Pine essential oil facts and benefits

Pine essential oil is extracted from the commonly known tree pine and its scientific name is Pinus Sylvestris. The tree’s origin is believed to be in Austria and Russia and later on it spread to other parts of the world. Pine is the common tree used world over as Christmas tree and it is a species of tree which is available all over the world. Pine essential oil is one product which is popularly available from this tree and it is quite easy to produce pine essential oil.

Pine oil is obtained by the steam distillation of the needles, twigs and cones from this evergreen tree. Since pine trees are abundant in nature, the oil is relatively inexpensive and easily available, and is an important essential oil to have at home. The extracted oil is normally colorless to pale yellow colored and has either a fresh, earthy, and forest-like fragrance or a strong, dry, balsamic, turpentine-like odor. It is easily blended with Eucalyptus, All citrus, Myrtle, Sandalwood, Juniper, Vetiver, Lavender, Cedar, Lemongrass, Rosewood, Cypress, Rosemary, Thyme, Tea tree, Bergamot, Marjoram, Niaouli and Peppermint essential oil.

Since pine tree can withstand both hot and cold conditions, it grows easily and well in different places. Native Americans used pine trees in several ways. They chewed the needles to ward off scurvy, and stuffed the oil-rich needles in their mattresses to discourage lice and fleas. Apart from that it is also used in Aromatherapy, as a scent in bath oils, as a cleaning product, and as a lubricant in small and expensive clockwork instruments. It is naturally deodorizing, and antibacterial. It may also be used varyingly as a disinfectant, massage oil and an antiseptic. It is also used as an effective organic herbicide where its action is to modify the waxy cuticle of plants, resulting in desiccation. Since it has a very low toxicity for humans, it is one of the safer essential oils, although some people are sensitive and can suffer from mild respiratory irritation when inhaling too much of this powerful oil.

Health Benefits of Pine Essential Oil

Pine has a long history as a remedy against many health conditions. Pine essential oil is extremely researched for its many benefits. This includes also the ability to clear respiratory issues. Its forest-like fresh scent is well known from all the household products. But above all that, it is also a great lung antiseptic. Explained below are some of the health benefits of pine essential oil

1. Skin Care

One of the most important health benefits of pine essential oil is its role in treating various skin problems. Dermatologists often recommend the oil for treating psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies, sores, and fleas. It offers balanced, smooth, renewed and shiny skin and can also act as an antioxidant for the free radicals which can have such a negative impact on the health of your skin. Free radicals attack the healthy skin cells and cause them to mutate, resulting in premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Pine essential oil can combat these negative effects.(1)

2. Cosmetics

Pine essential oil also has a mesmerizing essence and gives a sweet aroma to the cosmetics in which it is used. It is also used to make perfumes and scented products. Additionally, pine essential oil can remove lice from the hair, and is widely used as massage oil and bath oil. That’s why you commonly see pine oil as a part of soaps and even cleaning products.(2)

3. Metabolism

Pine essential oil helps to increase the metabolism and boosts your activity levels. It is also helpful in purifying the body due to its ability to treat intestinal problems. It is diuretic in nature and helps remove excess water from your body through urination. By stimulating the frequency and quantity of urine, you eliminate more uric acid, excess water, salt, and fat from your body. It also keeps the kidneys healthy, because they don’t have to filter the toxins more than once. Pine essential oil is also used in case of food poisoning because it stimulates the body to process and eliminate toxins at a faster rate, and subsequently eliminate them faster through urination.(3)

4. Injuries

Pine essential oil is antiseptic and is regularly used to treat boils, cuts, sports injuries, and Athletes’ Foot. This is not only due to its antiseptic properties, but also its anti-fungal characteristics. Fungal infections are some of the most dangerous and difficult conditions to treat, and if they become internal, they can even be deadly. Thus, using pine essential oil to cleanse your system of any fungal infections is a very good idea.(4)

5. Pain

Pine essential oil is considered an analgesic and is thus a good remedy for people suffering from joint pain, arthritis, and rheumatic conditions. Apart from that it is also an anti-inflammatory agent, meaning that it reduces the inflammation and redness of those affected areas, and simultaneously eliminating the pain. This prevents you from having to take two different artificial medications, just apply some pine essential oil to your sore areas!(5)

6. Respiratory Problems

Pine essential oil is very helpful for curing respiratory problems and is commonly used in making cough and cold preparations. Since it is a wonderful expectorant it can loosens phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tracts and makes it easier to eliminate them.

By reducing the amount of deposition in your respiratory tracts, your body is able to fight the initial infection faster and reduce your recovery time.(6)

7. Stress Disorder

 The health benefits of pine oil also include some emotional benefits. It creates an energized feeling and is effective for removing mental stress from any number of sources. It is also used medicinally for removing adrenal fatigue and refreshing your spirits, since it is an excellent mood elevator. Regular massage with pine essential oil can give you mental clarity, and helps to removes anxiety and nervous tension. Finally, it has been shown to be quite useful for people suffering from weakened concentration and memory loss. Although additional research is required in this area, it has been traditionally used for this purpose in many cultures.(7)

8. Relief from Headaches

Pine needle essential oil can help to reduce toxins from the air and surfaces around your home. Because environmental pollutants are among the most common causes for headaches, pine oil is also a powerful natural headache remedy.

Certain types of fungi and bacteria are known to cause headaches, as well as respiratory problems and some skin conditions. In one research, researchers from Lithuania’s Vilnius Pedagogical University investigated the activities of Pinus sylvestris extract to determine its environmental benefits. They discovered positive results for using pine oil as an anti-microbial – particularly against bacteria.(8)

9. Eye Health

Pine essential oil has the ability to neutralize free radicals through its antioxidant capacity; it also represents a positive impact on eye health. Macular degeneration, cataracts, and a number of other vision-related conditions are due to the presence of free radicals in our system that may cause degradation of our cells. Pine essential oil has been connected with improving eye health and protecting them from natural, age-related failure.(9)

10. Infections

Pine oil is a natural remedy for various infections, including Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). This protective property is due to its antibacterial components.(10)

11. Flea Killer

Pine oil works in much the same way as above on fleas, ticks and other pests. It dissolves the waxy coating that many invertebrates have that protects them from the elements. Drop a few drops of pine essential oil in a spray bottle of water. Add a teaspoon or so of alcohol to help break up the oil. Shake a few times and spray on your carpet, dog beds or anywhere else that may have pesky critters. And fleas tend to hate the smell of pine. While the essential oil can be bad for pets, if you use a few drops in their shampoo, it will help to dispatch fleas and still be safe.

12. Eliminate Bronchial Infections

Because of its infection-fighting abilities, Aromatherapist often use essential pine oil to help fight off lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis. Article published by The University of Maryland Medical Center reviewed research on pine oil’s effects on bronchitis and concluded that some researches support essential pine oil’s use in fighting off bronchial infections. Steam inhalations provide the best treatment method for this illness. Add a few drops pine essential oil to two cups steaming water and inhale the vapors. Just be sure to close your eyes so you don’t burn them.

13. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Pine essential oil contains a large amount of both a-pinene and b-pinene. Because of this combination, pine essential oil may treat diarrhea. Researchers in this study found that essential oils high in both of these pinenes were able to successfully relax the spasms which can contribute to diarrhea.

14. Reduces Cholesterol

One of the most prominent components of pine essential oil is camphene which helps to reduce cholesterol and blood triglycerides. Researchers in this study recommended that because of its fat lowering effect, camphene may play a crucial role in controlling cardiovascular diseases.

15. Prevent Allergy

Pine can effectively fight fungi lurking in the air; it’s been shown to lower the presence of toxins that can cause difficulty in breathing, allergic rhinitis, watery eyes or flu-like symptoms. To naturally reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, diffuse pine nut oil throughout your home or inhale it directly from the bottle.

16. Resistant to Redness and Swelling

Because of its powerful properties, pine oil resists redness and swelling for people with joint pain and discomfort. Used topically, it may also help relieve general muscular aches and pains. Add to a hot bath, or to a base massage oil, such as almond or coconut.

Other Benefits

1. All-Purpose Household Cleaner

To cleanse your countertops, appliances, bathroom or floors, combine several drops of pine oil and water in a spray bottle and spray on any surface before wiping down with a clean cloth.

2. Pots and Pans Scrub

For a deeper-acting cleaning scrub, combine several drops of pine oil with baking soda and stir them into a thick paste. Use a brillow sponge to scrub away mold, stains or stuck-on residue from your pots, home surfaces, car or appliances.

3. Floor Cleaner

To mop your floors and leave behind a clean smell, add ½ cup of white vinegar along with 10 drops of pine oil to a bucket and mop into wood surfaces before rinsing.

4. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

You can clean mirrors, glass or kitchen appliances by using pine nut oil along with vinegar to remove residue and leave behind shiny, clean surfaces. Also try using this method to clean your blender, dishwasher or laundry machine.

5. Carpet Cleaner

One of the best natural home deodorizers, use pine essential oil to remove odors from your carpet, mix 15–20 drops of pine essential oil with water in a bucket and then scrub into stains on your rugs. You can either use a carpet-cleaning device to steam or roll the mixture further into carpets or do so by hand. You don’t need to remove the oil from the carpets since it’s non-toxic and will continue to kill odor-causing bacteria and add a fresh scent to your home in the process.

6. Garbage Can Purifier

Do use a cotton ball with two drops each of lemon oil and pine oil, and then place the cotton balls at the bottom of your trashcans to help decrease bacteria and odors.

Suggested Essential Oil Applications

• For asthma, bronchitis, coughs (including smoker’s cough), or sore throat, use 2-3 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in bath water.
• For athlete’s foot, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, sores, or other skin irritations, use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on area.
• Use 2-3 drops in carrier oil and massage on affected area regularly to get rid of cellilite. Can also use 8-10 drops in bath water.
• For colds, flu, sinus congestion, and/or sore throats, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or steam inhalation. Can also add 8-10 drops in bath water.
• Use 8-10 drops in bath water for cystitis or prostate problems.
• For digestive problems, use 2-3 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil, and rub on chest and lower back.
• Use 2-3 drops in a diffuser to alleviate drowsiness or nervous exhaustion.
• For hangovers, use 2-3 drops in a hot or cold compress. Can also use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in bath water.
• For a natural soothing cough remedy, try blending together 1 drop of Pine essential Oil, 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil, 1 drop of Marjoram Essential Oil and 1 drop of Lemon Essential oil with 15 milliliters of carrier oil like Almond Oil.
• Rub it generously into your chest and back of your neck. Alternatively, combine the essential oils together excluding the carrier oil; apply 2-3 drops to a tissue and inhale.
• If you are suffering from a sinus headache or congestion, mix 1 drop of Pine Essential Oil, 1 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil and 2 drops of Eucalyptus Oil, apply it to a tissue and inhale the vapors frequently to relieve the symptoms.
• To aid in the relief of flu and bronchitis symptoms, in a dark bottle combine 12 drops of Pine Essential Oil, 30 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 6 drops of Marjoram Essential Oil and 3 drops Thyme Essential oil.
• Add 6 drops of the mixture to a large bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and inhale the steam deeply through your nose for 5 – 10 minutes.
• For treatment of asthma, colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs (including smoker’s cough), or a sore throat: use 2-3 drops of essential oils for hot inhalation. You can also use 4-5 drops in aroma lamp or 4-6 drops in a bath.
• For injuries, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, ulcers and other skin irritations: mix 2-3 drops of pine oil to 30 ml of base oil. Apply the mixture on the affected skin.
• Use 2-3 drops evaporation aromalampe or aromamedalone in case you have a problem with digestion.
• Evaporate 2-3 drops of essential oil in aromalampe to prevent depression and loss of strength.
• Mix 10 drops of essential oil of pine and 15 ml of vegetable oil of almond kernels. Apply the mask on the scalp and hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then wash with shampoo to reduce hair loss and brittle hair.

Home Uses

With our main goal being to promote and encourage eco-friendly solutions, pine oil offers multipurpose applications for safe and natural household use. Pine Oil’s antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties are effective against general household germs, odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.

• For a sanitizing carpet freshener, add between 15-20 drops of Pine Essential Oil and 10-15 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to 1 ½ cups of baking soda.
• Ensure the oil and baking soda is well combined and then store in a sealed container overnight. Sprinkle the freshener over your carpet and allow absorption for 15 minutes. Vacuum as per usual.
• For an effective floor cleaner without the harmful chemical found in commercial products, blend 15-20 drops of Pine Oil and 15-20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil with ½ a cup in vinegar in a bucket of water.
• To safely discourage flea’s, add 4 drops of Pine oil to 1 cup of warm water and mix well. Brush the solution through your dog’s coat. Soak their brush and toys with it overnight.

How to Make Pine Oil

As mentioned earlier the essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of fresh twigs and needles of the pine tree. Occasionally sawdust from the hard wood is also used. In order to extract the oil, the botanical material is placed in a still and is subjected to extremely high temperatures.

To make your own pine oil at home, follow this easy guide

What you will need:

• 1/ 2 cup sweet almond oil
• 2 to 3 cups pine tree needles
• Large-mouth jar with lid
• Mortar and pestle
• Cheesecloth or fine-mesh cotton gauze
• Dark bottle with cap for storage

Procedure:

1. Harvest fresh pine needles. Do not use pine needles that have fallen to the ground, as they are very likely to cause molds and spoil your essential oil.
2. Wash the pine needles with warm water and mild detergent soap to remove impurities. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Pat the pine needles dry with clean paper towels.
4. Gently bruise the leaves using mortar and pestle.
5. Pour the sweet almond oil into the large-mouth jar.
6. Add all the pine needles into the jar.
7. Cover the jar and shake it to cover the needles with almond oil.
8. Store the jar in a warm room with an ambient temperature of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
9. Shake the jar once a day for seven days.
10. After one week, put in a dark storage – for example, inside your cupboard – and allow it to age/ferment for at least 14 days. Do not shake the jar during this time period.
11. After 14 days, filter the oil through a piece of cheesecloth or fine-mesh cotton gauze to remove solid particles. Squeeze cheesecloth to get remaining essential oil.
12. Transfer your homemade pine oil in a dark bottle. Cover with cap tightly to keep it fresh longer and to avoid contamination.

Warning: Do not ingest homemade essential oils. Discard homemade pine oil after 10 to 12 months.

Cautions and side-effects of using pine oil

• Pine oil has a low human toxicity level, but it can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
• It has also been known to cause breathing problems in large doses, so use with caution.
• Internal consumption of pine essential oil poses a danger to human kidneys, so it should not be given to people who are suffering from kidney disorders.
• Always use pine essential oil in a diluted form when adding to lotions or other skin applications.
• Mix with carrier oil if you are using pine oil for aromatherapy or aromatherapy massage.
• Small children and elderly people should not be given pine essential oil since it may cause hypertension.

Pine Essential oil Facts

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) grows in the European part, in Siberia, in northern Kazakhstan. Essential oil obtained from pine wood and green resin by stripping with steam. From one ton of green materials it is possible to get 3-4 kg of pine essential oil. The finished liquid is colorless, has a light, fluid texture and a deep resinous aroma. It is believed the pine plant originated in Austria and Russia and spread in different parts of the world. Because the pine tree can withstand both cold and relatively dry conditions, it grows easily and well in many different places. Native Americans used pine trees in several ways. They chewed the needles to ward off scurvy, and stuffed the oil-rich needles in their mattresses to discourage lice and fleas. The numerous health benefits of pine essential oil have made it one of the most important essential oils used in aromatherapy. Pine essential oil blends well with many other oils including Cedarwood, rosemary, lavandin, sage, labdanum, and juniper, and therefore, it can be widely used in making aromatherapy preparations.

Pine essential oil Quick Facts
Name:	Pine essential oil
Scientific Name:	Pinus Sylvestris
Origin	Originated in Austria and Russia
Colors	Colorless to pale yellow
Health benefits	Skin Care, Cosmetics,Metabolism, Pain,Stress Disorder, Eye Health, Flea Killer, Eliminate Bronchial Infections,Gastrointestinal Disorders,Reduces Cholesterol, Injuries, Infections, Prevent Allergy,Respiratory Problems, Resistant to Redness and Swelling, Relief from Headaches

Name	Pine essential oil
Scientific Name	Pinus Sylvestris
Native	Originated in Austria and Russia
Common Names	Fir leaf oil,  oleum folii pini sylvestris
Oil Color	Colorless to pale yellow
Flavor/Aroma	Either have a fresh, earthy, and forest-like fragrance or a strong, dry, balsamic, turpentine-like odor.
Plant Parts used	Needles of pine trees
Method of Extraction	Steam distillation
Commonly Blended With	Eucalyptus All citrus Myrtle Sandalwood Juniper Vetiver Lavender Cedar Lemongrass Rosewood Cypress Rosemary Thyme Tea tree Bergamot Marjoram Niaouli Peppermint
Health Benefits	Skin Care Cosmetics Metabolism Pain Stress Disorder Eye Health Flea Killer Eliminate Bronchial Infections Gastrointestinal Disorders Reduces Cholesterol Injuries Infections Prevent Allergy Respiratory Problems Resistant to Redness and Swelling Relief from Headaches
Traditional uses and benefits	Add 4-6 drops of undiluted pine essential oil to warm bath water or dilute at 50/50 ratio with organic coconut oil or olive oil and apply to chest for respiratory distress. 5 drops of Pine essential oil added to steam inhalation helps you in treating sinusitis, cough and cold. Individuals suffering from athlete’s feet can use pine essential oil topically.
Precautions	People with sensitive skin or even allergies might experience redness, itching or other skin irritation when using pine nut oil. Never use undiluted essential oil directly on your skin. Keep pine oil away from your eyes or inside of your nose, where it can come into contact with mucus membranes that can easily become irritated. It has also been known to cause breathing problems in large doses, so use with caution. Internal consumption of pine essential oil poses a danger to human kidneys, so it should not be given to people who are suffering from kidney disorders. Always use pine essential oil in a diluted form when adding to lotions or other skin applications. Mix with carrier oil if you are using pine oil for aromatherapy or aromatherapy massage. Small children and elderly people should not be given pine essential oil since it may cause hypertension. It may help to sooth itchy, dry skin, cuts, psoriasis, pimples, and eczema. Pine essential oil treats dandruff and hair loss, as well as strengthening the nails.
Other Facts	Add ½ cup of white vinegar along with 10 drops of pine oil to a bucket and mop into wood surfaces before rinsing. You can clean mirrors, glass or kitchen appliances by using pine nut oil along with vinegar to remove residue and leave behind shiny, clean surfaces. Add a few drops of pine oil and tea tree oil to the bottom of shoes to freshen them up and kill bacteria. You can also add a drop or two to the laundry. For deep household cleaning, add several drops to warm water or to your favorite cleaner. Add twenty-five drops of pine oil to a half-ounce of jojoba oil for a fresh-scented massage. Add twenty drops of pine oil to unscented lotion for a masculine-scented moisturizer. Mix four drops of pine essential oil with a cup of warm water and brush through your dog’s coat to discourage fleas. It may also be used varyingly as a disinfectant, sanitizer, mircobicide / microbistat, virucide, insecticide, and massage oil. It is also used as an effective organic herbicide where its action is to modify the waxy cuticle of plants, resulting in desiccation. It is used as a scent in bath oils or more commonly as a cleaning product, and as a lubricant in small and expensive clockwork instruments. The needles were used to stuff mattresses to prevent lice and fleas. In olden times Egyptians used pine kernels in their cooking.