Pine Needle Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pinus sylvestris

Also known as the 'Scotch' and 'Norway' Pine, this evergreen tree grows up to 40 meters tall with deeply fissured reddish brown bark. Native to the dense forests of Russia and northern Europe, it is cultivated for essential oil production in central and southern European countries, notably Austria and Finland.

This essential oil of Pine is steam distilled from the needles of Scotch Pine trees naturally grown in Bulgaria.This oil has a fresh, tangy citrus top note with deep pine middle notes and soft balsamic and resinous undertones.

Companion oils for Pine include: Cedarwood, Eucalyptus radiata, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram and Rosemary c.t. cineol.

Pine essential oil has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. Added to baths to cure nervous exhaustion and circulatory disorders, it was also used to promote healing in wounds, and ease pain from arthritis and rheumatism. It was also used as an inhalant to relieve bronchitis, asthma, and blocked sinuses as well as reviving the spirits and energy after long periods of illness.

Pine needle essential oil was investigated by Hippocrates, (often considered the father of western medicinal thought), for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system.

Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antineuralgic, Antirheumatic, Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, hepatic), Antiviral, Cholagogue, Choleretic, Deodorant, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypertensive, Insecticidal, Restorative, Rubefacient, Stimulant (adrenal cortex, circulatory and nervous system), Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• Pine essential oil has been shown to be as effective at combating fatigue and nervous exhaustion as Rosemary and Thyme oils.
• Eases mental stress and anxiety
• Revitalizes the mind and body
• Stimulating and uplifting

Dermatological:

• Disinfects and promotes healing in wounds
• Repels lice
• Deodorizes and inhibits excessive perspiration
• Soothes various sores, and skin infections

Respiratory System:

• Combats bronchial infections
• Clearing and supportive lung tonic
• Aids with continual coughing and sore throats

Circulatory System:

• Cleansing and supportive kidney tonic
• Alleviates high blood pressure
• Improves circulation to extremities (hands and feet)
• Rejuvenates the adrenal glands

Muscles and Joints:

• Quells arthritic pain
• Soothes sore muscles aching joints (similar properties to Eucalyptus globulus in this respect)

Genito-Urinary System:

• Treats cystitis and urinary infections

Topical:

• Pine can be used alone or in a massage blend (with an odorless carrier oils such as jojoba or grapeseed). Do not use this oil to treat allergic reactions on the skin.

Inhalation:

• Try a combination of evergreen needle oils in virtually any ratio. Just put a few drops of one or more of the following oils in your diffuser: Pine, Spruce, Black Spruce, Balsam, Fir then add a few drops of Juniper Berry and you'll find yourself in the middle of Forest Heaven. These combinations can be used to make bath salts (with Epsom salts),


• As these oils are in a similar family, one needn't worry too much about getting an exact recipe, unless of course you want to recreate a favorite combination.

Pine essential oil is non-toxic, a non-irritant and non-sensitizing when used in low concentrations. It is not recommended to use the oil in its full strength unless adding to a pure oil diffuser.

The oil can be ingested in very small doses and consultation with a physician is strongly recommended.