LuAnn@CVH
Feb 12

Pine

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Edited: Mar 10

Botanical Name: Pinus spp.

Energetics:  warming, drying

Major Properties:  antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulant

Parts Used:  I use the needles, sap, and pollen. Bark can also be used in a variety of ways. Very useful tree for many reasons!

Preparations:

Infused oil of sap/resin, collected from wound area on tree or small branch trimmings. Looking for downed branches after a storm is a great (and kind) idea.  

Air cleaner and freshener: Simmer cut up branches and needles in water, uncovered. Although it's lovely to do all winter, it's especially useful during cold and flu season to help eliminate air borne pathogens. Warning - keep an eye on it - don't let it boil dry - personal experience.

Decoction - simmer needles for 20 minutes or so, covered. Let cool with lid on. Sweeten or flavor to taste. It is even better to let it sit for several hours or overnight, too, so make plenty for immediate drinking and for later on. Pine needles are very high in vitamin C, with older needles being higher than younger ones at the tips of the branches. The older needles are a bit stronger in taste, too. May need some honey or lemon added...

Pollen - considered be a nutrient rich food, often added to the "superfoods" list. Easiest way to gather is to place a paper bag over the cones at the tip of the branches and then shake the pollen into the bag.

Tincture - to make a tincture of the sap/resin requires a high proof alcohol, such as ever clear, as water does not efficiently extract the constituents from resins.

 

My Observations:

I often "make a simmer" of pine branches and needles in the house to "clean" it up since the house is closed up so much more in winter.

The salve has worked well on minor cuts. It has also helped greatly with the dry knuckles and finger tips of winter. I think I will try to make a lip balm with it next.

I enjoy the tea (actually a decoction) with some honey added.

Other than these two examples, I haven't used pine much in my "apothecary". I plan to change that now that I live among beautiful pines, with several downed branches!

 

This brief overview merely highlights my observations.  There is, of course, a great deal of information that you can find on the Internet.  

 

Please add your own experiences so that together we can create a more comprehensive overview.  

 

As always, if you have a chronic ailment that is not resolving itself or an acute issue, seek the attention of your physician.

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