Scotch Pine Essential Oil: Nature's Healing Elixir

I well remember my mother dashing for her essential oil box, checking that there was pine in there apart from the other oils she would need, rushing out of the door and disappearing! No this is not a missing person story, Shirley had see the Kings Cross fire on the news and had driven to the station, to get a train to the hospital to see if she could help. Her first action on getting there and after explaining who she was, and meeting the consultants, was to put Pine essential oil in vaporisers in the burns wards. The many letters of thanks she received afterwards, for using the pine and later, other essential oil blends, was amazing. I am not sure if this could happen today or not – maybe hospitals have stricter policies and maybe aromatherapists are not as confident and as gung-ho as mother! All I do know is that Pine oil is extremely antiseptic when airborne and that it helped a great deal to prevent airborne infection reaching those with severe burns where skin was not present.

Scotch Pine essential oil, derived from the needles of Scotch pine tree species, has a rich history of traditional uses, and offers a multitude of benefits in the modern world. Its invigorating scent and therapeutic properties have made it a popular choice in aromatherapy and holistic medicine. In this blog, we will explore the history, traditional and current uses, methods of growing and production, and its potential applications for specific health conditions.

Historical Roots and Traditional Use

Scotch Pine essential oil has deep historical roots, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized its therapeutic properties. They used it for its antiseptic, analgesic, and soothing effects. Scotch Pine resin was also utilized for embalming purposes. In Native American cultures, pine needles and resin were important components of traditional medicine. They were used to treat respiratory ailments, muscle pain, and skin conditions. Additionally, Native American tribes burned pine needles and resin as part of spiritual rituals and to purify the air. Pine was also used by Native Americans to prevent scurvy and to fill mattresses to repel ticks and fleas. As an inhalation it helps asthma, catarrh and blocked sinuses and it is said to be an excellent restorative after long illness.

About Pine Essential Oil

With the Latin name Pinus sylvestris, this oil is also known as Scots Pine, Forest Pine, Norway Pine, and is from the Coniferae (Pinaceae) family. The oil is extracted from the needles by distillation and is native to Eurasia, and also cultivated in Europe and USA. Steam distillation extracts the oil from the collected pine needles, which are subjected to high-temperature steam, causing the essential oil to evaporate. The vapour is then condensed and collected as pine essential oil.

Pine needles are usually harvested from mature pine trees. It's essential to ensure sustainability and not harm the trees during the collection process. To ensure the purity and quality of the oil, it undergoes rigorous testing for contaminants and chemical composition.

• Pine essential oil is a colourless oil with a strong, dry, terpene-like aroma with green undertones.
• Pine essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its refreshing and uplifting aroma. It is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue.
• Diffusing pine oil can promote mental clarity and boost concentration.
• Pine essential oil blends well with other essential oils such as Cedarwood, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.
• Pine has no known contra-indications, and its main chemical constituents are Monoterpenes 60 – 70%, Esters up to 10%, with Limonene, dipentene and Bornyl acetate having anti-viral and anti-microbial activity.

Current Uses and Benefits

General Properties

Pine essential oil is analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and neurotonic. Pine treats intestinal pain, arthritis, asthma, sinusitis, inflammatory and allergic conditions, congested lungs, debility and fatigue. Pine is also a useful oil for men as it helps the body manufacture semen.

On that male hormone note, my husband Bob has done much research into the effects of alpha and beta pinene on the male hormonal system and has said that when the two molecules are in equal proportion to one another, as they are in Pine essential oil, then they will work within the oil to help promote fertility, libido and growth in young men who have late puberty.

Respiratory Health

Pine oil is excellent for respiratory health. Inhaling its vapour can help alleviate symptoms of congestion, coughs, and colds. It is also effective for sinusitis and bronchitis and can help deal with infection of same.

Inhaling pine essential oil vapor can help with:

• Sinusitis: Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
• Bronchitis: Use in a steam inhalation or diffuse it in your living space

Pain Relief

The oil's analgesic properties make it useful for easing muscular and joint pain. It can be blended with carrier oils and used for massage, providing relief from arthritis, sore muscles, and even headaches.

Antiseptic and Antibacterial

Pine oil has natural antiseptic properties, making it valuable for wound care and disinfection. It can be diluted and applied topically to minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. And of course, as we have heard, it makes a great air purifier for treatment of burns or other conditions.

Skin Care/Conditions

Pine oil is beneficial for the skin, as it helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. It can be added to skincare products to address issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

• For eczema and psoriasis: Add 4-8 drops to your bathwater for skin relief.
• For acne: Dilute 5 drops of pine oil with 10ml carrier oil and apply to affected areas.

Muscular and Joint Pain

Create a soothing massage oil by blending pine essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba such as mustard or coconut oil. Massage into sore muscles or painful joints twice a day for maximum benefit. Use 2% total oil in the carrier oil.

Stress and Anxiety

Diffuse pine oil in your home or workplace to promote a sense of calm and reduce stress.

Disinfection

Pine is an excellent disinfectant and is used extensively in the home cleaning products bought at any local supermarket. You can use it to clean toilets, add a few drops to the cistern for a fresh and lasting aroma, clean ovens, fridges and any other appliance you think may benefit from a proper antiseptic treatment.

• Dilute 20 drops in a 500ml spray bottle of water and shek vigorously before use.
• For disinfecting wounds, apply diluted pine oil to minor cuts or insect bites to clean and prevent infection.

Pine Essential Oil in our blends

Our famous and wonderful Christmas Aromas Blend contains pine – of course it does!

Blended with sweet orange, clove and other oils, this makes a wonderful aroma for your Christmas home atmosphere. And, if you don’t have a real tree try using our Christmas Tree Aroma, with Pine and Spruce to help you feel in the Christmas spirit.

• Just put a few drops on a cotton wool ball and place at the bottom of the tree on the first branch – and top up when necessary!

Let’s Make Recipes with Pine Scotch Essential Oil!

You may like to try some of my recipes as below, and if you do, please do give us feedback on how they worked – we love hearing from you!

Pine Forest Diffuser Blend

This diffuser blend recreates the soothing ambiance of a pine forest, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

5 drops of Scotch pine essential oil
3 drops of Cedarwood atlas essential oil
2 drops of Lavender True essential oil

Add the essential oils to your diffuser and let the calming forest scent fill your space.

Pine and Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation

This steam inhalation blend helps clear congested sinuses and provides relief from respiratory issues like sinusitis.

3 drops of Scotch pine essential oil
2 drops of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
A bowl of hot water

Add the essential oils to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel, close your eyes, and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.

Pine and Lavender Muscle Massage Oil

This massage oil blend is soothing and helpful for relieving sore muscles and joint pain.

6 drops of Scotch Pine essential oil
4 drops of Lavender essential oil
2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g., jojoba or coconutoil)

Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil and massage the blend into sore muscles and joints as needed for relief.

Pine and Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner

This homemade cleaner not only disinfects but also leaves a fresh pine and citrus scent in your home.

15 drops of Scotch Pine essential oil
10 drops of Lemon essential oil
1/2 cup of white vinegar
1/2 cup of distilled water

Mix the essential oils, white vinegar, and distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well and use it to clean surfaces like countertops, kitchen appliances, and bathroom fixtures.

These essential oil recipes harness the aromatic and therapeutic properties of Scotch Pine essential oil for various purposes, from creating a calming environment to providing natural solutions for respiratory and cleaning needs. Always remember to dilute essential oils properly and use caution if you have allergies or sensitivities. Enjoy the benefits of this versatile oil!

Pine and Jojoba Oil Skin Serum

This skin serum can help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin while providing the benefits of Pine Essential Oil.

30ml Jojoba oil
5-7 drops Pine Essential Oil

In a dark glass bottle, combine the Jojoba oil and Pine Essential Oil.
Close the bottle and shake it gently to mix the oils. After cleansing your face, apply a few drops of the serum to your skin. Gently massage it in using upward and outward motions.

Conclusion

Pine essential oil, with its rich history, versatile uses, and natural healing properties, is a valuable addition to any holistic wellness toolkit. From its traditional use in ancient civilizations to its modern applications in aromatherapy and natural medicine, this oil continues to provide relief and enhance well-being. Whether you seek mental clarity, respiratory support, pain relief, or skincare benefits, pine essential oil is a natural and effective option for promoting health and vitality.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog. We love to hear from you so do give us feedback on the blog and the recipes, and how they have worked for you or your clients. All the products mentioned are available from www.penny-price.com or you can phone your order through or get advice on 01455 251020. If you are interested in training with us, please call, or email Lizzie on courses@penny-price.com. Thanks for reading! Take care, Penny 😊