Pine trees come in over a hundred varieties. They're an old genus of evergreen trees that thrive in so many sections of the northern latitudes and certain areas of the southern.
Maritime pines have thicker skin that comes in various chocolate, tangerine, and red colors.
Many societies have employed pine tree bark, needles, resin, and nuts as medicines in the ages. Pine bark extract has become incredibly common as a herbal supplement ever since. This article explains the medicinal uses of pines.
Pine Needles
"Pine tops" are the fresh needles and buds collected from the tree. They can be gathered at any time and are at their best when used fresh.
The tea is made by boiling them in water and have traditionally been used when dealing with fevers, coughs, and colds. The needles are also astringent, which means they "dry, draw, or shrink tissue." (Mountain Rose Herbs) Pine-top tea is among the most significant cultural remedies of agricultural southeastern America, particularly given the number of pine trees in the area.
Tommie Bass, a well-known Alabama herbalist, used the needles in a heat inhalation to break up stubborn thick mucus. Pine's stimulating expectorant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve sinus and lung congestion.
Vitamin C is also present in the fresher shoots. Tea made from peppermint (Mentha x Piperita, Lamiaceae), catnip (Nepeta cataria, Lamiaceae), and pine boughs can be drunk during the day to relieve nasal congestion. This combo is a family-friendly treatment.
Pine Cones
It is possible to gather ripe and underdeveloped cones. Cones develop at various periods throughout the year, but primarily in the mid-to late-summer and early fall. The seeds (or pine nuts) in all pine cones are nutritious. Tiny pine nuts are common in northern pine species, but humanity rarely uses them
Store-bought pine nuts may be from Asian, European, or Southern North American pine species with bigger seeds, such as Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) or Pinon Pine (Pinus pinaster) (P. edulis, P. monophylla). Pine boughs are heavy in resin and can make teas or tinctures with other pine products. The pine nuts are edible, but the seeds in Northern species are too little to be worth the effort.
Pine Resins
Native Americans used pine sap as a medicine. The pine gum resin is either eaten or mixed with water to make a drink. It is well known for its effectiveness in treating stomach ulceration and rheumatic diseases. The local population is familiar with the medicinal uses of pine tree fluid, but modern medical specialists have yet to confirm the medicinal benefits of pine resin.
Pine resin has a variety of survival and economic applications and medical benefits. If you don't own a first-aid kit, you can treat injuries with pine resin. Apply pine resin directly to the cut to stop blood flow almost immediately. Because of its sticky character, the resin will also prevent germs from growing and spreading by depriving them of the moisture they require to exist. Leave the glue in place until it cures before peeling it away.
Pine Pollen
For millennia, pine pollen has always been valued. Pine pollen consumption, according to traditional Chinese medicine, enhances happiness. It's thought to help with overall health, fertility, and lifespan. Pine pollen has traditionally been used to treat:
● Fatigue
● Infections
● diabetes
● Hypertension
● Asthma
● Prostate disorders
Pine pollen is used as a food as well as a treatment. According to Mountain Life Health (2021, May 30), Raw pine pollen is indigestible to humans. You can also prepare food with powder. Phytoestrogens such as androsterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are found in pine pollen and adaptogenic chemicals gibberellins brassinosteroids. These things work together to boost testosterone levels and keep the estrogen-to-testosterone ratio in check.
The Pine Bark
Extensive research has shown that pine bark extracts improve joint flexibility and range of motion and soothe the pain. Inflammatory indicators are also reduced. A pine bark pill may be beneficial if you have arthritic joints.
Is pine bark extract beneficial to the skin? Yes, Pine bark has a variety of skin treatments. The extract binds to hydroxyproline, a crucial amino acid in collagen and elastin formation. It also improves fluid retention in the dermis by increasing hyaluronic acid production. Pine bark can help protect the collagen matrix during the process of healing. It's thought that taking the pill will help you recuperate faster by reducing damaged tissue.
With minor differences in energy properties or activities, most pine and other conifer species can be employed effectively. Other therapeutic conifers include hemlock (Tsuga spp. ), fir (Abies spp. ), and spruce (Picea spp). (Picea spp.). All are regarded as acceptable to use, and, like pine, all components, including the resin, can be utilized medicinally.
While most conifers are not toxic to humans, there are a few dangerous evergreens to shun. The most usually found toxic conifer is the yew (Taxus spp.). It bears vivid red berries and a central stem with short, broad needles. In general, indoor conifers should not be used as medicine.
References:
https://www.mountainlifehealth.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-benefits-of-pine-pollen
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/understanding-herbal-actions
