relieving coughs and respiratory ailments.
• 🦴 They help fix calcium in the bones, being useful in preventing osteoporosis and strengthening the bone system.
• 🩸 Stimulate red blood cell formation, helping to fight anemia and revitalize the body.
• 🦠 Have natural antimicrobial and antibiotic effects, helping to fight bacterial infections.
• 🧘 Eating fir buds can reduce stress and fatigue due to their tonic effect on the nervous system.
• 🍽️ They improve digestion and stimulate appetite and are useful for bloating and stomach discomfort.
• 🛡️ They have antioxidant properties, protecting cells against oxidative stress and slowing the aging process.
• 🤧 Fir bud syrup is a traditional remedy used to soothe coughs and relieve cold symptoms.
• 🦷 Helps maintain dental health by helping to maintain the integrity of tooth enamel.
• 🩹 External application of fir buds can accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration.
• 🛀 Baths infused with fir buds have a relaxing and invigorating effect and are recommended in cases of fatigue and stress.
• 🦵 Poultices with fir buds are used to relieve rheumatic and joint pains.
• 🧴 F ir essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its antiseptic and invigorating effects.
• 🌿 F ir buds contain flavonoids and tannins, compounds with beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
• 🧪 They have been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
• 🍯 Fir bud syrup can be used as a natural sweetener while providing health benefits.
• 🌱 F ir buds can be eaten fresh, added to salads or smoothies for added nutrients.
• 🌳 Pine buds are harvested in spring when they are young and rich in active substances.