Spruce (Picea spp.)
Synopsis of spruce
Spruce refers to the evergreen conifer trees of the genus Picea, with Norway spruce (Picea abies), white spruce (Picea glauca), and black spruce (Picea mariana) being among the most commonly used species in herbal and folk medicine. These trees are rich in essential oils, resins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and various parts of the tree—especially the needles, bark, resin, and shoots—have been used traditionally for respiratory health, skin conditions, and wound healing.
The needles and young shoots are aromatic and contain compounds such as pinene, bornyl acetate, and camphene, which give spruce its decongestant, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. Spruce is commonly used in steam inhalations, salves, syrups, and teas to ease coughs, colds, bronchitis, sinus congestion, and sore throats. The resin has also been used as a natural antiseptic in wound care and is a traditional ingredient in drawing salves and liniments.
Topically, spruce preparations help reduce joint pain, skin irritation, and muscular soreness, often included in bath soaks, massage oils, and balms. The essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for grounding, respiratory relief, and clearing mental fog.
Historical Use:
Spruce has a deep history in Northern, Indigenous, and European healing traditions. Indigenous peoples of North America used spruce extensively: spruce needle tea was consumed to prevent scurvy due to its high vitamin C content, while the resin was applied to wounds, burns, and infections as a natural antiseptic and sealant. Spruce gum, a natural chewable resin, was also used for oral health and later commercialized as one of the first forms of chewing gum.
In Scandinavian and Baltic folk medicine, spruce shoots were boiled into syrups or decoctions to treat chest congestion, fevers, and fatigue, especially during the long winter months. In Germanic and Slavic traditions, spruce baths and compresses were used for rheumatic and muscular pain, and spruce twigs were burned for cleansing and spiritual purification.
Early European explorers and herbalists recognized spruce’s value in preventing scurvy and aiding respiratory function. Spruce beer, brewed from young spruce shoots and molasses, was consumed aboard ships during long voyages as a scurvy preventative tonic.
Spruce is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Pleurisy (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
spruce is used to support these body systems
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
