Just back from a walk in the woods with my herbal apprentice, Briggs. As the last of the Colorado autumn leaves fall, pine persists as one of our most prolific trees, though pine beetle damage has become a serious concern.
Just taking a walk in a pine forest, invigorates and feels opening to the lungs.Pine and its more than 90 species (all useful) are members of the Pinaceae (Pine Family). The word Pine is derived from the Latin pinea, the name for the nuts derived from this tree.
Taoist monks chose to live high on mountains considered sacred for their pine nuts. In some Orthodox Jewish traditions pine boughs are placed on coffins. In ancient Greece, pine trees were dedicated to Pan. The Iroquois believed the pine trees symbolize a balanced life, their shape resembles praying hands reaching for the sky. In 1534, when the French explorer, Jacques Cartier landed in the Saint Lawrence, many of his crew had died of scurvy. Local Indians saved survivors with a pine needle tea.
Tea can be made from pine needles, however use hot, not boiling water to avoid destroying the vitamin C content.
Many pine species yield edible nutritious seeds and their size is not necessarily in accordance with how large the cones are. Pine nuts are a delicious delicacy high in protein, and fat, long esteemed (as are many nuts) for their libido enhancing properties. Look for autumn cones that are no longer green, but still closed to harvest the seeds. Place the seeds in a sealed paper bag for ten days to cause the seeds to fall out. If the cones are on the ground, the seeds have probably already gone to the chipmunks. Though not considered a culinary wonder, due to its astringency, pine inner bark (also known as the cambrium) is most tender in the spring) is edible in an emergency situations. Take from one side of the tree only to avoid girdling the tree and impairing the sap from rise, thus killing the trees. Though it is edible raw, it is most tender if sliced thin and boiled as noodles. Pine needles can be chewed, then spit out (too fibrous to swallow) to extract vitamin C, carotenes and simple sugars. Pine pollen which is collected in the spring contains phytosterols that are similar to testosterone. Native peoples consumed it before battles for endurance. (Not suggested for those with serious pollen allergies). Pycnogenol is an antioidant rich source of vitamin E, C, catotenes and selenium, and sold in natural food stores.
Pine is a Bach flower essence for those filled with guilt and self-blame, and never satisfied with their successes.
Pine branches have been hung over a sick bed to deter illness during times of need. Pine needles can be made into baskets (I have one that holds water!) and they were once used to stuff mattresses repelling fleas and vermin. The needles yield a tan or green dye. Pine cones make a good fire starter. Lodge pole pine were once used for teepee and travois poles. Pinewood is a common building material used in carpentry and construction
Pine is considered analgesic, antioxidant (inner bark), and antiseptic (needles).
Topically, pine has been used in the past as a compress to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, rheumatism, and wounds. As a bath herb it can be used to treat arthritic pain, insomnia, muscle soreness, and nervous debility. It also can be prepared as a steam inhalation to relieve respiratory congestion. The sap is often included in ointments for sore joints, eczema and psoriasis; it also can be used as a poultice to draw out splinters, used as a bandage and to bring boils to a head and has even been used as a type of glue and to start fires. . Chewing a bit of dried pinesap makes a sugar free breath freshener. Pine syrup is a premier Swiss cough remedy.
Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is used in reforestation as it matures rapidly and endures a wide range of temperatures, rainfall, and soil conditions.
Pines have long been honored as homes of divine beings. In folklore pine is associated with fertility, the planet Mars, the element of air and yang energy.
Some experience contact dermatitis if in contact with the wood, resins or sawdust of some pine species. Large amounts (daily use) of the tea are not recommended, nor should be consumed during pregnancy. The needles are high in terpenes and can inhibit the germination of other plants that grow where pine needles fall.
Female and male cones grow on the same pine. Pines often grow on dry mountain slopes, can tolerate poor soils and are even found near swamps and in acid soil. Needles have sharp points and occur in bunches of two or to five with a papery sheath around the base. Some needles are as long as eighteen inches. Pine flowers appear as red and yellow clusters.
One way we like to honor this splendid tree is to use some pine essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser. Its fresh clean scent is a way of being a bit of the forest indoors.
What would you like to add about these majestic trees that grace Colorado?
Free Lecture: Natural Remedies for a Healthier Immune System with Brigitte November 9th, 7-8:30 Bauman College, 1128 Pine Street in Boulder
1-8009877530, www.BaumanCollege.com
Brigitte
Mars, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, is a
nutritional consultant who has been working with Natural Medicine for
over forty years. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University,
Omega, Boulder College of Massage, and Bauman Holistic College of
Nutrition. She has a weekly local radio show called "Naturally" on KGNU
and a private practice. Brigitte is the author of twelve books,
including The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Beauty by Nature, Addiction Free Naturally, Healing Herbal Teas, and Rawsome!. Click here for more healthy living articles, raw food recipes, videos, workshops, books, and more at brigittemars.com.
Follow Brigitte Mars on Twitter: www.twitter.com/brigittemars
