The Pine Tree, such a diverse and beautiful plant. This tree exists on almost every continent in many forms and has been used for centuries for various remedies, utilizing every part of the tree. This is what makes it such an amazing species; every part of it has some kind of healing properties.

Brewed as a tea, the needles are a great cure for the common cold. Packed with vitamin A, C and Tannin (a natural antioxidant), it is one of the most useful cold remedies out there, and it’s everywhere. It has even been used around the word to prevent scurvy during the winter.

The bark, when also brewed as a tea, is a mild diuretic. No more chalky Pepto, just add honey, and you have a tasty alternative! This use has been used from the Cherokee in the Americas, to the Hindu cultures in the East.

The resin can be turned into pastes and ointments to sooth disease of the bladder, kidney and rheumatic affections.

Distilled, the resin become ‘Oil of Turpentine’ or ‘Spirit of Turpentine’. This oil has been used topically to kill lice and other parasites. It also can be mixed into a rub or paste to aid in breathing and respiratory disorders! Remember that “menthol” rub mom used to put on your chest when you had the flu, yep same stuff in that as in you Christmas tree!!

The seeds, called pine nuts, are not only a great source of protein and fiber, but the oil from the seeds works as a dietary suppressant! Finally, a tasty diet!!!

It many diverse uses make this tree such a magical and powerful weapon in our herbal arsenal, with every part of the tree being usable to cure our ills. This tree is a true gift of nature!

This shot was my first entry to the EBSQ “Flower of the Month (FOTM) – Medicinal Plants” Show in January, 2008.

This shot was my entry to the EBSQ Photography Forum "Image of the day" for 08/26/2008, Week 35.