Pine

(Pinus sylvestris L., Pinaceae)

Description: The tree may reach a height of 40m (130ft); the bark on the upper parts is reddish-brown. Needles, 4-6cm (1 •5-2.5in) long arranged in pairs, are green externally and more greenish-blue internally. Cones short with hard scales.

Taste of young shoots: resinous, slightly bitter.

Part Used: Dried young spring shoots.

Habitat and Collection: Widely distributed in warm, dry areas of central and northern Europe on sandy or granitic soils. Indigenous to the Highlands of Scotland; planted and naturalised throughout Britain. The shoots are collected before they open (April) and are dried in the shade.

Constituents and Action: Resin and volatile oil, both act as expectorants for bronchial catarrh and as mild diuretics. The shoots, in lotions, aid wound healing.

Usage: As a tisane (macerate in cold water, boil 1-2 minutes and allow to stand) for bronchial catarrh. As inhalation against head colds. As a lotion (a handful in 2 litres (3-5pt) of water and raise to the boil) for wounds slow to heal and for rheumatism. Scotch Pine, Norway Pine.