Evergreen Medicine Salve

EVERGREEN MEDICINE

Pine trees “Pinaceae” among the oldest and largest plants used in herbal medicine. Evergreen conifer trees have developed many mechanisms for living in a variety of climates and fending off pathogens and herbivores. Almost every part of an evergreen conifer tree has some medicinal virtues. A big part of their medicine is the aromatic resin that they exude when injured. This resin forms a protective layer across the bark to repel or trap boring insects, and is also antimicrobial, thus further protecting the tree from pathogens.

PAIN REDUCTION-Pine resin products have a history of use for decreasing arthritic and muscular pains, especially those that bet worse with cold and damp. One action is to stimulate circulation used as a topical cream, salve or as a bath herb.

VITAMIN THERAPY-Pine needle tea is high in ascorbic acid or Vit C. I love to gather the white pine needles in winter when they are at their highest for making tea.

COUGHS & COLDS-The pungent and aromatic qualities of evergreen resin can stimulate mucus production, helping to both thin and expectorate congestion in the lungs and sinuses and reliever coughing.

Herbalist Michael Moore recommends chewing a pea-size piece of pitch swiftly encourage “strong, fruitful expectoration and a general softening of bronchial mucus. Also a strong decoction of pine needle tea with honey added is also effective. Alternatively a chest or back rub of infused pine can be used

FEVERS-For fevers a hot tea of the needles can support the fever process by helping you to warm up. Sip at the onset of cold or flu.

POWERFUL WOUND HEALING ANTIMICROBIAL-Pine resins modulate inflammation, increase circulation and are widely antimicrobial making pine one of our best vulnerary or wound-healing herbs. Though of as our local and sustainable Neosporin! Pine tar or resin is useful for dry rashes, including eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. Salves and balms created from infused pine boughs protect your skin while smelling like the rich and resinous bough of the evergreen tree.