An essential element of Christmas. Its scent and color make the holiday atmosphere so unique. It pleases the eyes of the big ones and the hearts of the little ones, because it is under it that gifts await. The evergreen Christmas tree is a symbol of life and rebirth in winter. And regardless of whether it is a Norway spruce, silver spruce, Caucasian fir, Korean fir or Scots pine, these are also medicinal plants that can be used as a natural remedy for many ailments. The best-studied species is pine. There are over a hundred species of pine trees, and most of them have documented medicinal uses. Cultures around the world have used needles, bark and resin to treat similar ailments. When taken internally, it is a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, allergies and urinary tract and sinus infections. When applied externally, pine helps treat skin infections and relieves inflammation of the joints in degenerative diseases. So let's take a look at how we can fully use its potential.
🌲 RESIN
Sticky and fragrant, it has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It can be used to make an ointment for sore joints and muscles, shallow abrasions and wounds, or on the chest as an aromatherapeutic agent. It is also used to pull out splinters or other foreign bodies.
Pine resin healing ointment
Ingredients:
🟢 ¼ cup pine resin
🟢 ½ olive oil
🟢 25-30 g grated beeswax
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a bain-marie. When the oil starts to boil, add the pine resin and continue heating until the resin has dissolved. Stir occasionally. Optional: Strain the mixture through cheesecloth. Return to the bain-marie over low heat and slowly add the beeswax, stirring until dissolved. Pour the mixture into jars or tins and store in a cool place.
🌲 BARK
Pine bark extract is full of powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C. It has been shown to have antibacterial properties, prevent infections, reduce inflammation, lower glucose levels, and improve circulation. However, it is most often used externally as a poultice or added to a bath to relieve muscle and joint pain.
🌲 NEEDLES
The needles are rich in vitamin C (they have more than an orange), as well as vitamins A, E and a number of B vitamins. They have strong antimutagenic, antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, which can prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Pine needle tea
Ingredients:
🟢 a handful of fresh pine needles
🟢 3 cups of spring water
🟢 1 lemon slice (optional)
Preparation:
Boil water. Remove stems and brown sheaths at the base of needles. Cut needles into 10 cm pieces to facilitate the release of essence. Place 1 tablespoon chopped needles in a cup and pour boiling water over, leaving for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze lemon into tea for flavor or use as a garnish. Can be served with honey.
It goes well with cinnamon bark and cardamom. Combined with peppermint and catnip, it's a drink you can sip on throughout the day to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Christmas Pine Needle Tea
Ingredients:
🟢 a handful of fresh pine needles, coarsely chopped
🟢 1 tablespoon dried elderberries
🟢 1 tablespoon dried rosehips
🟢 two thin slices of orange or tangerine
🟢 1 cinnamon stick
🟢 3 cloves
🟢 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
🟢 1 star anise
🟢 3 cups of water
🟢 honey or other favorite sweetener to taste
Preparation:
Place all herbs, spices and water in a small pot. Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover pot and keep on low boil for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey or other sweetener of your choice. Enjoy the taste and smell of warm tea!
🌲 CONES
Young, green cones and seeds of some mature cones are edible. They can increase energy, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve eyesight or have anti-aging effects. Young fruits have a slightly sour taste and an intense resinous aroma. The tastiest are still soft. They can be added to salads, soups and even used to make homemade liqueurs. Seeds can be eaten raw, added to baked goods or roasted like nuts.
🌲 OIL
Refreshing and cleansing, Pine essential oil can relieve headaches, increase energy and mood, treat acne and other skin conditions, act as a decongestant, and freshen rooms. It can be used in a bath, diffused, or directly on the skin in combination with a carrier oil.
With this knowledge, won't we look at the Christmas tree differently now? 😊 It's not just a beautiful decoration, but a treasure of nature with healing potential. Let's use it not only during the holidays. Weekend forest bathing, a walk in the park among trees, observing them, smelling and touching them, especially the conifers, is a great natural therapy that harmonizes the soul and body. During your walks, collect needles, pine cones or bark, which you can then use for home therapies. Learn to recognize trees and choose those growing in clean areas. If you are not sure about their quality, you can buy ingredients at a herbal store.
Have a natural, healthy Christmas!
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Article prepared based on:
https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/pine-properties.html
Use of a pine bark extract and antioxidant vitamin combination product as therapy for migraine in patients refractory to pharmacologic medication
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16643582
Tannin extract from maritime pine bark exhibits anticancer properties by targeting the epigenetic UHRF1/DNMT1 tandem leading to the re-expression of TP73†https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/fo/d1fo01484f
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Author: Joanna Niewolik
