Spruce: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Spruce is a genus of plants that belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae). In Europe, only the common spruce (Picea abies) is native. In addition to its forestry use, spruce also finds application in medicine.

Occurrence and cultivation of spruce

Spruce is a genus of plants belonging to the pine family (Pinaceae). In Europe, only the common spruce (Picea abies) is native. The common spruce is also called red spruce or common spruce. It is also commonly called Norway spruce, although it is not a fir. It is found in Europe and Asia and plays an important role in forestry. Depending on the location, the common spruce can live up to 600 years. However, in 2008, a spruce was found that is estimated to be over 9000 years old. The rotation period in forestry, on the other hand, is at most 100 years. The common spruce is an evergreen tree. Its height of growth is about 40 meters, although larger specimens have also been measured. Along with the silver fir – botanically known as Abies alba – the common spruce is thus the largest native tree in Europe. The diameter of the trunk can reach over one meter. Depending on the aeration of the soil, different types of root systems are formed. The crown of the spruce tree forms a cone shape and the branches usually hang down curved at the bottom. In the upper part of the trunk, however, the branches are erect. Due to the large area in which spruce trees occur, different types of spruce have developed. These differ from each other because of the different conditions. Depending on the location and climate, varying branching and needle types formed. The bark of the common spruce is reddish-brown and finely scaly. In mountainous areas, however, the bark takes on a grayish color. In addition, the needles of the common spruce are pointed and square. Their length is about one to two centimeters and they live on average five years. Between May and June, the spruce forms flowers and buds. This is often only several years apart. In mountainous areas, two flowers can be up to seven years apart. The buds are cone-shaped and light brown. Female flowers of spruce are arranged in cones, which later lignify and become the familiar dry cones. Exceptions in the distribution range of spruce are the Iberian Peninsula and the British Isles. It is common in northern, eastern and central Europe. It can also be found in Russia, Scandinavia and Poland. The spruce prefers cool and rather humid climates, which is why it is often more comfortable at high altitudes. At lower elevations, the Norway spruce is found only because of plantings. In North America, the spruce has now been naturalized.

Effect and application

The wood of the spruce is an essential timber in the construction of buildings. Thus, it is used for the production of boards, beams and planks. But it is also used in furniture construction. This includes its use for doors or carcasses. Old spruce is also used for musical instruments. In the production of brewer’s pitch, the bark of the common spruce is used to make tanning lye. In the perfume industry the needles are used for spruce needle oil. In addition, the young shoot tips are used in cooking. Their taste is tart and acidic, which is why they are processed for vegetables or fresh cheese preparations, for example. In the past, the spruce was also used as a Christmas tree. In the meantime, it has been displaced by the blue spruce and the Nordmann fir. Due to its constituents, the common spruce is also used in herbal medicine. It contains turpentine oil, resin, tannins, vitamin C, picein and essential oils. Young shoots, the resin and the needles are therefore used as medicines. They are suitable for both internal and external use, depending on how they are processed. For example, the tips of the shoots can be processed into spruce needle tea. Turpentine oil also has a number of healing properties, although it should be used with caution as it is irritating to the skin. In addition, the essential oil can be extracted and used in the same way as turpentine oil. A tincture can be prepared from the spruce needles. Added to juniper berries, it has a positive effect on various ailments.However, when using spruce internally, pay attention to the dose, as it can quickly cause irritation of the kidneys.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Used preparations with spruce needles or the shoots against colds. They are effective against bronchitis and cough. In addition, they help against whooping cough and asthma or catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. The tea can also be drunk for pneumonia. To enhance the taste and effectiveness, honey can also be added to the tea. In addition, the tea can be used for spring fatigue, which is due to its high vitamin C content. When used externally, oil and tincture help with sore muscles, gout and rheumatism. However, due to the high irritability, the remedy should be used sparingly here. Both also increase blood circulation and relieve related discomfort. In addition, spruce preparations are effective against nervousness, neuralgia and insomnia. Turpentine oil is vermifuge and besides it promotes digestive juices. As a bath, it promotes the healing of wounds and facilitates breathing in respiratory diseases. In this area, it is also suitable for inhalations.