Important Facts About Pine Essential Oil
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Pine essential oil is what we will examine in today’s article. The popularity of essential oils is increasing by the day. More people are using essential oils as alternatives to medications. Essential oils are derived from plants. Currently, research is being done on the medicinal benefits of these plant-derived ingredients.
Pine essential oil is a product of pine trees. It has numerous health benefits and is well known for its strong woody scent.
It is a known fact that pine essential oil has some benefits, however, it also has certain side effects, just like every other essential oil. This article will examine the pros and cons of pine essential oil so you can decide whether pine essential oil is worth purchasing or not.
Introducing pine essential oil
Pine essential oil is derived from the pine tree needles. The pine tree needles have a characteristic strong aroma. There are claims that a sniff of the pine oil might make you nostalgic for Christmas.
Pine essential oil has been widely used in traditional medicine.
The oil extracts and pine scents are present in everyday items in large amounts. These include furniture cleaners, floor cleaners, air fresheners, and disinfectants.
It is important to note that oil extracts differ from essential oils because they do not have the same therapeutic properties.
Essential oils have a lot of chemical compounds in them. That’s what makes them potent. This explains why essential oils should not be ingested.
Benefits and uses of pine oil
Pine essential oil has a very unique scent. Thus, one of its uses is that it works as a room scent in a diffuser. It also works as a scent in cleaning solutions.
There are so many articles and anecdotes on the internet that claim that pine essential oil has several health benefits. The truth is that there’s no clinical evidence to back most of these claims.
Air fresheners & aromatherapy
Oil extracts from the pine tree are used as ingredients in air fresheners for vehicles, offices, and homes. Conversely, essential oils are used in aromatherapy to create that invigorating and uplifting atmosphere – more than just a scent.
Inhaling the oil from pine may have clearing effects in some ailments like the flu.
Antimicrobial for your skin
There are claims by some proponents that pine essential oil is suitable for topical administration. They claim that that it has antimicrobial properties, just like the tea tree oil. In theory, the oil may be suitable for minor burns and skin infections.
However, what is worth noting is that research has shown that pine oil does not have as much antimicrobial property as is claimed. You must consult your doctor before applying pine essential oil to your skin.
Anti-inflammatory effects
There are claims that pine oil has anti-inflammatory effects.
Theoretically, these effects could do the following:
- Relieve symptoms of inflammatory conditions of the skin such as eczema, acne, and rosacea.
- Improve pain from conditions such as muscle pain, and arthritis.
However, there is a need for more research on this front.
Other essential oils that have anti-inflammatory effects include:
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Peppermint
- Frankincense
Side effects of pine essential oil
The effects of pine oil are experienced in aromatherapy, mostly by those who inhale them.
What is worth noting is that some essential oils are toxic to children, pregnant women, and pets. Your skin may also react to these oils, pine essential oil inclusive.
Potential side effects of pine essential oil include:
- Hives
- Redness
- Peeling skin
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Dry skin
Pine oil is contraindicated in those who are allergic to pine trees. So if you are allergic to this tree, do not use the oil. Some people may also be allergic to pine pollen, although it is rare. Developing allergy-like symptoms such as skin rashes or sneezing when using pine essential oil may also be an indication that you are allergic to it.
What is the right way to use pine essential oil?
Pine oil has several uses, including topical variations and inhalations. You should see your doctor before using pine oil in any of the following ways.
As a diffuser
One of the major ways of using essential oils is by diffusing.
You can produce a safe room scent just by mixing some drops of essential oil with water in a diffuser. Cool steam is released by the diffuser once you turn it one.
As an inhalant
Sometimes a diffuser may not be available. But you don’t have to worry. You can also inhale the oil. That way, you don’t lose out on the aromatic benefits of pine essential oil.
Put some drops of the oil on a tissue, and then hold it to your face and inhale deeply.
You can also hold the bottle of essential oil beneath your nose.
Topical administration
You can use pine oil topically. You can apply it directly or through a massage.
Ensure that you dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it. Just add one tablespoon of jojoba, coconut, or almond oil to some drops of pine essential oil.
You may also do a patch test with this combination 24 hours beforehand to be sure that you are not sensitive to pine.
You may also use it in your bath water
You can use essential oils in the bath. Add a few drops of essential oil to warm water. Be sure you don’t slip as you get into the tub and out of it.
Precautions while using pine essential oil
Essential oils have this natural allure that makes them appealing. But the fact is they are so potent that they can mimic the effects of even prescription medicines.
This is why you are encouraged to talk to your doctor before you use any essential oil, especially if you have any underlying health condition, or you are pregnant.
You can minimize the risk of side effects by taking the following precautions:
- Do not allow these oils to come in contact with your eyes.
- Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil.
- Do not ingest essential oils.
In conclusion…
Pine is well known for its scent. However, there are claims that it has many health benefits.
Be sure to diffuse your essential oil before using it. Also, ensure that you consult your doctor before using it for any therapeutic purpose. If you experience any symptoms of an allergy, stop using the oil immediately.
Tonika Bruce, MSN, RN, MBA. is an accomplished nurse leader, published author, and personal development expert passionate about advancing healthcare management and quality patient outcomes.
She taps into the years of experience in healthcare management to produce credible and easy-to-understand health and leadership content. Her exceptional work has been featured in reputable publications, including Forbes, Recruiter, Inc, and the Color of Wellness magazine.
