Scots or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris): medicinal uses and how to take it

Characteristics and uses of pine

He Scots or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is the kind of most common conifer in Europewith a distribution that extends from the Iberian mountain ranges to the extreme northeast of China and Siberia.

In our country it extends above all through the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, Iberian and Central system, and Sierra Nevada. forms dense forestsoften in the company of beeches and oaksand has been the subject of extensive reforestation. It usually grows between 500 and 1,800 meters above sea level.

It is a large tree, with the branches formed by overlapping floors and a very characteristic reddish trunk. Has needle-like, bluish-green leavesand small pineapples and ovoids.

In times past, those known as trementinaires they took advantage the turpentine or resin of this pine and other related products to offer by-products such as white spirits and healing remedies, a tradition that today is maintained in a testimonial way. His wood, highly appreciatedit continues to be used to manufacture furniture.

medicinal properties of pine

The Scots pine, of which both the buds and the leaves and young branches are used, has great medicinal virtues. His wealth in essence endows him with a great antiseptic and expectorant power. Is considered antiviral, febrifuge and immunostimulant.The remedies with Scots pine are basically intended to alleviate respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, flu and asthmatic processes.Along with others diuretic plants, such as horsetail and bearberry, it is taken in case of edema, fluid retention and urinary infections.In internal use – or externalin scrubs or partial baths–, it is indicated to alleviate therheumatic pain in osteoarthritis and gout. It is used equally to treat oral ailments, such as swollen or weak gums.

How pine is used

we can find it in buds for infusion or inhalation, infusion of dried leaves and bark decoctiontincture, liquid extractdistilled water, capsules and the essential oil.

pine tea for congestion

this infusion clears the airways, which can relieve allergic rhinitis with frequent sneezing and lung congestion in bronchitis and asthma. This infusion, useful also for heavy smokers because it helps eliminate phlegm, it is taken throughout the day.

How to prepare it: They mix pine shoots or buds with white horehound, lungwort and marshmallow, in equal parts. Two tablespoons of the mixture are boiled per pint of water for 3 minutes, left to rest for another 8 minutes, covered, and strained.

Pine mist for colds

The Scots pine buds –combined if you like with thyme or myrtle– They can be applied in the form of vapors, to clear the throat and decongest the lungs. It is enough to inhale over the decoction, covering your head with a towel.

Rinse for weak gums

To strengthen the gums and prevent them from bleeding Scots pine is combined with oak bark, mastic leaves and thymeat a rate of two tablespoons of the mixture per half liter of water.

How to prepare it: The mixture is boiled for 3 minutes, allowed to settle and rinsed out after meals.

Pine Precautions and Contraindications

Should be avoid high doses and prolonged inhalationsas they could cause nervous states. essential oil should not be taken internally.The infusion of the leaves and the bark May cause gastric irritation.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”