About Terebinthine Pine Oil

About Terebinthine Pine Oil

By Shane Clayton

The words turpentine and terpene both derive from the Latin ‘terebinthus’, which essentially means “turpentine fragrance.”. In fact, one of the most coveted oil and resin in ancient Egypt is that of Pistachia terebinthus, a non-coniferous producer of “turpentine fragrance,” used in three of our Seven Sacred Oils. Two other of these seven oils, however, do include Terebinthine Pine, which the Egyptians called A’sh, or simply “pine”. These two, Tuat and Nekhenem, feature pine essential oil, or “Turpentine,” from the Maritime Pine - Pinus pinaster, as the prominent ingredient. As is the case with other ingredients of our ancient Egyptian preparations, upon cursory research we discovered that it too has powerful healing properties. Clearly, the Egyptians were on to something.

Pine oil or resin is believed to be mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the balm of Gilead and called tsori or tseri (צֳרִי or צְרִי) meaning “resin”. It’s a type of merchandise in Gen. 37:28 and Ez. 27:17, a gift in Gen. 43:11, and a medicament in Jer. 8:22, 46:11, 51:8. Many attempts have been made to identify this tsori but none can be considered conclusive, though the Greek word ritίni or ῥητίνη, used in the Septuagint for translating tsori, denotes a resin of the pine, especially our Pinus maritima syn. pinaster (πεύκη) - the Turpentine or Terebinthine Pine.

Terebinthine Pine Oil Applications:

My research also shows that, just as with any pine oil, Pine Terebinth has cleansing, stimulating, uplifting, and invigorating effects. When diffused, its unique purifying and clarifying properties are known to positively impact the mood by clearing the mind of stresses, energizing the body to help eliminate fatigue, enhancing concentration, and promoting a positive outlook. These qualities also make it beneficial for spiritual practices, such as meditation.

Used topically, such as in cosmetics, the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of Terebinthine Pine Oil are known to help soothe skin conditions such as itchiness, inflammation, and dryness, as well as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. These properties, combined with its ability to help control excessive perspiration, helps prevent fungal infections, such as tinea or athlete’s foot.

Its antioxidant properties make it ideal for use in natural formulations intended to slow the appearance of signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

When applied to the hair, Terebinthine Pine Oil is reputed to exhibit antimicrobial properties that cleanses the build-up of excess oil, dead skin, and dirt. This helps prevent inflammation, itchiness, and infection, which in turn enhances the hair’s natural smoothness and shine. It contributes moisture to eliminate and protect against dandruff, and it nourishes to maintain the health of the scalp and strands. Terebinthine Pine Oil is also one of the oils known to protect against lice.

It is reputed to exhibit antimicrobial properties that support immune function by eliminating harmful bacteria, both airborne and on the skin’s surface. It is known to effectively protect minor abrasions, such as cuts, scrapes, and bites, from developing infections. By clearing the respiratory tract of phlegm and soothing other symptoms of colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, and the flu, its expectorant and decongestant properties promote easier breathing and facilitate the healing of infections.

Used in massage applications, Pine Oil is known to soothe muscles and joints that may be afflicted with arthritis and rheumatism or other conditions characterized by inflammation, soreness, aches, and pain. By stimulating and enhancing circulation, it helps facilitate the healing of scratches, cuts, wounds, burns, and even scabies, as it promotes the regeneration of new skin and helps reduce pain. It is also reputed to help relieve muscle fatigue. Furthermore, its circulation-stimulating property promotes a warming effect.

Massage blends enriched with Terebinthine Pine Oil are also reputed to have relaxing and calming effects on the mind, helping to promote clarity, ease mental stresses, strengthen attentiveness, and improve memory. This is one of the key ingredients of our ancient Egyptian Madjet Unguent, which is a fine adjunct to odorless massage oils, such as Argan. For a simple massage blend, dilute 4 drops of Pine Oil in 15 ml (1/2 oz.) of a body lotion or a carrier oil, then massage it into areas affected with tightness or soreness caused by physical exertion, such as exercise or outdoor activities. Some report relief from arthritis inflammation as well.

By diffusing Terebinthine Pine Oil, whether on its own or in a blend, indoor environments benefit from the elimination of stale odors and harmful airborne bacteria, such as those that cause colds and the flu. Diffusing Pine Oil also helps soothe coughing, whether it is linked to a cold or to excessive smoking.

To deodorize and freshen a room with the crisp turpentine fragrance add 2-3 drops to a diffuser of choice and allowing it to run for no more than 1 hour. This helps to reduce or clear nasal/sinus congestion.

Alternatively, it may be blended with other essential oils that have woody, resinous, herbaceous, and citrusy aromas. In particular, Pine Oil blends well with the oils of Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Neroli, Peppermint, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Tea Tree, and Thyme.

To create a Pine Oil room spray, simply dilute it in a glass spray bottle filled with water. This can be sprayed around the house, in the car, or in any other indoor environment in which a considerable amount of time is spent. These simple diffuser methods are reputed to help purify indoor environments, promote mental alertness, clarity, and positivity, and to enhance energy as well as productivity. This makes Terebinthine Pine Oil ideal for diffusion during tasks that require increased focus and awareness, especially spiritual practices, and even driving. It is also believed to ease symptoms of hangovers.

This slow to oxidize form of pine oil, diluted in a fine carrier such as Argan, is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin and has been used in the Mediterranean countries for generations to soothe minor skin ailments, such as itching, pimples, eczema, psoriasis, sores, even scabies. Since it is also reputed to soothe congestion. You can also use this recipe as a natural vapor rub blend that promotes easier breathing and soothes a sore throat, massage it into the neck, chest, and upper back to help reduce congestion and comfort the respiratory tract.

For a hydrating, cleansing, clarifying, and soothing facial serum, dilute 1-3 drops of Pine Essential Oil in 1 teaspoon of a lightweight carrier oil, such as Argan or Moringa oils. This blend is reputed to have purifying, smoothing, and firming qualities. Its antioxidant properties are reputed to result in skin that feels smoother, suppler, balanced, and younger, while its analgesic properties are reputed to reduce pain and swelling.

For a balancing and detoxifying bath blend that is also reputed to enhance energy as well as metabolic function and speed, dilute 10 drops of Terebinthine Pine Oil in 30 ml (1 oz.) of a carrier oil and add it to a bathtub filled with warm water. This helps to eliminate infection-causing bacteria and viruses that may be on the skin.

To enhance the health of the hair and the scalp by eliminating fungus-causing bacteria and by soothing itchiness, simply dilute 10-12 drops of Terebinthine Pine Oil in ½ cup of a regular shampoo that has minimal or no scent. This simple shampoo blend is believed to help get rid of lice.

Wandering Stars is so very proud and excited to bring this very ancient medicine back from the ancient past and into the present. Why not try some for yourself? You don’t have to go back to ancient Egypt, simply visit The ‘Egyptian’ Sacred Scents Store!

Medical Disclaimer: Our expertise lies in incense making, botanical fragrant oils and skin/hair ointments. Information contained on these pages is to the best of our knowledge factual, and presented solely for your edification and enjoyment. Wandering Stars cannot provide medical advice as we are not health professionals. Before ingesting anything that is not food, we strongly suggest seeking counsel from a licensed health practitioner.

About Terebinthine Pine Oil © 2022-2024, Shane Clayton - Wandering Stars Publishing (except as noted)

All Rights Reserved

Wandering Stars is dedicated to expounding the Sacred Science of Ancient Egypt

In memory and in honor of John Anthony West

Born July 9, 1932 - Wested February 6, 2018

AUM