#REDIRECT [[File:Abies albabalsamea.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Abies balsamea]]Other Names : Fir balsam, Balsam fir, Canada balsam, Canada turpentine, balsam of fir Abies balsamea or balsam fir is a North American fir, native to most of eastern and central Canada and the northeastern United States.==Precautions of Abies balsamea==*Could result in skin irritation (dilution is recommended). *Avoid sunlight for 3 to 6 hours after use.* May act as a laxative and may cause nausea when taken in large doses.* Avoid in individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to lack of sufficient data. Historically, Canada balsam was used to cause abortion.* may add to the effects of antibiotics and anticancer drugs.* may add to the effects of antibacterials and anticancer herbs or supplements.==Health benefits and Uses of Abies balsamea==* Essential Oil is a strong antimicrobial agent for colds and the flu.* Analgesic* Anti-inflammatory* Antirheumatic : Balsam Fir oil has been known to prevent and/or relieve rheumatic pain and swelling* Antispasmodic* excellent calming agent in cases of spastic cough.* excellent decongestant and mucolytic.* Rubefacient* stimulates the respiratory system, adrenal glands, and circulatory system. * If experiencing hiccups try smelling the oil for a minute.* Cancer : The antitumor activity of Abies balsamea (balsam fir oil) was evaluated against the solid tumor cell lines of MCF-7 (breast), PC-3 (prostate), A-549 (lung), DLD-1 (colon), M4BEU (melanoma) and CT-26 (another colon cancer cell line). It was found to be active against all of the solid tumor cell lines tested. Specifically, balsam fir oil and alpha-humulene induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cellular GSH (glutathione) content and an increase in ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, which may be the mechanism behind the oils anti-tumor effect.[[Category:Aromatherapy]][[Category:Essential oil]][[Category:Cicatrisant]][[Category:rubefacient]]