Hadith Pine is also called arz or sanaubar. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned the pine, when he said: “The example of the believer is the example of the green plant that the wind twists, sometimes leaving it straight and sometimes bending it. The example of the hypocrite is the example of the arz, it will be standing on its root then all of a sudden it is completely dry!” Pine is extensively cultivated for its wood, tar, pitch, turpentine and essential oil. Pine has a long history of use as a pain reliever in arthritis, aches, pains and sore muscles. It is a warming, bitter and aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic and expectorant, while increasing topical blood flow. It has a toning effect on the nerves and is strongly antiseptic. Therapeutic properties The therapeutic properties of pine oil are antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cholagogue, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticidal, restorative, rubefacient, adrenal cortex stimulant as well as stimulant to the circulation and nervous system. It is also used to treat heavy catarrh of the upper and lower respiratory tract and is also used for bronchial problems, specially when heavy secretion is present. Topically, it is used to improve blood flow and to treat minor muscle pain as well as neuralgia and rheumatism. The pine nuts contain phytochemicals that act as an appetite suppressant. The pinolenic acid contained in pine nut oil can help curb appetite by stimulating the release of cholecystokinin, a hormone that functions as an appetite suppressant. A valuable remedy in bladder, kidney, and rheumatic disorders and diseases of the mucous membrane and respiratory complaints; externally in the form of liniment plasters and inhalants. Clinical researches: Hypertension According to Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of a 2010 study in Italy, pine bark extract pygenol not only reduces blood pressure but decreases damage to kidneys caused by hypertension. It helps protect against hardening of the arteries which, if left unchecked, can lead to raised blood pressure. Further effects on circulation include the lowering of the “bad” LDL-cholesterol and raising the “good” HDL-cholesterol. It reduces ankle swelling, cramps and muscular pain, and strengthens weak capillaries. Osteoarthritis In a 2008 study led by Belcaro, the effectiveness of using pine bark extract to ease osteoarthritis was shown to permit users to decrease their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It appears to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints and increases flexibility. Healthy brain function Pine park extract improves circulation and increases nitric oxide to the brain, which enhances memory and clear thinking. The bioflavonoids in pine bark extract helps Vitamin C synthesize neurotransmitters. This allows serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine act more effectively to support healthy brain functions. Skin health Skin aging is caused by oxidation damage. The antioxidants in pine bark extract counteract this and the bioflavinoids block elastase, an enzyme involved in the aging process. Pine bark acts to protect collagen, the protein involved in maintenance of skin, from free radical attack. The effects of visible skin aging are consequently much slower as a result of pine bark extract supplementation. Improving vision Retinopathy, the slow breakdown of the retina, is a common symptom for sufferers of diabetes or arterioslerosis. According to a study conducted in 2009 by Robert Steigerwalt patients who took pine bark extract improved their visual performance. Chemical composition The main chemical properties of pine oil are borneol, bornyl acetate, a and b-phallandrene, a and b-pinene and 3-carene. Oil properties Pine oil has a fresh forest smell, is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity. Therapeutic uses Pine oil is most useful to relieve mental, physical and sexual fatigue as it has a cleansing and invigorating effect on an affected areas and is great for vapor therapy. It can be used for cuts and sores, scabies and lice and for excessive perspiration, while its warming properties help treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains and it can stimulate blood circulation. Further, it can help in cases of bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, colds and flu. It eases breathlessness and sinusitis. As a general kidney cleanser, it is effective with cystitis, prostate problems and urinary infections and can help with nervous exhaustion, neuralgia and mental fatigue. Internal use It is used for respiratory problems and especially for bronchial complaints accompanied by heavy secretions. External use When used topically, it helps to improve blood flow to the area on which it has been applied and its mild analgesic action is used for treating muscular pain as well as rheumatism. Aromatherapy and essential oil use In vapor therapy, it can be used for asthma, colds, coughs, smoker's cough, drowsiness, hangover and sinusitis. In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, it can be used for asthma, cellulite, colds, coughs, hangover, infections, rheumatism and sinusitis. The therapeutic properties of pine oil are antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cholagogue, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticidal, restorative, rubefacient, adrenal cortex stimulant as well as stimulant to the circulation and nervous system. Precautions Although pine and pine needle oil is considered non-toxic and non-irritant in low dosage it should still be used with care on the skin, since it can cause irritation in high dosage and may sensitize the skin as well. The oil from the dwarf pine (Pinus mugo. var. pumilio) is a dermal irritant and a sensitizing agent. Should you be prone to allergic skin reactions or are pregnant – rather give this oil a miss. – The writer can be contacted on [email protected] __
