Pine - Pinus sylvestris

As I have already featured the signature oil for Aquarius, Neroli on the blog before I decided to look at Pine today which is another oil mentioned under this sign.

Scotch pine is a tall evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 40 metres (131 feet) it has a deeply fissured, reddish-brown bark, pairs of stiff blue-green needles and pointed brown cones. The Pinus genus has more than 100 species of coniferous trees, all of which produce a resin from which turpentine oil can be extracted. The Scots or Norway pine is the most widespread variety as well as the safest and most useful therapeutically. Native to northern Europe and Russia it now grows abundantly in North America. The needles, young branches and cones can all be used in the distillation process although the best quality essential oil is extracted from the needles alone.

The ancient Greeks dedicated pine trees to the sea god, Neptune, because pine was used to build the first Greek ships. To the Japanese pine trees symbolized constancy and fidelity because they are always green. They also honored the gods Bacchus and Pan with it. According to Greek mythology, Pitys, one of Pan's many nymphs, escaped the embraces of Boreas by becoming a pine tree. According to folklore, the sayings "pining for" and 'pitying' someone may have come for this myth.

The essential oil of Pine has many uses it works really well in blends for muscular aches and pains, as well as blends that require its expectorant properties.

On an emotional level, pine refreshes a tired mind, while on a subtle level, Pine clears and cleanses a room. It repels and clears negative energy. It restores self-confidence and strength of will. It is used in purification, protection, money and healing blends. Pine can help one to realize the love and generosity of spirit endures in the hearts of those whom we have loved and known and with this it brings the knowledge that if we destroy those who are close to us we only destroy ourselves.

In Bach Flower Remedies, Pine is the remedy for Self-Reproach and Guilt so the essential oil could be used for those emotions as well.

Pine has a refershing, clean aroma and blends well with many essential oils including: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, juniper, lavender and lemon.

Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic. However they can oxidize very easily and then they are potentially sensitizing.