Shocking Scotch Pine Essential Oil Uses and Benefits You Wouldn’t Believe

Scotch pine or Pinus sylvestris is a perennial coniferous tree indigenous to the northern European and Asian regions. While it is found growing in the wild in vast stretch ranging from Scotland to Siberia, over the years, the tree has been naturalized across the north-eastern and midwestern regions of North America. People use it as an ornamental evergreen tree in the garden and even inside the house during Christmas. This species is grown widely in the rural areas of Ohio to prevent soil erosion.

Scotch pine also known as pine needle not only matures quickly, but also has the aptitude to tolerate extreme temperatures, soil conditions and rainfall. Mature Scotch pine trees are felled for timber in Europe while in America, people cut the tree in its formative years as the best-liked popular Christmas tree.

 

Here is a video about the Scotch Pine tree: 

Pine Scotch Pinus sylvestris, related to other pines and also firs, spruces, larches and hemlocks, is known to have derived its name from Scotland in Great Britain. This variety of pine has a twisted trunk. On its maturity, the trunk may possibly divide into numerous extensively deviating branches forming a striking coronet of twisted branches.

Some trees of this species may grow to a height of 50 feet. The growth rate of Scotch pine is average during the formative years and sluggish as it ages. Very often, the trees bend forward as they grow old. When the tree is young, it resembles an inverted pyramid, but with age it becomes twisted.

In addition to providing valuable timber and being an effective reforestation species, Scotch pine is also helpful as medicinal plant. The history of the tree as a medicinal plant too is notable. People in North America used this plant as a diuretic as well as to bring on perspiration during the 19th century.

In addition, Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris oil was also used by herbalists to cure fevers. Herbal medicine practitioners recommended the plant for treating constipation and persistent bronchitis. The tar of the plant was added in ointments or tar water that were applied externally to cure chronic skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and even to heal open wounds.

Scotch pine pitch, prepared by filtering the tar obtained from the wood, was also used in medications for treating eczema and other related skin disorders. This medicinal preparation was also taken internally to heal skin ailments as well as hemorrhoids.

The timber of the plant is used as a valuable building material, which is light, but hard-wearing. Once upon a time people in North America used the needles of Scotch pine to create a mattress stuffing called pine wool. It was believed that pine wool was effective in keeping away insects like fleas and lice.

Normally, pine essential oil is obtained using steam distillation. Fresh twigs and needles are most often used for extracting the oil. Pine cones are used by many manufacturers for obtaining the oil, and since pine trees are so abundant in nature, the oil is very cheap and widely available.

Pine Needle essential oil is a pale yellow or colorless, pourable liquid with a sharp, balsamic, “piney” odor. It blends well with cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, juniper and eucalyptus, but it can overwhelm more delicate fragrances, such as niaouli essential oil. Its consistency is medium to slightly oily and its perfume holds a top note. Its active constituents are limonene, pinine, cineole, myrcene, borneol, phellandrene and camphene.

Scotch Pine aroma has many health giving properties including antiviral, antibacterial, bile stimulating, expectorant, diuretic, lowering blood pressure, insecticidal and restorative.

 

 

Health Benefits and Uses of Scotch Pine Essential Oil

Scotch pine essential oil is obtained from the distillation of pine needles.  Scotch pine essential oil properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, anti-infectious, deodorant and expectorant.  Scotch pine essential oil is used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, sinusitis, inflammation, intestinal pain, allergies, fatigue and lung congestion.  Scotch pine improves the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections.

 

• Skin Care

One of the most important health benefits of Scotch pine essential oil is its role in treating various skin problems. Dermatologists often prescribe the oil for treating psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies, sores and fleas. It gives you balanced, smooth, renewed and shiny skin and can also act as an antioxidant for the free radicals that 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. Scotch pine essential oil can combat these negative effects.

 

• Cosmetics

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

 

• Metabolism

Scotch pine essential oil also increases 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. Scotch pine essential oil is 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.

 

• Pain

Scotch pine essential oil is considered an analgesic and is therefore a good remedy for people suffering from joint pain, arthritis and rheumatic conditions. Besides being an analgesic, 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 Scotch pine essential oil to your sore areas!

Pine needle oil possesses warming properties which may help with rheumatism, arthritis, gout and muscular aches and pains. It’s also helpful in relieving mental and physical fatigue, due to its restorative and invigorating qualities. Scotch pine essential oil is capable of warming cold hands and feet.

 

• Stress Disorder

The health benefits of Scotch 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 because it is an excellent mood elevator. Getting regularly massaged with Scotch pine essential oil can give you mental clarity, and it 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 needed in this area, it has been traditionally used for this purpose in many cultures.

 

• Eye Health

Through its ability to neutralize free radicals through its antioxidant capacity, Scotch pine oil 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 cause degradation of our cells. Scotch pine essential oil has been connected with improving eye health and protecting them from natural, age-related failure.

 

• Urinary Infections

Scotch pine oil is a natural remedy for various infections, including Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). This protective property is due once again to its antibacterial components. As a general kidney cleanser, it is effective with cystitis, prostate problems and urinary infections and can also help with nervous exhaustion, neuralgia and mental fatigue and it can be useful in the treatment of the respiratory tract, for muscular aches and pains and as a urinary cleanser.

 

• Injuries

Scotch 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 fatal. Therefore, using Scotch pine essential oil to cleanse your system of any fungal infections is a very good idea. It can be used for cuts and sores, scabies and lice and for excessive perspiration.

 

• Respiratory Problems

Scotch pine essential oil is very helpful for curing respiratory problems and is commonly used in making cough and cold preparations. This is due to its abilities as an expectorant, meaning that it 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.

Pine needle essential oil stimulates, refreshes and cleanses.  It has a strong, fresh, resinous aroma and powerful antiseptic properties, making it a wonderful choice for use in a diffuser or in steam inhalations for cough and sinus problems.  It can help in cases of bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, colds and flu.

 

• Gallbladder Problems

Scotch pine essential oil is great at reducing the inflammation of the gallbladder and the incidence of gallstones.

 

• Air Freshener

Scotch pine is well known for its disinfectant and air freshener uses, due to its antiseptic properties. Scotch pine essential oil is one of the safest therapeutic oils. Scotch pine oil is added to many household products due to its powerfully pleasant aroma. These include room sprays, volatile liquids and room fresheners.

Pine needle essential oil stimulates, refreshes and cleanses. With a strong, fresh, resinous aroma it has a powerful antiseptic quality and is widely used. It has a deodorant effect and is often used in commercial preparations.

 

 

• Sexual Health

It is a useful essential oil for men as Scotch pine can help in the body’s production of semen.

 

• Energy Levels

Scotch pine oil can alleviate feelings of general fatigue and can also help to stimulate energy after convalescence. Scotch Pine oil is most useful to relieve mental, physical and sexual fatigue, while having a cleansing and invigorating effect on an area and is great for vapor therapy in a sick room as it promotes healing.

 

Here is a video about the benefits of Pine Oil: 

 

How to Use Scotch Pine Essential Oil

• Scotch Pine oil can be used to deodorize your rooms when mixed in a diffuser. Add as often as needed for a great boost in pure, fresh air quality. Pine can also aid you in feeling alert, clear and productive.
• Add several drops to your diffuser along with cedar and neroli to create an aromatically pleasing and effective blend.
• Scotch Pine oil can be applied topically (diluted), as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or used with a diffuser.

• For deep household cleaning, add several drops to warm water or to your favorite cleaner. You can also add a drop or two to the laundry.
• Add several drops to steaming water and inhale the vapor to assist in opening and clearing a deep, penetrating breath.
• Inhale Scotch pine essential oil through direct-palm inhalation when you need a boost of strength and vitality.
• Add 4 drops Scotch pine to 1 oz. lotion or massage oil and massage regularly into areas of the body that have been busy in the garden or at the gym.

 

Caution

Although Scotch Pine oil is considered one of the safest pine oils because it is not toxic and non-irritant, it should never the less, be used in moderation. Do not use more than one or two drops at a time in a massage oil, inhaler or diffuser. It may cause irritation for anyone with potential skin problems. It should not be used by anyone suffering from asthma. Scotch pine oil should never be taken internally.

Internal consumption of Scotch pine essential oil can be dangerous because there is a possibility of kidney damage. It should also not be given to people who are suffering from kidney disorders. Furthermore, Scotch pine essential oil can cause irritation on highly sensitive skin, so it must be used in diluted form. Children and elderly people should not be given pine needle essential oil as it may cause hypertension and irritation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

1. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_pine_scotch.htm
2. http://www.aromatherapylibrary.com/scotchpineessentialoilprofile.html
3. http://www.dreamingearth.com/catalog/pc/Pine-Needle-Essential-Oil-Scotch-Pine-p92.htm
4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/pine-essential-oil.html
5. http://www.dreamingearth.com/blog/pine-needle-essential-oil/
6. http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/articles/essential-oil-focus-scotch-pine/
7. http://herbs-n-oils.blogspot.com/2010/08/scots-pine-essential-oil.html
8. http://aroma-pure.com/pine.htm
9. http://www.floracopeia.com/Shop/organic-pine-oil-pinus-sylvestris.html
10. http://www.aromatherapy-school.com/essential-oils/pine-needle-oil-bulgaria.html
11. http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/pine.htm