Pine oil uses and benefits
Due to its
Aroma, pine essential oil is notable for its uplifting yet clearing scent. Because of this, pine essential oil can work as a room scent in a
Diffuser as well as in cleaning solutions.
The internet is full of anecdotes and articles that claim pine essential oil can offer more health benefits than just a nice scent. However, most of these claims lack clinical evidence.
Air fresheners and
Aromatherapy
Pine oil extracts are often used in air fresheners for homes, offices, and vehicles. Essential oils, on the other hand, may be used in
Aromatherapy to create an uplifting and invigorating atmosphere, not just a nice scent.
Inhaling oils like pine may also have clearing effects in the case of illnesses like the common cold.
Skin Antimicrobial
Some proponents claim that pine essential oil may be used topically (applied to the
Skin) as an
Antimicrobial, similar to tea tree oil. In theory, the oil could be used for minor
Skin Infections and
Burns.
However, research indicates that pine oil doesn't have much
Antimicrobial activity. Talk to a doctor before using pine oil for this purpose.
Reduced
Inflammation
Pine essential oil is also touted as having
Anti-inflammatory effects.
In theory, such effects could do two things:
Ease symptoms of inflammatory
Skin conditions, such as
Acne,
Eczema, and
Rosacea.
Alleviate
Pain from related health conditions, such as
Arthritis and
Muscle Pain.
However, more research is needed on this front.
Other essential oils have in fact been shown to have
Anti-inflammatory properties. These include:
turmeric
ginger
frankincense
peppermint
Side effects of pine oil
When used in
Aromatherapy, essential oils can have effects on those who inhale them.
However, some essential oils are toxic to pets or dangerous for
Pregnant women and children. It's also possible to have
Skin reactions to these oils, including pine essential oil.
Possible side effects include:
redness
hives
itchiness
Dry Skin
Swelling
peeling
Skin
If you are allergic to pine trees, don't use pine oil. While not considered common, some people are allergic to pine pollen. You might be allergic to pine essential oil if you develop allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing or
Skin Rashes.
How to use pine essential oil
Pine essential oil can be used in a number of different ways, including inhalation and topical variations. Talk to a doctor about the following methods.
Use a
Diffuser
Diffusing is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils.
You can make a quick, safe room scent by putting a few drops of pine essential oil into a
Diffuser filled with water. Once the device is turned on, the
Diffuser then releases cool steam.
If you don't have a
Diffuser on hand, you may still reap the
Aromatic benefits of pine essential oil through inhalation.
Simply pour a couple of drops on a tissue, and hold the tissue in front of your face while you inhale deeply through your
Nose.
You can also try holding the bottle of essential oil underneath your
Nose.
Apply it topically
Pine essential oil may be used topically, either through direct application or via a massage.
It's important to dilute pine essential oil with a carrier oil before applying directly to your
Skin. Add a tablespoon of almond, jojoba, or coconut oil to a few drops of pine essential oil.
You can also use this combination for a patch test 24 hours beforehand to make sure you're not
Sensitive to pine.
Add some to your bath
Essential oils can also be used in the bath. Add several drops of the essential oil to warm running water. Watch for slippery surfaces as you get in and out of the tub.
Precautions
Essential oils like pine are appealing because of their natural allure. However, these plant derivatives are powerful enough to mimic the effects of conventional medicine.
This is why it's always a good idea to talk to a doctor before using them, especially if you're
Pregnant or have any preexisting health condition.
The best way to reduce the risk of side effects is to take safety precautions before using pine essential oil:
Don't use essential oils near your
eyes.
Make sure to combine your essential oils with a carrier oil.
Never take essential oils by mouth.
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Benefits Of Pine Essential Oil
Aromatherapy for Dummies: Pine has disinfecting properties and is popular in cleaning blends. The oil is also used in European bath preparations for its invigorating scent and to help improve
Circulation.
The
Heart of
Aromatherapy: Pi�on pine (Pinus edulis) is useful to support the
Respiratory system, soothing
Allergies and
Sinus Congestion, clearing mucous and
Congestion, calming
Inflammation, and relieving
Sore throat,
Coughs,
Headaches. The oil also helps you feel inspired, uplifted, and motivated.
The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: Pine is a common
Adrenal Tonic. Although pine is generally not irritating, because of the number of different types of pine, each one needs to be tested for its irritating potential.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and
Aromatherapy: Use scotch pine for
Rheumatism,
Muscle Pain and injury,
Muscle fatigue, tired and heavy legs,
Gout,
Sinus Congestion,
Bronchitis, general debility and
fatigue, and mental and
Nervous exhaustion.
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use scotch pine in
Skin care for cuts,
Sores, lice, scabies, and excessive perspiration. The oil is also useful for relieving
Arthritis,
Gout,
Muscle aches and
Pains,
Rheumatism, poor
Circulation,
Colds, flu,
fatigue,
Nervous exhaustion, and
Stress-related conditions. Scotch pine supports the
Respiratory system and may help relieve
Asthma,
Bronchitis,
Catarrh,
Coughs,
Sinusitis, and
Sore throat.
Aromatherapy For Healing the Spirit: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, scotch pine essential oil is warm and dry and tonifies Qi-energy. The oil is one of the best to clear cold phlegm from the
Lungs and is useful for a variety of
Respiratory conditions. Pine is a
Tonic for the
Lungs,
Kidneys, and
Nerves and helps relieve
fatigue and
Nervous debility.
Subtle
Aromatherapy: Scotch pine is cleansing, invigorating, and promotes feelings of energy and well-being. Use the essential oil to clear your healing or
Meditation space.
The Essential Guide to
Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Scotch pine has a protective energy that's beneficial for highly intuitive people. The oil helps protect from negative psychic energy and unwanted influences. Mentally, this essential oil protects and strengthens the mind. Emotionally, the oil helps protect against absorbing the emotions of other people.
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Pine energizes,
Rejuvenates, refreshes, clears, and cleanses. The oil is especially useful for the third
Chakra to promote self-confidence, self-worth, and self-control.
Pine Oil Uses and Recipes
Add this
Energizing blend to an
Aromatherapy
Diffuser:
7 drops pine
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops rosemary essential oil
Cleaning
Cleaning Spray
Just under 1/2 cup distilled water
Dash of white vinegar
11 drops pine
5 drops orange essential oil
Add ingredients to a glass spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Use the spray on non-delicate surfaces in your kitchen, bathroom, and other areas.
Cleaner for Hard Surfaces
This
Cleaner is safe to use on tile, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and wood.
1/2 teaspoon castile soap
1.5 quarts water
1/4 cup borax
1/2 cups white vinegar
10 drops pine
If this
Cleaner leaves a residue on floors, rinse with 1/2 white vinegar added to 4.5 quarts of warm water.
Adapted from An
Aromatic Life
Personal Blends
Rejuvenating
Foot bath
4 drops pine
4 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops geranium essential oil
1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil (other carrier oils are also OK)
Blend all ingredients. Fill a foot tub with warm/hot water and add blend. Soak feet for at least 15 minutes.
Source: Rocky Mountain Oils
Massage Oil
For
Muscle aches and
Pains, blend the following massage oil:
5 drops pine
5 drops palmarosa essential oil
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
Source:
AromaSense