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Norway Spruce

norway spruceBelonging to the spruce family, Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst) is a spruce native to Europe and is widely cultivated as a Christmas tree for decoration. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is also known as European spruce.

History of Use

Fresh spruce shoots have been used by medical herbalists to soothe dry, tickly coughs. The shoots contain a volatile oil that is rich in terpenes which have antiseptic, mucolytic and antibacterial properties. The mucolytic properties are particularly beneficial because they help thin the mucous making it easier to cough up.

 

The shoots are harvested in spring whilst the needles and twigs are still light green and soft, full of the important volatile oil. Although there is some clinical evidence for their use to treat wounds and skin infections, preparations containing Norway spruce are today more commonly used in the relief of coughs. The fresh shoot tips are used traditionally in the form of a tea, and the essential oil is used in cough syrups and throat pastilles.

Did You Know?

The resin of the Norway spruce is a source of Burgundy pitch that is used as a varnish and in medicinal plasters; it is a strong adhesive.

 

Since April 2014, all herbal medicines for sale in the UK and Europe must be approved by the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having been rigorously checked for safety and quality. They must also display the Traditional Herbal Registration ‘THR’ logo on their pack.

 

Registered herbal medicines containing Norway spruce are used for relief from dry, tickly and irritating coughs based on traditional use only.

The following products contain Norway Spruce