Balsam First Aid for Campers
Balsam fir is a hub of resin! which can be used as a topical antiseptic for wounds and infections
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Karan EmeryOct 07, 20238K Shares250.2K Views
Balsam firs, also known as the blister tree, are recognized by their flat, shiny green needles with two white stripes underneath and their distinctive "blistered" bark, which is actually tiny pockets of sticky resin of balsam fir!
Afraid Of The Water?
You might be fortunate enough to have balsam firs growing where you live, and if you do, you have access to the tools to create a "motorboat" powered by resin ready to zoom across any pond!
Take a thin, sharp twig which is about 5 cm long and about as thick as the lead of a pencil. Burst the twig with a balsam fir blister and cover the end of the twig with a lovely resin globule. Bring the twig to a nearby pond or another quiet source of water carefully, and position the twig in the water.
See in amazement as the twig takes off like a motorboat as it zips along the surface of the water, making twists and turns. There is a hydrophobic (water-fearing) oil in the resin, and it repels water molecules as it makes contact with the water, pushing the twig forward!
Needle Nose
Take some tiny pieces of sponge and a bottle of water along with you the next time you go for a stroll. Under everybody's nose, dab a moistened sponge: only a little moisture on the upper lip will suffice. The wetness under your nose allows you to detect more odors.
By gently rubbing the needles of various conifers (cone-bearing trees such as balsam fir, spruce, white pine, and eastern white cedar) to release each distinctive odor, try a little' scratch and smell.' Through scent alone, can you recognize these conifers?
Or try to make a drink with a fragrance. Take small paper cups, one for each person, with you. In your cup, put a few needles from a variety of conifers and add a bit of soil.
Give the mixture a good stir and enjoy the pungent, rich, and earthy smell of the forest, using a twig as a swizzle stick. Perhaps it's "needle" or "balsamazing" to give your concoction a name. What other smells will you discover in the forest?
Don’t Tap The Sap
Make sure you're not mistaking it for sap while digging around for resin, a watery substance contained within the trunk of a tree. Resin, contained inside the bark in pockets, is thicker than sap and helps protect the tree from insects and pathogens.
Balsam Benefits
As a topical antiseptic for wounds and diseases, balsam fir resin has long been used. It also produces a gum that can relieve hunger that is long-lasting (but very bitter!). Balsam fir resin has been used for glue, and on those foggy, soggy days it makes an excellent fire starter!
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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