Terri's Learning Haven

Pine Spotlight

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Pine essential oil is an underrated one for sure. This tree oil has an uplifting aroma that creates a breath of fresh air anywhere you use it, encourages feelings of positive energy, repels the influence of negative energy, and has some really unique and incredible health benefits!

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JUST A DROP OF PINE…

  • Has a fresh, woodsy aroma
  • Wonderful for cleaning recipes and DIYs
  • Supports muscle recovery and soothes tension
  • Shares many of the same properties as Eucalyptus Globulus; the action of both oils is enhanced when blended together
  • Pairs well with other essential oils such as Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus
  • A wonderful addition to wellness rollers

Pine needles have been used in herbal medicine and folklore for centuries. Pine needles contain Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are essential for many bodily functions, including red blood cell production, hair and nail growth, and a healthy immune system. Pine needle tea was a common folk remedy for many things!

Traditionally, pine needles have been used as a way to soothe arthritic joints. In fact, some countries like Switzerland, even filled mattresses with pine needles with the belief that it would help sore joints while we slept. More recently, Science Daily recently reported that pine needles and pine bark have been found to have both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pine needles were historically also used for overall wellness, likely due to their antioxidant effects.

BACKGROUND The Pinus sylvestris tree, also known as Scotch pine, is a tall coniferous evergreen tree that grows to the height of 131 feet and has characteristic orange-red bark and stiff blue-green needles. Pine essential oil is steam distilled from the needles of the tree and has been researched by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Pine's aroma is reminiscent of the Japanese tradition of forest bathing and provides a refreshing breathing experience and encourages a moment of joy.

KEY CONSTITUENTS Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them sprecic health-supporting properties.

  • Alpha-pinene: a powerful antioxidant, some studies have shown alpha-pinene to support the body through inflammation and to help calm the mind
  • Limonene: known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress support, this is a powerful constituent with many health benefits

PINE & EMOTIONS Pine essential oil, like the spruce oils, contains alpha-pinene, a constituent that helps the mind and body reach a calming, peaceful environment. Pine is a wonderful tool for processing feelings of Unimportant, Un-nurtured or Disempowered. The Spruce and Evergreen family of oils are the ones to reach for when you feel like you are comparing yourself to others, are feeling undervalued or as though your unique voice has no place. The alternate side to feeling unimportant is Empowerment. When we can rest secure in who we are then comparison melts away and our unique blend of magic can shine!

A 2011 study in Pharmacognosy Magazine looked at the anxiolytic effects of an alcohol based pine needle extract and its ability to soothe depression in rats. Bottom line: however you approach it, Pine essential oil can be a powerful health tool!

Read more about how to process and release emotions in this powerful book Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils.

PRODUCT OPTIONS

  • Pine Essential Oil Pine's empowering, revitalizing fragrance makes it a key component in the Grounding and RC blends.

DAILY HABITS WITH PINE

  • Make Scented Pinecone Fire Starters for your cozy winter home
    • Yarn or twine
    • Large, foraged pinecones from the yard
    • Thieves Household Cleaner
    • Pine or Christmas Spirit essential oils
    • Collect pine cones and lightly spritz them with diluted Thieves Household Cleaner to get rid of any unwanted pests. Allow to dry overnight.
    • Wrap twine or yarn around the pinecones, all the way into the center weaving between the individual scales. You can use festive, colorful yarn for a fun twist or neutral yarn or twine.
    • Drop 5 drops of essential oil onto the yarn/twine of each pinecone. Place in a basket beside the fireplace and add a few to the fire whenever you build one.
  • Make an artificial holiday tree smell like the real thing with these simple hacks:
    • Add Pine to reed diffuser sticks and place in your tree
    • Drop Pine honto any porous ornaments
  • Make a simple DIY Tree & Garland Spray and spritz on greenery as desired:
    • To a 2 oz glass spray bottle add
    • 30 drops Pine
    • Optional: 15 drops Idaho Blue Spruce or Northern Lights Black Spruce
    • Splash witch hazel
    • Fill with filtered water
  • Make this incredible Gardener's Hand Salve for anyone who works with their hands.
    • DIY Gardener's Hand Salve
      • ½ cup cold pressed organic olive oil (or 1 cup if not using arnica oil)
      • ½ cup organic arnica oil
      • 1 Tbsp shea butter
      • 2 Tbsp unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
      • 3-4 Tbsp beeswax pastilles
      • 30 drops essential oils: Myrrh, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli, Pine
      • Using a double boiler, place several inches of water in the bottom and place a bowl or pan on top. Turn the heat to low-medium and add the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil & beeswax and allow it to melt, stirring gently.
      • Remove the bowl from the double boiler. Add Vitamin E oil and essential oils.
      • Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to cool but not harden, then pour into the small containers.
      • Essential oils to add for a masculine scent: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Idaho Blue Spruce
  • Whether your skin needs some TLC or you have a more acute need, make this ‘Ultimate Skin Healing Balm' and use it frequently and liberally! Use whatever oils you have that are listed.
    • Ultimate Skin Healing Balm
      • To about 1/4 jar of Rose ointment add:
      • 10 drops Pine
      • 8 drops Helichrysum
      • 8 drops Myrrh
      • 4 drops Frankincense
      • 4 drops Lavender
      • Apply to needed area(s) 2-5 times a day. Frequency and consistency are crucial for these big needs!
  • Make a simple cuticle oil! This also makes a great gift and pairs well with the Gardener's Hand Salve:
    • DIY Roll-on Cuticle Oil
      • 1½ teaspoons V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex
      • 10 drops Pine essential oil
      • 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
      • Add all the above to an empty 15 ml essential oil bottle and add an AromaGlide Roller Fitment. Roll onto your cuticles anytime, anywhere.
  • Use Pine in DIY cleaning products for a fresh, sparkling home.
    • Add 20 drops to Thieves Cleaner (option to add 20 drops of Lemon as well)
  • Make a DIY Wood Polish
    • 1 cup Olive oil
    • 5 drops Pine essential oil
    • 5 drops Lemon essential oil
  • Diffuse Pine during meditation for a grounding and empowering experience. Pair it with Cinnamon bark, Tangerine, Frankincense, Christmas Spirit or Vanilla.
  • Take a relaxing epsom salt bath with Pine. Add 20 drops to 1 cup epsom salt and soak in warm water.
  • Make these Detox Bath Salts::
    • 1 cup magnesium flakes
    • ½ cup epsom salts
    • 20 drops Pine essential oil
    • 10 drops Lavender
    • 10 drops Geranium
    • Optional: 10 drops Thieves essential oil
    • Optional: dried lavender, rose buds, rosemary
    • Add to a glass jar and mix well. If gifting or storing add ¼ cup baking soda or Himalayan salt to help prevent clumping.
  • Add 5 drops to a large handful of massage oil and apply to the skin to relax tired muscles. Or whip up a DIY Massage Oil:
    • 4oz pump bottle
    • 20 drops Pine essential oil
    • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
    • 10 drops Cypress essential oil
    • Carrier of choice
  • Use Pine to make any of the DIY Cleaning Recipes below or mix it with Lemon or Thieves.
  • Make a DIY Mattress & Linen Spray to use every time you make the bed or change the sheets
    • To an 8oz glass spray bottle add:
    • 1 tsp Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 20 drops each Eucalyptus, Lavender
    • 10 drops each Tea Tree, Pine
    • Fill with distilled water and invert to gently mix.
  • Make DIY Scented Sachets to bring a fresh, spa-inspired aroma to any area of your home.
    • ½ cup uncooked rice
    • ¼ cup Epsom salt
    • 1 cup dried lavender buds
    • Muslin cotton drawstring pouches, approximately 5 inches long by 4 inches wide
    • 20 drops each Lavender, Pine essential oil
    • 10 drops Sage essential oil
      1. In a medium bowl, mix rice, Epsom salt, flower buds, and essential oil to thoroughly scent the mixture.
      1. Spoon mixture into your muslin pouch.
      1. Place anywhere you want to add a fresh lavender scent.
      1. Refresh your pouch every 2-3 weeks by opening it up and adding more drops of essential oil
  • Make a DIY Laundry Scent Booster.
    • To a large glass jar with airtight lid, add
    • 1 1/2 cup salt Epsom Salt
    • 1/2 cup baking soda
    • 30 drops total Pine + Lemon essential oils
    • Optional: 15 drops Thieves essential oil blend
    • Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
    • To use: add 1-2 Tbl into the washer before adding any laundry. Add laundry and the normal amount of laundry detergent.
  • Make these DIY Cleaning Fizzies for the bathroom or kitchen:
    • 1 cup baking soda
    • ½ cup citric acid
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • 4 teaspoons water
    • 20 drops each Lemon, PineOptional 10 drops Thieves
    • 3 teaspoons V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or other carrier
    • Ice cube tray or candy mold
    • Step 1) In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix evenly.
    • Step 2) In a separate bowl, combine water, essential oils or blends, and V-6.
    • Step 3) Pour liquids into the large bowl and mix together until combined.
    • Step 4) Use the mixture to fill an ice cube tray or candy mold about three fourths full. If the mixture expands and spills over the mold, gently repack into the mold.
    • Step 5) Let sit overnight to dry in a room temperature area. When dry, pop tablets out and store in a glass jar.
    • To Use: When needed, put a tablet in the toilet bowl, hard-to-clean bottles, or sink full of dishes to help clean and deodorize. Let sit in the bowl, bottle, or sink for 20–30 minutes to fizz and dissolve. Once dissolved, flush or rinse out.
  • Make a DIY Carpet & Rug Freshener
    • To glass jar add:
    • 1 cup baking soda
    • ½ cup salt
    • 15-20 drops each Pine, Lemon
    • Mix well. When ready to use, sprinkle over carpets and let sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming.
  • Make an Herbal Deodorizing Spray for pet beds, upholstered surfaces, car upholstery, etc! To a 4oz glass spray bottle add
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • 20 drops Pine essential oil
    • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
    • 10 drops Tangerine essential oil
    • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
    • Pinch sea salt or splash of witch hazel
    • Filtered water
    • Spray lightly onto surfaces to remove unwanted odors.
  • Use this earthy tree oil blend to make DIY Beeswax Candles to fill your home with warmth - and make a few for your friends and neighbors!
    • Check out the DIY Beeswax Candles resource for all the details!

DIFFUSE Diffusing is a wonderful health habit! We have our diffuser going almost 24/7 and love to choose blends that are supportive of individual needs or systems. Try some of these great combinations and enjoy the grounding, fresh scent of Pine!

  • Enchanted Forest: 5 drops Pine, 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce, 2 drops each Cedarwood, Vanilla
  • Fresh & Clean: 4 drops each Pine, Lemon, Grapefruit
  • Good Vibes: 3 drops each Pine Tangerine, Sage, Lavender
  • Deep Breath: 4 drops each Eucalyptus Globulus, Pine, 3 drops Wintergreen
  • Sinus Saver: 3 drops each Pine, Eucalyptus Globulus, Dorado Azul, Lemon
  • Garden Breeze: 4 drops each Pine, Lavender, Peppermint
  • Farmer's Market: 3 drops each Pine, Rosemary, Lavender, Lemon
  • Autumn Spice: 4 drops each Pine, Cinnamon Bark, Tangerine

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