Stone pine oil has been valued for its effects for centuries. Here you can find out more about the diverse effects and the precise application of stone pine oil.
Pine oil from the branches and cones of the Swiss pine
The Swiss pine is a stubborn pine tree that defies the harsh weather conditions in its natural home. It occurs mainly in the Carpathian Mountains and the Alps. There it grows slowly but up to 25 meters high and can reach an age of 1,000 years, even at altitudes of over 2,000 meters.
Stone pine oil, also known as stone pine oil, is traditionally obtained by steam distillation. This is a very gentle process in which the valuable ingredients are retained. In the manufacture of the whole branches processed, including the Cones and Needles. The oil smells spicy, balsamic and beneficial, has one clear to yellowish color and a thin consistency. About 1,000 kilograms of raw material make up one liter of stone pine oil.
Effect and ingredients of stone pine oil
Stone pine oil is used in a variety of ways, including as a natural remedy, in aromatherapy and as moth and insect protection. It is said to have a positive effect on sleep and breathing, as well as physical and mental well-being. That will be different Active ingredients returned, including:
- Pinosylvin: The enzyme is said to have an antibacterial, mood-enhancing and relaxing effect.
- Pinene: The substance is irritating to the skin, but can help with muscle tension and is supposed to stimulate the body to produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances.
- Cineol: In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, the substance is said to have a positive effect on the immune system.
- Limes: The compound creates a turpentine-like smell that is also said to act as an insecticide.
- Bornyl acetate: Together with myrcene, the fragrance is responsible for the needle fragrance.
Since the Swiss stone pine is native to the Alpine region, there are hardly any international studies on the Swiss stone pine’s effects. Various providers of Swiss stone pine products repeatedly advertise with supposedly scientific evidence of the miracle effect of Swiss stone pine. It is mostly on the Investigations by the Joanneum Research Institute referenced for non-invasive diagnostics. In 2002 researchers at the institute worked with the Effect of the Swiss stone pine on sleep dealt with and came to positive results. Unfortunately, the study has never been reviewed because it has never been published in a scientific journal. It was also financed by forest associations and furniture companies.
The same institute also has the Effect of the Swiss stone pine as an insecticide examined. The result was that the pine’s ingredients would hinder the development of moths. Another small investigation from Salzburg was able to demonstrate the antibacterial effect of stone pine oil.
The scientific evidence on the effect of the stone pine is therefore rather thin. But manufacturers can also advertise with supposed effects of furniture without proof, so Gerald Gartlehner, Head of the Department for Evidence-Based Medicine at Danube University Krems. Due to the supposedly health-promoting effect of stone pine, the demand and thus the price of the wood has increased significantly.
Application of stone pine oil
Stone pine oil offers a wide range of applications:
- as a room scent
- to inhale
- as an additive in bath water
- Rub in and massage
- as an insecticide
However, experts do not recommend internal use.
Pine oil in aromatherapy
In addition to the beneficial fragrance, stone pine oil also has a positive effect on the air in the room. This was also proven by an investigation by the Vienna University of Technology. However, it has a special one Pine fan examined. The fragrance is also said to have a mood-lifting and relaxing effect and is therefore used in aromatherapy for anxiety or depression. Here’s how you can benefit from the scent of stone pine oil:
- Fragrance lamp, fragrance stone, stone pine ball: Via a fragrance lamp (e.g. from ** Avocadostore) the aroma of stone pine oil is distributed throughout the room. Stone pine balls (available from ** Avocadostore) look decorative and exude a light fragrance. You can intensify this by dripping a few drops of pure pine oil on the ball. Pine aroma is said to have a positive effect throughout the house: in the bedroom it should promote sleep, while in the study it should provide more concentration and clarity. In the living room, it should not only lighten the mood, but also promote sociability. It helps neutralize odors in the kitchen. The various effects can be increased by combining them with other flavors. The woody smell harmonises particularly well with citrus scents and is also intended to complement the effect well.
- Inhalation: You can also inhale with stone pine oil to clear your head and relax. Put a few drops in a bowl of warm water and breathe in the rising vapors under a towel. In addition to the positive effect on the mind, inhalation with stone pine oil can also help Colds and inflammation of the sinuses help. This is due to the antibacterial and supposedly also expectorant properties. The vapors are also said to cleanse the skin and a headache alleviate.
- Bath: The most pleasant way to benefit from the effects of stone pine oil is during a bath. Add 3 to 5 drops of the oil along with something sea-salt in the bath water. A pine bath is said to have a mood-enhancing, calming, immune-boosting and clarifying effect on the skin.
Massage and oral care with stone pine oil
The irritants in stone pine oil are said to help with muscle tension and rheumatism by reducing the Promote blood circulation and relieve pain. There are no studies on this, however stone pine oil is used primarily in the Alpine region for sports massages and sauna infusions. The stone pine oil should be mixed with a carrier oil such as almond or Jojoba oil can be combined to prevent skin irritation.
- For massage and rubbing: Mix five to ten drops of Swiss stone pine oil with 50 milliliters of almond, jojoba or avocado oil and massage in.
- Oral hygiene: Due to its refreshing aroma and antibacterial properties, stone pine oil helps Bad breath and Bleeding gums. After brushing your teeth, add two to three drops of Swiss stone pine oil to a glass of water and rinse your mouth well. Important: do not swallow.
With stone pine oil against moths and insects
- Clothes moths: You can wash out wardrobes infested with moths with a mixture of a few drops of stone pine oil and water. Then sprinkle scented sachets or fragrance stones with stone pine oil and put them in the cupboards.
- For the treatment of insect bites: Mix five to ten drops of stone pine oil with a little water and apply directly to the skin.
Important: pay attention to the purity of stone pine oil
Because the stone pine tree grows at extreme altitudes where no other trees thrive, they often play a very important role in the Protection against erosion. They also make a decisive contribution ecological diversity of the Alpine regions at. Therefore pine trees are under natural reserve. Only trees that have fallen naturally can be used for logging or distillation.
The scarce availability of Swiss stone pine and the increasing demand for Swiss stone pine oil have resulted in many Swiss stone pine oils being stretched with other oils. However, in order to obtain the best possible effects from an application with stone pine oil, we recommend only 100% pure organic stone pine oils (available e.g. from **Avocadostore).
Read more on Utopia:
- Black cumin oil: effects and side effects when ingested
- Cold bath: simple do-it-yourself recipes
- Relaxation: These exercises and techniques slow you down