Evidence supporting the use of: Fir
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fir, referring generally to species in the Abies genus, has a history of traditional use for the treatment of scratches, abrasions, and minor skin wounds. Various Indigenous groups in North America and Eurasia have used fir resin, sap, or poultices made from fir needles as topical applications to promote healing of cuts, abrasions, and minor skin irritations. The sticky resin was valued for its protective barrier properties and its perceived ability to draw out infection and speed up healing. In folk medicine, fir preparations were sometimes applied directly to the skin or used as part of salves and ointments.
However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. While fir resin does contain compounds with mild antimicrobial properties—such as terpenes—there is a lack of robust clinical studies evaluating its effectiveness specifically for scratches and abrasions. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on ethnobotanical reports rather than controlled research. Therefore, the use of fir for treating scratches and abrasions is primarily justified by tradition and historical practice rather than by strong scientific evidence.
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
impatiens
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
Blackbrush
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Bindweed
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
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
Fiesta Flower
Figwort
Formosan Sweet-Gum
Fleabane
Fireweed
Fir
Four leaved grass
Gleditsia
Glycerite
Glyceryl monolaurate
Gumweed
Gambir
Genipa americana
Golden Ragwort
Golden Willow
Heliopsis
Hartstongue
Hound's Tongue
Henna
Hairy Arnica
Immortelle
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Kochia
Kelloggii's Monkey-flower
Lacquertree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Labdanum
Mountain Bluebells
Mountain horopito
Monardella odoratissima
Mountain mahogany
Mahonia
Microtea debilis
Marking Nut Tree
Manchurian Thorn
Oak
Ocotillo
Purple Tephrosia
Psacalium peltatum
Purple Avens
Povidone
Pepper Bark Tree
Plumeria lancifolia
Proteolytic Enzymes
Peacocks Tail
Pink Root
Pellitory
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Peroxidase
Pacific Madrone
Poloxamer
Potentilla
Quebracho
Queen's Delight
Rupturewort
Red Alder
Red Soapwort
Rhus coraria
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Red Spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sargentodoxa
Sausage Tree
Silverweed
Soft rush
Smooth Alder
Sangre de Grado
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Spiraea
Siberian Elm
Soapberry
Sapindus mukorossi
Sulfur
Storax
Stone Root
Teucrium marum
Trumpet Vine
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Tridax
Triplaris peruviana
Tansy
Toadflax
Tea Tree Oil
Tynanthus elegans
White Dead Nettle Flower
White Heather
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Wild Daisy
Woodwardia
White Poplar
Weak Jumby Pepper
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Fir
AbrasionsBites and Stings
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Insect Repellant
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Wounds and Sores