SPRUCE TIP INFUSED OIL (MACERATE)

Picea abies – olive oil infusion

 Traditional use (folk tradition)

In Alpine, Central European, and Istrian folk tradition, spruce tip infused oil was traditionally used:

• for body care after physical strain or outdoor work (traditional context only),

• in massage preparations,

• for skin exposed to cold, wind, or changing weather conditions,

• as part of warming body care routines,

• in balms intended for seasonal and outdoor use,

• for skin that required grounding and protective care.

 Where and how it is used

• applied directly to the skin (external use only),

• as a base for balms, salves, and ointments,

• for body massage,

• after exposure to cold or demanding environmental conditions.

 Detailed description

Spruce tip infused oil is made by macerating young spruce shoots in olive oil over an extended period. Traditionally, the maceration process allowed the oil to absorb oil-soluble aromatic and resinous plant components.

In folk herbal practice, spruce tips were valued for external body care, especially after physical effort or time spent outdoors. The oil infusion provided a gentle and practical way to use the plant without concentrated preparations.

 Warnings

• for external use only

• store in a cool, dark place

• perform a patch test before use on sensitive skin

 Sources

Hoffmann, D. – Medical Herbalism
ESCOP Monographs
European and Alpine herbal traditions