Stone pine has already found its way into many bedrooms. The reason: The pine wood should have a positive effect on sleep. We’ll explain exactly what’s behind it.
Stone pine: sleeping aid from the Alps
At a height of up to 2,850 meters you will find the Swiss stone pine, which is mainly found in the Central Alps Has. It has endured the harsh climate for many centuries and can withstand temperatures down to – 40 degrees Celsius. Supposedly can the hardy conifer can live for up to 1,000 years and reach a height of 25 meters.
Properties of the stone pine
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Bilder_meines_Lebens)
Because of the tough living conditions, the Swiss stone pine grows very slowly. But it does make a soft wood with a uniform density. The stone pine has a yellowish-brown tone and was used early because of it lively grain used for the interior paneling of rooms. The wood is stronger than that of other conifers and is easy to work with. It remains dimensionally stable over the years and is considered the lightest of the conifers.
Stone pine was already used for wall paneling and carving in the 17th century. Dining rooms were closed Swiss pine parlors lined with pine wood was also often used as roof shingles in alpine areas.
It is characteristic of the Swiss stone pine characteristic resin scent: The pleasant, warm smell of numerous wood-essential oils persists in the wood for decades.
Health history of the Swiss stone pine
Farmers in South Tyrol used the fragrant wood for medicinal purposes for the first time in the 18th century: they used various extracts of Swiss stone pine as a remedy. The tradition spread quickly and the Swiss stone pine is still used today in the wellness area: in Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria, the wood is planed and used as Filling material for pillows. The resin scent of the Stone pine pillow should for one healthy sleep to care.
Today you can find stone pine almost everywhere: from the traditional dining room to the wellness sauna to the modern living room or bedroom, as Construction or furniture wood, for artists for carvings or as pillow filling for the bedroom. Due to the high demand for Swiss stone pine, the price has increased significantly in recent years.
How healthy is stone pine wood?
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / stevepb)
Mostly pine is used in the bedroom for beds or pillow filling. The essential oils in the Harz Mountains are said to promote healthy and deep sleep. Since the Swiss stone pine is native to the Alps, there are no international studies. In the German-speaking countries too, there is largely a lack of scientific studies on the effect of stone pine on the human body. A study by the Joanneum Research Institute for non-invasive diagnostics dealt with the effect of the Swiss stone pine in 2002 and was able to do so following results:
- Subjects who slept in a stone pine bed had a lower heart rate than usual. Up to 3,500 fewer heartbeats were measured per night. Propolis and limosan are the two essential oils that are said to be responsible for more relaxation and tranquility. They are also said to have an antibacterial effect.
- The study also claims that the relaxation period during sleep would be extended by the stone pine. This can have a positive effect on our nervous system and thus reduce stress.
- The researchers have also made a connection with the phenomenon of weather sensitivity. The test subjects who slept in the stone pine bed are said to have reacted less sensitively to air pressure and changes in air humidity.
Unfortunately, the study never appeared in a scientific journal and has therefore never been reviewed. The study was also funded by forest associations and furniture companies. However, the effect of the Swiss stone pine on our sleep is not entirely out of thin air. International studies have looked at the effects of Alpha pinene and 3-caren deals. The two essential oils are found in pine trees and have been shown to have a positive effect on sleep in animal experiments. Since the stone pine belongs to the pine family and has similar connections, one could conclude that the stone pine also has a positive effect on sleep. However, further investigations with humans would also be necessary for this.
Stone pine: pay attention to sustainability
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / C_Scott)
The Swiss pine reproduces itself with great success with the help of the pine jay. In addition, the Tyroleans plant around 130,000 young trees a year, which they cultivate in local forest gardens. The Austrian forest inventory carefully monitors the development of the Swiss stone pine and has been able to determine that only about in recent years half of the annual growth for economic purposes is removed.
Careful use of the Swiss stone pine forests can even mean maintenance of the Swiss stone pine population: the forests are rejuvenated and the different ages make the forests overall more resistant.
Anyone who buys a product made of Swiss stone pine should always find out about the origin and make sure to buy a high-quality solid wood product. Quality seals for wood are, for example FSC seal or that Blue Angel eco-label.
Tip: If you buy a stone pine pillow, you should not put it directly next to your head for the first few days, so that your nose and your body are covered slowly get used to the smell can.
Read more on Utopia:
- Planting in the bedroom: So you have a healthy sleep
- Sustainable sleeping: the best manufacturers, products and shops
- Evening routine: sleep better thanks to 12 tips for the sleep routine