Aromatherapy A-Z: Pine

Majestic, aromatic Scotch pine trees tower above the forest, reaching heights of 65 to 115 feet. Deep fissures mark the reddish brown bark of the large evergreen Pinus sylvestri, also known as the Norway pine. Yellow orange flowers and pointed amber, green or brown cones cluster around gray green or blue-green needles.

Native to Europe and Asia, this member of the Pinaceae family is now found in northern Europe, northeastern Russia, Scandinavia and the eastern United States. The tree's needles, twigs and cones are steam-distilled to produce pine oil. This colorless or light yellow oil emits an earthy, resinous and medicinal odor that is strong, fresh and balsamic. Trees grown in more northerly climates produce superior oils.

Beauty Benefits

Pine oil encourages the elimination of toxins from the skin, making it useful for clearing dull dry skin as well as acne. It improves oily scalp conditions, dandruff and seborrhea. As an insect repellent, it protects against bug bites. It also reduces excessive perspiration.

Emotional Effects

Pine oil is refreshing and revitalizes a body and mind suffering from general malaise or mental fatigue. It restores strength after physical weakness or during convalescence.

Reprinted from Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson with permission of Avery Books, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. Copyright © 1995 by Roberta Wilson.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com