Feeling Pine

“Pines are to the evergreens what oaks are to the broadleaves: the most widespread, most varied and most valuable trees of their order.” Hugh Johnson

It’s often been noted how nature provides just what you need, when you need it. In our coldest months, and coldest climates, pine trees come to the fore and their scent and evergreen solidity is just what we need to freshen the darkest days and provide hope for the return of life and warmth.

Mythology of pines

Not surprisingly, therefore, pine has been woven into mythologies across numerous times and cultures, being seen as a symbol of immortality, resistance, strength and protection.

Deeper consciousness

The way pine cones open in sunlight represents the awakening of consciousness and pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, hence their resonance with the deeper knowledge associated with the ‘Third Eye’, considered the ‘seat of the soul’, a connection between physical and spiritual worlds.

The pine-cone shaped gland deep in the centre of our brains that regulates our melatonin levels, and hence our sleeping and waking, is called the pineal gland. Activating this gland can create a heightened state of awareness, clarity and consciousness. Simply holding a pinecone close to the forehead can amplify energy flow and insight.

Look out and you may notice pine cone shaped candle holders and lamps in churches and other places of worship, it’s this deep spirituality that is being manifested through such items.

Fertility

Alternatively, among the Aztecs, Egyptians, Assyrians and Celts, pine cones were considered symbols of fertility and abundance, because they contain seeds and hence have the potential for new life. Celtic women would keep pine cones under their pillows to encourage conception. The Ancient Greek god of wine and fertility, Dionysus, had a pinecone at the top of his staff.

Opportunity

The way pine cones open and release their seeds conveys new opportunities and experiences, personal growth and transformation. If you’re setting New Year resolutions or casting forward to what the coming year may bring, perhaps you could do so in the company of a pine cone.

Take one cup of pine needles …

If you’ve opted for a real tree this Christmas, make the most of an abundant source of pine needles to create a few treats for relaxing, healing and enjoying.

The ideas will work just as well too with wild-foraged pine needles. You might even collect from a few different types of pine and see what differences you observe – there are all sorts of scents from sweet to spicy or lemony, see what you prefer.

Pine to feel fine

As well as the essential oils in pine, which are great for the respiratory system and immune system, the needles are packed full of vitamin C (more so than any fruit you’ll find at this time of the year). Pine resin can help with skin conditions being good for inflammation and circulation, so turn to pine to help with joint pain or sore muscles. Pine also helps emotionally being calming, peaceful and grounding.

Here are just a few of the many ways to benefit from pine:

Pine tea

Make this by infusing the needles, twigs and pollen. If you’re tackling a respiratory complaint, drink two or three times a day.

For an added boost, supplement with a herbal steam to help clear sinuses and clear congestion.

Pine chest rub

Collect some resin and macerate this in a jar of oil (rapeseed oil is a good option, or use sunflower, olive, or any other seed oil of your choice). Use a 1:4 or 1:3 ratio of resin to oil. Allow it to macerate for up to eight weeks, shaking daily. Use the oil as it is for a chest rub, or blend it with a little beeswax (at 1:4 ratio, beewax to oil) to make a balm.

Pine tincture

You can use the needles or resin tinctured in a high proof vodka to help relive coughs and mucous. It’s great incorporated in a throat spray with some sage and honey.

Pine air purifier

For this, dry your pine needles and then powder them (use a coffee grinder) and burn as incense. You can also simply throw some pine needles onto a fire to help freshen the air.

Pine bath

Simply add pine needles to your bath (in a muslin bag if you don’t want them to end up down the plug hole) and let the hot water activate their essential oils to help you breathe and calm.

Christmas tree drinks

As we’re in a festive mood, here are recipes for simple pine syrup and for Christmas Tree cordial. Either can be combined with sparkling water, or perhaps ginger ale, or a fizz of your choice to make a refreshing soft drink, or you may be tempted by our Christmas cocktail suggestions.

Simple pine syrup

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups caster sugar

1 cup of pine needles

Gently heat the water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Remove and transfer into a glass bowl. Allow to cool a little, add the pine needles and leave to steep for 24 hours. Then strain and keep your infused syrup in the fridge ready to use in cocktails. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Christmas Tree cordial (makes 2 litres)

Juice of 10 lemons and zest of 4

2 litres water

700g sugar

400g pine needles

Put all the ingredients into a pan and gently bring to the boil then simmer for two hours. Leave to cool, then strain into sterilised bottles. Keep in the refrigerator and you will be able to use it for a couple of weeks.

Christmas Tree gimlet

60ml gin

35ml pine needle syrup

20ml lime juice

Fill a cocktail shaker with the ingredients and ice. Stir until it is all ice cold, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve with a lime rim and a sprig of pine needles.

Christmas Tree mimosa

70ml Christmas Tree cordial

140ml prosecco

a large ice cube

a slice of lemon

Combine all and shake in a cocktail shaker

Christmas Tree sour (serves 2)

50ml Christmas Tree cordial

100ml sparkling water

100ml bourbon

3 drops angostura bitters