6 Ways I Recommend Using Douglas Fir Oil
Sourced from evergreen fir trees in New Zealand, Douglas fir oil possesses a unique chemical composition that gives it a purifying, uplifting, refreshing fragrance.
You’ve most likely have heard of it because it’s often used in the Christmas tree industry. That’s due to its fresh, woody aroma, which is reminiscent of the outdoors.
Chemistry of Douglas Fir Essential Oil
Douglas Fir contains these distinctive active compounds:
- Sabinene – helps fight free radicals that can damage healthy cells
- beta-pinene – believed to help improve mood and reduce anxious feelings
- alpha-pinene – helps protect the brain and neurotransmitters, which can help calm anxiety
- delta 3-Carene – interacts with neurotransmitters linked to feelings of stress
- Terpinolene – acts like a sedative
By combining these chemical components, the result is a woody, lemon-scented aroma that holds renewing and uplifting properties.
Benefits of Douglas Fir Essential Oil
1. Provides Relief from Cold Symptoms
The woody aroma is perfect for encouraging airways to open, clearing away congestion. Experimental research suggests that alpha-pinene can promote feelings of unobstructed airways and easy breathing (source).
To use: diffuse a few drops of Douglas fir and a few of eucalyptus in your favorite diffuser to breathe easy.
2. Promotes a Sense of Focus
The oil has that unique chemical composition that’s particularly rich in beta-pinene. This contributes to its ability to encourage an optimistic and stimulating environment.
To use: diffuse in your office or wherever your child does homework to help maintain focus.
3. Creates a Positive Environment
Have you ever gone for a walk in the woods and felt a sense calm and happiness? Douglas fir oil can create the same sensation in your home. The terpinolene component is known to help promote feelings of relaxation and may help calm the mind (source).
To use: combine Douglas fir, wild orange, lemon or bergamot in a diffuser to improve your mood.
4. Purifies Your Skin
This oil holds cleaning and purifying properties when applied topically. I love to use it in the morning when I wash my face; it helps clean my skin and puts me in a good mood at the same time.
To use: add a few drops of the oil to your facial wash or moisturizer to help cleanse the skin.
5. Freshens the Air/Cleans Your Home
Similar to its effects on your skin, Douglas fir is useful for cleaning. The delta-3-Carene compound is known to be a surface and air cleanser.
To use: create your own holiday room spray, and invite the smells of the winter season into your home. Simply combine 15 drops of frankincense, 15 drops of grapefruit, and 30 drops of Douglas fir into a glass spray bottle. Top with water and spray.
6. Relieves Tired Muscles
Douglas Fir is a great oil to help ease muscle pain from a tough workout or even arthritis.
To use: mix a few drops with fractionated coconut oil and massage affected area thoroughly. Tip: add wintergreen oil for more relief.
Oils that Blend Well with Douglas Fir
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