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Glossary |
Pine |
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Pinus sylvestris The
species name derives from the Latin sylva, meaning forest. Pinus sylvestris belongs to a
family of evergreen conifers that includes about 90 species that grow in
the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
The tree is commonly called the Scotch pine,
because at one time it covered much of Scotland, where a few primeval
stands of these impressive trees remain today.
It has a history of spiritual and inspirational significance in Scotland
where, dating back to pre-Christian Celtic and Pictish cultures, this
pine was a part of the clan totems of the Grant and MacGregor families. Pine was first investigated by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, for its benefits to the respiratory system. During the 1800’s, tar from the pine was used in many medicines, especially for skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. The needles were made into a stuffing called “pine wool” that was thought to repel lice, fleas, and other pests. Several different species of pine are distilled for the essential oil, often labeled simply as "pine oil". It is important to identify the correct botanical name, Pinus sylvestris. Other pines whose needles yield similar oils include Pinus mugo, the mugo pine and Pinus palustris, the longleaf pine. The essential oil of mugo pine can be strongly irritating. The oil of the longleaf pine is the primary source for turpentine. In some cases the oil is distilled from different species depending on country of origin. In Scandinavia, pine oil is distilled from P. sylvestris, while in France P. palustris is often used as well. In the Alps, Siberia and the Carpathian mountains the oil is derived from P. cembra, but in the U.S. the oil may be derived from P. caribea, P. lambertiana, P. palustris, P. taeda, P. ponderosa or P. sabiniana. In Spain, east Asia and India yet more species are used. The constituents vary to an extent within the different pine oils so that, for instance, P. palustris contains about 30% of the terpene b-pinene while P. sylvestris contains only 2%.
Pine essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh twigs and needles not directly from the crude resin, as turpentine is. The twigs and needles impart a sweet-evergreen aroma to the essential oil, which also has a turpentine-like or terebinthe aroma. Poor quality pine essential oil lacks sweetness, and has a one-dimensional, harsh terebinthe aroma. Good pine essential oil has a short-lived sweetness not unlike juniper oil. In northern Europe, oil distillation takes place from spring until winter. The needles and branch tips are generally gathered when forests are thinned or mature trees are harvested for their wood. The mountain forests of the Tyrol district in Austria have a reputation for producing the finest pine essential oil. Production is not enough to meet worldwide consumption however, so pine essential oil comes from a variety of locations in Europe and Russia.
Pine stimulates, refreshes and cleanses. With a strong, fresh, resinous aroma it has a powerful antiseptic quality and is widely used. It has a deodorant affect and is often used in commercial preparations. In aromatherapy, pine is used in saunas, steam baths and massage blends for stressed muscles and joints. It shares many of the same properties as eucalyptus, and the action of both oils is enhanced when blended. The natural evergreen aroma of pine essential oil is a sweet alternative to harshly medicinal pharmaceutical preparations. It is a middle note, is colourless to yellowish and has a fresh, forest-like, woody aroma. It blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rosemary and tea tree. It's actions include antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, decongestant, deodorant, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hypertensive, insecticide, restorative, stimulant and vermifuge. It is used, internally, in connection with bronchitis, slow circulation, colds, exhaustion, fever, infection, influenza, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, and worms (lumbrici). Pine is widely used in household cleaners, hospital and veterinary disinfectants, insecticides, room fragrancing, commercial paints, soaps and detergents. Care: Do not confuse with other pines. Dilute and use with care as pine oil may otherwise cause skin irritation and must not to be used on sensitive or damaged skin. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use if history of prostate cancer. DISCLAIMER: This page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of research, not practical experience. |
The Scotch pine grows
to a height of 100 feet or more in the northern forests of Europe and is
native from western Europe to Siberia.
The
needles, twigs and bark of all pine species contain a sticky, fragrant
resin from which substances such as rosin, turpentine and essential oil
are extracted. Turpentine is the distilled essence of crude pine resin.
Pine resin is obtained from the trunks of trees like the longleaf pine.
The trees are tapped, much as maple trees are tapped for maple syrup.
The sticky resin oozes from the cut bark into pots, then the resin is
collected and heated in a still until the volatile turpentine compounds are liberated and captured. Rosin, also called
colophony, is the very viscous substance that is left over after all the
more volatile substances are distilled from the resin. Rosin is applied
to the bows of string instruments like violins. This produces a tacky
surface on the bow which, when drawn over the strings, encourages them
to resonate and produce sound.
Pine
and it's various products are used as diuretics and irritants. Pine is a
valuable remedy in bladder, kidney, and rheumatic infections and
diseases of the mucous membrane and respiratory complaints. Turpentine
oil is used externally as a stimulant for rheumatic swellings, and for
sprains and bruises, and to kill parasites. Tar is used medicinally,
especially in veterinary practice, for its antiseptic, stimulant,
diuretic and diaphoretic action.