Evidence supporting the use of: Black spruce
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black spruce (Picea mariana) has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples of North America. Preparations made from its needles, bark, or resin were sometimes applied topically to support skin health and treat minor skin infections, wounds, and irritations. These uses are primarily documented in ethnobotanical records and oral histories. For example, some First Nations groups used poultices or salves made from black spruce resin for their purported antimicrobial and healing properties. The aromatic compounds in the resin and essential oil, such as monoterpenes, have been noted to possess mild antiseptic qualities, which may have contributed to these traditional applications.

However, scientific validation for black spruce's efficacy against skin infections is limited. While in vitro studies have shown that essential oils from various spruce species can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, direct clinical studies on black spruce for treating skin infections in humans are lacking. The use of black spruce for skin conditions is therefore supported mainly by traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence. Overall, its rating for evidence is moderate based on extensive traditional use but weak scientific confirmation.

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