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Welcome to the 10th installment of our Herbal Spotlight Series! This month, in honor of the season, we'll discuss pine. Yes, the very same tree you likely have decorated in your living room is also a wealth of medicinal goodness!
What is Pine?
A pine is any conifer tree or shrub in the genus Pinus of the family Pinaceae, and Pinus is the sole genus in the subfamily Pinoideae. There are approximately 187 species in the Pine family, making it the largest family among the conifers. While White Pine tends to get all the glory in the herbal world, nearly all pine species have been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages. Other medicinal Pine species include Scotch Pine, Ponderosa Pine, and Lodgepole Pine.
Harvesting and Storing Pine
You can harvest pine needles at any time of the year so long as they look fresh and healthy, but the fresh, bright green springtime tips have a more pleasant flavor. To harvest the needles, simply cut the tips of the branches using sharp garden shears. Since we live in a Pine Forest, we take daily walks and simply harvest the needle clusters that have fallen from the tree.
Another useful medicinal product that comes from Pine trees is the “Resin” or Sap. Harvesting the resin is best done in the fall or winter when temperatures are low, at or near freezing is best. Warm resin will quickly become a sticky mess that is nearly impossible to wash off. To harvest the resin, look for golden pitch that is dried but not super brittle or black. Using a small knife, cut the pitch directly into a small jar. Remember that Pine trees create this resin to protect themselves from pathogens and insects and promote healing after injury, so never, ever remove all of the pitch from a tree.
Pine Needles
To store pine needles, you must first dry them. Once cleaned, you can tie the harvested needles in bundles and hang them to dry or place them flat on screens. Discard any leaves that turn black during the drying process. Once thoroughly dried, you can store Pine Needles in an airtight container for 9-12 months or until they begin to lose their color and scent.
Pine Resin
For pine resin, store it in an airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dry place. There is nothing messier than warm, sticky resin! Another option is to heat your resin in a 50/50 mix with your desired carrier oil until all the resin has melted into a liquid and combined with the oil. Once combined, strain out the solids and store the pitch-infused oil in jars for up to a few years. The oil will have a distinct “piney” and resinous odor; the smell will fade when it’s past its prime.
History and Folklore of Pine
The presence of pine in history and folklore dates back to the dawn of time with some of our modern trees being nearly as old. In fact, one of the world’s oldest living organisms is a Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) named Methuselah, which is 4,600 years old. They are one of the oldest species on the planet, dating back over 150 million years.
In folklore and history, the pine tree is often associated with longevity, fertility, and peace. For the Greek goddess Pitthea, the pine was a symbol of royalty. To Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, pine was a fertility symbol, and worshippers of Dionysus carried phallic, pine-cone-tipped wands.
Among Native American cultures, pine is considered a sacred tree. Nearly all tribes used pine needles, sap, bark, and nuts for medicinal purposes, traditional handicrafts, and as a food source. To the Iroquois people, the white pine is considered the "Tree of Peace," and it was historically used as a central point for peace treaties. The tribe believes that the evergreen needles represent enduring peace throughout the seasons.
Last but not least, no conversation about the history of the pine tree would be complete without mention of its use as the beloved “Christmas Tree.” Evergreen trees and boughs have been used to celebrate winter festivals (pre-Christian/pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pre-Christian/Pagans used branches of evergreen trees to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, their evergreen nature inspiring thoughts of the spring to come. It is believed that what we think of as the modern “Christmas Tree” likely originated from ancient Northern European cultures where pine trees were decorated to celebrate the winter solstice.
Constituents of Pine
Pine contains Monoterpenes, Pinosylvin, Volatile Oils, and Vitamin C.
Herbal Actions of Pine
As a medicinal ingredient, Pine is Antibacterial, Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, and Vulnerary.
Herbal Energies of Pine
Pine is Warming and Drying.
Precautions, Contraindications, and Interactions of Pine
Avoid the use of pine needles during pregnancy and nursing. Long-term internal use of pine needles can cause kidney irritation, especially when used in strong doses or with sensitive individuals.
Typical Usage of Pine
In modern herbal medicine, Pine Needles are used for a variety of conditions, such as upper and lower respiratory tract swelling (inflammation), stuffy nose, hoarseness, common cold, cough or bronchitis, fevers, blood pressure issues, and topical pain relief. Depending on the condition being treated, it can be used in various forms, such as tinctures, teas, or salves.
Today, Pine Resin is typically used topically as a first-aid ointment, but in the past, it was used to create Tar Water, a preparation made by soaking the resin in water. Doctors often recommended this treatment for illnesses such as smallpox, ulcers, and syphilis.
Final Thoughts
Just as no holiday home could be complete without a Yule or Christmas tree, no winter apothecary could be complete without pine to aid in managing the cold and flu season.
If you already use pine in your apothecary and herbal preparations, what is your favorite way to use it? Tell us in the comments below, and we would love to see your recipes as well! Until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is meant to be informational in nature. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research, speak to a professional regarding significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.