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Scots pine essential oil
Commonly known as:
Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil (I.N.C.I.), Northern Pine, Riga Pine, Scots Pine.
Botanical name:
Pinus sylvestris L.
Extraction process:
Steam distillation.
Family:
Pinaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Pine needles/cones.
Location:
Native to the mountainous regions of Europe and temperate Asia.
Flowering:
In spring, April - May.
Provenance, origin:
Phytochemical composition:
Monoterpenes (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, delta-3-carene, myrcene, phellandrene, camphene), esters (bornyl acetate).
Sensorial properties:
Appearance : Liquid ; Color : Colorless to pale yellow ; Odor : Fresh, resinous, woody.
Physical characteristics:
Density : 0,855 - 0,870 ; Refractive index : 1,460 - 1,480 ; Soluble in oil.
Benefits:
Tonic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, energizing, perfuming/aromatizing.
Concerns:
All skin and hair types.
Details
Use
Face care (face mists); Body care (massage oils, bath oils, body balms); Hair care (shampoos); Hygiene (solid soaps).
Preservation
Essential oils are sensitive to UV rays. That is why it is advised to keep them in an amber glass bottle, away from air, heat and light.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
The essential oil of Scots pine should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for children under 6 years old and should be avoided by people suffering from hypertension or epilepsy.
Moreover, the Scots pine can cause skin irritation. It is therefore preferable to test the essential oil in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours before using it to ensure that there is no allergic reaction. Avoid eye contact.
Find out more
Naturally occurring in Europe and Asia, Scots Pines are resinous trees with reddish-ochre bark. They can reach 40m in height and grow on mountains. Their lifetime is generally 200 years but some of them can live up to 500 years. In ancient Greece, some species of pine were sacred. It was forbidden to cut them. In fact, certain mythological deities were often crowned with pine trees. Moreover, Hippocrates and Theophrastos already spoke of the numerous therapeutic properties of pine in their writings. Apart from topical application, Scots pine can be used for the production of turpentine to make rosin, used for stringed instruments. In addition, the essential oil of Scots pine is also known to clear the respiratory tract.
