Pinus strobus

Pinus strobus
Family:Pinus strobus; Antiscorbutic; Demulcent; Diuretic; Expectorant; Miscellany; Pectoral; Poultice; Salve.
Common name:White pine
White pine was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and vulnerary qualities using it extensively in the treatment of skin complaints wounds burns boils etc. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so was used in treating coughs colds influenza and so on. The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic diuretic rubefacient and vermifuge. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs colds influenza and TB. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints wounds sores burns boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters poultices herbal steam baths and inhalers. A poultice of pitch has been used to draw out toxins from boils and reduce the pain. The dried inner bark is demulcent diuretic and expectorant. An infusion was used as a treatment for colds and it is still used as an ingredient in commercial cough syrups where it serves to promote the expulsion of phlegm. A poultice made from the pounded inner bark is used to treat cuts sores and wounds. The wetted inner bark can be used as a poultice on the chest in treating strong colds. The dried inner bark contains 10% tannin some mucilage an oleoresin a glycoside and a volatile oil. A tea made from the young needles is used to treat sore throats. It is a good source of vitamin C and so is effective against scurvy. An infusion of the young twigs has been used in the treatment of kidney disorders and pulmonary complaints. The powdered wood has been used as a dressing on babies chaffed skin sores and improperly healed navels.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:07 []