Black spruce

Pale, relaxed, boggy mucous membranes with a thin, watery catarrhal discharge that calls for a mild astringent stimulant rather than a harsh drying agent

Persistent low-grade oozing or passive venous bleeding from mucosal surfaces where a gentle astringent tonic is wanted

Overview. Black spruce is a slow-growing conifer of northern bogs and cold forests across Canada and the northeastern United States. The bark, young twigs, and the essential oil distilled from the needles were used by eclectic physicians of the nineteenth century, often marketed under the name Pinus canadensis for the alcoholic preparations. The bark decoction served as an astringent for relaxed mucous tissues, while the oil was applied as a stimulating liniment and occasionally taken internally in very small doses.

Clinical Notes. The bark decoction was historically reached for when mucous membranes looked pale, boggy, and relaxed rather than acutely inflamed, whether in the vagina, rectum, or gut. It was given both by mouth and as an enema or douche for leucorrhea and prolapse, valued for a gentle toning astringency rather than a harsh drying effect.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. A strong decoction of the bark of this tree is beneficial in leucorrhoea, prolapsus uteri, prolapsus ani, diarrhoea, etc., administered internally, and used in enema; it is likewise of service as a local application in gangrene, and in aphthous, and other oral ulcerations.

Specific Indications and Uses. General asthenic state, with feeble digestion, vascular weakness, and pale mucous membranes; broncho-pulmonary irritation, with profuse secretions; coughs and colds; renal torpor; pyrosis and gastric irritation, with vomiting and diarrhoea; some cutaneous affections. Never to be used in inflammatory or sthenic conditions.