Evidence supporting the use of: Black spruce
For the health condition: Injuries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Black spruce (Picea mariana) has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples in North America for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the support and treatment of injuries such as wounds, bruises, and sprains. Preparations commonly included poultices made from the resin or bark, which were applied topically to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Ethnobotanical records note that these applications were based on observed effects and passed down through generations. The resin, in particular, was valued for its supposed antiseptic and soothing properties.
However, scientific validation for these uses is currently limited. Some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in black spruce essential oil and extracts, but clinical evidence in humans is lacking. The traditional use is therefore supported primarily by historical and ethnobotanical documentation rather than rigorous modern scientific research. As such, the evidence rating is low (1/5), reflecting the predominance of tradition over validated efficacy. While black spruce continues to be used in some herbal and traditional medicine practices, its use for injuries should be considered complementary and not a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment.
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beeswax
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bovine
bromelain
chymotrypsin
collagen
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
dog rose
dyer’s woad root
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fungal protease
ginger
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
l-proline
licorice root
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ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
protease
protein
purified silver
reishi mushroom
serratiopeptidase
silicon
trypsin
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
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hedychium spicatum
chaff flower
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
amber
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
abies spectabilis
geranium
arnica
Aralia
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
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Aquilegia viridiflora
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Agave
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Ampelopsis
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Acemannan
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Abuta
Alkanna
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Biopeptide
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
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Bulnesia sarmientoi
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Blepharis
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Boswellic Acid
Beef Protein
Barleria
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Banyan
Bletilla
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Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
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Centipeda
cypress
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Chinese Thoroughwax
Carlina
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Connective tissue growth factor
Cocklebur
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
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Damulin A
Deer Velvet
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
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Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
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Euphorbia
Egg protein
Elastase
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Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein