A few drops of balsam fir essential oil added to a hot shower or diffuser will act as a decongestant—serving up immediate relief from a head cold. And sleeping next to a balsam pillow (filled with dried needles) or a diffuser that emits “balsam steam” from the essential oil will almost guarantee a restful night’s sleep. These are just a few medicinal uses of balsam fir essential oil but there are likely many others.