O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, we learn from all your beauty. [...] Give hope and strength throughout the year.

Have you ever given much thought to this popular holiday ode to the great pine tree?🌲 The lines above are a few of our favorites because the wellness knowledge and bodily strength that has been gleaned from pine trees has spanned the ages and continents!

​The connection to pine oil and good health is as old as the hills, and it's related to the germ-deterring, disinfectant properties of the oil.

​🩺The father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, revered pine and in many of his works noted the strong healing effect it had on the human respiratory system. Often having his patients chew on pine bark or drink tea brewed from it.

The Native Americans used pine needles in their bedding to deter bedbugs and lice. 🐜

Also, in ancient Egypt, pine kernels were a popular culinary addition and the needles were chewed to protect against scurvy!

Tree oils (pines, eucalyptus, tea tree etc.) have high levels of phenolic acid which our bodies readily absorb and help promote anti-inflammation.

​✨It gets even better!✨The properties in pine oils act as an expectorant. Why do you think so many chest rubs originated with pine oils in them? The properties help increase the water content of your mucus, thinning it out, and helping to loosen the mucus so you can clear your airway.

So regardless of the time of year take a stroll through the woods, breath in the scent of your holiday tree, diffuse your favorite pine oils, or dilute a couple drops and rub on your chest - embrace the hope and strength our pine trees give us!