Pine Essential Oil

The Scots pine is the only pine indigenous to the United Kingdom, and is also the most common one found growing throughout Europe. Pine essential oil is steam-distilled from the needles, twigs, and cones.

The numerous health benefits of pine essential oil have made it one of the most important essential oils used in aromatherapy. The most important health benefit of pine essential oil is in treating various skin problems. Dermatologists often prescribe the oil in treating psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies, sores, and fleas. It gives you a balanced, smooth, renewed and shiny skin.

Pine's refreshing, clean perfume makes it one of the most "commercial" of the oils, and its aroma is in demand for products ranging from perfumes to household disinfectants, detergents, and insecticides. It is widely used as massage oil and bath oil, in soap making, and is also used in removing lice from hair.

Pine offers a warming and soothing treatment for tired, sore muscles when used in baths and massage oils. Sufferers from arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, gout, fatigue, and nervous exhaustion will all benefit from a mentally and physically restorative pine bath.

Pine is a strong pulmonary antiseptic, and has a particularly powerful effect on the respiratory system where, when used in baths, massage oil, or inhalations and air sprays, it kills bacteria, helps to loosen and remove mucus, increases perspiration, and acts as a restorative. It can be used to great advantage in the treatment of bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat, colds, and influenza.

Pine fomentations or sitz baths will ease the symptoms of cystitis, urethritis, and other urinary infections.

Pine oil blends well with cedar wood, clary sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree.

Caution: Note that the oil from dwarf Swiss mountain pine (P. mugo var. pumilo) is hazardous and must never be used.