Pine wood is particularly rich in resin and contains an abundance of fragrant essential oils. When there is intense sunlight in the high mountains, the tree produces a particularly large amount of it. With pine oil we bring the scent of the mountain forest into our living spaces.
This is how pine oil is made
Pine oil is obtained from the needles and branches of the pine tree, but also from pine cones. It takes around 100 kg of plant material to produce one liter of pure pine oil. The valuable essential oils are extracted using steam distillation. At temperatures just below the boiling point, water vapor is created, which separates the essential oils from the other ingredients. The temperature always remains below 100 ºC. The result is a highly concentrated, fragrant distillate with an oil-like consistency. With this gentle process, all of the valuable ingredients are retained in their entirety.Incidentally, no trees are felled to produce pine oil. As a rule, twigs, needles and cones that are produced during wood processing in furniture production are used here.
Valuable ingredients in stone pine oil
Pine oil contains, among other things, 125 different terpenes, which we perceive as intense fragrances. Plants make terpenes from water, sunlight and carbon dioxide. In addition to terpenes, stone pine oil has a wealth of other valuable ingredients to offer, only a few of which are mentioned here:- a-pinene
- Cineole
- Limonene
- Camphene
- Myrcene
- Pinosylvin
Pine oil is much more than just the sum of its individual components. It is precisely the synergistic interaction of many different substances that gives pine oil its effect.
About pine oil and its effects
Due to its composition, scientists attribute certain attributes to natural stone pine oil that have positive effects on health and well-being. Stone pine oil has antibacterial effects, acts as an antioxidant and has an anti-inflammatory effect. All of these properties are relevant to our health - from immune defense to metabolism to healthy organ functions.Thanks to its relaxing and calming effect, stone pine oil has a positive influence on the human psyche.
Long before science confirmed its influence on well-being, previous generations already knew about the effects of stone pine. It is not for nothing that furniture in the Alpine region was traditionally made from pine wood. Even back then, the essential oils of the pine wood ensured a pleasant indoor climate that contributed to relaxation.
Pine oil and its application
The essential oil obtained from the stone pine is a real all-rounder and offers a wide range of applications.Above all, stone pine oil invites you to relax with its warm, balsamic, yet refreshing scent and allows you to quickly forget the stressful everyday life. A few drops of pine oil on the pillow ensure well-being and restful sleep at night.
Stone pine oil is also used here:
- for infusions in the sauna
- as a bath additive (just a few drops)
- for inhalation for colds
- for massages (added with jojoba oil or almond oil)
Stone pine oil in the household
Scented sachets hung in the wardrobe not only spread a pleasant smell - the scent of pine oil also drives away clothes moths. It also keeps food moths away from your supplies.Pine oil binds bad odors - whether cigarette smoke or kitchen odors - and ensures clean room air.
When it comes to furniture care , pine oil makes natural wood and high-quality pieces of furniture even more durable.
How can you use pine cones?
The cones of the stone pine also contain valuable ingredients. Pine cones are even used in the kitchen. Pine syrup and pine liqueur refine desserts and Prosecco and are an old home remedy for colds. Pine pesto made from young cones and olive oil becomes a culinary highlight.With the still fresh, sliced pine cones and sugar, you can even make a digestible, digestive pine schnapps by pouring neutral grain on top.
Last but not least, pine cones serve as attractive decorative elements that also exude a wonderfully aromatic scent.
This is how you can make pine oil yourself
Pine oil is actually obtained through steam distillation. But you can also make your own pine oil using a cold macerate.To do this you need pine needles and neutral oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil. Simply put the pine needles in a screw-top jar and pour oil on them until the needles are completely covered. Shake once, place in a dark place for four to six weeks and finally strain through a fine sieve.
Buying pine oil – this is what you should pay attention to
If you value buying pure, natural pine oil, the Latin plant name "Pinus cembra" and the name "pure essential pine oil" should definitely be found on the label. Terms such as nature-identical pine oil or fragrance oil refer to synthetically produced oils or mixtures with other pine oils.The magic of pine wood
Products made from stone pine have their own power that is transferred to the living spaces. So it's no wonder that furniture and lamps made from fragrant pine wood are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, pine wood ensures a good indoor climate . It absorbs moisture from the air and releases it back into the environment when the heating air is dry. With our handmade unique pieces made of pine wood, you don't just set visual accents.
