SCOTS PINE - Pinus sylvestris

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Description

In Scottish mythology the pine is the king of the forest and the spirit of the ancient Caledonian woodlands which once covered most of the Highlands, remains a powerful force today

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The tree can grow to up to 40 metres and has a flat crown. The bark is deeply fissured and the branches are made up of needle like grey green leaves that grow in pairs, orange yellow flowers and pointed brown cones.

The oil is almost colourless and has a strong turpentine/balsamic aroma.

Extraction

The oil is extracted from the needles, buds and twigs, which together make up the branches of the tree. In North America the oil is sometimes simply called pine oil.

Chemical Composition

The main constituents are typically:

- sylvestrene
- alpha and beta pinene
- bornyl acetate
- cardinene
- phellandrine
- pinene
- limonene

The monoterpenes may make up 50-97% of the oil composition

Uses

Traditionally, the resin was used for boils and sores, the bark for fever and the buds for scurvy. Warriors graves were decorated with branches of the pine as a symbol of masculinity, life and immortality.

The oil has warming properties and used in cases of excessive perspiration and has been reported as being used in the following treatments:

- cuts and sores
- bronchitis and infections of the respiratory tract
- colds and flu
- kidney cleanser
- cystitis and urinary infections
- blood flow stimulation

The oil is also used as a bath oil to reduce fatigue and joint discomfort and this is reported to be a major use of the oil.

It can be used in household products as room fresheners, disinfectants, soaps, detergents, and vapouriser liquids.

Blending

The oil will blend with a number of other oils such as, cedar wood, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and sage.

Revised 20th January 2005.