Pine Essence
Description
PINE (Pinus sylvestris)
Family: Pinaceae (conifer)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the needles.
Fragrance: Strong, camphor, fresh.
Volatility: Middle note.
General description and habitat:
Evergreen conifer tree; known as the Scots pine; native to western and northern Europe and Russia; over 100 feet; short, spiky needles; male and female flowers; cones take two years to mature.
A similar product may be called "Fir needle" (Abies Alba) which may rekindle the festive aroma of a Christmas tree.
Principal constituents: Bornyl acetate, cadinene, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene, sylvestrene.
Fir needle oil (white spruce) has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
History
History and folk use:
Used for the tall, straight masts for sailing ships. Pine nuts have been used for food and Medicine. Hippocrates used pine to treat pulmonary problems and Pliny recommended it for respiratory conditions.
In parts of Switzerland mattresses are filled with pine needles for treating rheumatic ailments.
Properties & Uses
General properties: Sudorific, antiviral, antiseptic, antispasmodic, stimulant, uplifting.
Primary Uses:
| Aches and pains | Asthma and bronchitis |
| Genito-urinary infections | Influenza |
| Viral infections |
Secondary Uses: :
| Arthritis, | Backache, |
| Catarrh, Chest Infections, | |
| Colds, | Colic, |
| Coughing, | Cystitis, |
| Frostbite, | Hay Fever, |
| Impotence, | Lumbago, |
| Menopause, | Menstrual Pain, |
| Migraine, | Nosebleed, |
| Neuralgia, | Muscle Pains, |
| PMS, | Pneumonia, |
| Rheumatism, | Rickets, |
| Sore Throat, | Stiffness. |
Contraindications
Beware of adulterations.
Use in low concentrations as it might be a skin irritant.
It is not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Fir and Pine needle oils (as well as Fir shoots) have approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
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