Pine oil is an effective natural weapon against infection and disease. Its penetrating, woody odour is associated with cleanliness. In Scandinavian countries, pine has been used for centuries in saunas and its needles burnt to clean and deodorise rooms. Blended with lavender and lemon in a room vaporiser, pine is invigorating, promoting feelings of strength and energy.
The great healer
Pine oil's antiseptic and deodorising qualities are highly valued: it's an antidote for viral infections, catarrh, pneumonia and sinusitis. It is cooling to feverish conditions, but warming when shivery. It combines well with other antiseptic oils, especially cypress, cedarwood and eucalyptus. Pine's germicidal action makes it a valuable first aid cleanser. In a rub or poultice, it stimulates circulation and relieves muscular aches and pains.
Active Ingredients of Pine Oil
Monoterpenes
These make up 60% of pine oil, consisting mostly of limonene and pinene with small amounts of camphene, phellandrene and myrcene. These give pine its antiseptic and antiviral properties.
Esters
Pine contains small quantities of esters - bornyl acetate and terpinyl acetate. These contribute to its fresh odour and antifungal activity.
Cineole
This oxide has potent expectorant and decongestant properties and gives the oil its noticeably medicinal, camphorous scent.
The Best Uses of Pine Oil
Pine oil, another essential for your aromatherapy medicine chest, is invaluable in most situations requiring cleansing, healing and disinfecting.
Cleansing Respiratory Relief
Pine tackles bugs that cause respiratory infections and relieves their symptoms.
Clear congestion with a steam inhalation. Add 3 drops each of pine and eucalyptus oil to a basin of boiling water.
When infectious colds and flu are doing the rounds of the office, fumigate your work space with a room spray containing 5 drops of pine oil and 4 drops each of tea tree and juniper oils in 50ml of water, used in a spray bottle.
Disinfectant
Use pine oil as a natural stench-buster to remove lingering odours.
Neutralise show odours
Add these oils to cotton wool balls and place one in the toe of each shoe:
3 drops pine oil
3 drops lemon oil
Freshen a room
Rid your living space of stale cigarette smoke by adding to warm water:
5 drops pine oil
5 drops mandarin oil
5 drops grapefruit oil
Use to dampen a cloth and wash down tables an other surfaces.
Soothe Aches and Pains
Combine pine with complementary oils to soothe your tired, sore muscles.
Winter aches and pains
Rest in a warming bath containing:
2 drops pine oil
3 drops sandalwood oil
3 drops marjoram oil
Invigorating muscular rub
For use before or after exercise, combine 4 drops each of pine and rosemary oils with 3 drops each of black pepper and grapefruit oils in 35ml of sweet almond oil.
Folklore of Pine
The pine tree, with its invigorating fragrant gum, is associated with fertility and protection from evil.
In some traditions, Osiris was seen as a tree spirit. Pine resin was burned in ceremonies in his worship.
During the Winter Solstice, pine gives protection from the spirits of the underworld. Branches are hung over doors to protect the household.
Pine cones were regarded by ancient Europeans as the tree's eyes, which could see into magical worlds.
The golden pollen of the pine tree is believed to attract gold. It can be used in many energy work to lure wealth.
Uplifting and Invigorating
Pine can promote feelings of energy and vitality.
Invigorating bath
Swirl into the bathwater:
3 drops pine oil
3 drops lemon oil
3 drops geranium oil
These oils will revitalise your mind and body.
Alert driving
Remain alert during long-distance driving by adding to a car vaporiser:
5 drops pine oil
5 drops rosemary oil
3 drops peppermint oil
Uplifting massage
For use on the forehead, neck, shoulders and back:
4 drops pine oil
3 drops juniper oil
2 drops lemon oil