Pine

• Therapeutic Properties: Expectorant; Antiseptic; Antimicrobial; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Anti-inflammatory; Analgesic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Decongestant; Diuretic; Reviving; Restorative; Stimulating; Tonic; Cleansing; Deodorizing Laboratory and experimental studies have reported antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and other biological activities from Pine Needle oils. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited, and these findings do not establish Pine Needle oil as a treatment for disease.
• Psychological: Invigorating; Refreshing; Reviving; Grounding; Cleansing; Traditionally used for mental fatigue; May help create a feeling of renewed energy; Traditionally associated with nervous exhaustion; Creates a fresh forest-like atmosphere; May be useful when concentration and alertness are desired. Pine Needle's fresh evergreen fragrance is particularly useful when an aromatic blend needs to feel clean, bright and energizing.
• Respiratory System: Traditionally used as an expectorant; Traditionally used for coughs and colds; Used in inhalation preparations for catarrhal respiratory conditions; Traditionally used for sinus and upper-respiratory congestion; May help create a feeling of easier breathing; Its fresh aroma can help freshen the air; Traditionally used in steam baths. Pine Needle is one of the traditional essential oils associated with respiratory aromatherapy. A Hungarian/Serbian regional phytotherapy reference specifically describes Pine Needle essential oil as being used by inhalation for catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract. Pine Needle oil should not be relied upon to treat asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza or other serious respiratory diseases.
• Circulatory System: Traditionally used in massage blends; May help create a warming sensation; Can be included in massage preparations for tired or stiff muscles. Pine Needle is traditionally regarded as stimulating and warming. Often combined with Rosemary, Cypress or Juniper Berry in circulatory-supportive aromatherapy blends These are traditional aromatherapy uses and should not be interpreted as treatment for vascular disease.
• Muscles & Joints: May help soothe tired muscles; Traditionally used in massage; Traditionally used for rheumatic discomfort; Traditionally used for neuralgic discomfort; May provide a warming and refreshing sensation during massage; Can be combined with Rosemary, Cypress, Lavender or Frankincense. Pine Needle has traditionally been used externally for muscular and rheumatic complaints. A regional phytotherapy source specifically describes external use of Scots Pine essential oil in ointments and creams for rheumatic and neuralgic complaints.
• Urinary System: Traditionally regarded as a diuretic; Traditionally associated with urinary cleansing; May be included in body-care blends intended to support normal elimination. Some aromatherapy references describe Pine Needle as supportive of the urinary system and as having traditionally diuretic properties. There is not sufficient clinical evidence to recommend Pine Needle essential oil as a treatment for urinary infections or kidney disease.
• Skin Care: May be included in cleansing preparations; Traditionally used for minor skin concerns; Can be incorporated into soaps; Useful in deodorizing preparations; May be included in massage oils; Traditionally associated with antimicrobial activity. Pine Needle has traditionally been valued for cleansing and antiseptic properties. Pine Needle can irritate sensitive skin, so proper dilution is important.
• Household & Air Freshening: Room sprays; Diffusers; Natural cleaning preparations; Soap making; Incense; Outdoor aromatic blends; Household deodorizing; Steam-bath preparations. Pine Needle is especially useful for creating a fresh, clean atmosphere. Its strong evergreen aroma can make a room smell like a fresh pine forest.

Aromatherapy: Pine Needle is particularly useful for diffusion and inhalation. Add several drops to a diffuser according to the diffuser manufacturer's instructions. Use with Eucalyptus, Cypress or Rosemary for a fresh respiratory-style blend. Combine with Lavender or Frankincense for a softer woodland blend. Combine with Lemon or Orange for a bright, fresh blend. Use in meditation or during periods of mental fatigue when a refreshing aroma is desired.

Topical: Pine Needle should be properly diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Use in massage blends. Apply appropriately diluted oil to areas of muscular tension. Include in foot-care preparations. Use in properly formulated soaps and body-care products. A patch test is recommended before extensive use. One Hungarian-origin Pine Scotch supplier specifically advises external use only, dilution before use and a skin test because irritation can occur.

Ingestion: Do not ingest Pine Needle essential oil as a home remedy. There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish a safe or effective internal dose of Pine Needle essential oil. A clinical review reports that no clinical studies were identified that establish dosing recommendations for Pine Needle oil. Concentrated essential oils can be harmful when swallowed.

Safety: For external use, dilute before applying to the skin. Perform a patch test before widespread topical use. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply to damaged or irritated skin. Do not ingest concentrated Pine Needle oil. Keep concentrated oil away from children. Use caution around individuals with sensitive skin or known fragrance sensitivities. Avoid excessive inhalation of concentrated vapors. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Some commercial Hungarian Pine Scotch safety information recommends avoiding use during pregnancy and around babies and young children. Because essential-oil composition varies between batches and suppliers, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the particular Hungarian oil should be checked when making products for sale.

Aromatherapy: Hungarian Pine Needle essential oil is an excellent choice when a blend needs the fresh, clean, invigorating fragrance of a pine forest. It is particularly suited for: Respiratory aromatherapy Steam inhalation Mental fatigue Nervous exhaustion Massage Muscle and joint blends Freshening the air Cleansing blends Outdoor and woodland fragrances Soap making Natural household products Pine Needle blends especially well with Cypress, Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Citronella, Tea Tree and citrus oils.

Important Identification: For the Hungarian oil described here, the correct botanical identity is: Pinus sylvestris L. — Scots Pine The Hungarian-origin suppliers I found specifically identify the oil as coming from needles and twigs, with steam distillation as the extraction method.