Wellbeing

NH’s Talking About Pine

Feeling under the weather? Pine could be the answer…

Have you ever noticed how strolling through some leafy woods can lift your spirits? In fact, several studies over the past decade have proven that exposure to forests strengthens our immune system, reduces blood pressure, increases energy, boosts our mood and helps us regain and maintain our focus. However, while you’re weaving between different types of trees, have you ever considered the individual health benefits of, let’s say, pine?

It’s estimated that there are more than 126 species of pine trees in the world, and according to Dr Chris Etheridge, chair of the British Herbal Medicines Association (bhma.info), there are plenty of beautiful examples of pine tree that can be found throughout Britain – from the Scottish Highlands all the way down to the New Forest. “Common types of pine,” says Chris, “include Scotch pine, Maritime pine and Monterey pine” – and the health benefits are not to be sniffed at.

In aromatherapy, Chris says that pine essential oil is touted as a soothing cure for headaches and respiratory ailments like asthma, colds and bronchitis. “Just adding a few drops of pine essential oil into a diffuser filled with water can aid breathing and the expulsion of phlegm. It can also be diluted with a massage oil and rubbed onto the chest and throat to help settle sore throats and heal wounds,” explains Chris. Holly Zoccolan, founder of The Health Zoc (thehealthzoc.com) also notes that it can help to reduce inflammation.

“Today, we know that pine is a great source of vitamin C,” says Holly, “and one way to reap the benefits is to make your own pine needle tea.” First, remove the fresh, unblemished pine needles from the pine branches and rinse the needles in cold water. Using herb scissors or a sharp knife, cut the pine needles in to smaller pieces and discard the brown scale that joins the needles to the branch. Next, place the pine needles into a tea strainer, over a mug. Now, pour boiled water into the mug, over the pine needles and cover to stop the volatile oil from escaping. After five minutes, remove the strainer from the mug and add a dollop of honey to sweeten the tea. Although, there are plenty of benefits, not all pine needles are edible, so it’s important to double check which species are suitable to drink before you go foraging. Still not convinced? Pine needles are also high in vitamin A which is an essential nutrient to keep your skin looking its best. So, next time you run yourself a warm bath, add a bag of fresh pine needles to a tub of hot water and allow the natural oils to seep into the water for five to 10 minutes before getting in. It’ll be difficult not to steal sprigs from your Christmas tree…

Try it for yourself

For a simple way to get your dose of pine to help soothe a sore throat or treat a dry, tickly cough, try Bronchosan Pine Cough Syrup from A.Vogel (£9.50). “It’s made with extracts of freshly harvested pine shoot and contains soothing honey to give it a pleasant, sweet taste,” says Chris. Alternatively, for an overall health kick, give vegan supplements Pycnogenol (£6.95, healthspan.co.uk) a go. Containing a host of powerful compounds, Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that can benefit skin, lung function, circulation as well as the immune system.