Boys! (and girls), those of you who have been reading my posts over the past few months will have noticed a number of things. First, I am trying to keep my discussions in regards to the world of essential oils and men as real and factual as I can. Second, I am, against all previous beliefs, starting to see some real benefits in the use of essential oils. I still don’t believe for a second that they will cure cancer, but there are some uses. And finally, I really really really like Northern Lights Black Spruce Essential Oil. Get it here!
If I am being honest, this is due to its aroma. It just resonates with me. It gives me a bit of a wake up when I smell it from the bottle and I do love to add it to the diffuser. My wife has even started adding it to some of her diffuser recipes, which I will outline below.
The trouble was, I actually didn’t know what it is supposed to do. So again, in true Man Versus Oils fashion, I have had a little gander to see what it is good for, apart from an awesome scent that is!!!
What is Black Spruce essential oil?
Northern Lights Black Spruce Essential Oil (Picea mariana) is steam distilled from the needles and twigs of the Northern American Black Spruce tree.
In a non-oil sense, the main uses of Black Spruce include pulpwood and laminated timber panels in Canada and North America. Its wood is considered to be of low value due to its small size. And did you know that most chopsticks you receive with your favorite Asian takeout are made from Black Spruce?
It is a member of the Pine family and definitely falls into the manly scent category. Although my wife and one of her friends love it too, so let’s go with unisex scent for this one!
What is Black Spruce essential oil good for?
The major constituents of this oil are naturally occurring:
- Alpha-pinene. Natural sources of Alpha-Pinene include pine trees, other coniferous trees such as Spruce, Eucalyptus, Sage, Rosemary, Frankincense as well as Cannabis. It has been used since ancient times (usually as a resin) as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief) and antiseptic. Initial studies also verify its antibiotic properties and as a memory aid. There is also much current research into its healing properties in Cannabis.
- Camphene. Camphene, also found in Ginger, Citronella and Cypress oils (to name a few), is a strong antioxidant with anti-fungal properties.
- Beta-pinene. It is found in similar plants and with the same reported benefits as Alpha-Pinene.
That said, Northern Lights Black Spruce oil is widely considered to be a grounding oil, meaning that it promotes relaxation, emotional calmness and clarity of mind. Others in this category are basically anything that comes from a tree, its roots or from within the ground such as Frankincense, Ginger, Cedarwood and other Spruce or Fir oils.
Due to the antioxidant and anti fungal properties outlined above, it is also good for the skin and hair.
What do I use Black Spruce essential oil for?
When I am working, which is usually on the old laptop, I have it within arms reach at all times. I use it for:
Inhalation
Again, as I outlined in my post on oils that keep me awake, I sniff it, that is it. Because I love it so much I sniff it if I am feeling tired, bored or just need a quick break. It really does give me a bit of a boost. I always thought it was just because I love the aroma, but I guess based on the fact that it is a grounding oil maybe there is also a good reason for it too.
In the diffuser
This is a highly recommended oil for aromatherapy. My wife has started using it more and more in the diffuser due to the fact that it seems to fill the house with a stronger aroma than some others. We have found it works extremely well with Citrus Oils which are uplifting and energizing in their own right. The blend we use:
- 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 3 drops Citrus. Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime etc. Lemongrass is also not too bad, although obviously not a citrus)
This one fills the whole house and is really really good. We prefer Lime or Orange as they seem to be the “freshest”.
I have also adjusted this one from the Man Smell recipe in my manly diffuser recipes post.
- 4 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 4 drops Orange
- 1 drop Frankincense
On my face
I do use it in my shaving cream:
- 3 drops of Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil
- 1 tbs of Coconut oil
Rub onto face and shave with hot water and a good, sharp razor.
Note: For each of these uses, if you have no Black Spruce in the house, well you had better have a good reason. However, you will find Idaho Blue Spruce, Idaho Balsam Fir or Sacred Mountain blend (Northern Lights Black Spruce, Ylang Ylang, Balsam Canada, Cedarwood) are almost as good. Fine, they are probably just as good.
What else can it be used for?
So there are some other good uses for this oil based on the benefits outlined above. These include:
Muscle Soreness
I have discussed at length my uses of essential oils for muscle soreness so I don’t know how I missed this one. Obviously with its compound and benefits as listed above it could be good for this so if you have it try:
- 5 to 10 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 2 tablespoons of Jojoba or Coconut Carrier Oil
Massage onto sore muscles and joints after exercise
Meditation and yoga
There is nothing wrong with a bit of man-meditation or yoga. And if you are into that sort of thing, you could do worse than add 3 drops of Black Spruce to the diffuser.
Fatigue blend
Feeling tired, try this little fatigue busting blend:
- 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Lemon/lime/orange. Choose your favorite
- 10ml Grapeseed or Jojoba carrier oil
Rub onto wrists, neck and behind the ears when you are feeling tired.
Acne treatment
Use the antiseptic and antibiotic properties of Black Spruce for a gentler approach to acne treatment (rather than Tea Tree or Eucalyptus). Use:
- 5 drops (or adjust as required) Northern Lights Black Spruce
- 10 ml water
Mix together, shake and apply with a cotton ball to required area morning and night.
Note: Oils can be applied directly with a cotton bud if you would prefer. Witch Hazel is good for this also but can be quite strong. The good news is that it will also double as a nice cologne.
Are there any risks?
This oil is fairly good for use on the skin and can be applied directly in most cases. It also does not appear to cause any discomfort to the eyes. But as always, be careful if you have skin or eye sensitivities.
This is NOT a culinary oil, meaning do not add it to food. Also, avoid if you are pregnant or nursing.
And finally, as usual, this is not medicine so if you have any conditions that need a doctor, go and see a doctor prior to using this oil.
Conclusion
So that is it, my favorite oil in a nutshell. Go get it and you will not be sorry. As usual, if you have any questions, uses or feedback on this oil, please do not hesitate to comment below.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
Ready to try my favorite essential oil! |
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My name is Paul and I live on the east coast of Australia with my wife and six year old son. I also have 19 and 23 year old daughters. I am an ex government and bank worker who took a bit of a sea change and opened my own business by the beach with my amazing wife. If you can do it, try it. You will never look back. You want to know more about me, read my About Me page
Okay, this sounds like the perfect essential oil for my son. He would love the scent and the benefits are there that would be very beneficial for him. In an oil diffuser, how long do you think one bottle would last if he were to use it diffused say a couple hours a day? I would hate to see him go thru an entire bottle too quickly. Also which diffuser would you recommend to purchase with the essential oil?
Hey Matt’s Mom.
If you added three drops to the diffuser for a couple of hours per day you are going to get around 3 months worth of use – It is approx 20 drops per ml.
Hope he enjoys it.
Paul
Thanks so much for this recommendation, Paul! I am really into essential oils and love learning about all the benefits of them. My mom actually got me into them and occasionally buys my dad some and she definitely tries to stick to the more “masculine” smelling ones for him so I will have to tell her about this one. Is there a big difference between black spruce and blue spruce?
Hi Ashley, Thanks for your comments. I actually tried a blind sniff text on the black and blue spruce oils and, if I am being totally honest, there really isn’t much of a difference between the two. I could tell them apart but the differences are so insignificant that if you have Blue spruce, then you are also on a winner in my opinion.
I also did some research and they are listed with the same benefits and we do alternate the two in our diffuser from time to time.
Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by.
Paul
I didnot realize that these essential oils can be used for muscle stiffness and soreness, that is one awesome benefit that I know my honey would be excited about. He is a construction worker, and he could not only use to relax (which these would be good for) but to rub into his muscles, (or I guess I could lol), well I think I might be able to sell him on these! He’s a tough sell, always saying, “Ah that’s girly stuff” about EVERYTHING, but this? I think I might have a chance!
Give it a shot Babsie – He might like it!
Paul
Thank you for sharing about the benefits of Northern Light Black Spruce Essential Oil 🙂 I have been using tea tree oil at the moment for treating my pimples, I usually put a few drops in my lotion and use it. It works in the beginning but now I see that the pimples are coming back. Maybe, I am immune to it? Also, if I use the oil in the diffuser will it give me the energy? Will give it a try. 🙂
Hi Nuttanee, to be honest, I am not sure about someone becoming immune to oils, although it happens with other things so I guess it could happen. Maybe the causes are still there for the acne – such as diet and chemicals on the skin?
Northern Lights definitely gives me energy so I would suggest giving it a try for sure… Different oils resonate with different people – Let me know how you go.
Paul