
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Picea mariana
HISTORY: Used for hundreds of years by Native Americans
PROPERTIES: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, disinfectant, expectorant
Considered Uses
CONSIDERED USES
Respiratory: Flu, bronchitis, expectorant, congestion, cough, sore throat, common cold
Gastrointestinal: Gastritis
Genitourinary: Kidney stones
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms
Neurologic: Nerve pain/neuropathic pain
Skin: Wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, burns, rashes, scabies
Mental Health: Fatigue, stress/anxiety, mild depression
Immunity: Promotes immunity
Cancer: Anti-cancer
Infectious Disease: Tb (symptoms only)
Other: Fever, may help hyperthyroidism
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Possibly irritating to the skin, airway, and eyes
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Asthma, whooping cough (pertussis), heart problems; some sources recommend not putting it directly on open wounds
FORMS: Oils (many), salves, teas, tinctures
Brand Recommendations
No recommended brands available at this time.
Dosage
As directed on the product label.
Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to Epocrates.
Traditional Use (General Information Only)
This herb has been used traditionally in various forms, such as capsules, powders, or liquid extracts. Traditional uses vary widely and are based on historical practices rather than modern clinical evidence.
These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
