Pine Needle Oil

Pine needle essential oil is a favorite of aromatherapy practitioners and others who use essential oils to enhance health and wellness in life. Here is all you need to know about pine needle oil.

Introduction of pine needle oil

Pine needle oil, also known as “Scots Pine” or by the botanical name Pinus Sylvestris, is perhaps most distinguished by its strong, refreshing scent reminiscent of a Christmas tree.Pine needle essential oil also typically has an earthy, outdoorsy fragrance that is reminiscent of a thick forest.

Benefits of pine needle oil

It has anti inflammatory properties

Due to the presence of a significant amount of antioxidants, pine needle oil is beneficial in fighting free radical damage and chronic inflammatory responses. This helps relieve conditions like arthritis.

Helps treat acne and other skin conditions

Naturally derived essential oils serve as great treatments for acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, warts, insect bites, etcetera. Pine needle oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties and as such is able to fight against these skin conditions.

Pine needle oil is a natural decongestant

Pine needle oil is helpful when one is sick with a cold. It helps loosen phlegm in the lungs, offers relief when one suffers from a sore throat. Massage a mixture of pine needle oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, onto your back, throat and chest for relief.

It offers relief from headaches

Because it possesses the ability to reduce toxins in the air when diffused, pine needle oil offers relief from headaches. Headaches are often caused due to the environmental pollutants. It also aids in keeping us stress-free which is also significant in preventing headaches.

Uplifts mood

It can help relieve emotional, mental and physical fatigue which helps improve one mood. It sharpens your memory, focus and alertness. Pine needle oil is additionally is helpful in preventing stress. Check out some of the tips to overcome stress in life.

It Is helpful in treating injuries

Because it is antiseptic and anti-fungal, pine needle oil is regularly used to treat boils, cuts and sports-related injuries. It can even treat athlete’s foot.

Acts as a natural deodorizer for home

Pine needle oil not only eliminates bacteria and fungi that can lead to contamination it is also useful in cleaning the air and reduce the chances of colds, headaches, the flu, skin reactions, etcetera. Diffuse pine needle oil and spray it all over your house for a natural, woody smelling environment. It is a great oil for freshening one’s home. This can even lead to an increase in productivity.

Uses of pine needle oil

As a massage oil

To treat bodily aches and pains, use pine needle oil as a massage oil. To do so, just put some carrier oil such as jojoba oil or magnesium oil into a glass bowl. Add several drops of pine needle essential oil. Stir with a wooden spoon to blend thoroughly. Put some of the massage oil onto the palms of your hands. Rub your hands briskly together to warm the oil before touching the skin. Massage into the skin, using firm but gentle movements. Relief should begin almost instantly.

In a reed diffuser

Pine needle oil works great in a reed diffuser. Simply add a few drops of pine oil into the carrier oil at the base of the reeds. Add or remove reeds to adjust the level of scent or add more pine needle oil for a stronger effect. Reed diffusers work well for conditions such as stress.

In the bath

If you’re feeling stressed and tense, a warm bath with magnesium oil and a few drops of pine needle oil will work wonders. When you are finished, you’ll feel much better. Pine needle oil in a warm bath is also great for relieving general body aches and pains, revving up a slow metabolism, and relieving the symptoms of UTI and bloating.

In the sauna

If you have access to a steam sauna, try placing a few drops of pine needle oil on the hot rocks. The steam will infuse the air with pine needle aroma, helping to clear congestion and clogged sinuses, as well to invigorate and speed up slower metabolisms.

In a mist diffuser

For severe congestion and other respiratory ailments, using pine needle essential oil in an electric mist diffuser is the fastest remedy. The diffuser sends molecules of oil-infused steam into the air, where you can inhale it and absorb it. Your sinuses will clear very quickly, but keep the diffuser on for a little extra time for long-term relief from clogged sinuses and inflamed passageways.

As a poultice

For localized injuries that are inflamed, make a poultice with pine needle essential oil. To make, just wet a clean cloth with warm water. Add a few drops of pine needle oil, and rub it into the cloth. Apply the cloth to the injury, and either let it rest peacefully or wrap it around the injury until swelling has gone down and pain is gone.

Side effects and precautions of pine needle oil

Pine needle oil, as any other essential oil, cannot be used in its undiluted form. The first rule of how to use pine needle oil is to never use it undiluted. Apply pine needle oil to your skin only after diluting it with another carrier oil, and perform a skin patch test before investing in its long-term usage. Ideally, you should perform this patch test on a surface which is not too sensitive such as your elbow or forearm.

Keep it away from your nose or eyes as it can easily irritate mucous membranes.

Old pine needle oil or pine oil left unused for long durations, as well as dwarf pine oil, is often a cause of dermatitis. Avoid using old and expired bottles of pine needle oil and buy pine  needle oil only from trusted sellers and manufacturers.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using pine needle oil and should ideally consult their doctors before its usage in any form or way.

An inappropriate dosage of pine needle oil can lead to various problems ranging from skin rashes to eye irritation to gastrointestinal issues. Thus it is advisable to use pine needle oil with the correct dosage as prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner or a reputed source.