Evidence supporting the use of: Black spruce
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Black spruce (Picea mariana) has been used in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples in North America, including for wound care such as scratches and abrasions. The resin and sometimes the bark were applied topically as a poultice or salve to support healing of minor skin injuries. This practice was based on observed antimicrobial and soothing effects, though such effects were not described in scientific terms at the time.
Modern research provides very limited validation for these uses. Some studies have found that related spruce species' resins contain compounds with mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but direct research on Black spruce itself and its efficacy for treating scratches or abrasions in humans is sparse or absent. The evidence for its use is therefore primarily traditional and anecdotal, with little high-quality scientific confirmation.
In summary, Black spruce’s use for scratches and abrasions rests mainly on traditional applications, with only weak and indirect scientific evidence supporting potential benefits. It should not be considered a proven or reliable option for wound care without further clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
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Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
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Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
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Barbary matrimony vine
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Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)