/*! elementor – v3.20.0 – 26-03-2024 */ .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff} .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor: not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor -drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size: 50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}
Outdoor Apothecary is supported by readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Fir tip salve
Spring brings a bounty of new growth, and one of the most delightful treasures to forage are spruce tops. These tender green sprouts, with their fresh, citrus flavor, are not only a culinary delight, but also a powerhouse of medicinal properties. One of the best ways to utilize its healing potential fir advice is making a sauce. This all-natural remedy can soothe sore muscles, nourish skin, and provide relief from minor cuts and scrapes. In this article, I'll walk you through the process of making spruce top dressing, including how to infuse the tops in oil and the benefits of different types of carrier oils.
/*! elementor – v3.20.0 – 26-03-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img(src $=”.svg”){width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} 
What are the tips of the fir?
Tips roam they are the tender young shoots that grow at the ends of fir branches in the spring. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidantsand have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them an excellent ingredient for herbal remedies.
ADVICE FOR PLANTING FIR
Foraging for fir advice it's a sustainable and enjoyable activity, but it's important to do it responsibly. Take only what you need, making sure to leave plenty of trees to continue to grow healthily. When harvesting, remove the tops where they naturally break off at the base and avoid taking too much from a single branch or tree.
For more detailed information on fir research tips, see this comprehensive guide.
HOW TO BIND INNER TIPS IN OIL
Steeping the fir tips in oil is the first step in making a healing fir tip salve. Here's how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Tips for fresh fir
- Carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil)
- A clear glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fir Tips: Gently shake the fir tips to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them, as getting moisture into the oil can lead to mold growth.
- Fill the jar: Fill the jar: Roughly chop your spruce tops to increase their surface area, then pack loosely into a jar. Avoid packing them too tightly, as this may prevent proper infusion.
- Add the oil: Pour your chosen oil over the fir tips, making sure they are completely submerged. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Add the oil: Close the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny window or in a warm place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the infusion process.
- Drain the oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass container. Discard the spent fir tips.
DOING ENCRYPTION OF INSIDE TIPS
Tools and equipment:
- Glass jar for the introduction of fir tips
- Knife for chopping the tops of the fir
- Measuring cups
- Kitchen scale for measuring beeswax
- Double boiler or a heatproof bowl and pot for melting beeswax
- Mixing bowl (like a wooden spoon)
- Jars or small tins for storing the sauce
- Dropper or pipette for the addition of essential oils
- Cheese dressing OR fine mesh strainer for draining injected oil (if necessary)
- Tags and markers OR label maker for labeling the finished sauce
Ingredients:
- Oil infused from the tops of fir trees
- Beeswax (1 ounce per cup of oil)
- Optional: Essential oils (20-30 drops) for added aroma and benefits (such as lavender or tea tree oil)
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax: In a double boiler, melt the beeswax over low heat.
- Combine the oil and beeswax: Once the beeswax has melted, slowly add the fir tip infused oil, stirring constantly until well combined.
- Add essential oils (optional): If using essential oils, add a few drops (20-30) to the mixture and mix well.
- Dispose of in containers: Pour the mixture into clean, sterilized containers and let it cool and harden.
- Label and save: Label your sauce with the date and ingredients and store in a cool, dark place. The juice will keep for up to a year.
BENEFITS OF ENCRYPTING INSIDER TIPS
Fir top dressing is a versatile remedy with multiple benefits:
- Sore muscles: The anti-inflammatory properties of fir needles help soothe sore muscles and reduce pain.
- Skin nutrition: The vitamin-rich salve nourishes and hydrates the skin, making it perfect for dry and cracked areas.
- Minor cuts and scratches: The antimicrobial properties of fir needles help heal minor cuts and scrapes.
- Ease of breathing: When applied to the chest, spruce top salve can help open the airways and ease breathing during a cold.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARRIER OIL
The type of carrier oil you choose can enhance the benefits of your spruce top dressing:
- Olive oil: Rich in antioxidants and deeply moisturizing, olive oil is excellent for dry and mature skin.
- Coconut oil: With its antimicrobial properties and firm texture at room temperature, coconut oil adds a protective barrier to the skin.
- Jojoba oil: By closely mimicking the skin's natural sebum, jojoba oil is great for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin.
EMBRACE THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
Making spruce top dressing is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create a healing remedy that can be used year-round. This spring, take the time to forage for these vibrant green tips and transform them into a dressing that can soothe and nourish your body.
For more tips on researching and using fir tips, be sure to read: Spruce Tips: Forage and use this spring evergreen
Disclaimer:
The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader's responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and use.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, doctors or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals to verify the nutritional information, health benefits and any potential risks associated with the food and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.
