There may be a good reason why many common household cleaners claim to “smell like pine.” This connection to pine oil and good health is as old as the hills, and its related to the germ-fighting, disinfectant properties of the oil.
In fact, it was greatly revered by the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, who noted its strong healing effect on the human respiratory system. Similarly, the Native Americans used pine needles in bedding to prevent bedbugs and lice.
Pine oil, obtained by extracting essential oils from the needles of pine trees, is a strong therapeutic aid. Similar to tea tree and eucalyptus oil, extracts of pine are powerful agents against harmful organisms of all types, making it a great oil to have in your medicine chest and cleaning cupboard.
Its powerful capacities are related to its high levels of phenols, acidic plant chemicals that fight off germs and ward off disease. It also has a healing effect on the endocrine system, and aids the body in cleansing impurities from the skin. Pine hydrosol is an immune-stimulant and body tonic, enhancing overall mental and physical balance.
8 Health Benefits of Pine Oil
1. Resistant to Redness and Swelling
Because of its potent properties, pine oil resists redness and swelling for people with joint pain and discomfort. Used topically, it may also help relieve general muscular aches and pains. Add to a hot bath, or to a base massage oil, such as almond or coconut.
2. Expectorant
Essential pine oil may also help relieve congestion and acts as an expectorant, aiding the body to break up mucus and remove it from the lungs. It also helps reduce the incidence of sinus infections.
3. Skin Care
4. Acts as an Anti-Viral Agent
Pine nut oil may also aid in protecting us against the common cold and flu. Following a balanced diet, and plenty of foods high in vitamin c is also a great way to prevent colds.
5. Potent Anti-oxidant Capacity
Through neutralizing free-radicals, pine oil helps us slow the process of cellular deterioration, thus slowing the process of aging. Anti-oxidants aid in protecting us from, eye-diseases, muscle degeneration, as well as many nervous-system disorders.
6. Toxic to Harmful Organisms
With regular use, pine oil may help protect us against many types of harmful organisms
7. Aromatherapy
Stimulates the body and mind, and has an energizing effect on the overall person. As an aromatherapy agent, it has been used to support adrenal fatigue and mild depression.
8. Disinfectant
It is a great cleaning agent, and can be added to sprays and room-fresheners for a cleansing and brightening effect. Pine oil disinfectants have been shown to be effective in killing off many household germs, including mildew, yeast spores and E. coli.
Research on Pine Oil
Cautions & Side Effects of Pine Oil
Essential pine oil should be used with care, as it is very powerful. If left undiluted, it may irritate skin and mucous membranes. Internal consumption may be hazardous to human health.
Usage for Essential Pine Oil
Add 4-6 drops of undiluted pine essential oil to warm bath water or dilute at 50/50 ratio with organic coconut oil or olive oil and apply to chest for respiratory distress. You can also put in aromatherapy diffuser.
Usage Of Pine Hydrosol
Add 1 teaspoon of pine hydrosol to 32 ounces of distilled water and shake well. Drink 8-16 ounces throughout the day for up to a week.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 
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