To some, the pungent scent of pine invokes winter and the holidays. Others associate pine with freshness and the forest air. To those who practice aromatherapy, the essential oil of pine offers health benefits and treatment for a number of illnesses and conditions.
Source
Most pine essential oil comes from Pinus sylvestris, the official scientific name for Scots pine. Scots pine is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, but grows widely in North America. The branches and needles yield a thick pine resin that contains pine essential oil.
Constituents
Pine essential oil contains pinene, carvene, borneol, sylvestrene, camphene, dipentene and phellandrene, according to "The Practice of Aromatherapy." Chemists isolate many of these phytochemicals for use in perfumes, air deodorizers, soaps, insecticides and solvents.
Benefits
Pine essential oil has antiseptic, analgesic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It acts as an expectorant, helps relieve stress and combats fatigue. In "The Aromatherapy Bible," Gill Farrer-Halls comments that pine oil is "among the best choices to clear phlegm from the lungs, and is good for sinusitis and all bronchial conditions." Farrer-Halls also suggests pine for massage and for compresses after over-exertion or a sports injury. When used for massage, pine oil stimulates circulation.
In an article for "Military Spouse" magazine, Kate Harman of Australasian College of Health Sciences writes that pine helps balance the nervous system, and recommends it as one of 10 oils that may be helpful for people dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Methods of Use
Dr. Jean Valnet, a pioneer of modern aromatherapy, mixed pine oil with the essential oils of lavender, thyme and eucalyptus dissolved in alcohol, then added the mixture to boiling water for inhalation therapy against colds, pneumonia and other lung complaints.
He also recommends pine oil in the bath for rheumatism and gout. For massage, a few drops of pine oil added to carrier oil stimulate circulation. Pine oil in an aqueous solution and may kill airborne germs, preventing the spread of viruses.
Warning
Pine oil may cause an allergic reaction if applied directly to the skin. It may also be toxic to cats and other small pets. Some manufacturers adulterate pine essential oil with turpentine, another pine product. Adulterated pine oil can be toxic if taken internally.
References
- Australasian College of Health Sciences: Aromatherapy Can Help PTSD
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra, L.Ac.,O.M.D.;1998
- "The Aromatherapy Bible"; The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils"; Gill Farrer-Halls; 2005
- "The Practice of Aromatherapy"; A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines"; Jean Valnet; 1990
- Aromatherapy Bible: Pine
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