Fir Oil
Latin name: Pinus species

A Remedy For Bronchitis Colds Cough Fever Nerve pain Rheumatism Sore throat Tendency to infection In homeopathy, Pine Oil is considered a treatment for bronchial conditions and rheumatism.

What It Is; Why It Works Pine Oil is extracted from several species of pine in Europe and the Near East, particularly Pinus sylvestris. Young Pine Shoots are also used occasionally, chopped up and steeped as a tea. Oil made from turpentine from Pinus species can be used as a skin rub or dropped into hot water to create vapors for inhalation. Pine Oil tends to reduce bronchial secretions and stimulate local circulation. It is mildly antiseptic.

Avoid If... Do not use Pine Oil if you have bronchial asthma, whooping cough, or severe inflammation of the breathing passages. Do not use it as a bath additive if you have a large skin injury, acute skin disease, an infectious disease, heart problems, or abnormally tense muscles.

Special Cautions Pine Oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and has been known to cause breathing problems. Excessive use on large areas of the body can lead to poisoning, with damage to the kidneys or brain. Kidney damage is also a possibility when the oil is taken internally.

Possible Drug Interactions No interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding No harmful effects are known.

How To Prepare Pine Oil is extracted by steam distillation from fresh pine needles, branch tips, and shoots. It is used in ointments and bath salts. Oil extracted from turpentine is also available. Make sure you use only the refined medicinal oil--not raw turpentine. Typical Dosage Pine Oil The oral dosage is 5 grams (about 1 teaspoonful) daily. For inhalation, add several drops to hot water and inhale the vapor. As a bath additive, use 0.025 gram per liter of water. For external use, rub several drops onto the affected area. Pine Shoots The oral dose is 9 grams daily in tea, syrup, or an alcohol solution. As a bath additive, use about half a cup of alcoholic extract (tincture). Medicinal Turpentine oil For inhalation, add several drops to hot water and inhale the vapor. For external use, rub several drops onto the affected area. Store in tightly sealed containers away from light.

Overdosage A dose of 50 grams (less than a quarter of a cup) can be fatal in adults. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, reddening of the face, salivation, sore throat, thirst, diarrhea, intestinal spasms, shortness of breath, dizziness, staggering, twitching, urination difficulties, and rash. Excessive skin contact or inhalation can result in overdose, and deaths have been reported, particularly among children. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.