Pine (Song)

Botanical Name: Western – Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster, P. strobus. Eastern – P. massoniana.

Pine bark, needles, and the essential oil derived from the plant’s resins are used to clean houses, clear unwanted spirits, prevent cancer, help digestion, and even as herbal viagra. More research is being done to confirm the plant’s benefits and functions. Pines are cultivated for Christmas trees and their scent is calming and cleansing.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – The Sacred Powers of Pine…

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Parts Most Frequently Used: Inner Bark, Pine Needle, Seed (Pine Nut), Pine Pollen, Resin

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Aromatic, Cooling

Caution: Considered safe. Do not use pine essential oil internally.

Key Constituents: Pine Needles, Inner Bark – Resin, Flavonoids, Catechins, Phenolic acids, Vitamin A and C, Proanthocyanidins. Nuts are a good source of Manganese, Protein, Fats, Fiber, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids. Pine Oil – Pinene, Citronellol, Camphene, Linalool, Limonene, Anethole, Eugenol.

History/Folklore: Among the most important commercial trees. The crude resin of pine is distilled to make Oil of Turpentine, which is a good solvent for wax, fats, sulfur, varnishes, and oil paints. It is also used to make soap and rosin, for violinists to rub on their bows.

Pine is also known as a spiritual cleanser and incense. The Iroquois used to burn it as incense before moving into a vacant house to clean out unwanted spirits and negative energy. It is considered helpful in drawing steady money, clearing mental negativity.

It helps build confidence and stamina. Its scent is said to enhance a sense of freedom. Native Americans were also said to prevent scurvy by making tea out of the twigs and bark. They used the oil to keep away fleas, ticks, and other insects.

Pine bark extract made from the Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) contains naturally occurring proanthocyanidins, which is the same name for a group of compounds called pycnogenols (also found in grape seeds) which are considered to be powerful antioxidants. The part of the inner bark that is edible is called the cambium layer. It lies right next to the wood under the crusty, grey part of the bark. This soft, moist, white inner bark found clinging to the outer bark is very high in Vitamin A and C. It is eaten raw, roasted, or ground into powder to be used to thicken soups and stews or to make bread and cookies.

Pine bark extract is commonly sold under the trade names Pycnogenol, Oligopin, and Flavangenol.

Not only did the Native Americans use pine bark as a staple, but in Sweden and Finland, pine bark bread has been made for centuries from rye flour, with the toasted and ground inner layer of the pine bark added. The Native American peoples from upstate New York, known as the Adirondack, translated to “bark eaters” in the Iroquois language.

The Sami people of Northern Europe harvested large sheets of pine bark in the spring, which were dried and stored as a staple food throughout the year. The bark was consumed fresh, dried, or roasted to a crisp. Limbs broken off during storms were commonly used for harvesting the bark. This bark contains about 500-600 calories per pound with a bitter taste that will vary from species to species. High in digestible starches, vitamins, minerals, small amounts of sugar, and a lot of fiber, it is highly cleansing and nutritive to the system.

Pine bark extract is suggested as an herbal viagra and some claim it is even better at clearing free radicals than either Vitamin C or E.

Trees with an edible inner bark include pines, slippery elm, black and yellow birch, red and black spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack.

Pine oil is used in many household products, cleansers, deodorants, and soaps. The modern English term “pine” derives from the Latin pinus, which is traced back to the Indo-European base “pit” meaning resin. Pines were also called fir trees which comes from the Old Norse “fyrre.” Today the name “Fir” is reserved for the Fir (Abies) and the Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga).

Pine resin is also used for horses and cattle internally as a vermifuge and externally to help heal sprains and bruises.

Some species have large seeds called pine nuts that are used for baking and cooking. Pine nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids. They contain protein, iron, magnesium and are said to have more antioxidant power than vitamin E or C. Since medieval times they have been used to stimulate the libido. Pine nuts are high in zinc. Deficient zinc is linked to erectile dysfunction.

Pine is listed as one of the 38 substances used to prepare Bach Flower Remedies, an alternative medicine promoted for its effective health benefits. It increases energy and may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The Chinese use pine pollen from the Pinus massoniana pine, a rare species found in China. It is said to be an overall Yin tonic. Studies confirm that it can boost testosterone and libido. It is recognized for its anti-aging properties and ability to stimulate energy and stamina.

The spiral growth of pine branches, needles, and cone scales are almost always arranged in Fibonacci number ratios, also known as the Golden Ratio of 1.618 or its inverse 0.618. This means that each number in the sequence is approximately 1.618 times the preceding number. (1 + 1 = 2. 2 + 1 = 3. 3+2=5. 5+3=8…the sequence is 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on).

This sequence is associated in nature with pine cones, spiral seashells, sunflower seeds, and even our spiraling galaxy. If you look at a pine cone from the bottom and count the number of spirals moving outward from the center of the cone you will see 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on. A typical cone will have 8 spirals in one direction and 13 spirals in the other. The spirals come to an end at the top of the cone. Pine trees have a long and sacred history for many reasons, and this form of sacred geometry is one of them.

In Taoism, old pine trees are much admired and venerated. They are considered a Tree of LIfe due to their ability to bend, survive, and endure. These trees are receptive (feminine/Yin) and expansive (male/Yang). Pine trees can withstand the winter snow and cold and survive in rocky, windy, drought conditions. Many Taoist monks ate pine cones, resin, and needles in their quest for immortality and to strengthen their bodies from harm.

In China, pine trees are one of the Three Friends of Winter (pine, plum trees, and bamboo), the three trees that stay green during the winter snows. Pine trees are also planted near graves to protect the dead from the mythical water dragon.

In Japan, pine trees are one of the most popular choices for the art of bonsai with many trees living to be hundreds of years old. Pine trees were used as decorations for the armor of samurai as a symbol of strength and masculinity.

Koreans see the pine as a symbol of longevity and virtue. The trees are viewed as honorable, strong, and wise beings, with some trees worshiped as divine beings who can bring good luck, prosperity, and good health. Pine trees are also viewed as a messenger that transports the souls of the dead to the afterlife, with many coffins being made of pine wood for this reason. Pine branches are often given at the birth of a child to protect them.

In Ancient Greece, the pine was sacred to Dionysus. The Ancient Romans considered the tree sacred. They would decorate them to celebrate Saturnalia (Dec 17-25th).

The Ancient Celts revered the pine as a tree of wisdom, vitality, and immortality. In their astrology, people born under the rule of Pine (Generally from February to early March and the end of August to early September with the exact dates depending on the lunar cycle.) were extremely tenacious and fulfilled their life goals. The Scots pine is one of Irelands, three native coniferous trees. The trees are recognized for their pioneering attributes as they are able to survive in hostile environments making an area more hospitable for other plants that can then take hold and flourish in the same areas.

Many Native Americans consider the pine tree a symbol of wisdom and longevity. It protects against illness, witchcraft, and hunger. The pine tree is a tribal clan in several of the Southwest tribes. The Nez Perce hold that the pine tree holds the secret of fire and guards this secret very closely. Other tribes view the pine as a Tree of Peace.