November 23rd, 2022
Guest Writer for Wake Up World
There may be a good reason why many common household cleaners claim to “smell like pine.” This connection to pine oil and good health is as old as the hills, and its related to the germ-deterring, disinfectant properties of the oil.
In fact, pine was greatly revered by the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, who noted its strong healing effect on the human respiratory system. Similarly, the Native Americans used pine needles in bedding to deter bedbugs and lice.
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Obtained by extracting essential oils from the needles of pine trees, pine oil, is a strong therapeutic aid. Similar to tea tree and eucalyptus oil, extracts of pine are powerful agents against harmful organisms of all types, making it a great oil to have in your medicine chest and cleaning cupboard.
Its powerful capacities are related to its high levels of phenols and terpenes, acidic plant chemicals that repel germs and ward off disease.[1] It also has a healing effect on the endocrine system and aids the body in cleansing impurities from the skin. Pine hydrosol is an immune-stimulant and body tonic, enhancing overall mental and physical balance.
8 Health Benefits of Pine Oil
Below are the top benefits of pine oil for your health!
1. Reduces Joint & Muscle Redness and Swelling
Because of its potent properties, pine oil resists redness and swelling for people with joint pain and discomfort.[2, 3] 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 sweet almond or coconut.
2. Acts as an Expectorant
Essential pine oil may also help relieve congestion and acts as an expectorant, aiding the body to break up mucus and remove it from the lungs. It also helps reduce the incidence of sinus infections.
3. Soothes the Skin
Pine oil may be useful with a variety of skin conditions due to its strong cleansing capabilities. This includes psoriasis, acne, boils, athlete’s foot, eczema and itching. Applied topically, it can also be used for a remedy of the scalp, especially in cases of dryness and dandruff.
4. Is an Anti-Viral Agent
Pine nut oil may also deter harmful organisms, including viruses.[4] Following a balanced diet, and eating plenty of foods high in vitamin C is also a great way to prevent or reduce the severity of colds.
5. Has Potent Antioxidant Capacity
Through neutralizing free-radicals, pine oil helps us slow the process of cellular deterioration, thus slowing the process of aging. Antioxidants aid in protecting us from eye-diseases, muscle degeneration, and many nervous-system disorders.[1]
6. Is Toxic to Harmful Organisms
With regular use, pine oil may help protect us against many types of harmful organisms, including urinary tract infections and skin infections.[1, 3, 4]
7. Great for Aromatherapy
Through its wonderful aroma, pine oil stimulates the body and mind, and has an energizing effect. As an aromatherapy agent, it has been used to support adrenal fatigue and mild depression.
8. Acts as a Disinfectant
It is a great cleaning agent, and can be added to sprays and room-fresheners for a cleansing and brightening effect. Pine oil disinfectants have been shown to be effective in deterring many household germs, including mildew, yeast spores and E. coli.[5]
Research on Pine Oil
Studies have shown the usefulness of pine oil in relieving bronchial infections. As a powerful agent against harmful organisms, it can help the body fight off infections. As an aromatherapy tool, it may be used to help prevent lower respiratory infections. Research has demonstrated that its use for respiratory tract infections is solid and effective.
Cautions and Side Effects of Pine Oil
Essential pine oil should be used with care, as it is very powerful. If left undiluted, it may irritate skin and mucous membranes.
Usage for Essential Pine Oil
Add 4 to 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. You can also add the essential oil to water in an aromatherapy diffuser.
Usage Of Pine Hydrosol
Add 1 teaspoon of pine hydrosol to 32 ounces of distilled water and shake well. Drink 8 to 16 ounces throughout the day for up to a week.
References:
- Rufino AT, et al. Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activity of (+)-?-pinene: structural and enantiomeric selectivity. J Nat Prod. 2014 Feb 28;77(2):264-269.
- Salehi B, et al. Therapeutic potential of ?- and ?-pinene: a miracle gift of nature. Biomolecules. 2019 Nov; 9(11):738.
- Choi H-J. Chemical constituents of essential oils possessing anti-influenza A/WS/33 virus activity. Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2018 Dec; 9(6): 348-353.
- Poaty B, et al. Composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of seven essential oils from the North American boreal forest. World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015 Jun;31(6):907-919.
- Ozogul Y, et al. Antimicrobial impacts of essential oils on food borne-pathogens. 2015;7(1):53-61.
Originally published at Global Healing Center and reproduced here with permission.
About the author:
Dr. Edward F. Group III (DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM) founded Global Healing Center in 1998 with the goal of providing the highest quality natural health information and products. He is world-renowned for his research on the root cause of disease. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center earned recognition as one of the largest natural and organic health resources in the world. Dr. Group is a veteran of the United States Army and has attended both Harvard and MIT business schools. He is a best-selling author and a frequent guest on radio and television programs, documentary films, and in major publications.
Dr. Group centers his philosophy around the understanding that the root cause of disease stems from the accumulation of toxins in the body and is exacerbated by daily exposure to a toxic living environment. He believes it is his personal mission to teach and promote philosophies that produce good health, a clean environment, and positive thinking. This, he believes, can restore happiness and love to the world.
For more, please visit Global Healing Center.
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