Jill Turpin

The information contained in this article is not intended to prescribe or recommend products to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your health care practitioner if you have a disease or lingering condition. The information and support materials applies only to essential oils purchased through us and may not be applicable to essential oils available through other companies.

The Holiday Season is here and along with it are the age old scents of the season including the ham in the oven, freshly baked pies, fresh fruits, and the Christmas tree itself.  If you don't have a "real" Christmas tree you are missing out on one of the real treats of the season:  The scent of the pine tree itself.

This month we'll be introducing an essential oil (EO) that perfect for the season: PINE.  If you don't have a real tree in the house, the use of pine oil might be just the ticket to bring your childhood Christmas scents back.

In addition to just smelling good, pine oil has many additional applications to further support your overall health and wellness.

Let's first discuss carrier oils and how they function with essential oils...

Carrier Oils also known as fixed or base oils are of vegetable origin. They are primarily extracted from seeds or fruits of plants, where their main function is energy storage. They differ from essential oils in that they are not volatile (evaporates). Carrier oils’ function is to “carry” the essential oil deeper into the tissue. This action allows the essential oil to be most effective as required by the body.

There are many carrier oils available, each having unique and specific qualities. Some that you may already be familiar with include: 

• Almond or Sweet Almond oil (Prunus amygdalus var. duleis) - it is the nearest to the oil found naturally in the skin
• Corn oil (Zea mays) - heavier than almond and effective for all skin types
• Grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera) - effective for acne and oily skin
• Jojoba oil (Simmondsic chinensis)– rapidly absorbed and leaves the skin feeling smooth
• Olive oil (Olea europaea) – nutritious and soothing to the skin even though it is heavy and greasy and has a dominating aroma in a mix
• Peanut oil (Arachis hypogaea) – used in soaps and creams for dry skin and particularly useful for arthritic and rheumatic conditions because of its deep penetrating qualities

Pine – Pinus sylvestris – Pine is reported to be the only northern European tree to survive the Ice Ages. Pine can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Through out history Pine cones were boiled with honey and horehound for “an old cough” and to “cleanse the chest and lungs”. Pine has been used by the American Indians in purification and smudging ceremonies, as a preventative for scurvy and also to stuff floor mats to sleep on. Pine needles have been used to aid breathing difficulties.

Pine oil is known for many therapeutic and medicinal uses, including the ability to stimulate the immune system, as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant, antiviral and disinfectant.

CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS – Pine can cause eczema type skin reactions to certain sensitive individuals or allergy sensitive people. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue use immediately if a reaction occurs and dilute area with carrier oil or milk.

Some interesting ways to use Pine throughout the year include:

• Diffusing Pine essential oil throughout the house – pine can help to kill off  90% of microbes within 3 hours after exposure to the oil. It also freshens the environment with its sweet, fresh, balsamic, faintly woody, almost spicy aroma.
• Add 2-3 drops of Pine oil to a teaspoon of unscented natural dish soap to disinfect and clean the dishes and your hands.
• To freshen laundry add 3-5 drops to a cloth or article of clothing such as a sock or wash cloth and toss in the washer or dryer and launder as usual (not recommended to put oils onto your favorite shirt, it usually does not stain but there is no sense in taking any chances).
• Freshen potpourri or a bowl of pine cones with a few drops and toss materials gently.
• Add a few drops of Pine oil to your vacuum bag or exhaust filter regularly to freshen exhaust and kill off bacteria
• Add a few drops to the water bowl on top of the wood stove or heater to permeate the room.
• Add a few drops to your car rugs to clear stale odors caused by pets or smoking.
• Inhalation for influenza, sinusitis and bronchitis symptoms                       

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INHALATION RECIPE

30 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil

15 drops Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) essential oil

12 drops Pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil

6 drops Marjoram essential oil

3 drops Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil

Mix the ingredient into a 10 or 15 ml. essential oil bottle (available through EJ Wellness possibly your local Health food store). This mix can be used several ways including:

1. By adding 6 drops to a bowl of boiling water and inhaling for five minutes can help relieve chest congestion, open up sinuses and lungs.

2. If someone is sick or feeling sluggish, add 3-5 drops to vaporizer water and run as usual. This will purify the room and aid breathing.

3. For a chest rub add 2-4 drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil and rub on chest and/or back of neck to relieve symptoms of congestion and aches and pains associated with the flu.

4. If congestion has set in and you want to carry an inhalant to open sinuses throughout the day - add a few drops to a handkerchief or tissue and use as an inhalant to help open sinuses.

I have many other recipes and ideas for uses of Pine oil including bug repellants for summer and a lice and scabies recipe. I also have a wonderful winter holiday blend containing Pine oil called Eternal Noel and several other blends containing Pine essential oil available at our website www.ineways.com/ejwellness. Please feel free to contact me with comments and questions or for more information. Reference to my first article is recommended for safety precautions.

Essentially yours,

Jill

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