Wandering Stars
About Terebinthine Pine Oil
About Terebinthine Pine Oil
By Shane Clayton
The words turpentine and terpene both derive from the Latin âterebinthusâ, which essentially means âturpentine fragranceâ. In fact, one of the most coveted oil and resin in ancient Egypt is that of Pistachia terebinthus, a non-coniferous producer of âturpentine fragranceâ, used in three of our Seven Sacred Oils. Two other of these seven oils, however, do include Terebinthine Pine, which the Egyptians called Aâsh, or simply âpineâ. These two, Tuat and Nekhenem, feature pine essential oil, or âTurpentine,â 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 (×ŚÖł×¨Ö´× or ׌ְרִ×) meaning âresinâ. Itâs 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 ritÎŻni or ῼΡĎίνΡ, used in the Septuagint for translating tsori, denotes a resin of the pine, especially our Pinus maritima syn. pinaster (ĎÎľĎκΡ) - the Turpentine or Terebinthine Pine.
The first thing to come across my search engine when researching Terebinthine Pine was this article from the website âThe Truth About Cancerâ, which appears to be borrowed heavily by other websites that repeated pretty much the same thing verbatim. Since this one was the oldest, I am assuming itâs the original: Pine Tree Oil and its Powerful Cancer-Fighting Properties, which has these links to the National Institute of Health - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18663730 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17474862.
Looking around I also found this paper from the National Institute of Health: Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract, and that sent me to the pharmaceutical manufacturerâs website:
âNew Beginnings Nutritionalsâ PycnogenolÂŽ capsules supply 25 mg of a pure, patented pine bark extract from Horphag Research, Ltd, which is made exclusively from the bark of the European coastal pine Pinus maritime that grows along the Atlantic coast of southern France. PycnogenolÂŽ is one of the most powerful natural free-radical scavengers and it reduces oxidative damage to vital tissues in the body. In fact, it is one of the few antioxidants that is able to cross the blood barrier of the brain to provide extra protection against free radicals in the nervous system and circulatory system. Because vitamins C and Eâs effectiveness are enhanced by PycnogenolÂŽ, they can all be taken together for added antioxidant benefit.
A 2006 study, published in the June 17 edition of The Journal of European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows a significant reduction of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children after supplementing with Pycnogenol every day for one month. In the randomized, double blind placebo-controlled study, Pycnogenol helped reduce hyperactivity and improve attention, concentration, and motor-visual coordination, compared with placebo.
Suggested Dosage: 1-3 capsules daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Each capsule contains: PycnogenolÂŽ (from Pinus Pinaster)25 mg
Other Ingredients: Cellulose, gelatin (capsule), and vegetable stearate.â
This is pretty groundbreaking stuff.
Upon more sleuthing I discovered these amazing research articles:
Clearly, the active ingredients, called âbioflavonoidsâ, which are also copiously present in our âTurpentineâ extract derived from Pinus pinaster, are powerful for the treatment of urinary issues, erectile dysfunction, and prostate inflammation, all very important concerns for men as they age. Pycnogenol sells 60 capsules for $30 through naturopathic medicine practitioners only.
Thatâs 1500 milligrams of the active ingredient of Pinus pinaster, which is equal to 15 milliliters of the essential oil, a single dose being .25 ml, or 3 to 4 drops. Terebinthine Pine oil can be safely ingested orally undiluted in tiny amounts by dipping the tip of a toothpick into the oil to pick up a drop and licking it off, never more than four drops, nor more than three times a day. I recommend starting low and working up to keep an eye on signs of any gastric distress. It is also great for the gums when applied to a toothpick.
Our Sacred Scents Store offers 100% pure Pinus pinaster oil, which we call Aâash, imported from Turkey. Additionally, two of our Seven Sacred Oils, Tuat - âRejoiningâ and Nekhenem âSupportâ contain Pinus pinaster or Pine turpentine as well, although diluted to around 5%. We might note how these oils were used, their names, and the proven scientific studies above, in consideration of their use not only as fragrant oil but as a medication. The active ingredients of Pycnogenol, taken from the bark of Pinus pinaster, are also present in our essential oil, extracted from bark, twigs, and needles.
All in all, Terebinthine Pine essential oil is a proven therapeutic healing agent, once again showing just how advanced the ancient Egyptians were with herbal medicine. This is substantiated in the famous Ebers Medical Papyrus dating back to the New Kingdom, where Aâsh, or âpineâ is indicated for âHurrying of the Urineâ and for âPutting the urine in orderâ (per âAncient Egyptian Medicineâ by Dr. John F. Nunn, anesthesiologist and Egyptologist). As the ancient Egyptians knew, Pine Oilâs diuretic properties help promote the bodyâs detoxification by encouraging the expulsion of pollutants and contaminants, such as excess water, urate crystals, salts, and fats. This helps maintain the health and function of the urinary tract and the kidneys. This effect also helps regulate body weight.
This current medical research seems to indicate which species this âpineâ very likely was - Pinus pinaster - the 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 athleteâs 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 hairâs 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.
Used medicinally, it is reputed to exhibit antimicrobial properties that support immune function by eliminating harmful bacteria, both airborne and on the skinâs 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 donât have to go back to ancient Egypt, simply visit The âEgyptianâ 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 Š 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