Welcome to the Nectar Yoga Retreat wellness blog, where we explore holistic practices like yoga, meditation, breathwork, seasonal living, herbalism, and more to support your self-cultivation and wellness journey. This year, we’ve focused on the herbs and fungi of the Pacific Northwest, both native and naturalized, particularly ones found on Bowen Island, a small isle off the mainland of British Columbia. Previous posts have highlighted Alder, Burdock, Yarrow, Oyster Mushroom, and other plants. For the month of December, we’re ending the year with a coniferous tree, the Douglas Fir, a symbolic tree associated with many winter celebrations and one of the most fragrant ones. Nestled on beautiful Bowen Island, Nectar is a renowned wellness destination for visitors from British Columbia, Washington State, and beyond, and has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top yoga retreats in the US and Canada.
Read to the end for some simple yet splending Douglas Fir recipes that are perfect for this time of the year!
Quick Facts about Douglas Fir Trees:
There are two varieties of Douglas Fir – a coastal variety (Lower Mainland, Bowen Island and the other islands, including the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island) and an Interior (southern BC) variety.
A fast-growing, “pioneer” tree which reaches heights of 85 meters.
Mature trees have a long, branch-free trunk and a short cylindrical crown with a flattened top.
Though Douglas Firs are not true firs, their needles are nonetheless flat (a reminder much like on the Pine Tree post on our blog, Pines are round and pointy, needles on Spruce trees are square, and needles on Firs are flat), and stand out around the twig.
Fossil records trace this species to the Early Tertiary period about 50 million ago.
In Halkomelem language, the Coast Salish name for this tree is lá:yelhp.
Named after David Douglas, a Scottish botanist who introduced many native BC trees to Europe.
In the wellness industry, Douglas Fir essential oil is appreciated not only for its ability to purify the air but also for its grounding and revitalizing properties. Read below to learn more about the plant’s specific terpenes.
How to Identify Douglas Firs
Douglas Fir trees have unique cones with three-pointed bracts sticking out, resembling "mouse tails" or "hind feet."
The Douglas Fir (Latin name, Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the most iconic and towering conifers native to North America. It's known for its massive size, resilience, fresh apple-like scent, and unique physical characteristics. They are not technically true firs but are part of the Pine family, Douglas Firs have distinct cones with bracts that resemble snake tongues (or tiny mice feet and tails), making it easily identifiable. According to Coast Salish Indigenous folklore, a forest fire once forced animals to flee, but mice couldn't outrun the flames. After other trees couldn't help, the Douglas-fir offered refuge, inviting the mice to hide in its fire-resistant cones. The mice survived by sheltering there, and today, the cones of Douglas-fir trees are said to show the tiny tails and feet of the mice sticking out from beneath the scales, a reminder of this tale.
Ecological Contributions of Douglas Firs
Douglas Firs play an essential role in supporting biodiversity. They offer shelter and nourishment to many species, including birds like the spotted owl and mammals such as squirrels and deer. The cones' seeds are a food source for animals, while birds like chickadees and nuthatches feed on insects from the tree. Deer, voles, beavers, and moth larvae eat its needles, and young trees attract bears, who tear off bark to consume the sap beneath.
Douglas Firs play a crucial role in stabilizing the forest ecosystem. Their expansive root systems help prevent soil erosion, while their towering branches provide homes for countless species. These trees contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the region, supporting both plant and animal life.
Their towering canopies create microenvironments that support diverse understory plant communities, including ferns and mosses. Additionally, the fallen needles of Douglas Firs contribute to the forest floor's nutrient cycle, promoting healthy soil and fostering new growth. Douglas Firs also store significant amounts of carbon, making them vital players in combating climate change through carbon sequestration .
Douglas firs’ scent profile, explained
Douglas Fir essential oil carries a fresh, invigorating aroma that evokes the crisp scent of a forest after rainfall. This uplifting fragrance is dominated by terpenes like α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene, which give it a sharp, pine-like quality that is both grounding and energizing. The combination of these terpenes lends Douglas Fir oil its signature clean, woody scent, which can also have subtle hints of citrus, resinous-meets-green-apple sweetness.
The therapeutic qualities of Douglas Fir oil are deeply connected to its molecular structure. α-pinene, known for its anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits, supports clear breathing and mental clarity. β-pinene is celebrated for its ability to promote relaxation while providing an aromatic bridge to feelings of openness and peace. Limonene, found in the oil, offers a bright, citrus-like note that uplifts the spirit and helps combat stress and anxiety, making it particularly beneficial for emotional balance and mood enhancement.
In the health and wellness industries, Douglas Fir essential oil is appreciated not only for its ability to purify the air but also for its grounding and revitalizing properties. MDPI references Douglas Firs in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity, focus, and relaxation, making it ideal for those seeking a natural way to boost both physical and emotional well-being. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also make it a favorite in skincare and wellness products, especially for those looking for natural solutions to detoxify and refresh.
Similarly, spending time near Douglas Firs, like many other trees, has profound effects on well-being. Studies show that time spent in forests—often called "forest bathing" or shinrin-yoku—can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. The phytoncides, or natural oils released by Douglas Firs and other trees, have been linked to enhanced immune system function. The fresh, sweet scent of Douglas Fir needles is also believed to have therapeutic effects, offering a sense of grounding and peace. Many people find that being surrounded by these towering trees instills a feeling of awe and connection to nature, fostering both mental and physical health .
Cultural Significance of Douglas FirS
The Douglas Fir holds significant cultural importance, particularly among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. In Coast Salish traditions, the tree symbolizes protection and resilience, as seen in the legend of the mice taking refuge in its cones. This deep-rooted respect reflects the Douglas Fir’s role in offering shelter and sustenance to various species, including humans. Its durable wood has long been used for building homes, canoes, and tools, making it an enduring symbol of survival, strength, and connection to the land.
According to libraryexhibits.uvm.edu, the Coast Salish used them for fuel and burned its green boughs “to cleanse human minds and hearts”, as well as well as for building canoes, building structures, The Isleta Puebloans made tea from the needles to cure rheumatism. The Shasta used the resin to put on cuts, while the White Mountain Apache applied it to vessels, making them watertight. The bark was taken by the Sinkyone for tea to cure certain stomach ailments. Branches were used in the southwest in adobe building for various Pueblo tribes.
The Douglas-fir has always, since European arrival in the Americas, been huge in the lumber industry, especially in the northwest, where the trees grow tall and straight. When ships were the principal way to travel, the trunks made fantastic masts, better then the pines that had been used in the past. Now, the trees are used more in construction, their pulp can also be turned into paper. The Douglas-fir continues to make good firewood as well. One of the most popular uses for young trees is for the pagan tree, since adopted as Christmas trees; their shape and smell elevate them over other trees in this category.
Where to Forest bathe with Douglas Firs on Bowen Island
Image courtesy of Mist Thermal Sanctuary
If you’re ever wondering about things to do Bowen Island is home to many stands of ancient Douglas Firs. Some of the best places to encounter these magnificent trees include the following, as shared by Andrea Clark, co-creatrix of Nectar Retreat and Mist Thermal:
Mount Gardner: The hiking trails leading to the peak of Mount Gardner offer breathtaking views of Douglas Fir forests.
Crippen Regional Park: Stroll along the paths and enjoy the cooling shade of these towering giants.
Nectar Yoga Retreat and Mist Thermal Sanctuary: Situated on the same forest grounds, both the retreat centre and sauna and cold plunge spa are nestled among a variety of deciduous trees and conifers, including Douglas Firs. Our forest trails smell green, vibrant, and invigorating.
Douglas Fir as a Spiritual Ally
In spiritual practices, Douglas Fir represents resilience, strength, and protection. Connecting with this tree through meditation or rituals can help you find clarity and courage during challenging times. Its evergreen nature also symbolizes eternal life and the continuous cycles of nature.
At Nectar Yoga, we often incorporate Douglas Fir into our meditative practices, offering an invitation to find stillness and presence in its strong yet gentle energy.
two Douglas Fir tea recipes
While Douglas Fir tips are best foraged in the spring, when the new growth tips are tender and sweet, Douglas Fir needles can be made into a herbal or black tea infusion anytime of the year.
We especially like it added to Nectar Tea Company’s Forest Air Mint Blend as a herbal, caffeine-free option, and to Nectar Tea Company’s Daybreak English Breakfast for those who are needing a bit of an energy oomph.
Douglas Fir + Forest Air Mint Blend
Nectar Tea Company’s refreshing herbal blend combines peppermint and spearmint leaves, harvested each autumn when their crisp, vibrant flavours are at their peak. Reminiscent of the nature trails around our retreat centre, this small-batch, air- and sun-dried tisane carries fresh menthol notes to help you relax while staying grounded anytime of the day or evening. When Douglas Fir is added to this herbal blend, you’ll notice a subtle sweetening and comfort.
Gather fresh, green Douglas fir needles. Be sure they are properly identified.
Rinse them well to remove any debris.
Boil water and pour approximately 1.5 teaspoon along with a serving of Nectar Tea Company’s Forest Air blend into a teapot.
Steep for 5–10 minutes, to your preferred strength.
Strain and enjoy.
Douglas Fir + Daybreak English Breakfast
Did you know that authentic English Breakfast tea blends black teas from renowned regions worldwide, creating a balanced, distinct flavor? Our blend is robust and bright, enjoyable with milk (or plant mylk) and sugar, or simply on its own. When Douglas Fir is added, it introduces a lively, citrus-like quality, enhancing the tea with a nuanced foresty-lemony freshness.
Gather fresh, green Douglas fir needles. Be sure they are properly identified.
Rinse them well to remove any debris.
Boil water and pour approximately 1.5 teaspoon along with a serving of Nectar Tea Company’s Forest Air blend into a teapot.
Steep for 3-5 minutes, to your preferred strength for a black tea.
Strain and enjoy.
Douglas Fir SHORTBREAD COOKIES RECIPE
Image courtesy of theviewfromgreatisland.com
Douglas Fir Shortbread Cookies – This simple recipe by Sue Moran incorporates the delicate flavor of evergreen needles, resulting in cookies with a soft, citrus-like taste and a fragrant winter forest aroma. Perfect for a seasonal treat!
Shortbread Cookie Dough Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature. Do not try to use cold butter.
1/2 cup fir sugar, the recipe is below
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
Fir Sugar Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
3-4 Tbsp fresh fir needles (substitute pine or spruce)
Instructions To Make Fir Sugar
Put the sugar and fir needles in a food processor and process until the needles are finely ground. Pulsing the machine helps to get the needles broken down. Note that you will measure out 1/2 cup for this recipe and then use more for sprinkling. You will have extra sugar leftover, which you can use in tea, oatmeal, etc.
Instructions To Make Shortbread
Cream the butter and sugar (just 1/2 cup) together until completely blended. I use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Whisk the flour and cornstarch together until well blended. Add to the butter mixture and beat until the dough comes together. Scoop out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together with your hands. Make sure there's no dry flour left, and then pat into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350F
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick, and cut out cookies with a 2 inch cookie cutter. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle the cookies with more fir sugar if you like, I think it adds a nice crunch to the surface. I like to refrigerate the cookies right on the pan for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the shortbread to hold its shape well.
Bake for about 10 minutes ~ the cookies will still be pale, and soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Cookies will last about a week, and can be frozen for longer storage.
We hope this spotlight, as well as the entire year of plant and funghi spotlights have renewed your own explorations and relations with the natural world around you, and perhaps inspired a visit in the near future to Nectar Yoga Retreat or Mist Thermal Sanctuary. Until then, wishing all an illuminating Winter Solstice!
