White Pine as a Healing Medicine - Simple Remedies for Respiratory and Skin Ailments

White pine (Pinus strobus) is a tree that grows in the eastern parts of North America. It can grow taller than 100 ft on average and is characterize by its 5 needle clumps. White pine has many useful healing properties and is a widely available tree in the eastern region of N. America.. This article will discuss the ways it can be prepared and what ailments it can be use for.

White pine is touted by some as the most valuable tree in America. It is a fast growing evergreen and ideal for reforestation, Christmas trees and even medicine making! Many people don't have a clue as to what medicinal properties this tree contain but it can be useful in several ways. The most widely used reason of white pine among herbalists is for respiratory ailments. White pine leaves are rich with Vitamin C. It is also used for coughs, sorethroats, bronchitis and the flu. White pine will help expel pleghm and reduce inflammation.

Another great way to use white pine is for skin ailments. It's great used for cuts, dry skin and minor skin irritations.

To use white pine you will want to gather approximately 2 cups of pine needles. Remove these carefully from the branches and put in a pot. Cover with about twice as much water and make an infusion by bringing this mixture to a boil and then letting it sit for about 20 minutes. The best way is in a glass jar with a lid. Strain out the needles and reserve the liquid. This can be used in conjunction with warm compresses on the chest and also can be sweetened and drunk as a tea.

Alternately you can make massage oil by slowly heating up oil in place of the water in the above recipe. (Be sure NOT to bring oil to a boil) instead you will slowly infuse the oil with the pine needles. A good way to do this is in acrock pot or on the lowest setting on your stove top.

If you would like to make a healing white pine salve you will first need to make the infused oil an then combine it with a bit of melted beeswax. Pour this into jars or tins and let harden. You can other healing essentials oils as well such as lavender and eucalyptus for a chest rub or chamomile for skin irritations.

White pine can be used effectively in healing of colds, flu and minor skin irritations. You can make your own remedies or look for store bought ones at your local health food store. Whatever you do just don't overlook the healing power of pine!