Pine trees are becoming a wintertime favorite in both our kitchen and home Apothecary.
When the snow blankets the land, it buries many of the common herbs and plants that we tend to rely on. On these wintery day’s we find ourselves looking up to the magestic trees that tower above us. When looking to nature for healing and skin care, trees are incredible allies that should not be overlooked.
I recently wrote about the culinary uses for pine, and today I wanted to share the nourishing skin benefits pine offers. I have included a recipe for fresh pine skin toner. It is easy to make and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
Pine is an exceptional ingredient for winter time skincare! An affordable and readily available ingredient, pine offers exceptional skin-nourishing benefits. Pine essential oil is beneficial to all skin types. It can be used to balance skin, which includes reducing inflammation and redness. Pine is mildly astringent which improves circulation. This has the lovely benefit of giving your skin a healthy fresh glow. It contains antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and it’s incredibly antibacterial and antiseptic.
Evergreen needles, resin, bark, and cones are all beneficial and can be used for both culinary and medicinal uses. You can find resources for identifying and selecting the correct type of evergreens here.
Pine has a strong, fresh, resinous aroma which stimulates and refreshes the senses. It has warm revitalizing properties that promotes feelings of energy and well being.
The pines watch humanity come and go, while they live on. Among them, below them, we inhale their powerful fragrance, which shoots through our spirit and ends in an inner explosion of understanding. In doing so we are brought within the large embrace of nature and can inhale its presence, acceptance and wisdom.” Valerie Ann Worwood, Aromatherapy for the Soul
Fresh Pine Skin Toner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup fresh pine needles (chopped)
- 1 Cup distilled or purified water (you don’t want tap water with chlorine or other additives)
- 1/4 Cup Witch Hazel (pure – alcohol free)
Directions
- Chop up the pine needles and add them to a small pot with one cup of water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
- Allow the pine needle water to cool.
- Strain out the pine needles and pour into a clean jar.
- Add the witch hazel, affix a lid and shake to combine.
This skin toner should keep for up to one year when stored in a dark/cool cupboard.
If you like this, you can also learn how to make a simple pine infused vinegar (loaded with vitamin C) or a soothing salve using pine!
—
Information offered on Walkerland is for educational purposes only. Walkerland makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Walkerland neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.
